I’ve read about half of John Green’s fictional books and enjoyed each one. But each time I tried to read The Anthropocene Revealed, I returned it, unread, even though I knew I really wanted to read it. When Hiram College announced it as the title for their community read this fall, I finally applied some self-discipline and made myself begin reading. Now, I’m about halfway through and enjoying every minute.

My first roadblock to reading The Anthropocene Revealed was, as silly as it sounds, how to pronounce Anthropocene.

What does Green mean, with this word? Anthropocene is the current geologic age we’re in, the age of humans. In short, the book is a commentary on the human experience and the human impact on each other and the planet. While that premise may sound intellectual and preachy, don’t let it put you off (perhaps this was my second roadblock to reading it sooner). Green’s approach reads like sitting down with a friend at the coffeeshop. Most of the essays were originally podcasts, so they lean into a conversational style. The topics are varied—Kentucky Bluegrass, Diet Dr Pepper, CNN, Velociraptors, Auld Lang Syne, Viral Meningitis—and, as far as I can tell, follow no particular order.

At the end of each essay, Green gives his rating, using a 5-star rating system (which he discusses in the introduction). If the essays are a conversation, they are admittedly one-sided, but in my head, I find myself responding. I don’t always agree with him, but I think this is part of Green’s goal. He shares his experience and ideas about the human age and in turn, we see our shared experience and respond. It is an ideal book for a community read.

Have you read it? Do you want to? Now is the time and you can be as involved as you want in the community read. Hiram College has graciously provided book copies to us, other libraries, and high schools around Portage County. Pick up a free copy; ours are at the second-floor desk, and get reading. Then, peruse the events scheduled from late September through October. At Reed Memorial Library, we’re hosting four book-related events that are as varied as the essay topics.

• Circular Zentangle Art based on the essay “Hiroyuki Doi’s Circle Drawings”
  Tuesday, September 23 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm
  I didn’t have any idea what this art was, so I looked it up. It’s fascinating.
• DIY Sticker Making, based on the essay “Scratch ‘n’ Sniff Stickers”
  Saturday, October 4 from 2:00pm – 3:00pm
  I vividly remember these stickers
• Mario Kart: Double Dash!! Tournament, based on the essay “Super Mario Kart”
  Thursday, October 23 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm
• And, of course, the Book Discussion, where you can share your reading experience in person. Wednesday, October 29 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm

You can find all the county-wide activities, information, and events on Hiram College’s Community Reading Program page. I give the Community Read and the book five stars. When will you pick up your free copy and get reading?