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Appalachian Fall: Dispatches from Coal Country on What's Ailing America
A searing, on-the-ground examination of the collapsing coal industry—and the communities left behind—in the midst of economic and environmental crisis.
Despite fueling a century of American progress, the people at the heart of coal country are being left behind, suffering from unemployment, the opioid epidemic, and environmental crises often at greater rates than anywhere else in the country. But what if Appalachia’s troubles are just a taste of what the future holds for all of us?
Appalachian Fall tells the captivating true story of coal communities on the leading edge of change. A group of local reporters known as the Ohio Valley ReSource shares the real-world impact these changes have had on what was once the heart and soul of America. Including stories
-The miners’ strike in Harlan County after their company suddenly went bankrupt, bouncing their paychecks
-The farmers tilling former mining ground for new cash crops like hemp
-The activists working to fight mountaintop removal and bring clean energy jobs to the region
-And the mothers mourning the loss of their children to overdose and despair
In the wake of the controversial bestseller Hillbilly Elegy , Appalachian Fall addresses what our country owes to a region that provided fuel for a century and what it risks if it stands by watching as the region, and its people, collapse.
Despite fueling a century of American progress, the people at the heart of coal country are being left behind, suffering from unemployment, the opioid epidemic, and environmental crises often at greater rates than anywhere else in the country. But what if Appalachia’s troubles are just a taste of what the future holds for all of us?
Appalachian Fall tells the captivating true story of coal communities on the leading edge of change. A group of local reporters known as the Ohio Valley ReSource shares the real-world impact these changes have had on what was once the heart and soul of America. Including stories
-The miners’ strike in Harlan County after their company suddenly went bankrupt, bouncing their paychecks
-The farmers tilling former mining ground for new cash crops like hemp
-The activists working to fight mountaintop removal and bring clean energy jobs to the region
-And the mothers mourning the loss of their children to overdose and despair
In the wake of the controversial bestseller Hillbilly Elegy , Appalachian Fall addresses what our country owes to a region that provided fuel for a century and what it risks if it stands by watching as the region, and its people, collapse.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published August 11, 2020
43 people are currently reading
1568 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 21, 2020
If nothing else, this very readable volume offers an unfiltered portrait of the corrupted world of the heart of Appalachia. On a couple occasions, the author brings up the idea of a 'resource curse' -- the observation that regions blessed with a wealth of natural resources are ultimately worse off, unequal, disinvested communities with economies lacking diversity. This is a paradigm I'd normally associate with Nigeria or Colombia, but it does seem to fit Appalachia all too well, and that alone might be my main take-away.
The depth of the area's problems is substantial. Immoral industry, debased politics, declining population, an ailing workforce, and to top it all off, intractable environmental devastation.
As these are tough times for coal economies, these are tough times for journalists. This volume, a collective effort from the Ohio Valley ReSource - a regional journalism collaborative - falls squarely into their mission to tell the human stories behind the region's history and development. These are Appalachian reporters aiming to seize control of the message of their own region.
And to some degree, they do well in that mission. There's no shortage of first-hand journalism here, not just citing research but offering profiles of community members seeking to make a difference.
The most convincing aspect is its highlighting the preeminence of structural causes for the region's decline (as opposed to "personal flaws"). Institutions frequently aren't tilted in favor of benefiting the community as a whole.
But in the preface, the claim is made: "We recognize our subjects as people with agency, not simply victims of circumstance. As a friend once told me, journalism should be something that happens in a place, not something that happens to a place."
It's really hard to see much sign of local agency. If anything, the initiatives mentioned here - the promotion of agriculture, the viability of industrial hemp, those who speak truth to power - come across as exceptional and quixotic. They make a great effort to emphasize the local political tendencies as being emblematic of powerlessness as opposed to wrong-headed or backward. Perhaps the poor communities do have reason for their lack of trust in institutions. But the fact remains that this culture of powerlessness is winning out at the expense of those who seek to make positive change.
Another aim of the authors is to promote the idea that "the country is a lot like Appalachia" -- and they are likely correct. A humbling thought.
The depth of the area's problems is substantial. Immoral industry, debased politics, declining population, an ailing workforce, and to top it all off, intractable environmental devastation.
As these are tough times for coal economies, these are tough times for journalists. This volume, a collective effort from the Ohio Valley ReSource - a regional journalism collaborative - falls squarely into their mission to tell the human stories behind the region's history and development. These are Appalachian reporters aiming to seize control of the message of their own region.
And to some degree, they do well in that mission. There's no shortage of first-hand journalism here, not just citing research but offering profiles of community members seeking to make a difference.
The most convincing aspect is its highlighting the preeminence of structural causes for the region's decline (as opposed to "personal flaws"). Institutions frequently aren't tilted in favor of benefiting the community as a whole.
But in the preface, the claim is made: "We recognize our subjects as people with agency, not simply victims of circumstance. As a friend once told me, journalism should be something that happens in a place, not something that happens to a place."
It's really hard to see much sign of local agency. If anything, the initiatives mentioned here - the promotion of agriculture, the viability of industrial hemp, those who speak truth to power - come across as exceptional and quixotic. They make a great effort to emphasize the local political tendencies as being emblematic of powerlessness as opposed to wrong-headed or backward. Perhaps the poor communities do have reason for their lack of trust in institutions. But the fact remains that this culture of powerlessness is winning out at the expense of those who seek to make positive change.
Another aim of the authors is to promote the idea that "the country is a lot like Appalachia" -- and they are likely correct. A humbling thought.
November 13, 2024
A collection of related journalistic articles and profiles on people and events in Appalachia, specifically highlighting the consequences of the declining coal industry and occasionally sharing initiatives to overcome the deleterious consequences.
As eye opening as frustrating, the stories in this book stirred the desires in me to work in sustainable community development.
One complaint that I had (more with the people interviewed than the author) was the recurring idea that the only solution to decreasing tax revenue from mines shutting down is raising taxes. While I lack experience and more innovative solutions, I have not yet given up hope that more innovative and less directly intuitive solutions exist.
As eye opening as frustrating, the stories in this book stirred the desires in me to work in sustainable community development.
One complaint that I had (more with the people interviewed than the author) was the recurring idea that the only solution to decreasing tax revenue from mines shutting down is raising taxes. While I lack experience and more innovative solutions, I have not yet given up hope that more innovative and less directly intuitive solutions exist.
July 3, 2021
The author not only accurately describes issues within the region without buying into stereotyping but he also gives first hand accounts! I absolutely adore this, I’m currently looking for a physical copy for my bookshelf!
February 19, 2021
Appalachian Fall serves as a series of short stories provided by local reporters who are seeking to rebrand how most Americans think of the region of "Appalachia" (from Pennsylvania and West Virginia through northern deep south states like Georgia and Alabama). There are endless stereotypes about the people who live there and most are overtly negative. Appalachian Fall successfully challenges these preconceived notions and offers up a "living autopsy" of what's been happening that have led these communities impoverished and despondent as the world seemingly moves on without them. The book firmly and squarely places the blame for Appalachia's troubles on huge extractive energy companies. Readers encounter endless accounts of how they were glad to use the local labor force and then skip town while weaseling away all responsibilities to build up or restore the area while simultaneously playing "not it" when coal miners came down with devastating and disabling diseases like black lung. As one who has been through Appalachia many times its much easier to judge what you see in the surface without truly realizing how disrupting having an entire economy based on coal can be for both local communities and the natural environment. The book becomes less clear on where to go from here (as of the 2010s) as the damage coal has left is crystal clear but communities built their entire identity around the industry and changing cultural norms and values is a painful and slow process especially for more conservative individuals that mostly make up the area. Appalachian fall is quick to point out that the Trump presidency highlighted the area as a core of their base but the legacy in reality is much more complicated. The book claims that while a vast majority of those counties are deeply red there is more going on than meets the eye. In particular many people living there are wholly distrustful of government in general and vote at rates that are among the lowest in the nation. The authors held back from connecting the dots that they themselves laid out on how Appalachia was screwed by coal companies who caused disinvestment in local economy but many therefore vote for cynical conservatives who insist government can't fix their problems as they continue the cycle of deregulation and tax breaks that have caused the chronic under-investment and lack of faith in government in the first place. And that is where I push back on some of the author's key premises. They bemoan the dwindling population and highlighted some excellent examples of how the region is slowly diversifying their economy but conveniently left out the impact that the area includes a mostly intolerant social fabric which drives out anyone born there who is different (LBGTQ+ etc) and also mostly refuses to be welcoming to minority peoples looking for safe travel and/or recreation.
I appreciate Appalachian Fall for problematizing some of the cheap and wrong stereotypes that are slapped onto the region as they are suffering through the throes of a resource curse. I also feel that the authors wanted to provide a skew of stories but not take on the controversy of connecting the bread crumbs they were laying out. This book does an important job and starts a conversation but it's a difficult one that must be continued even if that requires more difficult introspection. You can simultaneously defend and humanize the people of the region who do not deserve to suffer as many are in Appalachia; but can still challenge the fact that many dove straight into grievance and class warfare politics of a fake "coal comeback to own the libs" that does very little to solve their very real challenges.
I appreciate Appalachian Fall for problematizing some of the cheap and wrong stereotypes that are slapped onto the region as they are suffering through the throes of a resource curse. I also feel that the authors wanted to provide a skew of stories but not take on the controversy of connecting the bread crumbs they were laying out. This book does an important job and starts a conversation but it's a difficult one that must be continued even if that requires more difficult introspection. You can simultaneously defend and humanize the people of the region who do not deserve to suffer as many are in Appalachia; but can still challenge the fact that many dove straight into grievance and class warfare politics of a fake "coal comeback to own the libs" that does very little to solve their very real challenges.
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April 3, 2025Book Review: Appalachian Fall: Dispatches from Coal Country on What’s Ailing America by Jeff Young
Overview
Jeff Young’s Appalachian Fall: Dispatches from Coal Country on What’s Ailing America offers a poignant and insightful examination of the socio-economic and environmental challenges facing the Appalachian region, particularly in the context of the coal industry’s decline. Drawing from in-depth reporting and personal narratives, Young sheds light on the human stories behind the statistics, illustrating how the struggles of coal communities reflect broader issues afflicting America. The book stands as an important contribution to contemporary discussions surrounding economic disparity, environmental justice, and the cultural identity of Appalachia.
Key Themes
Economic Transition and Challenges: Young explores the economic shifts experienced in coal country, particularly the decline of the coal industry and its repercussions on local communities. He presents a detailed analysis of the job losses, the closing of coal mines, and the subsequent effects on local economies. Through personal stories and interviews, Young captures the pervasive sense of loss and uncertainty that accompanies these transitions, emphasizing the need for sustainable economic alternatives and community resilience.
Environmental Impact: The environmental degradation associated with coal mining is a central theme in Young’s narrative. He discusses the lasting impacts of mountaintop removal mining, water pollution, and landscape alteration, bringing to light the often-ignored voices of residents who contend with these environmental issues. Young frames the environmental crisis as an urgent matter of social justice, calling attention to the disproportionate burden borne by marginalized communities in Appalachia.
Cultural Identity and Resilience: Amidst the backdrop of economic and environmental challenges, Young highlights the rich cultural heritage of the Appalachian region. He portrays the deep connections that residents have to their land and community, emphasizing their resilience in the face of adversity. By weaving in personal anecdotes and historical context, Young celebrates the strength of Appalachian identity and the community’s efforts to combat the challenges they face.
Political and Policy Implications: Young does not shy away from examining the political landscape that has shaped the fate of coal country. He critiques policy decisions that have favored corporate interests over community well-being and advocates for policies that prioritize environmental protection and economic development for the residents of Appalachia. His analysis underscores the importance of grassroots movements and local activism in driving meaningful change.
Reflection on the American Experience: The book positions the struggles of Appalachian coal country within the larger narrative of the American experience, inviting readers to reflect on the nation’s values and priorities. Young’s work serves as a call to action, urging a reassessment of how society views and supports marginalized communities, particularly those affected by the decline of traditional industries.
Conclusion
Appalachian Fall: Dispatches from Coal Country on What’s Ailing America is a compelling and timely exploration of the multifaceted challenges faced by coal communities in Appalachia. Jeff Young’s thoughtful narrative combines journalistic rigor with an empathetic understanding of the people and places he writes about, making the book both informative and deeply moving.
This title is highly recommended for scholars, students, and anyone interested in environmental studies, economic development, and social justice. Young’s ability to weave personal stories with broader thematic concerns fosters a deeper understanding of the complexities of modern America, making Appalachian Fall an essential read for those seeking to grasp the intricate relationship between industry, community, and identity in the face of change.
Overview
Jeff Young’s Appalachian Fall: Dispatches from Coal Country on What’s Ailing America offers a poignant and insightful examination of the socio-economic and environmental challenges facing the Appalachian region, particularly in the context of the coal industry’s decline. Drawing from in-depth reporting and personal narratives, Young sheds light on the human stories behind the statistics, illustrating how the struggles of coal communities reflect broader issues afflicting America. The book stands as an important contribution to contemporary discussions surrounding economic disparity, environmental justice, and the cultural identity of Appalachia.
Key Themes
Economic Transition and Challenges: Young explores the economic shifts experienced in coal country, particularly the decline of the coal industry and its repercussions on local communities. He presents a detailed analysis of the job losses, the closing of coal mines, and the subsequent effects on local economies. Through personal stories and interviews, Young captures the pervasive sense of loss and uncertainty that accompanies these transitions, emphasizing the need for sustainable economic alternatives and community resilience.
Environmental Impact: The environmental degradation associated with coal mining is a central theme in Young’s narrative. He discusses the lasting impacts of mountaintop removal mining, water pollution, and landscape alteration, bringing to light the often-ignored voices of residents who contend with these environmental issues. Young frames the environmental crisis as an urgent matter of social justice, calling attention to the disproportionate burden borne by marginalized communities in Appalachia.
Cultural Identity and Resilience: Amidst the backdrop of economic and environmental challenges, Young highlights the rich cultural heritage of the Appalachian region. He portrays the deep connections that residents have to their land and community, emphasizing their resilience in the face of adversity. By weaving in personal anecdotes and historical context, Young celebrates the strength of Appalachian identity and the community’s efforts to combat the challenges they face.
Political and Policy Implications: Young does not shy away from examining the political landscape that has shaped the fate of coal country. He critiques policy decisions that have favored corporate interests over community well-being and advocates for policies that prioritize environmental protection and economic development for the residents of Appalachia. His analysis underscores the importance of grassroots movements and local activism in driving meaningful change.
Reflection on the American Experience: The book positions the struggles of Appalachian coal country within the larger narrative of the American experience, inviting readers to reflect on the nation’s values and priorities. Young’s work serves as a call to action, urging a reassessment of how society views and supports marginalized communities, particularly those affected by the decline of traditional industries.
Conclusion
Appalachian Fall: Dispatches from Coal Country on What’s Ailing America is a compelling and timely exploration of the multifaceted challenges faced by coal communities in Appalachia. Jeff Young’s thoughtful narrative combines journalistic rigor with an empathetic understanding of the people and places he writes about, making the book both informative and deeply moving.
This title is highly recommended for scholars, students, and anyone interested in environmental studies, economic development, and social justice. Young’s ability to weave personal stories with broader thematic concerns fosters a deeper understanding of the complexities of modern America, making Appalachian Fall an essential read for those seeking to grasp the intricate relationship between industry, community, and identity in the face of change.
August 20, 2024
Appalachian Fall was an even deeper dive into the economics of the region that I had yearned for in "What you don't know about Appalachia". Jeff Young takes an approach of focusing on what the coal industry has done to this region and its people, how it has affected them, and what we should do to move forward.
A very common fabrication that permeates a lot of people in the US is that the region of Appalachia is "other" when compared to the rest of the country. This being despite the fact it suffers from many of the same ailments that can be found across the country, and is often lead by an image in people's minds that those who inhabit the region are all below the poverty line and are responsible for their current situation. This mindset is similar to those who think all of Africa is one big desert.
The book is mostly a diatribe of why and how the coal industry has had no respect or regard for the health and safety of the population and environment. It handles the politics of why the region appears to have been unified behind Trump due to his promises for "beautiful coal" but that less than half of the population voted at all, let alone for Trump. Covering the tax cuts that the local government was required to enact due to lack of payment for proper taxes from the coal industry is devastating to think about, and thankfully Jeff Young includes many amazing people and their organizational prowess as they try to continue to give Appalachia the respect it deserves.
A very common fabrication that permeates a lot of people in the US is that the region of Appalachia is "other" when compared to the rest of the country. This being despite the fact it suffers from many of the same ailments that can be found across the country, and is often lead by an image in people's minds that those who inhabit the region are all below the poverty line and are responsible for their current situation. This mindset is similar to those who think all of Africa is one big desert.
The book is mostly a diatribe of why and how the coal industry has had no respect or regard for the health and safety of the population and environment. It handles the politics of why the region appears to have been unified behind Trump due to his promises for "beautiful coal" but that less than half of the population voted at all, let alone for Trump. Covering the tax cuts that the local government was required to enact due to lack of payment for proper taxes from the coal industry is devastating to think about, and thankfully Jeff Young includes many amazing people and their organizational prowess as they try to continue to give Appalachia the respect it deserves.
August 6, 2020
Disclaimer: I received this book as part of GoodReads' First Reads program
It's quite common for those of use who live in other regions of the country to look down on the people of Appalachia. They're a bunch of in-bread hillbillies and dumb miners, right? Well, not really. This book takes a good look at the people who live in this region of the country, which has been hard hit by changes in the energy sector in recent years. These are hard working people who delivered the material that, until very recently, powered our homes, stores, factories and places of business. Their environment had been ruined by greedy corporations that took everything they could out of the earth and then closed up shop and left town, often without even paying the workers for the last load of coal they dug. Pensions and benefits all disappeared when bankruptcies were filed, property values plummeted, and people were left with nothing but black lung after a lifetime of service. Read this book to get a good overview of the region and the issues involved. It's well worth the time.
It's quite common for those of use who live in other regions of the country to look down on the people of Appalachia. They're a bunch of in-bread hillbillies and dumb miners, right? Well, not really. This book takes a good look at the people who live in this region of the country, which has been hard hit by changes in the energy sector in recent years. These are hard working people who delivered the material that, until very recently, powered our homes, stores, factories and places of business. Their environment had been ruined by greedy corporations that took everything they could out of the earth and then closed up shop and left town, often without even paying the workers for the last load of coal they dug. Pensions and benefits all disappeared when bankruptcies were filed, property values plummeted, and people were left with nothing but black lung after a lifetime of service. Read this book to get a good overview of the region and the issues involved. It's well worth the time.
September 9, 2020
A rare book that I would recommend to anyone. Appalachian Fall points out a "bipartisan brand of disdain" and it deserves the five stars for that description alone.
I grew up on the western edge of Appalachia (Clermont County, Ohio) but I've spent most of adulthood outside of the area. This book provides enough history and current news to be accessible and informative to anyone.
It's written by public radio journalists and it shows. So often nonfiction is either chapter after chapter of statistics or a handful of personal stories with no data to back them up. This book very effectively uses the public radio news model of compelling stories alongside hard news. It was cool to recognize stories I had heard on NPR, like the miners blocking a coal shipment train until they got paid.
I do have beef with one error: a source is said to "now work at the University of Indiana in Bloomington" instead of "Indiana University Bloomington." It's a common mistake but annoying.
I grew up on the western edge of Appalachia (Clermont County, Ohio) but I've spent most of adulthood outside of the area. This book provides enough history and current news to be accessible and informative to anyone.
It's written by public radio journalists and it shows. So often nonfiction is either chapter after chapter of statistics or a handful of personal stories with no data to back them up. This book very effectively uses the public radio news model of compelling stories alongside hard news. It was cool to recognize stories I had heard on NPR, like the miners blocking a coal shipment train until they got paid.
I do have beef with one error: a source is said to "now work at the University of Indiana in Bloomington" instead of "Indiana University Bloomington." It's a common mistake but annoying.
April 24, 2021
This is a must read about the coal industry. My grandfather worked in the mines in schuylkill county,pa. He died of black lung in 1989. I would go up to his house on summer days to see if he would want to sit outside, he said he couldn’t go out because the humidity was to high for him to breathe. I started with PADEP in Air Quality (I monitor the ambient air in PA) in 2006. Now I know the reason why he couldn’t breathe. Ozone and PM 2.5 levels were high those specific days. It had nothing to do with the humidity. This is what happens when we burn fossil fuels. I was reading the part of the book about the plant in Monaca, PA in Monaca,PA. I was doing my yearly audits on air monitors on the west side of PA. At my hotel that evening, I started reading the book and the Monaca story came up. We have numerous monitors surrounding this plant. Coal is going to be extinct soon. I’m glad to see there are programs out there to help these people transition into other professions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2025
I don’t think I’ve ever had a book change my perspective like this before. I picked this up at my local library when signing up for a library card. I figured that since I live here now, I should probably know about the area and why things are the way they are. Besides Hillbilly Elegy, I haven’t read much about Appalachia but I have to say I prefer this!
I regret all of the negative stereotypes I’ve had about the region, especially since moving here and getting used to the culture/ways of life. I really enjoyed how this book explained why things are the way that they are. I have to agree with the point made that Appalachia isn’t behind the rest of the country, but ahead. Especially through things like addiction, the rich taking advantage of the working class, and how we need to see the negative impacts of these things before it affects the rest of the country.
I regret all of the negative stereotypes I’ve had about the region, especially since moving here and getting used to the culture/ways of life. I really enjoyed how this book explained why things are the way that they are. I have to agree with the point made that Appalachia isn’t behind the rest of the country, but ahead. Especially through things like addiction, the rich taking advantage of the working class, and how we need to see the negative impacts of these things before it affects the rest of the country.
November 10, 2020
Appalachian Fall was an excellent read on the current and historical issues facing (former) coal country, told with a clear style and a refreshing lack of rose-lensed ahistorical pining for a false past. It was an excellent survey read on a highly politicized region of the US, told through a number of interviews and with excellent scholarship on the past of the region. And thanks to it, when I saw Jim Justice won the election last Tuesday, I cussed my fool head off. So that's nice too, always good to have something to cuss at.
If you're looking for a coherent narrative, this probably isn't your book. Since it was edited together out of a number of dispatches from a number of reporters, it can get a bit jumpy, but... it's a survey document, not a deep dive. So bear that in mind.
If you're looking for a coherent narrative, this probably isn't your book. Since it was edited together out of a number of dispatches from a number of reporters, it can get a bit jumpy, but... it's a survey document, not a deep dive. So bear that in mind.
January 2, 2021
A 3 is a bit lower than I’d like to give, but it just fell short of my expectations and hopes. I understand the difficulty and impossibility of truly reporting out on Appalachia and all the factors that have brought the region to where it is today, but this felt overly topline and disjointed. While there is a clear effort to show data and research, the political and social lean of the writer came through too much at points as well - at times leading to ignored implications of ideas or policies they would favor (whereas implications of policies elsewhere were explored).
With that said, it was an interesting, engaging, and nuanced read that helps give a good 40k foot view of some of the biggest issues plaguing the region, and potential footholds for hope.
With that said, it was an interesting, engaging, and nuanced read that helps give a good 40k foot view of some of the biggest issues plaguing the region, and potential footholds for hope.
March 9, 2026
I picked this book up from the library after deciding I was going to make a more deliberate effort to read non-fiction this year. The author covers a multitude of subjects as it relates to the Appalachian region’s reliance on coal and the “paradox of plenty,” as mentioned throughout the book. The author has an ability to talk about the unique problems the region faces without stereotyping, something a lot of authors struggle with when writing about Appalachia (I’m looking at you JD Vance). Really solid read and taught me a lot that I was not previously aware of, even as the granddaughter of a career coal miner in Southern West Virginia. 4/5
June 20, 2021
This series of essays looks at the Appalachian region and its people through the lens’ of several challenges they have and are facing. This book tackles issues including the declining coal industry, environmental disasters, failing infrastructure, poverty and the opioid epidemic. I found it very interesting and educational and although at this point I shouldn’t find it shocking how corrupt some politicians are, once again I learned just how much lower some people can go - I’m talking about you Mitch McConnell. For an in-depth look at Appalachia and some excellent reporting on the issues I that region, I highly recommend this one!!
August 26, 2020
This was a eye opening book into a world I know nothing about. I was really surprised at how quickly it became a page turn, considering it is a non-fiction book on a top that honestly didn't interest me before reading this title.
This book went deeper into the dirty workings of the coal industry for generations and gives a better understanding to what is really happening and what has been happening.
This book went deeper into the dirty workings of the coal industry for generations and gives a better understanding to what is really happening and what has been happening.
March 16, 2021
I hope this book starts a new trend in non-fiction: a consortium of trained journalists giving voice to stakeholders in a news desert on an issue often co-opted by outsiders to manipulate broader public opinion, due to ignorance by the masses. Those closest to coal -- the miners, their families, and their neighbors -- deserve to be truly heard in the national debate over the country's economic and energy future.
April 24, 2021
An interesting look into the region of Appalachia, especially parts of Kentucky, West Virginia and Ohio. The author talks about declining coal industry, how to retrain workers, addiction crisis in these communities and pollution and health hazards of coal mining. He provides a lot of research, quality journalism and anecdotal evidence from interviews with many people who live in these communities. The book is eye opening and important reading.
August 26, 2020
I won this book as a give-a-way from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. I loved Hillbilly Elegy by J D Vance and the topic of coal country is close to my heart. I found the author's exploration of the question of what, if anything, is owed to the communities in coal country and what the consequences of collapse might be.
July 25, 2024
Good overview of the issues that face the region
“The resource curse, also known as the paradox of plenty or the poverty paradox, is the phenomenon of countries with an abundance of natural resources (such as fossil fuels and certain minerals) having less economic growth, less democracy, or worse development outcomes than countries with fewer natural resources.”
“The resource curse, also known as the paradox of plenty or the poverty paradox, is the phenomenon of countries with an abundance of natural resources (such as fossil fuels and certain minerals) having less economic growth, less democracy, or worse development outcomes than countries with fewer natural resources.”
August 28, 2020
I received this book from a Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you!
What an important read! I didn't know much about Appalachia and its inhabitants until I read this book. I found it educational and very interesting.
What an important read! I didn't know much about Appalachia and its inhabitants until I read this book. I found it educational and very interesting.
January 19, 2023
Wonderful work telling some of the true stories, trials, and possible solutions for this area. It is hard to be an inhabitant of this wonderful region of the country and continuously see it exploited.
August 7, 2023
DNF. Something about the way this one was written was just really hard to read. Some of the facts listed felt very manipulated, and what was an important subject just wasn’t reported on the way it deserved. It was very disappointing.
August 16, 2020
An eye-opening book, an important read, I think!
December 24, 2020
Concise and well-written work of literary journalism that mixes profiles and chapters focuses on the contemporary challenges of Appalachia and those fighting to make life in the region better.
February 12, 2021
This was very informative and well-written.
June 2, 2021
Intriguing and data driven look into the structural problems facing Appalachia.
June 27, 2021
A book that should be a must-read for any student or educator in higher ed, especially any that study or work in the Appalachian region. Highly recommend.
September 28, 2021
This is “message” journalism.
April 24, 2022
Actual issues and perspectives, counteracting “Hillbilly Elegy” nonsense
April 28, 2023
I don't think this book is as "nuanced," as the author thinks.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews