Thirst for Justice: A Novel

by David R. Boyd

“Fast and fierce” – Kirkus Reviews

For readers of John Grisham and William Deverell comes a political thriller ripped from today’s headlines. Lawyer and environmental activist David R. Boyd writes a riveting thriller about the psychological toll of a humanitarian crisis. Filled with tension and courtroom drama, Thirst for Justice will have you questioning what you believe about right versus wrong.

Michael MacDougall is a talented trauma surgeon whose life in Seattle is slowly unraveling. Frustrated as an ER doctor and with his marriage in trouble, he volunteers with a medical aid charity in the Congo. Disconsolate at the lives he cannot save in the desperate conditions of the region, he is shattered by a roadside confrontation with the mercenary Mai Mai that results in unthinkable losses.

Back home in Seattle, he is haunted by his experiences in Africa and what he sees as society’s failure to provide humanitarian aid to those who most desperately need it. Locked in a downward spiral, he becomes obsessed with making his government listen to him and dreams up an act of terrorism to shock his nation awake.

Activist and lawyer David Boyd’s debut novel is a taut political thriller that begs the question: how far is too far when you’re seeking justice?

Genres: Audiobook, Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, Medical, Politics, Crime

320 pages, Paperback

Published October 27, 2020

About the author

David R. Boyd is an environmental lawyer, professor, and advocate for recognition of the right to live in a healthy environment. Boyd is the award-winning author of seven books and more than 100 articles and currently co-chairs Vancouver’s Greenest City initiative with Mayor Gregor Robertson. He lives on Pender Island, B.C. For more information, visit DavidRichardBoyd.com.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Michael goes to Africa, DRC more specifically, to work as a doctor for a fictionalized version of MSF. After suffering a terrible incident, he is sent home and quickly becomes depressed but won't admit it. He wants to fix it, but is disillusioned by the general American disinterest in solving the problem, despite his efforts to draw attention to it.

Michael then decides his best option is to more or less benignly poison Seattle's water supply before going back to Congo. Obviously, he gets caught. Like within 2 days. He's then arrested and tortured to get him to reveal his presumed islamic terrorist connections... that don't exist. Of course there is one woman in the upper echelons who gets it. She is the director of the EPA.

The trial is fixed and fraught with iniquity. But he gets off anyway.

--
My review?

How. Just how does Michael figure that the way to get spending allocated to eradicating poverty in Africa is to poison the water supply in a major US city? For an intelligent man, he is over the top naive. While PTSD can absolutely make people do very strange things, this doesn't feel plausible. Wanting to go back, yes. Feeling helpless and desperate to do something, yes. Letting his marriage fall apart, definitely. But he is genuinely surprised to hear that he's being called a terrorist. He didn't chain himself to a tree, he dropped a contaminant into the water supply and skipped the continent. And thought that threatening the president would earn him hero status.

I'm ambivalent about the way Africa is discussed. I'm not disputing that this is reality. It's the only thing most people know about the continent. But it's not all of reality. The white savior complex is strong in this one, and the tone of the whole novel sounds preachy and stereotypical. It reads like a Save The Children commercial.

I also don't get the idea of the defense of necessity. It doesn't hold up. Mental disease or defect would have made some sense. But to argue that he had no other options? Of course he did. Much more effective options. Poisoning people was not necessary nor directly impactful.

The trial was ridiculous and caricatured. This is supposed to make us think about good and evil. I mean, sure. But there's no world in which deliberately poisoning a massive group of unrelated people is justified. Two evils don't make a good.

Also, what is with the mental illness denial? The only things said about mental health are "you're not ok" "no I'm fine" "ok", and "I'm not crazy!"
Again, this guy is far too intelligent and experienced to equate PTSD with crazy. There is no need for that.

The writing is a little clunky, the dialogue is stilted, the token woman is there just to show up all the arrogant men, and Africa is a pawn in the plot.

I'm out.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy an author who is new to me, particularly one whose work taps into the genres I find exciting. David R. Boyd presents a great legal thriller that explores the environment and America’s responsibilities on an international level. The story is both educational and highly entertaining, providing the reader with a legal thriller that is unique and enticing. Boyd delivers a great read and something that has me wishing he had more pieces of fiction I could explore.

Michael MacDougall is brilliant when working in the operating room, but his work in Africa has him feeling quite upset. Working for an international aid agency as a trauma surgeon in Rwanda, MacDougall sees just how horrible things are and that America ought to step up to help. When he returns stateside, MacDougall tried to get the ball rolling to start something that will make a difference for those he has seen in Africa. He hits a brick wall and decides to take matters into his own hands.

While constantly spiraling out of control, MacDougall decides to make a splash and try to get America to help Africa with some funding and ongoing scientific support. He pollutes the Seattle drinking water, making sure to limit any harm that could befall anyone. He sends out an anonymous threat that makes its way to the White House. POTUS is on edge and demands that they locate the terror cell that is behind this, refusing to stand down until the truth comes out. It is only when one of his friends reveals something that America intelligence begins looking at Michael MacDougall as a domestic terrorist.

Working with a few pieces of evidence, the American Government discovers the location of Michael MacDougall and decides to use the full extent of the law (and then some) to bring him to justice. The courts are ready to hear the case, but Michael MacDougall stands firm that his actions were justified, based on the horrible decisions made as many in Africa continue to suffer. With a courtroom packed and ready to hear the case, Michael MacDougall must literally fight for his life. David R. Boyd pens a gripping legal thriller well worth my time.

I love a good book tackles matters of political and social importance. David R. Boyd presents a strong story that compels the reader to pay close attention as things develop. The narrative flows with ease, providing the reader with a story that delves into environmental politics and how many handle the great dichotomy amongst various parts of the world. Boyd seeks to impact the reader with this well-paced story and keeps the momentum building as much is taking place. Characters are well-developed, providing a great deal of flavoring to the story, while keeping the reader at the centre of the action. The plot is both clear in its delivery and keeps the reader wondering what awaits them. Tackling the law, environmental politics, and the international impact of access to water, Boyd never lets up until the final page turn. This was a great read and I can only wish there were more legal thrillers by the author to enjoy!

Kudos, Mr. Boyd, for something thought provoking!

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Chrissy Sutherland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not disappointed!

First time reading anything by this author. Definitely not disappointed with it! Felt like it laid a great foundation and the ending was pretty good. Loved how it followed most of the trial.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that will nag at your conscience. Dr. Michael McDougall is a gifted surgeon who is working voluntarily in the Congo. An average days spans 12 plus hours trying to save the lives of men, women and children who endure starvation, cholera, and maiming by many means. Following his return home, he fails to see that he’s suffering from PTSD. He is consumed with finding a way to fund humanitarian efforts in Africa now. But when his efforts are thwarted on multiple fronts, he spirals further downward and crafts a plan to contaminate Seattle’s drinking water to draw attention to what he sees as his mission in life.

[Kristen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This could have been good if it wasn't so far-fetched and wasn't written with such an obviously liberal, anti-American bias. It ended up being ridiculous.

[Monika Sadowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like it.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley & ECW Press Audio for this audio book in exchange for a honest review.
*
Michael MacDougal is a renowned surgeon in the Seattle, Washington area. As of late he has volunteered with the Doctors without borders and is in the Congo. While his work there is rewarding; it is also very disheartening for him. He sees firsthand how much suffering is happening in the Congo, especially to young children. Most of which is preventable by having the basic human need; a clean water supply.
After working a shift in the Congo, Michael and two of his companions are on their way back to their compound when they are stopped by mercenaries; which result in Michael suffering PTSD from one of his companions being murder, while the other was raped. This tragedy had Michael returning to the states sooner than expected; and much different than he left.
Michael couldn’t stand by any longer and do nothing while 10,000 innocent children die every day just from lack of vaccines and basic needs. Michael firsts attempts to change this by starting a new nonprofit The Blue Drop foundation. All that is needed is a penny increase to all drinks so; which will result in the US being able to help end poverty and these senseless deaths of children in third world countries. To Michael’s utter frustration no Politian endorses this foundation; resulting in him facing the reality this could take years, if ever, to take off and give the results he wanted.
Michael is left with only one option; which goes against his very instinct as a Dr. Michael plots to safely poison the Seattle water supply with PCE. After immense research to ensure the safety of American citizens, Michael enacts his plan to poison the water and makes his way back to the Congo for another round of helping the needy. While en route Michael sends a few emails informing higher up’s – including the President- on his actions, and demanding the US allocate and donate 100 Billion dollar to aid the crisis.
*
OK so now let me tell you everything that happened to Michael MacDougal his identity was discovered had myself a bit shocked to say the least. I think as the reader I knew where he was coming from was not a place of terrorism or malicious intent; but from a Dr who is suffering PTSD and whose heart is breaking seeing children die needlessly. How he was treated by the government also rose more than a few eyebrows.

[Amy Hagberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love a good legal thriller. The plot of Thirst for Justice is unique and intriguing, fast-paced and thought-provoking, like something ripped out of today’s headlines. For me, one of the biggest benefits of being a bookie is learning something new, and boy-oh-boy, do I feel enlightened about the humanitarian crisis in Africa, environmental law, and bioterrorism. The problem with David Boyd’s novel is that it’s an obvious debut full of rookie writing missteps. What bothered me most was how much time he spent describing minutia throughout the book. I wanted to don my editor’s hat and take out my electronic red pencil to fix it. All-in-all, though, it is a pretty good first novel. I bet his next one will be even better. Thanks to NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. 3.5 stars.

Genres: Legal thriller, political thriller
Read-alike Authors: Robin Cook, John Grisham, Scott Turow, William Deverell Daniel Palmer

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thirst for Justice is a realistic fiction slamming us in the face with how trauma can change and possibly destroy a person’s life. Michael MacDougall, a talented trauma surgeon, is totally unprepared for how a term in Doctor’s without Borders (MSF) will change his perspective of what is right and wrong. Thirst for Justice is a legal novel by lawyer, environmental activist, and author David R. Boyd

In the first chapter, a young girl dies in the arms of Michael MacDougall a surgeon on assignment with MSF. Michael barely manages to save his next patient but he keeps dreaming about the little boy. With only 2 weeks left in his assignment he is travelling to fields stations when a friend is killed and another is brutally assaulted. Protocol says that Michael must be sent home immediately. He returns to a wife who is shocked at how much he has changed. Michael best friend is a fund raiser is also worried about him and therefore helps him develop programs to help the poor in African countries. But no one understands just how damaged Michael has become and they are all shocked when he commits a horrendous act of terrorism. Michael is apprehended and his lawyer mounts a unique defence. But can he save him?

I like this book because David Boyd effectively brings it home just how terrible conditions are in Africa (the Congo in this case) and just how courageous the medical personnel of MSF are to be fighting against all odds to save one person at a time when millions are dying.

This is also a legal drama and suited to the John Grisham lovers out there. The legal arguments made in this story are interesting and unique. Although I admit not knowing about the subject the arguments of “Necessity” are new and I learned a lot.

This book is also about mental illness and how easily an ill person, like Michael, can convince himself that he is doing the right thing and then be shocked at the consequences of his actions. On this wild ride with Michael the reader almost becomes convinced that the right thing is done.

I recommend this book to people who are concerned legal issues, medicine in the poverty-stricken world, and mental illness. But mostly I believe it is just a great story and a well written book. I give it a 5 on 5. I want to thank NetGalley and ECW Press for providing me with a digital copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an unusual and thought provoking novel about a man who is changed and charged by violence during his Samaritan work overseas. Dr. Michael MacDougall's work in the Congo ends when his vehicle is attacked, his driver killed, and his colleague raped. He doesn't really accept or acknowledge what happened or the ensuing PTSd but his colleagues back in Seattle, as well as his wife, with whom he has had a difficult relationship, see it. The foundation he forms with his friend Dominic- promoting clean water in Africa- doesn't get as much attention or momentum as he hopes, leading him to commit an act of terrorism himself. Is his experience in Africa and his mental health a defense to what he's done? That's the question explored in the second half of this well plotted novel which features realistic courtroom scenes. It's easy to judge Michael but he's a well written and complex character who will stick in your mind. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Not the easiest read but a worthy one.

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thirst for Justice took a topic with many faces and jumped right in, thoroughly describing the events happening in just enough detail so that the heavy topics didn't feel hung up and the more light-hearted ones didn't feel skipped over. I thought I would be overwhelmed by all the environmental and legal talk when this book began but I actually ended up learning quite a bit. I feel that the ending felt rushed, and it was an excellent way to end the book too! I wish that it was slowed down so that we could have enjoyed it more. A main motif that I found in this book is the protagonist, Michael MacDougall, is in the wrong the whole time, yet believes everything he has done is for the best. From him filling the city's drinking water supply with chemicals (not enough to harm them but enough to scare them) to bring awareness to the water crisis in the Congo and how the people there are dying, to him and his wife being put on trial for terrorism. This book leaves us asking, "How far is too far when it comes to justice?"

[Slayermel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled across this book in the library app and it sounded really interesting. It did not disappoint. Michael is a Doctor in Seattle who goes to the Congo for a few months as a Volunteer with a Medical Aid organization. While in the Congo Michael not only sees horrible atrocities happening, he also has a traumatic experience with some colleagues. When Michael returns to the U.S he finds his life just isn’t the same. He struggles with the waste that happens in the U.S and comes up with a plan of how he could end the suffering and death of children in Africa in a few short years. If only he could get someone in a position of Power to listen to him and have them help make it become a reality.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listened to the first 3 chapters and thought, "This is pretty lame." I wondered if it could possibly get better. I read Laura's review and found that it actually gets worse. So, just a warning...read Laura's review and if her take appeals to you, give this one a pass and give Laura a "like". BTW, the book description suggests a comparison of David Boyd with John Grisham. Comparing Boyd to Grisham is like comparing margarine to real butter.

[Tanya R · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting slow-burn legal Thriller.

Heartbreaking in some places, it was easy to feel connected to the story. But as the slow burn began to build, the MC became more difficult to stay connected to.

If you enjoy legal Thrillers, this is a good read to check out. The narration for the audiobook was really good!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grabbed me from the first page. Heartbreaking on some levels.

[Kelly · Rating 1 out of 5]

The story was weak. The ending was a let down.

[Gemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This book strikes a nerve highlighting economic disparity, abuse, inherent racism and egotistic political agenda. This book appeals to the empathetic reader with a strong stomach.

I genuinely ended my read feeling uneasy with the continuous inequality that we have globally in relation to the humanitarian crisis, an epidemic as this book so outlines.

To bring these eerily relevant themes to the forefront of our minds is both important and harrowing.

I like how the ending serves as a reminder that small instances of generosity can make a difference and should not be overlooked. Each contribution matters because changing the world takes more than passion and more than a single individual. We must value our efforts no matter the size because without them, there’s nothing.

[Graham Whittington · Rating 1 out of 5]

This might be the worst adult fiction I’ve read (passing My Sister’s Keeper on my personal ledger). It showed up on Google as a book about water pollution (related to my work rn), so I made the mistake of giving it a shot. From its unbelievable plot to its oddly incomplete plot points to its undeveloped characters to its poor, often laughable, writing, this book has little to recommend it. Multiple references to the federal prosecutors as “D.A.’s” during the trial were funny at least.

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Writing was a bit weak, and it was basically the author on a soapbox on a global eco and biological crisis. It was White Savior complex. It was the writer showing off his scientific, legal, and political knowledge. Lots of books so this too, but this one lacked sophistication in presentation. However, it was nonetheless entertaining enough, especially once I got past the first chapter.

[Batu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a page-turner. Fascinating twists and turns encompassing entities not generally seen together in life or literature.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that has you yelling at the characters is either really bad, or really good. This one was one of the good ones.

[Mary-Anne Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I kind of like legal thrillers, not sure thriller is the right word. You know, story of what happend, then the trial that follows. I thought this stort was great. It's a bit of a rollercoaster in; was he right in the decision he made, or was it wrong?? Very compelling for sure. Not something a truly rational person would actually do, but he was so, so frustrated and wrought by the situation. I think i'll read another of this authors books, who knew, the author lives on Pender Island.

[Jasmine · Rating 3 out of 5]

 S U M M A R Y 
Michael MacDougall is a renowned surgeon in Seattle, Washington. But something seems to be missing, despite his lovely wife and thriving career. He ends up volunteering with a doctors-across-borders type charity in the Congo. But while it's terribly rewarding, the horrible things he sees, and that happen to him, he is changed from the man he was. When he returns home after nearly being killed, he tries to find a way to help the innumerable children he tried to save in Africa. It leads him through a winding path to an unthinkable act. How far is too far when you're seeking justice for the innocent?

 C H A R A C T E R S 
I do feel like Michael is a pretty sympathetic character, and his unwinding from trauma is very obvious, but while it's happening, I felt farther and farther from him rather than closer. I feel like I should have felt more for him. Honestly I feel the worst for the wife, who didn't get nearly enough page time.

 P L O T 
Slow and fast in spurts. Anyone who wants a quick read probably won't find it here. It drug out interminably in some places, which perhaps contributed to my feeling of distance. I definitely agree to the comparisons to John Grisham's books, which I loved as a teen but find rather dull these days. But the exploration of conflicts we don't hear enough about, and the truth of the justice system and even parts of the military, ring way too true. It was an interesting read that leaves me feeling conflicted - on one hand, it was pretty well written, but it was very slow in places. I've had to really work to come to a decent rating.

 N A R R A T I O N 
Narrated by Geoffrey Pounsett, who I do not think I've listened to before. He has a very pleasant voice and inflection though, and I enjoyed him.

 O V E R A L L 
If you like legal thrillers that aren't necessarily quick, and definitely have a message, this is for you. I'm not upset I read it, but I don't ever see myself rereading it either. I am definitely not surprised that the author is an activist and a lawyer. I ended up with a solid 3 after a lot of seesawing over it. 

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m sorry to have to give this book such a low score, because the story was a good one. Normally, I wouldn’t even finish a book that I thought deserved a 2-star rating. I was surprised that it got so bad.

The problems this book had were not the story, but the unlikely and illegal behavior from the arrest on and throughout the trial. The nature and high profile of the case in reality would have meant a much greater scrutiny of all matters surrounding it, from demanding a longer preparation time and a much more distant trial date. The trial too would have been much longer and it wouldn’t have been corrupted by the numerous and obvious roadblocks, limitations, and strange rulings from the judge. The poorly coached witnesses from the prosecution (including the torturer?) would not have outnumbered the defense witnesses. The trial was leading to an inevitable mistrial or appeal from the start. Additionally, no president would allow himself to be drawn into a conversation about murdering a defendant, or torturing him. It was too bad that the investigation and trial phase of the book was such a let down, because the subject of terrorism is timely and interesting.

[Jan Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Thirst for Justice by David R. Boyd is thought provoking. It brings to light how good intentions can go wrong. The author wrote a very descriptive book that pulled me in. There is medical goodwill, extortion, courtroom drama, government control meshed into one. This is a fast paced listen. Geoffrey Pounsett delivered his performance with some fitting emotions. He is a new to me narrator. Thank you #NetGalley for letting me review this audiobook at my request, I did enjoy it.

[Jason Baum · Rating 1 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook for as long as I could before having to give up. Not sure if the authors goal was to fit as many pretentious stereotypes as possible into the first third of book, but if it was then job well done.

[venomouscashew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this as someone who is pursuing their MPH and would also stereotypically be categorized as a “terrorist” I feel compelled to give my take on the author and this piece.

Personally, I loved it.

Was it probable and logical? Not necessarily.

The main character of this story is a doctor who is the white man from Seattle. He travels to the DR as a medical volunteer on behalf of an agency providing healthcare overseas. He experiences severe traumatic experiences during his first visit and returns home before his contract was officially over. His time in DR deeply disturbed him. He saw cases that he knew could have been prevented. He wanted to make a positive change.

His time in the DR pushed him to fight for his country to “do the right thing”. With what he knew about the medical issues in impoverished countries, he knew it would not cost America much in the grand scheme of things to assist in providing protection to the community members of the areas that he saw were directly affected by poverty. However when he returns, he is not met with support. He continues to lose faith in the healthcare system under which, he serves.

As he continues to get denied, and feels as though nobody is listening to him. He decides to take matters into his own hands in a perceived acute manner, and he performs what would be referred to as a terrorist attack on Seattle. This is
where the book gets pretty juicy … and I can see where people start feel disappointed, too.

He travels again to Africa, again, to serve a population experiencing a crisis. He is caught early into his contract, and is flown to the United States, where he is now an extremely wanted man, potentially facing the death penalty.

As someone reading this, it does feel so out of place that he took the approach. He did it to try and make a statement and be taken seriously. As a reader, if I was a little bit lackluster and impulsive as a decision for him to make. However, living in the world we live in- it really does feel like these types of acts are the only ones that are going to get enough attention to create change sometimes. You also come to understand that he chose the substance and methods based on the fact that the health outcomes associated with this attack, would not be severe, and would simply be making a statement. I still wish there had been more of a fight behind the scenes of him trying to bring awareness to the issues he was hoping to raise funding for. I feel like prior to this act, he had a strong story to advocate for change and it fell short before he made an impulsive, disruptive decision that disintegrated the power of his story and experiences.

Reading that different people in power in this book did not believing that a white man could be capable of such a crime felt so close to home, and like we were touching a sensitive spot for the United States. As someone who ethically appears more accurate to what the judicial system in the story was looking for… I was engrossed in how this was going to play out for Michael. From my experience, It’s something people in this country start developing a bias of right away regarding citizens with middle eastern backgrounds. To me it meant a lot to see these people in power have bias towards what somebody who would commit this crime would look like. I do feel that that is the most accurate manner in which this would be handled.

And I know that it seems like the author was making critiques on the judicial system, as well as our healthcare system, and the people that have the highest amount of power regarding either topic is going to be white men. And realistically, I think if he had chosen to make the main character a person of color in any capacity, they probably would not have lived long enough to even see a trial. I believe that is the point he is trying to make by using the main character in the way that he did.

While I do see this could easily be interpreted as this white man taking on the white savior complex and riding it all the way home in this book... I also feel like the author chose to use a white man, knowing that a case would likely go further, and people would be more willing to listen to advocates on behalf of a white man. I think he also used a white man to bring awareness to the fact that once this was established as a terrorist attack, white people were almost completely excused from even being suspects because of bias that exists in our judicial system.

Of course this story isn’t going to be 10000% accurate. If something like this happened in real life, I have no doubt in my mind it would be handled completely differently. But this story was written to make a statement, and provoke deep thoughts regarding the systems focused on in the story. I love that this book invited us to look into that ugly side of the way things are running. & knowing what I know about our healthcare system just from my own studies, I think this piece is extremely thought-provoking and can be motivating to continue to advocate for positive changes because there is a lot of work left to be done.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why does geographical distance materially alter the matter of your individual morality? Is it really possible that convenience trumps conscience? Is geography more important than ethics?

It's heartbreaking that this was published in 2021, and yet the horrors in DRC are still rampant and continuing to get worse as the people of the US continue to not care. This book brought about so many feelings I have felt over the last year. I will admit that it did take me far too long to realize the horrors that have been happening across the world, however, once I was made aware of them and did more reading and research into them, it's not something I brushed off or can forget about. This has especially played out with the current genocide of Palestinians throughout the last year, while the horrors in Congo and Sudan also continue to persist, all while the citizens of the US continue on in ignorant bliss. It's beyond infuriating.

The sheer hypocrisy of the US was highlighted perfectly in this, with real life examples to boot. How protests, demonstrations, and all other 'legal' forms of protests have zero affect corporations and the government to make changes. How it takes extreme acts, but then the government term those acts as "terrorism" because they inspire to change the capitalistic way of life that is harming ourselves and billions around the world. How those that are deemed "terrorists" at the time for going against apartheid, genocide, and climate destruction but then are later seen as the heroes for going against those things. Then there's the very real show of hypocrisy of the American "justice" (read: injustice) system. How it's completely acceptable when the CIA or other government agencies to torture people for some confessions, but then in a trial when those acts are brought up as to why the defendent 'confessed', they deem them inadmissible and irrelevant. I wanted to punch that prosecutor in the face soooo bad. The hypocrisy when MacDougall was labeled as a "terrorist" but then when worse acts are committed internationally by the US, those same acts are not labeled as terrorism.

This book also really highlights how inextricably linked domestic and foreign policy is. You cannot deem something as "unjust" when it happens to your own people, but then be morally apathetic or justify it when the exact same thing happens to others because they're not 'your people'. The moral apathy in the US disgusts me. I could go on and on and on about this because I have been losing my mind over the people for the last year fear mongering over things that may or may not happen in the future here domestically, while completely ignoring the sheer horrors that have actually been happening internationally the last few years (and the last 12 months especially).

"As long as we think that we should get Mississippi straightened out before we worry about the Congo, you'll never get Mississippi straightened out." - Malcolm X, 1964

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Thirst for Justice” is the story of a very dedicated doctor who let his passion for his patients overrule his normal lawfulness. He started out in Seattle as a doctor who became disgusted with the increasing number of police brutality victims. This disgust led him to taking breaks from his hospital to do stints in Africa with an international medical aid organization.

During the doctor’s first tour of duty with the aid agency, an opportunistic, local militia set up a road block to fleece passing vehicles. The doctor refused to fork over money, so he was knocked out, his money was taken, his driver died from a shot to the head, and his female assistant was beaten and raped.

In traumatic situations like this, the aid agency’s policy was to send the medical personnel back to their home countries to recover. However, the doctor’s PTSD didn’t improve. Instead, he spiraled into a very deep depression, and he became very alienated with the wealth and ease of life in the U.S. after having seen how much the people in Africa suffered for a bare minimum of water and food.

The doctor tried to establish a fundraising effort where one cent from every beverage purchase would be donated to address poverty in Africa. Unfortunately, however, the doctor was completely unsuccessful. No companies or legislators would agree to back his plan.

Extremely frustrated, the doctor decided to commit a terrorist act. He put a small amount of a poisonous chemical into the Seattle water supply. The quantity of the chemical was not enough to harm anyone, but the doctor sent emails threatening to increase the dosage if the government didn’t make an announcement within 48 hours to commit 100 billion dollars over 4 years to end poverty in Africa.

The U.S. government officials in charge of figuring out who was behind the terrorist attack reacted with ridiculous anti-terrorist, anti-Muslim accusations that slowed down their finding the doctor. But eventually the officials figured out the doctor was behind everything. Then they tracked him down and waterboarded him to get him to bogusly name New York as his next target and three retired baseball players as his co-conspirators.

Eventually, the doctor was put on trial. But again the government acted atrociously. They rigged the trial by appointing an extremely conservative judge, and they created a biased jury pool. Then the government secretly gave each jurist a million dollars before the trial to find the doctor guilty and deserving of the death penalty. In addition, when one of the jurist balked at convicting the doctor, the FBI threatened to kidnap her daughter.

Good people can do bad things with good motives, and bad people can totally mishandle the situation and trample people’s rights to “protect” our country.

[Isabelle Zimmermann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Michael MacDougall endures a hellish event while in the Congo as part of a group of doctors offering humanitarian aid to the poor and helpless population of the Congolese. When his tour is over, he returns to his former life as a Seattle doctor, married to Marie who has had multiple miscarriages and still births. As Michael and Marie struggle to return to their former lives as a married couple, Micheal is unable to come to terms with American wastefulness - in particular, water waste. Water that would mean life or death back in the Congo, yet is literally poured down the drain back in America. When his attempt at starting an NGO to correct the injustices falls flat, he turns to thoughts of terrorism to make his case heard.
What follows is a travesty, as high ranking government officials become involved and Michael endures extreme hardship while attempting to do what he feels is the right thing to support an ignored sector of the world’s population.
Boyd shines a light on the extreme human suffering in under developed countries and the horrifying disinterest of mega corporations and governments that ignore the issue and refuse to help.
This novel will make you think about wastefulness, the injustices of today’s throw away culture, and what happens when a good person is pushed beyond human limits.
An excellent read that I recommend to everyone regardless of your genre interests. A solid four star book.