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Small Town, Big Oil: The Untold Story of the Women Who Took on the Richest Man in the World—And Won
In the fall of 1973, the Greek oil shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, husband of President John F. Kennedy’s widow, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and arguably the richest man in the world, proposed to build an oil refinery on the narrow New Hampshire coast, in the town of Durham, home to the University of New Hampshire. At the time, it would cost $600 million to build ($3.2 billion in today’s currency) and would pump 400,000 barrels of oil a day, making it the largest oil refinery in the world. The project was vigorously supported by the governor, Meldrim Thomson, and by William Loeb, the notorious publisher of the only statewide newspaper, the Manchester Union Leader. But three women vehemently opposed the project– Nancy Sandberg, the town leader who founded and headed Save Our Shores; Dudley Dudley, the freshman state rep who took the fight to the state legislature; and Phyllis Bennett, the publisher of a local newspaper that alerted the public to the secret acquisition of land. Small Town, Big Oil is the story how the residents of Durham, led by these three women – who were demeaned by the Union Leader as “little ladies” vainly “beating their small breasts” – out-organized, out-witted, and out-maneuvered the governor, the publisher of the statewide newspaper, and the Onassis men to hand the powerful Greek billionaire the most humiliating defeat of his business career, and spare the New Hampshire seacoast from becoming an industrial wasteland.
270 pages, Paperback
Published March 6, 2018
31 people are currently reading
486 people want to read
About the author
David W. Moore
159 books4 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 16, 2019
everyone who lives on the Seacoast area of NH should know this story. This book was heavily researched and annotated. At times it was almost too much detail and the names started getting confusing. The political processes described were quite involved and although important, made reading it a bit boring. However, it was neat to know the streets and locations the author talked about, and even some of the people (Sharon Meeker who used to live beside Bruce near Wadleigh Falls on the S curve on Rt 152) who were instrumental in this story of people from a little town fighting against an international giant to preserve their land
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February 21, 2019I must disclose up front that I live on the seacoast of NH where this true story takes place, though I moved here after the conclusion. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this account of three women taking on the big bosses - both business and political - in the early 70’s. There was enough story about each of the ‘players’ to get you interested in them, but not too much to distract. It was timely as it seems it could have taken place today. It had a little bit of suspense - even if you knew the outcome.
If you like to read about local activism; if you like to read about state and local politics; if you like true stories of strong women I would certainly recommend this.
If you like to read about local activism; if you like to read about state and local politics; if you like true stories of strong women I would certainly recommend this.
March 15, 2025
An inspiring story about the power of the people… or more specifically, the power of women… and how they prevailed victorious over a Goliath of Capitalism and greed in small town America.
December 23, 2020
A hometown tale of local activists (including the legendary Dudley Dudley) defeating big business. Can’t imagine what the New Hampshire seacoast would be like today if Aristotle Onassis had succeeded in building his oil refinery there in the 70s. Live free or die, and don’t tell Granite Staters how to zone their land!
January 13, 2023
This book tells the story of how a small town in New Hampshire fought against the building of an oil refinery along its coast. The same kind of story has played out in other communities across the country. There have been fights against nuclear power plants, wind farms, solar farms, and fracking wells. In Denton, Texas, the city voted to ban fracking. Texas Governor Gregg Abbott, someone beholden to big oil, quickly passed a law that forbids cities from passing such restrictions.
In this case, the community banded together and formed an organization called Save Our Shores (SOS) in an effort to thwart the planned 400,000 barrels a day oil refinery. The book delves into the personalities of various people with competing goals, such as the organizers, property owners, politicians, and the greek oil magnate Aristotle Onassis.
On one side, you have the politicians and Onassis representatives, promising jobs, lower taxes, and improved infrastructure. On the other side, you have locals who didn't want the pollution, potential environmental damage, and the problems associated with heavy industry.
The book focuses on three women at the center of the controversy: Nancy Sandberg, who headed up SOS, Dudley Dudley, a state representative, and Phyllis Bennett, the publisher of a local newspaper.
Oil refinery proponents promised a state-of-the-art facility clean as a clinic, with every effort taken to avoid damage to the environment. The local people will hardly even know the refinery exists, they promised.
This is one time where the little guy won.
In this case, the community banded together and formed an organization called Save Our Shores (SOS) in an effort to thwart the planned 400,000 barrels a day oil refinery. The book delves into the personalities of various people with competing goals, such as the organizers, property owners, politicians, and the greek oil magnate Aristotle Onassis.
On one side, you have the politicians and Onassis representatives, promising jobs, lower taxes, and improved infrastructure. On the other side, you have locals who didn't want the pollution, potential environmental damage, and the problems associated with heavy industry.
The book focuses on three women at the center of the controversy: Nancy Sandberg, who headed up SOS, Dudley Dudley, a state representative, and Phyllis Bennett, the publisher of a local newspaper.
Oil refinery proponents promised a state-of-the-art facility clean as a clinic, with every effort taken to avoid damage to the environment. The local people will hardly even know the refinery exists, they promised.
This is one time where the little guy won.
September 29, 2018
Really, this is a timely book for any era, but it feels especially heartening in the age of Trump. I'll do a more detailed review later, but this is an inspiring tale of how motivated citizens can exercise their voices to not only stand in opposition to seemingly insurmountable forces, but also win.
Full review to come.
Full review:
This is the kind of book I needed to read just about now, given that it often feels like corporations rule all in the U.S., and that citizens have very little hope for redress from their political representatives, most of whom seem to be bought and sold by those corporations. It's a pretty classic David and Goliath story, detailing the fight several residents, a local paper, and a very determined representative waged against Aristotle Onassis's company, which was determined to place an oil refinery in their pristine town. Though this happened in 1973, its themes of corporate power, environmental peril, and politicians beholden to rich special interests is extremely relevant in 2018.
I think what I admired most about this book was the perseverance of people like Dudley Dudley, Phyllis Bennett, and the local residents. Onassis's company waged an all-out war against them, and yet they did not lose their determination to protect the town they loved. The book does an excellent and chilling job of portraying just how grueling and ugly this battle was for them, and how willing Onassis and his corporate cronies were to smear the residents and obscure the facts--and worse yet, how willing the governor was to aid Onassis in his efforts. It illustrates how those in power can lose perspective when enough dollar signs are flashed in front of them, overlooking (willfully or otherwise) how adversely the projects they endorse can affect those on the ground. I'm not sure what the answer to this is, but given that not much has changed in the 45 years since the events covered in this book, it's clear that the U.S. needs to come up with a better and more accurate system for running cost/benefit analyses. The tactics employed by Onassis are the self-same tactics employed today: promise lots of tax benefits and new jobs to lure taxpayers into acquiescence, all the while downplaying the economic, environmental, and health harms that may result.
Also still relevant are the environmental questions. It's clear in this book that regulations were not strong enough to automatically prevent this potential ecological disaster, and, if anything, the situation is only worse nowadays. Books like this illuminate the folly of believing that corporations can be trusted to regulate themselves. At no point did Onassis's company do an honest and thorough assessment of the effects an oil refinery would have on Durham, and it's hard not to draw the conclusion that this is because they were well aware of how disastrous it would have been.
Yet as inspiring as it was to read about how hard and how bravely the people in the area fought, the fact of the matter is that New Hampshire is a special case because of its political structure. Most states don't have Home Rule, so it was thanks to this arcane political structure that the people of Durham were ultimately able to block the refinery. This really raises the question of what citizens can do to ensure that politicians pass laws that protect the interests of citizens, and not just those of corporations.
The book is also something of a paean to local newspapers, the kinds the were already struggling to exist in the 70s and that have mostly disappeared in this day and age. As Moore aptly illustrates, these papers provide a valuable public service, keeping citizens informed about the hyper-local issues that affect them directly, even if they affect the rest of the state indirectly. In this era of supposed "fake news", it's impossible to underscore how important it is that citizens have access to quality journalism that's guided by a mission of providing information in the public interest. Media has become so corporatized nowadays, and so beholden to stakeholders that it's well worth questioning who benefits from the information it provides. Unbiased journalism is central to our democracy, and this book proves it. While other media was quick to print inaccurate and biased information meant to obscure the facts and persuade the people of Durham that the refinery would be good for them, Publick Occurrences operated under a different mission: providing the facts for residents so that they could determine for themselves whether this refinery was something they actually wanted. This is a cautionary tale Americans would do well to heed, because now more than ever we need to ensure we're getting our news from quality, unbiased sources rather than corporate propaganda machines feeding us "infotainment" under the guise of news programming.
Lastly, I admired how this book tackled the sexist forces operating against the leaders of the refinery resistance, most of whom were women. Without being preachy, this book has a lot to say about the power and influence women have exerted when it comes to ensuring social change. Though today's issues are different, it's again become extremely evident what women have to bring to the table. Yet then, as today, as if fighting against the powers that be wasn't enough, the women also had to face blatant sexism and a minimizing of their voice. It's because of women like those depicted in this book that the opposition voices rising today are possible, and it's because of the women today tackling misogyny that future women's voices will become stronger than ever.
Before reading this book, I had never heard of the fight in Durham, which was a bit before my time. That's a shame, and I'm glad this book rectified that, because it did a lot to show me how when people organize and refuse to back down, they can not only speak truth to power, they can conquer seemingly unconquerable obstacles.
Full review to come.
Full review:
This is the kind of book I needed to read just about now, given that it often feels like corporations rule all in the U.S., and that citizens have very little hope for redress from their political representatives, most of whom seem to be bought and sold by those corporations. It's a pretty classic David and Goliath story, detailing the fight several residents, a local paper, and a very determined representative waged against Aristotle Onassis's company, which was determined to place an oil refinery in their pristine town. Though this happened in 1973, its themes of corporate power, environmental peril, and politicians beholden to rich special interests is extremely relevant in 2018.
I think what I admired most about this book was the perseverance of people like Dudley Dudley, Phyllis Bennett, and the local residents. Onassis's company waged an all-out war against them, and yet they did not lose their determination to protect the town they loved. The book does an excellent and chilling job of portraying just how grueling and ugly this battle was for them, and how willing Onassis and his corporate cronies were to smear the residents and obscure the facts--and worse yet, how willing the governor was to aid Onassis in his efforts. It illustrates how those in power can lose perspective when enough dollar signs are flashed in front of them, overlooking (willfully or otherwise) how adversely the projects they endorse can affect those on the ground. I'm not sure what the answer to this is, but given that not much has changed in the 45 years since the events covered in this book, it's clear that the U.S. needs to come up with a better and more accurate system for running cost/benefit analyses. The tactics employed by Onassis are the self-same tactics employed today: promise lots of tax benefits and new jobs to lure taxpayers into acquiescence, all the while downplaying the economic, environmental, and health harms that may result.
Also still relevant are the environmental questions. It's clear in this book that regulations were not strong enough to automatically prevent this potential ecological disaster, and, if anything, the situation is only worse nowadays. Books like this illuminate the folly of believing that corporations can be trusted to regulate themselves. At no point did Onassis's company do an honest and thorough assessment of the effects an oil refinery would have on Durham, and it's hard not to draw the conclusion that this is because they were well aware of how disastrous it would have been.
Yet as inspiring as it was to read about how hard and how bravely the people in the area fought, the fact of the matter is that New Hampshire is a special case because of its political structure. Most states don't have Home Rule, so it was thanks to this arcane political structure that the people of Durham were ultimately able to block the refinery. This really raises the question of what citizens can do to ensure that politicians pass laws that protect the interests of citizens, and not just those of corporations.
The book is also something of a paean to local newspapers, the kinds the were already struggling to exist in the 70s and that have mostly disappeared in this day and age. As Moore aptly illustrates, these papers provide a valuable public service, keeping citizens informed about the hyper-local issues that affect them directly, even if they affect the rest of the state indirectly. In this era of supposed "fake news", it's impossible to underscore how important it is that citizens have access to quality journalism that's guided by a mission of providing information in the public interest. Media has become so corporatized nowadays, and so beholden to stakeholders that it's well worth questioning who benefits from the information it provides. Unbiased journalism is central to our democracy, and this book proves it. While other media was quick to print inaccurate and biased information meant to obscure the facts and persuade the people of Durham that the refinery would be good for them, Publick Occurrences operated under a different mission: providing the facts for residents so that they could determine for themselves whether this refinery was something they actually wanted. This is a cautionary tale Americans would do well to heed, because now more than ever we need to ensure we're getting our news from quality, unbiased sources rather than corporate propaganda machines feeding us "infotainment" under the guise of news programming.
Lastly, I admired how this book tackled the sexist forces operating against the leaders of the refinery resistance, most of whom were women. Without being preachy, this book has a lot to say about the power and influence women have exerted when it comes to ensuring social change. Though today's issues are different, it's again become extremely evident what women have to bring to the table. Yet then, as today, as if fighting against the powers that be wasn't enough, the women also had to face blatant sexism and a minimizing of their voice. It's because of women like those depicted in this book that the opposition voices rising today are possible, and it's because of the women today tackling misogyny that future women's voices will become stronger than ever.
Before reading this book, I had never heard of the fight in Durham, which was a bit before my time. That's a shame, and I'm glad this book rectified that, because it did a lot to show me how when people organize and refuse to back down, they can not only speak truth to power, they can conquer seemingly unconquerable obstacles.
September 10, 2022
Anyone who frets about not being able to take on an issue that concerns them, needs to read this book. David and Goliath, if ever there was! In David W. Moore’s excellent account of how the community of Durham, NH came together to defeat the world’s wealthiest man's (Ari Onassis) Olympic Industries’ plan to build an oil refinery there…all thanks to the energies of 3 women who each offered her "special power”. Wonderful read! And it has so many mini-stories mixed in as well: About the monopolization of "truths" reported... and the emergence of honest independent journalism unbeholden to dirty money, about the duplicity that often accompanies land grabs and offers, about the inconvenience of having the name, quite by chance, it turns out, of Dudley Dudley... and of course a bit about Jackie O and Ari. Highly recommend this to anyone involved with social/political/environmental ... you name it.... organizing.
March 11, 2024
I loved this book. Writer David Moore takes you back to the winter of 1973 - 1974 when Aristotle Onassis attempted to build a massive, 400,000 barrel a day oil refinery on the pristine Great Bay estuary, in the small town of Durham, New Hampshire. I'd heard that a huge oil refinery on Great Bay had been narrowly avoided back in the 1970's, but had no idea that three women had lead the charge.
Although at times a wee bit awkwardly written, this 244 page non-fiction book is WELL worth reading. This is especially true if:
1. you are a woman,
2. you care about the environment, or
3. You're interested in grassroots activism and David vs. Goliath stories.
It's not a new book (it was written in 2008), but as we're coming up on the 50th anniversary of the story it covers, it was picked for next month's Great Bay Book Group, hosted by the Great Bay Stewards, in conjunction with the Conservation Law Foundation. If you live in the area, Google the event.
Although at times a wee bit awkwardly written, this 244 page non-fiction book is WELL worth reading. This is especially true if:
1. you are a woman,
2. you care about the environment, or
3. You're interested in grassroots activism and David vs. Goliath stories.
It's not a new book (it was written in 2008), but as we're coming up on the 50th anniversary of the story it covers, it was picked for next month's Great Bay Book Group, hosted by the Great Bay Stewards, in conjunction with the Conservation Law Foundation. If you live in the area, Google the event.
April 18, 2024
Small Town, Big Oil is a non-fiction narrative of women and a small New Hampshire town who challenged Aristotle Onassis, the New Hampshire Governor and the largest NH newspaper. You know from the title how this story ends, but the tale is one of persistence, intrepidity and community.
As a new resident of NH, I appreciated the background and execution of small town politics, which helps me to better understand the nature and purpose of my town's annual Town Meeting. Politics is very much at the local level in NH, which I appreciate after living in the behemoth called New York City where even decisions affecting the most distant parts of the boroughs are decided in City Hall, not in the neighborhoods.
This book donated to (so not lent to) my town library's book club.
As a new resident of NH, I appreciated the background and execution of small town politics, which helps me to better understand the nature and purpose of my town's annual Town Meeting. Politics is very much at the local level in NH, which I appreciate after living in the behemoth called New York City where even decisions affecting the most distant parts of the boroughs are decided in City Hall, not in the neighborhoods.
This book donated to (so not lent to) my town library's book club.
April 5, 2020
Interesting to read about things that occurred in my New Hampshire community/area. I recognize many of the names (political leaders, media, etc.). The book is well written, well researched, and explains some things I had never known about. The author is quite complimentary of the main actors in the fight against the proposed oil refinery. He comments on their hard work and persistence against seemingly overwhelming odds. Easy read, kept my attention. Journalistic in nature, but interesting throughout.
August 19, 2025
If you are at all interested in understanding how to speak truth to power and what it takes personally to keep up in the face of what seem like insurmountable odds, read this book.
Three ordinary women are at the heart of this resistance to save their town, Durham NH, from an unwanted oil refinery. They face off against the richest man in the world and his bevy of consultants, a bombastic and uncouth newspaper publisher and his toady, drunk-with-power governor.
A reminder that we’ve lived through this type of scenario before.
Three ordinary women are at the heart of this resistance to save their town, Durham NH, from an unwanted oil refinery. They face off against the richest man in the world and his bevy of consultants, a bombastic and uncouth newspaper publisher and his toady, drunk-with-power governor.
A reminder that we’ve lived through this type of scenario before.
July 1, 2018
Small Town, Big Oil is a page turner. David W. Moore’s narrative is dramatic and swiftly told without an ounce of fat. And best of all, the good guys win. In these days when citizens are fighting big gas pipelines, electric transmission towers, cell towers and windmills, Small Town, Big Oil is a must read. It will inspire and revive those who have been forced to defend their homes from secretive, big corporations.
May 9, 2021
When people work together they can overcome big obstacles. This book demonstrates that so well.
They chose a focus that had wide appeal. They had support from their representative and that made a huge difference. Their opponents were ill prepared which certainly helped them. In the end though it was crucial that everyone work together and that was what really helped them win.
They chose a focus that had wide appeal. They had support from their representative and that made a huge difference. Their opponents were ill prepared which certainly helped them. In the end though it was crucial that everyone work together and that was what really helped them win.
June 27, 2024
This was an interesting, informative, and well-told story about NH that I had never learned about growing up there. It accurately depicts the lifestyles, values, and politics of the people that live in the state. I was disappointed the audiobook reader pronounced the names of towns and places incorrectly though. That was a distraction throughout the book.
September 26, 2025
4.5 stars. I was assigned to read this book for an economics class at UNH and quickly became invested in the story. This is a part of Durham’s history I previously did not know anything about and it was really cool to learn more about the community and land I live in and on today. Really well written, deeply researched, and engaging history!
March 19, 2024
If you live in the Seacoast area you need to read this book! Inspiring read to show that grassroots efforts can work. Many thanks to Dudley Dudley, Nancy Sandburg and Phyllis Bennett and the people of Durham for being strong and protecting our waterways and green spaces.
August 20, 2024
Being from NH and aware of some of the characters involved, it was a particularly good story. I do wish that audiobook readers would take the time to check their local pronunciation, though. It threw me out of the narrative every time towns and rivers were mispronounced.
January 15, 2024
Interesting
I had never heard about this going on in New Hampshire, so it was very interesting and great that they prevailed! Goes to show you what persistence can do.
I had never heard about this going on in New Hampshire, so it was very interesting and great that they prevailed! Goes to show you what persistence can do.
April 19, 2024
I was inspired by this true account of local women working together to stop an oil refinery on Great Bay.
April 30, 2024
Well written story of amazing NH grassroot effort to save the seacoast.
March 8, 2024
What a story it is... truth is stranger than fiction! This story is an ode to independent journalism... a true David and Goliath scenario... and chock full of familiar (to this long-time NH Secoaster) names and places, from Jay Smith to the Stone Church and more. Plus by the way some serious gossip about Jackie Kennedy Onassis! Even after reading how close it came to be, It’s just impossible for me to imagine Great Bay as an oil refinery. 😳
February 24, 2021
I guess a David versus Goliath tale is pretty common, however, it does always come as a surprise when David wins. Also, when Goliath is a megarich oil company whose done little to no homework, his fall is definitely worth celebrating.
I have a vested interest in this, as I live a couple miles from the site in question, however, I could see this story being intriguing for anyone from a small town who has experienced battling larger forces.
This was easily my favorite book of 2020.
I have a vested interest in this, as I live a couple miles from the site in question, however, I could see this story being intriguing for anyone from a small town who has experienced battling larger forces.
This was easily my favorite book of 2020.
July 24, 2023
This is a very interesting and inspiring story, demonstrating that political activism can win over bigger, more powerful, and more deceitful opponents. I have witnessed similar events in my own life. The message is clear: do not sit idly by and complain but rather get up and do something. The book was a quick and captivating read, and the ending was what most readers probably hoped for. Money and power do not always win if the people speak loudly enough!
January 25, 2018
I received a copy of this from Netgalley in exchange for my review. I will say upfront this is NOT my preferred genre of material. It sounded interesting to me though so I chose it and it was good. I enjoyed the story and how the women stood up for what they believed in. This story really drives home how people can make a difference in their communities by taking a stand and fighting together. It is good to see the little guy win and come out ahead.
February 20, 2018
tl;dr Review:
A timely reminder that no matter how dismal the odds may seem or how much the deck is stacked against you, goodness can prevail and small groups can do big things.
Full Review:
For everything that's been happening in our world since a certain someone ascended the Presidency in January of 2017, one can start to feel like all is lost. I will admit there are times when I've felt hopeless and powerless to make an impact or create change in the face of what's being wrought on our society. But this book gave me hope that even small actions can add up to a major impact in the end.
The publisher describes the book's subject as follows:
Never underestimate the underdog.
In the fall of 1973, the Greek oil shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, husband of President John F. Kennedy’s widow, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and arguably the richest man in the world, proposed to build an oil refinery on the narrow New Hampshire coast, in the town of Durham. At the time, it would have cost $600 million to build and was expected to generate 400,000 barrels of oil per day, making it the largest oil refinery in the world. The project was vigorously supported by the governor, Meldrim Thomson, and by William Loeb, the notorious publisher of the only statewide newspaper, the Manchester Union Leader.
But three women vehemently opposed the project—Nancy Sandberg, the town leader who founded and headed Save Our Shores; Dudley Dudley, the freshman state rep who took the fight to the state legislature; and Phyllis Bennett, the publisher of the local newspaper that alerted the public to Onassis’ secret acquisition of the land. Small Town, Big Oil is the story of how the residents of Durham, led by these three women, out-organized, out-witted, and out-maneuvered the governor, the media, and the Onassis cartel to hand the powerful Greek billionaire the most humiliating defeat of his business career, and spare the New Hampshire seacoast from becoming an industrial wasteland.
Not only does this book highlight the intersecting stories of the three women that saved this town, but it also showcases how women are usually the ones to get shit done when it comes to political change.
This book had a little bit of everything:
The compellingness of an unbelievable true story.
A ruthless villain.
Three scrappy, hardworking women who team up despite the odds against them.
Tons of history for the history nerds among us.
The battle between progress and society.
How little changes can impact everything.
People stepping up because they believe in something, despite zero experience.
Even though the outcome of the story is in the book's title, I still had a hard time putting it down to go to sleep because I wanted to know exactly how they did it. Sometimes a non-fiction book can read a bit too much like a textbook (a.k.a. boring AF and just the bare facts). Yet, author David Moore did a great job of weaving these three women's stories and including quotes where possible so that this non-fiction tale reads like a fiction book.
If you're looking for a great read that leaves you feeling inspired and with the belief that you can have an impact on your world, then this is the book for you.
I give it 5 out of 5 thumbs up.
A timely reminder that no matter how dismal the odds may seem or how much the deck is stacked against you, goodness can prevail and small groups can do big things.
Full Review:
For everything that's been happening in our world since a certain someone ascended the Presidency in January of 2017, one can start to feel like all is lost. I will admit there are times when I've felt hopeless and powerless to make an impact or create change in the face of what's being wrought on our society. But this book gave me hope that even small actions can add up to a major impact in the end.
The publisher describes the book's subject as follows:
Never underestimate the underdog.
In the fall of 1973, the Greek oil shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, husband of President John F. Kennedy’s widow, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and arguably the richest man in the world, proposed to build an oil refinery on the narrow New Hampshire coast, in the town of Durham. At the time, it would have cost $600 million to build and was expected to generate 400,000 barrels of oil per day, making it the largest oil refinery in the world. The project was vigorously supported by the governor, Meldrim Thomson, and by William Loeb, the notorious publisher of the only statewide newspaper, the Manchester Union Leader.
But three women vehemently opposed the project—Nancy Sandberg, the town leader who founded and headed Save Our Shores; Dudley Dudley, the freshman state rep who took the fight to the state legislature; and Phyllis Bennett, the publisher of the local newspaper that alerted the public to Onassis’ secret acquisition of the land. Small Town, Big Oil is the story of how the residents of Durham, led by these three women, out-organized, out-witted, and out-maneuvered the governor, the media, and the Onassis cartel to hand the powerful Greek billionaire the most humiliating defeat of his business career, and spare the New Hampshire seacoast from becoming an industrial wasteland.
Not only does this book highlight the intersecting stories of the three women that saved this town, but it also showcases how women are usually the ones to get shit done when it comes to political change.
This book had a little bit of everything:
The compellingness of an unbelievable true story.
A ruthless villain.
Three scrappy, hardworking women who team up despite the odds against them.
Tons of history for the history nerds among us.
The battle between progress and society.
How little changes can impact everything.
People stepping up because they believe in something, despite zero experience.
Even though the outcome of the story is in the book's title, I still had a hard time putting it down to go to sleep because I wanted to know exactly how they did it. Sometimes a non-fiction book can read a bit too much like a textbook (a.k.a. boring AF and just the bare facts). Yet, author David Moore did a great job of weaving these three women's stories and including quotes where possible so that this non-fiction tale reads like a fiction book.
If you're looking for a great read that leaves you feeling inspired and with the belief that you can have an impact on your world, then this is the book for you.
I give it 5 out of 5 thumbs up.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews