Cover of The Anthropocene Reviewed

The Anthropocene Reviewed

by John Green · first published 2019

10mentions
5recommended by
8HN commenters
2020–2025first – last mentioned

63% recommend38% neutral

Why HN recommends it

Short, researched essays rating everyday things and events on a five-star scale; readers praise its warmth, humor and wonder, and find it a good companion for anyone seeking perspective and appreciation of the world.

Summarised by Claude from recommending comments

The Anthropocene is the current geologic age, in which humans have profoundly reshaped the planet and its biodiversity. In this remarkable symphony of essays adapted and expanded from his groundbreaking podcast, bestselling author John Green reviews different facets of the human-centered planet on a five-star scale—from the QWERTY keyboard and sunsets to Canada geese and Penguins of Madagascar. Funny, complex, and rich with detail, the reviews chart the contradictions of contemporary humanity. As a species, we are both far too powerful and not nearly powerful enough, a paradox that came int

Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Mentions per year

20 2007: 0 mentions2008: 0 mentions2009: 0 mentions2010: 0 mentions2011: 0 mentions2012: 0 mentions2013: 0 mentions2014: 0 mentions2015: 0 mentions2016: 0 mentions2017: 0 mentions2018: 0 mentions2019: 0 mentions2020: 1 mention2021: 1 mention2022: 2 mentions2023: 2 mentions2024: 0 mentions2025: 2 mentions2026: 0 mentions200720172026

What Hacker News says

  • mikercampbell · Dec 27, 2021 · Recommends

    …surely over the years. I've learned to slow down, love deeper, participate in the demanding process of finding and acknowledging beauty in this world, and have found spirituality in my own ways. "The Anthropocene Reviewed" by John Green was a huge influence on my current flavor of spirituality (as it's constantly shifting). I'm sure the book means something different to everyone, but for me, it really broke down the need…

    on “Ask HN: What is your spiritual practice?” ↗
  • droro · May 2, 2020 · Recommends

    Science Talk has been a longtime staple of mine: http://rss.sciam.com/sciam/science-talk I know you asked for conversations/talk and John Green's The Anthropocene Reviewed is a monologue, but wow is it a well-told and researched monologue. https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/anthropocene-reviewed I recommend it for anyone who wants to think more deeply about all things,…

    on “Ask HN: Intellectually simulating Podcasts/conversations/Talk” ↗
  • smlavine · Dec 4, 2022 · Recommends

    John Green's The Anthropocene Reviewed. It's funny and makes me thankful to be a part of the world. It is not like his other books, it is a non-fiction work written in short essays. Highly recommend.

    on “Ask HN: Best books read in 2022” ↗
  • smlavine · Dec 19, 2022 · Recommends

    John Green's "The Anthropocene Reviewed" was surprisingly a great joy to read. It was a light in the dark for me. He makes me feel thankful and appreciative of being a part of the human race without coming off as cheesy or contrived. And it's…

    on “Ask HN: What is the best thing you read in 2022?” ↗
  • surprisetalk · Feb 20, 2023 · Recommends

    …think talking to a stranger will help: [1] https://calendly.com/taylor-town/30min You may also want to talk to a professional: [2] https://www.betterhelp.com It's not specifically about grief, but The Anthropocene Reviewed is a collection of essays that have really helped me navigate my pursuit of happiness and meaning. It was published as both a podcast and a book: [3] https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/anthropocene-reviewed…

    on “Ask HN: How best to deal with the loss of a brilliant friend to heroin?” ↗
  • surprisetalk · Apr 7, 2023 · Recommends

    …[2] https://taylor.town/eschew-the-new --- Here are some audiobooks that I think HN folk would enjoy: • Guns, Germs, and Steel: https://www.amazon.com/Guns-Germs-Steel-Fates-Societies/dp/0... • The Anthropocene Reviewed: https://www.amazon.com/Anthropocene-Reviewed-Essays-Human-Ce... • Snowcrash: https://www.amazon.com/Snow-Crash-Neal-Stephenson/dp/0553380... • How to Win Friends and Influence People: https://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/1...…

    on “Ask HN: What are your favorite audiobooks?” ↗
  • williadc · Jan 27, 2025 · Recommends

    John Green, author of "The Fault in Our Stars", "Turtles All the Way Down", "The Anthropocene Reviewed", and other fine books is releasing a book called "Everything is Tuberculosis." If you are interested in the topic or just like to read well-written prose, I recommend joining me in pre-ordering it.

    on “Kansas tuberculosis outbreak is America's largest recorded since the 1950s” ↗
  • rdlw · May 8, 2022 · Mentions

    …reflection in the Claude Glass, it was said to look more beautiful, like a painting. Thomas Gray wrote that only through the Claude Glass could he 'see the sun set in all its glory.'" (John Green, The Anthropocene Reviewed) https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/anthropocene-reviewed/e... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_glass

    on “Meta-Perceptual Helmets” ↗
  • firebirdn99 · Jun 18, 2023 · Mentions

    Also mentioned in John Green's The Anthropocene Reviewed- https://imgur.com/a/mLsyarc

    on “Maurice Sendak, “I'll never turn 10” – Last interview with NPR in 2011” ↗
  • ZeroConcerns · Sep 17, 2025 · Mentions

    So, for those interested in things like this, I can highly recommend John Green's recent "Everything is Tuberculosis." I bought it due to enjoying "the Anthropocene Reviewed", and... struggled with it, as this is a thoroughly depressing subject, but making it through the book was an educational experience, which I rate 4 out of 5 stars.

    on “Tuberculosis shaped Victorian fashion (2016)” ↗

Keyboard shortcuts

/
Focus search
j / k
Next / previous book
Enter
Open focused book
Esc
Close / go back
g h
Go to Home
g t
Go to Top all-time
g m
Go to Most recommended
g r
Go to Rising
g f
Go to For You
?
Show this help