52 pages • 1 hour read
What the Eyes Don’t See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance, and Hope in an American City
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Book Brief
384
Book • Nonfiction
Flint, Michigan • 2010s
2018
Adult
16+ years
Super Short Summary
What the Eyes Don’t See by Mona Hanna-Attisha details her journey to uncover and publicize the Flint water crisis, where corrosive water caused lead contamination, posing severe health risks to residents. Amidst bureaucratic denial and indifference, Dr. Mona, inspired by her family's history of activism, champions the cause, emphasizing the urgency of addressing environmental injustices affecting marginalized communities.
Informative
Challenging
Inspirational
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
9,674 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
What the Eyes Don’t See by Mona Hanna-Attisha receives praise for its compelling narrative about the Flint water crisis, combining scientific detail with a personal touch. Critics appreciate the blend of memoir and investigative journalism. However, some find the writing style uneven. Overall, it’s a powerful, enlightening read but occasionally stumbles in pacing.
Who Should Read What the Eyes Don’t See?
Readers who appreciate What the Eyes Don’t See by Mona Hanna-Attisha are generally interested in public health, environmental justice, and social activism. Fans of Silent Spring by Rachel Carson and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot will find this book compelling. It's a must-read for those who care about civic duty and scientific integrity.
9,674 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Alice Hamilton
Alice Hamilton
A medical doctor and social justice activist admired by Dr. Mona for her dedication to improving the lives of workers, the poor, and children. Her efforts in combating TEL in gasoline served as a source of inspiration during the Flint water crisis.
Charles Franklin Kettering
Charles Franklin Kettering
An engineer and inventor who was instrumental in the development of the electric starter and the controversial use of tetra-ethyl lead (TEL) in gasoline. Viewed by Dr. Mona as a key opponent due to the health impacts of leaded gasoline.
Elin Betanzo
Elin Betanzo
An environmental scientist who played a crucial role in initiating Dr. Mona's study on Flint's water. Encouraged Dr. Mona at a family barbeque to investigate the elevated blood-lead levels in Flint children.
Governor Rick Snyder
Governor Rick Snyder
Served as Michigan's governor from 2011-2019 and implemented cost-cutting measures that led to Flint's water crisis. Stripped local political powers and appointed an emergency manager who switched Flint's water supply source.
Haji
Haji
Dr. Mona’s maternal grandfather, who instilled in her values of treating people with respect and standing against injustice. His teachings significantly influenced Dr. Mona's approach during her activism.
Jenny LaChance
Jenny LaChance
A research coordinator at Hurley clinic who assisted Dr. Mona in designing a rigorous and reliable study on Flint's water. Known for her logistical and scientific expertise.
Mayor Dayne Walling
Mayor Dayne Walling
Mayor of Flint from 2009 to 2015, who was involved in the decision to switch Flint's water supply and initially failed to address safety concerns. Lost his reelection bid following the crisis.
Marc Edwards
Marc Edwards
A civil engineer and professor recognized for his contributions to exposing water safety issues in DC and Flint. Provided expert scientific support for Dr. Mona's study and has earned numerous accolades for his work.
Miguel Del Toral
Miguel Del Toral
An EPA official from Chicago who initially raised concerns about lead in Flint's water. His report brought early attention to the crisis, facing pushback from the EPA.
Representative Dan Kildee
Representative Dan Kildee
U.S. Representative for Michigan's fifth district and one of Dr. Mona's first points of contact in Congress. Supported efforts to address the Flint crisis and advocated for public notification regarding lead in water supplies.
384
Book • Nonfiction
Flint, Michigan • 2010s
2018
Adult
16+ years
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