The 2025 nonfiction book by John Green explores why tuberculosis remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease despite being curable.
“John Green weaves together the humanities, public health, international policy and clothing design, all the while talking about an infectious disease,” said Susan Lantz, director of the Campus Read. “The student committee found ‘Everything is Tuberculosis’ to be an enjoyable and engaging read.”
Lantz notes that Green is a popular author among college-age students with his young adult novels, crash course videos and vlogs.
In the book, Green tells the story of Henry, a young tuberculosis patient at Lakka Government Hospital in Sierra Leone, woven through with scientific and social histories of how tuberculosis has shaped our world and how our choices will shape the future of the contagious bacterial infection.
Throughout the academic year, there will be opportunities for faculty and staff to incorporate the book into courses and programs at all levels.
Events centered around the book will take place during the Fall 2026 semester. All events will be open to the public and will be posted on the Campus Read website as they are announced.
Now in its 10th year, the Campus Read provides opportunities to engage the campus, particularly first-year freshmen, in a year-long discussion about the themes of a single book.
Any faculty or staff member whose work intersects with themes of the novel, or who wants to use the book in a class or activity, should contact Lantz at Susan.Lantz@mail.wvu.edu.