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432
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Colorado • 1950s-1990s
2012
Adult
18+ years
1030L
Full Body Burden: Growing up in the Nuclear Shadow of Rocky Flats is a 2012 nonfiction account by Kristen Iversen, blending memoir and investigative journalism. It details Iversen’s life near Denver, Colorado, focusing on her family's dynamics and the nearby Rocky Flats nuclear facility, which secretly produced plutonium triggers for atomic bombs. The book covers the facility’s history, environmental contamination, public protests, government investigations, and legal battles regarding radioactive pollution, alongside Iversen’s personal growth and career. Sensitive topics include familial substance abuse and environmental health risks due to radiation exposure.
Informative
Unnerving
Melancholic
Contemplative
Dark
5,080 ratings
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Mixed feelings
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Full Body Burden by Kristen Iversen is lauded for its gripping narrative and thorough research, blending a personal memoir with an exposé on the Rocky Flats nuclear plant. Positive insights highlight its detailed investigative journalism and emotional depth. Criticisms include a perceived imbalance between personal anecdotes and broader historical context, sometimes affecting the narrative flow.
A reader who would enjoy Kristen Iversen’s Full Body Burden is interested in environmental issues, memoirs, and Cold War history. Fans of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring or Rebecca Skloot’s The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks may find it particularly compelling for its merging of personal narrative with investigative journalism.
5,080 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Dad
Iversen's father, who works as a lawyer and grapples with alcoholism, creating a tense family environment and facing legal issues over time.
Mom
Iversen's mother, who copes with the challenges of family secrecy and financial strain while maintaining a turbulent relationship with her husband.
Karin
Iversen's younger sister, known for her rebellious nature and strong-willed actions within the family.
Karma
Another of Iversen's sisters, an environmental activist and horseback riding enthusiast who carries her passion for activism into adulthood.
Kurt
The youngest sibling in the Iversen family, who endures recurring health problems that cause concern due to the proximity to Rocky Flats.
Mark Robertson
Iversen's college boyfriend, who shares her love for adventure and holds strong anti-war and anti-nuclear views.
Randy Sullivan
A neighbor and later a colleague of Iversen at Rocky Flats, whose professional experiences reflect the plant's hazardous environment.
Dr. Carl Johnson
The Jefferson County Board of Health director known for his studies on nuclear contamination and the health impacts of Rocky Flats.
Ann White
A local activist opposing Rocky Flats' operations, known for her participation in demonstrations and notable interactions with public figures.
Pat McCormick
A nun active in social justice causes, especially at Rocky Flats, who participates in symbolic protest actions at the plant.
Debby Clark
One of the few female security guards at Rocky Flats, who witnesses the tension between management and activists during protests.
Jon Lipsky
An FBI agent leading the significant raid on Rocky Flats, instrumental in uncovering environmental misconduct at the facility.
Jacque Brever
A whistleblower at Rocky Flats who provides crucial information to the FBI despite facing significant personal and professional backlash.
Wes McKinley
The foreman of the grand jury trial following the FBI raid on Rocky Flats, astonished by the trial's findings and implications.
Peter Nordberg
A Philadelphia attorney representing landowners in a lawsuit against Rocky Flats, dedicated to the case throughout his career.
432
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Colorado • 1950s-1990s
2012
Adult
18+ years
1030L
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