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Desperate: An Epic Battle for Clean Water and Justice in Appalachia
Set in Appalachian coal country, this “superb” ( Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ) legal drama follows one determined lawyer as he faces a coal industry giant in a seven-year battle over clean drinking water for a West Virginia community.
For two decades, the water in the taps and wells of Mingo County didn’t look, smell, or taste right. Could the water be the root of the health problems—from kidney stones to cancer—in this Appalachian community? Environmental lawyer Kevin Thompson certainly thought so.
For seven years, Thompson waged an epic legal battle against Massey Energy, West Virginia’s most powerful coal company, helmed by CEO Don Blankenship. While Massey’s lawyers worked out of a gray glass office tower in Charleston known as “the Death Star,” Thompson set up shop in a ramshackle hotel in the fading coal town of Williamson. Working with fellow lawyers and a crew of young activists, Thompson would eventually uncover the ruthless shortcuts that put the community’s drinking water at risk.
Retired coal miners, women whose families had lived in the area’s coal camps for generations, a respected preacher and his brother, all put their trust in Thompson when they had nowhere else to turn. Desperate is a masterful work of investigative reporting about greed and denial, “both a case study in exploitation of the little guy and a playbook for confronting it” ( Kirkus Reviews ). Maher crafts a revealing portrait of a town besieged by hardship and heartbreak, and an inspiring account of one tenacious environmental lawyer’s mission to expose the truth and demand justice.
For two decades, the water in the taps and wells of Mingo County didn’t look, smell, or taste right. Could the water be the root of the health problems—from kidney stones to cancer—in this Appalachian community? Environmental lawyer Kevin Thompson certainly thought so.
For seven years, Thompson waged an epic legal battle against Massey Energy, West Virginia’s most powerful coal company, helmed by CEO Don Blankenship. While Massey’s lawyers worked out of a gray glass office tower in Charleston known as “the Death Star,” Thompson set up shop in a ramshackle hotel in the fading coal town of Williamson. Working with fellow lawyers and a crew of young activists, Thompson would eventually uncover the ruthless shortcuts that put the community’s drinking water at risk.
Retired coal miners, women whose families had lived in the area’s coal camps for generations, a respected preacher and his brother, all put their trust in Thompson when they had nowhere else to turn. Desperate is a masterful work of investigative reporting about greed and denial, “both a case study in exploitation of the little guy and a playbook for confronting it” ( Kirkus Reviews ). Maher crafts a revealing portrait of a town besieged by hardship and heartbreak, and an inspiring account of one tenacious environmental lawyer’s mission to expose the truth and demand justice.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published October 12, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 11, 2024
Great plot, light on storytelling and editing
In the Appalachia Mountains, families surrounding some coal mines turn their water taps on in their homes only to discover black and orange sludge pouring out. The houses start to smell, and the water filters and water heaters are breaking rapidly. The families are also experiencing a wide range of health problems, and some have even died. The family know exactly who is to blame, the local coal company, Massey. Desperate details these families quest for justice in an unfair system.
If you read almost any of my reviews, you know I have a big soft spot for social justice. How Beautiful We Were was one of my favorite books of 2021. The plot was extremely interesting, and I know firsthand how difficult it can be to "win" in a completely dysfunctional system where most people could not care less about your suffering or if you die waiting for help. However, this book read a lot like a newspaper article. The author is a staff reporter for the Wall Street Journal. The writing style was filled with a great amount of facts and extreme detail. But facts and figures don't really stir the soul like a great story. How Beautiful We Were really focused on the angst and heartbreak surrounding one family in particular. Desperate seemed to try to cover so many different stories, sub-stories, and history. It also needed to be edited down. Some of the material didn't advance the story, and some of the quotes should have been shortened.
Overall, an informative book about one community's fight for clean water in a broken system with a very heavy emphasis on facts and lacked passion.
*Thanks, Simon and Schuster for a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest opinion.
2024 Reading Schedule
Jan Middlemarch
Feb The Grapes of Wrath
Mar Oliver Twist
Apr Madame Bovary
May A Clockwork Orange
Jun Possession
Jul The Folk of the Faraway Tree Collection
Aug Crime and Punishment
Sep Heart of Darkness
Oct Moby-Dick
Nov Far From the Madding Crowd
Dec A Tale of Two Cities
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In the Appalachia Mountains, families surrounding some coal mines turn their water taps on in their homes only to discover black and orange sludge pouring out. The houses start to smell, and the water filters and water heaters are breaking rapidly. The families are also experiencing a wide range of health problems, and some have even died. The family know exactly who is to blame, the local coal company, Massey. Desperate details these families quest for justice in an unfair system.
If you read almost any of my reviews, you know I have a big soft spot for social justice. How Beautiful We Were was one of my favorite books of 2021. The plot was extremely interesting, and I know firsthand how difficult it can be to "win" in a completely dysfunctional system where most people could not care less about your suffering or if you die waiting for help. However, this book read a lot like a newspaper article. The author is a staff reporter for the Wall Street Journal. The writing style was filled with a great amount of facts and extreme detail. But facts and figures don't really stir the soul like a great story. How Beautiful We Were really focused on the angst and heartbreak surrounding one family in particular. Desperate seemed to try to cover so many different stories, sub-stories, and history. It also needed to be edited down. Some of the material didn't advance the story, and some of the quotes should have been shortened.
Overall, an informative book about one community's fight for clean water in a broken system with a very heavy emphasis on facts and lacked passion.
*Thanks, Simon and Schuster for a free copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest opinion.
2024 Reading Schedule
Jan Middlemarch
Feb The Grapes of Wrath
Mar Oliver Twist
Apr Madame Bovary
May A Clockwork Orange
Jun Possession
Jul The Folk of the Faraway Tree Collection
Aug Crime and Punishment
Sep Heart of Darkness
Oct Moby-Dick
Nov Far From the Madding Crowd
Dec A Tale of Two Cities
Connect With Me!
Blog Twitter BookTube Facebook Insta
May 25, 2021
I blurbed it: "'Desperate' is an exhilarating chronicle of what it takes to build a better world. Kris Maher’s brilliant reporting is the fuel behind this propulsive story of brass-tacks Appalachian justice, closely following a troubling case that forces us to face the hardest questions of public health and power. Its call for long-haul environmental accountability will resonate in every community that has been at the mercy of those who never seem to stop taking."
August 18, 2021
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.
December 20, 2022
Super interesting look, and also deeply heart wrenching, if not always written in a way to demonstrate that
September 4, 2021
I decided to read Desperate last month, in honor of World Water Week! Huge thanks to @scribnerbooks, @netgalley for the #gifted review copy!
Desperate recounts the work of environmental lawyer Kevin Thompson as he worked with residents in the “Forgotten Communities” of Mingo County, West Virginia as they sued one of the largest and most powerful coal companies in the state. For decades, the drinking water in residents’ private wells was contaminated with coal slurry and caused significant health and property damage.
This work of investigative journalism was a great account into this legal battle against Massey Coal and CEO, Don Blankenship. Safe and reliable drinking water access is a huge issue for me and one I work on daily, so I was very excited to read this book!
You’ll feel a variety of emotions during this book—from sadness at the amount of pain these communities have endured to anger at the coal company and their many tactics to avoid responsibility.
I’m always inspired by environmental lawyers, and Kevin Thompson and his team are no exception to that. While this story didn’t have the “flashy” outcome you’d likely see in a movie, he did what was best for the community and has spent YEARS helping communities in West Virginia address environmental concerns and dangers.
Overall, I think this is a great piece of investigative journalism! I think some sections of the book could’ve been excluded or trimmed down (the history of the Hatfields and McCoy’s, Blankenship’s entire history), but others might enjoy the more in-depth historical information.
Desperate recounts the work of environmental lawyer Kevin Thompson as he worked with residents in the “Forgotten Communities” of Mingo County, West Virginia as they sued one of the largest and most powerful coal companies in the state. For decades, the drinking water in residents’ private wells was contaminated with coal slurry and caused significant health and property damage.
This work of investigative journalism was a great account into this legal battle against Massey Coal and CEO, Don Blankenship. Safe and reliable drinking water access is a huge issue for me and one I work on daily, so I was very excited to read this book!
You’ll feel a variety of emotions during this book—from sadness at the amount of pain these communities have endured to anger at the coal company and their many tactics to avoid responsibility.
I’m always inspired by environmental lawyers, and Kevin Thompson and his team are no exception to that. While this story didn’t have the “flashy” outcome you’d likely see in a movie, he did what was best for the community and has spent YEARS helping communities in West Virginia address environmental concerns and dangers.
Overall, I think this is a great piece of investigative journalism! I think some sections of the book could’ve been excluded or trimmed down (the history of the Hatfields and McCoy’s, Blankenship’s entire history), but others might enjoy the more in-depth historical information.
May 4, 2023
At first I wanted to say some pretty awful things about Joe Manchin. Actually, I still do. But thinking of a republican having control of his seat would be the same, if not worse. It’s so frustrating to read stories like this knowing that people still vote against their own interests.
It just echos the tail of Flint, Michigan. How many more communities are willing to vote for those who poison them? How many communities do we have to watch suffer the consequences of politicians and companies skirting around safety rules? Such a frustrating read, but a necessary one.
It just echos the tail of Flint, Michigan. How many more communities are willing to vote for those who poison them? How many communities do we have to watch suffer the consequences of politicians and companies skirting around safety rules? Such a frustrating read, but a necessary one.
March 23, 2022
This is an epic must read for anyone who is interested in environmental activism, or even just wants a glimpse into some of the many struggles the people of Appalachia face. It puts a face on big business and the harm it causes small families and communities. Well researched and written; it is a book that will stick with me for a long time to come.
July 15, 2022
I appreciated the epilogue the most. An insight to life after the story was as important and interesting as the epic tale itself
April 12, 2022
I won a copy of this book in a goodreads giveaway!
I think this was a really interesting story about a topic I had never heard of (outside of the DIIV song Blankenship, ostensibly about the coal company CEO). I thought the author did a good job of weaving together all the threads of this complicated case, and the through line was easy to follow despite all the twists and turns. I do think that there were certain extraneous details that could have been cut, though. In my opinion, the stories about the people affected by the water c0ntaminated were much more interesting and memorable than the stories about the legal staff or even Thompson himself in a lot of cases. So, I would have cut down on some of those details to talk more about the clients themselves. But still, this book is definitely worth reading if you're interested in environmental law or issues of social or legal justice.
I think this was a really interesting story about a topic I had never heard of (outside of the DIIV song Blankenship, ostensibly about the coal company CEO). I thought the author did a good job of weaving together all the threads of this complicated case, and the through line was easy to follow despite all the twists and turns. I do think that there were certain extraneous details that could have been cut, though. In my opinion, the stories about the people affected by the water c0ntaminated were much more interesting and memorable than the stories about the legal staff or even Thompson himself in a lot of cases. So, I would have cut down on some of those details to talk more about the clients themselves. But still, this book is definitely worth reading if you're interested in environmental law or issues of social or legal justice.
November 3, 2021
This is an amazing book about a small community in WV that had to fight years for clean water. The people took on big coal company, Massey Energy and it's former CEO Don Blankenship, which was accused of polluting their water for more time than anyone could imagine. Their attorney fought on their behalf for seven years to bring these forgotten communities justice. It's hard to imagine the struggle and conditions these people endured when common sense would make you think the state and local government could have enforced a change.... Maher's book grips you and takes you on a journey of hope, struggle and justice. A must read for everyone who cares about the environment and clean water as a basic human right.
November 13, 2022
Learned alot about the coal industry and alot of it is horrifying. The book follows a lawyer pursuing a legal case against a coal company for injuries related to water contamination from mining. The cost containing and cutting practices of the industry and the ecological and human suffering wrought are appalling. The case is complex and drags on for years and the book is very thorough leading to some slogging for the reader. In some ways it might have been better presented as a long New Yorker article or have had some of the extreme detail omitted than such a detailed account, this the 4 rather than 5 star rating. Look at the satellite view of West Virginia on Google and you will see from space the disaster that mining has caused above ground, so much more below.
July 5, 2022
This is really well done and an easy read. I would definitely recommend to anyone interested in this topic. Felt like it wrapped up a bit quickly to me after a slower pace to the plot overall. The epilogue hints at enough content for another two books, but that may just be the good writing. The legal case gets complex and so the story line moves a bit away from the complexity of the characters, many of whom are insightful and likable. I missed their presence in the later parts of the book, but so not miss the parallel of this as a critique of the case itself.
August 31, 2023
It is a well written book that explains in depth the problems of unclean water in the Appalachia area, as well as the legal fight for clean water. The only real downside of this book is that it can be hard to read for those not already familiar with topics such as clean water, law, Appalachia, etc.
June 11, 2023
A really poignant and investigative book on a court case- a classic David vs Goliath set in the southern coalfields of West Virginia where four small communities fight with a lawyer operating out of a hotel room with one of America's biggest energy companies for access to clean water
September 1, 2023
Such a crazy story and what these people were put through. I had family near Whitesville and I’m glad they talked about the Upper Big Branch mine explosion in this book, too often people in the hollers are forgotten about as the rest of the country goes on with their lives.
December 6, 2021
This book is powerful. With great characters and a page turner from the beginning to end!
April 2, 2022
Gripping and so wrong. What these folks went through to get clean water is horrifying
October 5, 2023
Always so angry after I finish books like this! Greed and corruption at the expense of people just trying to live their lives, not to mention environmental degradation!!
February 14, 2022
Tried to read this a month ago and couldn't get into it because the sheer amount of time spent on giving us "character vibes" prior to things getting moving; I did get through it the second time on audio but there were so much that was included and I couldn't see why. Maybe I'm too much of a policy wonk who wants to know the legal history, but knowing that the lawyer for Massy referenced Yoda in some banter with the judge to me doesn't seem relavent to the story here. Some characterisation is obviously important but for me, there was just too much here
February 27, 2022
In 2004, attorney Kevin Thompson began working with residents of Mingo County, West Virginia, and took on Massey Energy over ground and water pollution from its coal mine slurry. The author interviewed attorneys and staff from both sides, plaintiffs, judges, and former Massey CEO Don Blankenship in compiling this very thorough book about the case, which made its way to the courts in 2009 and was finally resolved in 2016.
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November 26, 2022So excited I will be receiving a copy! I am writing a review holding spot. I have won a copy from Goodreads and am absolutely excited to receive, read and review. I will keep you updated! Cheers!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2024
Very thorough book on environmental contamination. Balanced well with the story of coal and Appalachian history.
August 8, 2024
Great story about a part of the country and an industry I know nothing about, could have used some editing down to make this more of a narrative.
December 24, 2022
I was able to preview this nonfiction environmental/ lawsuit book from NetGalley in exchange for a review. I was highly interested in the topic of water pollution and West Virginia, as I have an environmental protection degree from WVU.
I wanted to like this book, and in a way I did, but not the whole of the book. It seemed disjointed and too long. The details of the conversations was for me too much. I was looking for more of a chronology. I did appreciate the WV history that I was not expecting, and I appreciated that the author documented all of the sources and justifications for including the material. I may revisit the copy I have again in the future to see if I have judged it to harshly.
I wanted to like this book, and in a way I did, but not the whole of the book. It seemed disjointed and too long. The details of the conversations was for me too much. I was looking for more of a chronology. I did appreciate the WV history that I was not expecting, and I appreciated that the author documented all of the sources and justifications for including the material. I may revisit the copy I have again in the future to see if I have judged it to harshly.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews