The best part is reading The Anthropocene Reviewed and hearing Green’s voice in your head. If nothing else, you cannot deny its authenticity. I don’t even need the audiobook (although you could listen to the podcast if that’s what you wanted) – I’ve heard Green’s voice enough over the years that it’s impossible to read his words and not hear it. I admire his honesty; discussing so many personal and sensitive topics must not be easy, and he does it beautifully. Yes, he uses quotes too often, but they usually add context and depth to some stark realities. Yes, the rating system seems unnecessary in these essays, but it is kind of the point of the book. And yes, the overwhelming feeling of gloom is a bit much, but most of these essays reflect on a global pandemic and its effect on humanity and the author himself, so it’s to be expected. I guess I wish that most of the book was less expected. Unfortunately, I think most of these essays are better suited to the podcast I first heard them on. I wish Green had either chosen to include only new essays or made modifications to better suit them to this format.

Green has a mastery over the English language that I never will, and I will always respect him as an author, a creator, and a person. However, I fear that because of my esteem for him, I will constantly be disappointed by the reality of his work.