What does John Green's book of essays say about the Indy 500? About the Indianapolis nod

Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez, Louisville Courier Journal

Author John Green is no stranger to Indianapolis and the Indy 500, which is Sunday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Green has many works in his back pocket, including several with nods to Indianapolis. It seems fitting to revisit some of the mentions as we wait for drivers to start their engines.

The IndyStar has several guides to get fans ready for the Greatest Spectacle in Racing including a printable starting lineup, how to tune in to the race from outside the racetrack and what people can bring to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

What to know about John Green and the Indy 500:

What does John Green's book of essays say about the Indy 500?

Racing fans fill pit lane Sunday, May 19, 2024, during practice ahead of qualifying for the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Racing fans fill pit lane Sunday, May 19, 2024, during practice ahead of qualifying for the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

In "The Anthropocene Reviewed," Green writes essays reviewing different topics from Halley's Comet to Diet Dr Pepper and even the Indianapolis 500, the IndyStar previously reported.

He wrote the Indy 500 review during the pandemic.

“I wanted to write about my experience of suddenly being unable to go to the race, and how it felt to go through all the same rituals that I always go through on that Sunday, and to bike to the race as I always do and to arrive at an empty Speedway, with the gates locked shut."

"It can be hard at times because we have to get used to a new normal to be able to reflect on how much has been lost in the last year and a half," he said. "And obviously the loss of fans at the speedway wasn't one of the big losses, but it was a loss. One loss among billions. For me, it was a way to feel that."

But people don't have to feel that loss again as they can attend the race on Sunday.

The book, which was released in 2021, is his first work of nonfiction and is inspired by his podcast of the same name where he also published monthly reviews.

'The Anthropocene Reviewed': John Green's new nonfiction book finds wonder in Diet Dr Pepper, Indianapolis 500

What John Green books mention Indianapolis?

"The Fault in Our Stars" and "Turtles All the Way Down" are both situated in Indianapolis.

In the latter, there are many references to the city, including:

  • White River

  • Pogue's Run

  • Michigan Road mansion

  • Applebee’s at 86th and Ditch

  • IU Health North Hospital

  • The Indianapolis Star

  • The Indianapolis Prize

  • Juan Solomon Park

Others are reading: John Green’s ‘Turtles’ at home in Indianapolis

Is John Green from Indianapolis?

Indiana author John Green discusses freedom to read as the Indianapolis Public Library kicks off national Banned Books Week with a discussion with bestselling author and Indianapolis resident John Green, Oct 2, 2023; Indianapolis Central Branch Public Library, Indianapolis, IN, USA
Indiana author John Green discusses freedom to read as the Indianapolis Public Library kicks off national Banned Books Week with a discussion with bestselling author and Indianapolis resident John Green, Oct 2, 2023; Indianapolis Central Branch Public Library, Indianapolis, IN, USA

Not originally.

In his webpage, Green states that he grew up in Orlando. He moved to Indianapolis in 2007 when his wife got a job at the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the IndyStar previously reported.

John Green on TikTok: Author still can't stop talking about how great Indianapolis is

How to watch 'Turtles All the Way Down'

The movie adaptation is now available streaming on Max.

When is the 2024 Indy 500?

This year's Indy 500 race is on Sunday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

David Lindquist, Rachel Fradette and Ethan May contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Indy 500: What does John Green's book of essays say about it? Find out

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