Initial DNF Review: i did enjoy reading it but the fact that the person who gave it to me started giving me the cold shoulder kinda dissuaded me from finishing 

Finished Review: basically only a book for attorneys that have an interest in environmental law - it’s laden with legal jargon and has lengthy descriptions of trial procedures. I found the first third pretty interesting, particularly the mystery of it all, but the trial itself was tough to get through, regardless of how much I wanted to find out what happened. The ending

was pretty disappointing. I know that it’s the reality of the situation, but I feel like the build up just to reveal that he basically lost everything was such a let down.

Also, there were a ton of names and characters to keep track of - I wish I had a list in the book somewhere. If anything, I did find the picture of a flawed legal system important, and I was finding it hard to put the book down during its engaging chapters. 

This is a crucial work of pure dedication by Jonathan Harr. He goes into intricate detail about the tragedy in Woburn, Mass. and how events played out from there, using many first-hand accounts of the lawyers and citizens impacted. This book is as important as it is long. Sometimes tedious to read, with details so intricate that they could be considered superfluous, but I enjoyed the atmosphere and characters painted by each scene. I could visualize every interaction between the judge, lawyers, and jury in the courtroom.

At the end of the day, this is a story about the behemoth that is corporate America taking advantage of everyday citizens. Anyone with a soul will be furious by the resolution, and even more furious at the end. I'm grateful for having read this book to open my eyes

to one of many instances where corporations literally get away with murder for nothing more than a slap on the wrist

.