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20 reviews for:
Desperate: An Epic Battle for Clean Water and Justice in Appalachia
Kris Maher, Kris Maher
4.06 AVERAGE
20 reviews for:
Desperate: An Epic Battle for Clean Water and Justice in Appalachia
Kris Maher, Kris Maher
4.06 AVERAGE
informative
sad
medium-paced
informative
medium-paced
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
informative
slow-paced
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Some of the detail felt superfluous
challenging
informative
slow-paced
An incredibly detailed examination of how a coal company polluted the water of multiple small communities in West Virginia and did everything possible (both legal and illegal) to avoid being held responsible for over 500 people's medical problems. Beyond the water problems, the culture of the region and its relationship with the coal industry creates a tension between economic survival and destruction of the land and the residents.
informative
medium-paced
This was extremely well-priced. I loved how the author not only told the story, but also gave context with further information about the history of the region. He also touched on WV history of different time periods. Fantastic read.
Erin Brockovich In Appalachia. This is one of those books where the description from the publisher really does tell you pretty well exactly what the book is about: One town's, and really one man's, courtroom war against a coal company that was polluting its water supplies. There are the requisite dives into the various histories of the prominent people, including the lawyer, the CEO of the company, and the general region itself - home of the infamous feud between the Hatfields and McCoys - but mostly this is a tale of how the courtroom drama came to be, how the war was waged, and its ultimate outcomes. If you're looking for a more general examination of Appalachia and its issues... this isn't that. But if you're interested in "Little Guy vs Big [Insert Industry]"... this is gonna be right up your alley. Very much recommended.
challenging
informative
medium-paced
This was a hard book to read. I'm not saying that because it was bad. On the contrary, it was an exceptional book. I marvel at how the author was able to write about an extremely dense and complicated legal battle in language that was accessible to the average person. It was hard to read because the treatment that the plaintiffs in this case received was heartbreaking, and knowing that this sort of thing happens constantly in many places all over the world is truly devastating.
The book itself was well written and engaging, shed light on important issues, and really delved into the complex nuisances of these problems in an accessible way. Somehow though, after reading it, I am left with a bereft feeling and can only imagine how desolate those this events happened to felt.
The book itself was well written and engaging, shed light on important issues, and really delved into the complex nuisances of these problems in an accessible way. Somehow though, after reading it, I am left with a bereft feeling and can only imagine how desolate those this events happened to felt.
dark
emotional
informative
sad
fast-paced
A very good book that I found really drew my attention. The author does a great job of simplifying the more technical and legal aspects so they are easy to follow without losing the necessary detail for driving home the significance to the plot. I also thought it was unique in that it had direct interviews with people on both sides of the legal battle. I think it's important for this story to help drive home the really unique cultural dynamics that occur in Appalachia. I'll admit I could relate because I grew up in the region just a few hours away, so many of the larger events mentioned I remember being on the news, and the additional context was fascinating.