In 2022 I read The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green.
Almost a memoir, and equally almost a collection of essays. Picking up this book felt a bit like eating a bag of peanut m&ms - full of tiny, bite-sized pieces that are sweet on the outside and a little bit hard and savory on the inside. Though to be honest, at times the “reviews” can start to feel a bit formulaic and maybe a bit too dependent on whatever quote John felt related to what he was trying to say with each subject.
It’s worth noting though, too, that far as autobiographical non-fiction goes, this one has a certain kinship with the literary pointillism of Édouard Levé (though admittedly much less morbid). A bunch of short, distinct, and loosely connect points that as a whole imply a larger, more cohesive image. I don’t particularly think that John had this in mind when he wrote it, but it’s a nice lens to read through nonetheless.