52 pages • 1 hour read
Amity and Prosperity: One Family and the Fracturing of America
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Book Brief
336
Book • Nonfiction
Appalachia • 21st century
2018
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Amity and Prosperity by Eliza Griswold investigates the impact of natural gas drilling on a community in Pennsylvania's western Washington County, focusing on Stacey Haney, who battles Range Resources after leasing her land for fracking and facing water contamination and health issues in her family. Topics of severe illness and environmental pollution are present.
Informative
Unnerving
Melancholic
Dark
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
4,899 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Eliza Griswold's Amity and Prosperity offers a compelling, well-researched narrative on fracking's impact on a Pennsylvania community. Critics praise its thorough reportage and vivid storytelling but note occasional dense technical explanations. The book balances human interest with investigative journalism, although some readers wished for a broader perspective.
Who Should Read Amity and Prosperity?
Readers who are drawn to investigative journalism and environmental activism will appreciate Amity and Prosperity by Eliza Griswold. Fans of works like The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot will find its blend of personal narrative and social issues compelling.
4,899 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Stacey Haney
Stacey Haney
A hardworking nurse and single mother who becomes the main protagonist in her fight against Range Resources over the impacts of fracking on her family's health and home.
Beth Voyles
Beth Voyles
Stacey’s neighbor and ally in her battle against Range Resources, known for her fierce and unwavering determination to combat the consequences of fracking on their community.
Kendra Smith
Kendra Smith
A lawyer at Smith Butz who represents Stacey and Beth pro bono, leveraging her background in corporate law to challenge Range Resources and the governmental agencies involved.
John Smith
John Smith
Partner at Smith Butz and husband to Kendra, who assists in representing local residents against fracking impacts and challenges Pennsylvania legislation related to fracking.
Loren “Buzz” Kiskadden
Loren “Buzz” Kiskadden
A neighbor of Stacey and Beth, living nearby, and a participant in the lawsuit against Range Resources due to concerns about his water quality.
Harley Haney
Harley Haney
Stacey's son who suffers health issues potentially related to fracking, impacting his education and well-being.
336
Book • Nonfiction
Appalachia • 21st century
2018
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Adult
18+ years
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