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barkylee15's review against another edition
4.0
To be completely honest, I wasn't all that positive what this novel was about when I was asked to read it. Naturally, I was less than enthused to begin and it was slow to start. But then, you just get wrapped up in the fantastic writing and the lives of these poor characters as they navigate the (sometimes contaminated) waters of when an oil company moves in and starts fracking in your town. This book was bleak and compelling, yet at times uplifting. I'd definitely recommend it and think it would make for good discussion. Will pick up more by Jennifer Haigh!
ernby's review against another edition
5.0
Based on its description, I never would have picked this book up and chosen to read it. Something about the review for the Book of the Month club drew me to it, though, and I'm so glad I picked it. On the surface, the book is about drilling for oil in Pennsylvania; at least, it's what ties everyone in the book together. But what it's really about is the characters--how they're connected, what they see, think, feel. I loved getting to know them. I also really enjoyed Haigh's writing style. I look forward to reading more from her.
apetruce's review against another edition
2.0
Just could not get into this book or care about the characters, despite an excellent setting.
sarajean37's review against another edition
5.0
I vote Haigh for poet laureate of Pennsylvania.
I thought I was reading a book about fracking. Instead, fracking is simply a catalyst to explore, with clear eyes and a lack of sentimentalism but visceral truth, life in small town Western Pennsylvania.
I thought I was reading a book about fracking. Instead, fracking is simply a catalyst to explore, with clear eyes and a lack of sentimentalism but visceral truth, life in small town Western Pennsylvania.
dannb's review against another edition
4.0
I'm stuggling with my rating on this one... between 3 and 4
- I grew up in "fracking country" in eastern Ohio
- I am educated in engineering
What I liked:
- the illustration of the "good life" of 40+ years ago... and the desperation that remains
- the us vs them - locals vs the trucked in experienced drillers/riggers
- the "why don't we get those jobs?"
- the fractured "construction" is real... so many little pieces that nearly no one has enough reason to care about the overall picture/impact
- the "fly in and manipulate the emotions of the people who live here"
What I missed:
- A fair inclusion of the science
- the possibility that there are companies who do care enough to do it right
- aligning this with the past in these areas... coal and steel mills and that many of these same people feel like those industries gave them and their families a stable life ( albeit at the expense of many peoples' health.)
Definitely a great discussion book.
- I grew up in "fracking country" in eastern Ohio
- I am educated in engineering
What I liked:
- the illustration of the "good life" of 40+ years ago... and the desperation that remains
- the us vs them - locals vs the trucked in experienced drillers/riggers
- the "why don't we get those jobs?"
- the fractured "construction" is real... so many little pieces that nearly no one has enough reason to care about the overall picture/impact
- the "fly in and manipulate the emotions of the people who live here"
What I missed:
- A fair inclusion of the science
- the possibility that there are companies who do care enough to do it right
- aligning this with the past in these areas... coal and steel mills and that many of these same people feel like those industries gave them and their families a stable life ( albeit at the expense of many peoples' health.)
Definitely a great discussion book.
bog_elfin's review against another edition
4.0
Heat and Light reads like the best kind of journalism feature: a litany of varying perspectives talking around an issue until the reader arrives at greater understanding, putting pieces together like a jigsaw puzzle or a game of Mousetrap. The characters are not heroes or villains, but people who feel familiar and real making choices that affect everyone else somewhere down the line.
I expected a book about fracking, but found one about America, addiction, economics, fidelity, family, and community. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
I expected a book about fracking, but found one about America, addiction, economics, fidelity, family, and community. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
bethreadsandnaps's review against another edition
4.0
The author brings a lot of issues to this small town (fracking, drugs, poverty, gender identity) of fictional Bakerton. Reminiscent of Erin Brockovich, not an enjoyable read; however, it makes you think. There are a bit too many perspectives and *things* going on to come together too cohesively, but again I appreciated the tools the author used to widen your own perspective.
solson1974's review against another edition
4.0
It’s honestly hard to believe someone could write a fictional novel about fracking that you would want to read, but the author does just that. At its core, this is more a story of the survival of a town and the people in it when their livelihood is removed and corporations take advantage of the desperation.
bethnellvaccaro's review against another edition
4.0
I would give this 3.5 stars, so I rounded up. I did enjoy this book set in a town in Pennsylvania that is changing rapidly because of fracking. While the premise of the book is around fracking, this wasn't really the most interesting aspect of the book (although I thought it would be). Fracking was more of a back drop to more interesting storylines about addiction, Munchausen by Proxy, and life in a dying town.