Wastelands

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Beautifully written and impeccably researched, this compelling narrative unfolds in a rural North Carolina community that has long battled the polluting practices of large-scale farming. After years of frustration, a determined group of residents, supported by dedicated lawyers, files a lawsuit against a powerful corporation—and against all odds, they win. This fast-paced account immerses readers in a legal struggle for America's farmland and highlights the courageous individuals involved. Among them is Elsie Herring, who bravely shares her experiences with the waste from a nearby hog operation despite facing racial slurs and threats. Don Webb, a former hog farmer, transforms into a grassroots advocate, while Rick Dove, a riverkeeper, uses aerial photography to document pollution's extent. Woodell McGowan seeks to redeem his family's land, and Dr. Steve Wing, an epidemiologist, translates the community's experiences into scientific evidence. Tom Butler, an industry insider, provides crucial whistleblower testimony. In the courtroom, Mona Lisa Wallace, a trailblazing attorney, and Mike Kaeske, a skilled trial lawyer, fight for justice. With journalistic precision and a novelist's flair, this narrative captures the inspiring struggle to challenge a corporate giant and restore the rights of a resilient community.