This article is extremely well written and reported.

It offers a truly nice overview that combines both legal concepts and the science of groundwater.

What makes it even more engaging is that it tells a story about characters that the reader can genuinely care about.

However, on a different note, while reading this, I found myself wanting to rip my hair out about 100 different times.

The author manages to present complex information in an accessible way, making it easy for the reader to understand the legal and scientific aspects.

The story of the characters adds an emotional element that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish.

Despite the moments of frustration, it is clear that this book is a great read and provides valuable insights into the world of groundwater and the legal issues surrounding it.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in these topics or simply looking for a well-written and engaging story.

5 stars are awarded purely for the crazy amount of research that went into this book. It truly reveals just how frustrating the justice system can be, especially for the little guy. The author has delved deep into the subject matter, leaving no stone unturned. The details and examples provided paint a vivid picture of the flaws and inequalities within the justice system. It makes the reader empathize with those who have been wronged and struggle to find fairness. This book is not only an eye-opener but also a call to action. It forces us to question the status quo and think about how we can make the justice system more equitable for all. Whether you are a legal professional or simply interested in social justice, this book is a must-read.

This was an extremely fascinating true story that showcased many of the unfortunate realities of our judicial system.

It was a tale that unfolded in a courtroom, where the wheels of justice were supposed to turn smoothly but often faced numerous obstacles.

The story involved a defendant who was accused of a serious crime, and the evidence presented seemed to point strongly against him.

However, as the trial progressed, it became clear that there were many loopholes and flaws in the prosecution's case.

The defense attorney was able to skillfully expose these weaknesses, raising doubts in the minds of the jurors.

Despite this, the judge seemed to be swayed by the prosecution's arguments, and the verdict that was ultimately handed down was a controversial one.

This story serves as a reminder that our judicial system is not perfect and that there is always room for improvement.

It also highlights the importance of having a fair and impartial legal process, where the rights of all parties are respected and protected.

I read this book as part of a book challenge where one of the categories was "a book that took place in your hometown". Although I didn't actually live in Woburn, I grew up in the adjacent town. Knowing the names of the streets and landmarks made the story more familiar to me. However, all of this happened when I was a child, so I don't remember any of it happening at the time, except for the fact that people would constantly say, "Woburn has terrible water."

Anyway, this book was truly fascinating to me. It wasn't just because of the legal drama, which I knew nothing about, but also because of the scientific aspects of the case, such as the groundwater flow and the investigation of the chemicals' links to leukemia and other health problems.

Honestly, I wish the story had ended more victoriously. But since it's a true story, it is what it is. Sadly, things don't always work out so nicely in real life. Here are some of my thoughts about the book, but be warned, there are spoilers:

The legal proceedings were eye-opening. I had no idea how much research and pre-trial work was involved. It was also upsetting to see how people would blatantly lie and there was nothing anyone could do about it. Judge Skinner seemed to favor one of the defendants, and many of his rulings didn't make sense. The antics of the lawyers trying to twist things to their advantage were also disturbing.

The book was quite long, over 500 pages. I'm not sure all the details were necessary, like the descriptions of weather and clothing, Schlictmann's one-night stand, or the background stories of the people involved. Sometimes I just wanted to say, "Get on with the story!" But the mentions were brief, so it didn't drag.

I had mixed feelings about Schlictmann. He had flaws like materialism and stubbornness, but I also admired his tenacity in not giving up. The lavish expenses of the lawyers contrasted with the humble situation of the Woburn families was sobering. The high charges for their services seemed outrageous. It was sad to see all the work and expense for medical analysis that never got used in the trial. Reading about the cases of leukemia and the suffering caused by the TCE contamination was horribly sad. And the cursing and crude talk in the dialogue didn't add to the story for me.

I read this book for my Writing and Law class.

First and foremost, this book is an efficient venture into the complex realm of legal proceedings. The field of law is indeed rife with sophisticated jargon and protocols that can be extremely daunting to the average citizen who lives and operates under these laws. However, Harr, an author and journalist, has amassed an extensive knowledge of the legal system to such a remarkable degree that he effectively acts as a teacher and guide for the reader. This commendable effort is the result of seven years of meticulous research and in-depth interaction with the law firm that the narrative closely follows.

Additionally, Harr takes his time to introduce the audience to Woburn and the various components of the case, painstakingly detailing every minute aspect with concise and engaging prose. Surprisingly, the slow start did not turn me away; instead, it provided a solid foundation upon which my interest in the cast of characters could develop. Concurrently, Harr ensures that the reader is well-versed in any confusing or complex legalese by providing quick briefs in easily understandable layman's terms.

This story functions effectively as a thriller despite its entirely nonfiction basis. Unfortunately, the story finishes with an unsavory conclusion. Not only does Schlictmann lose the case, but he also seems not to know when to stop. This is both admirable, as it is a pertinent issue of justice, and realistic, as it proves that the legal system is prone to flaws. However, it was truly hard to watch Schlictmann forfeit everything in this case.

In summation, A Civil Action is an excellently crafted book that culminates in a depressing end. Still, it does a wondrous job of providing the reader with a fascinating glimpse into the complex and often mysterious realm of law. Also, it doesn't shy away from demonstrating that injustice can, unfortunately, permeate cases that are meant to uphold the law and protect the people.

Well-paced and compelling, this non-fiction account of a mass tort action truly engages the reader.

I found myself really empathizing with the unpolished young plaintiffs' attorney. His rough practice-by-instinct was a refreshing contrast to the highly structured and diluted approach that junior lawyers often take in a big firm.

The storytelling had an unstoppable trajectory, and the protagonist's huge, passionate efforts were inspiring to read about. However, I was left disappointed by the ending, which I felt lacked a proper denouement.

Despite this flaw, the book is still a very good read. It offers a fascinating look into the world of law and the challenges faced by those on the front lines of a mass tort action.

The author does a great job of bringing the characters to life and making the reader care about their outcomes. Overall, it's a book that I would recommend to anyone interested in legal dramas or non-fiction accounts of real-life events.

I firmly believe that we have a clear understanding of where his sentiments truly lie.

His actions, words, and expressions all seem to point in a particular direction.

Perhaps it is through his consistent behavior or the way he reacts in certain situations that gives us this indication.

It could also be the choices he makes that reveal the depth of his feelings.

Whether it is his passion for a particular cause, his loyalty to certain people, or his attitude towards life in general, these aspects all contribute to our perception of where his sentiments are rooted.

Understanding his sentiments is not only important for our own knowledge but also for building better relationships with him.

By being aware of his emotional inclinations, we can communicate more effectively and show greater empathy and understanding.

In conclusion, while we may not know every single detail of his inner world, we have a good sense of where his sentiments lie, and this knowledge can serve us well in our interactions with him.

Luke Watson-Sharer
Stream Red

A Civil Action
by Jonathan Harr

A Civil Action, by Jonathan Harr, is a complex non-fiction account that delves into the legal, environmental, and family aspects of a particular case.

I was drawn to this book as I wanted to read non-fiction that had also been made into a movie. After perusing the introduction, I decided to give it a go.

Knowing little about lawyers and lawsuits, this book served as an introduction to their world. I initially expected the story to be centered solely in a courtroom, but that was just one of the settings.

The narrative showcases how a group of families and tenacious lawyers can take on powerful corporations. It also reveals the reality that the U.S. legal system often seems more about making deals that benefit corporations rather than delivering true justice.

The book focuses on lawyer Jan Schlichtmann, a successful graduate of Cornell University. He was working for a law firm hired to represent families from a small town where the children had an unusually high rate of leukemia.

The town was home to two companies, W.R. Grace Co. and Beatrice Foods, which were suspected of contaminating the water supply.

The parents hired the Reed and Mulligan law firm, where Schlichtmann was a young lawyer, to determine the cause of their children's leukemia and identify the responsible party.

Schlichtmann took the case thinking it would be straightforward and lucrative for the firm and the families. However, it ended up ruining his life and leading to bankruptcy.

Despite the setbacks, the hard work of Schlichtmann, other attorneys, and the families paid off. The companies were compelled to clean up the contaminated land and pay a small settlement.

The main characters in the book are the lawyers for the plaintiffs, including Jan Schlichtmann, Joe Mulligan, Kevin Conway, and Charlie Nesson.

There are also the families whose children died from leukemia, although the book is primarily told from the lawyers' perspective.

The case was originally led by Joe Mulligan, who then handed it over to Schlichtmann. Conway assisted Schlichtmann, while Nesson, a Harvard professor, provided support to the lawyers.

My favorite character was Schlichtmann because he risked his money and sanity to win the case, even when he could have easily given in and accepted deals.

Originally motivated by money, he eventually came to care deeply for his clients and the pursuit of justice.

The story is rife with conflicts, as two large corporations are challenged by an unknown lawyer and six families from a small town.

The families are desperate to understand why their children are suffering from leukemia at such a high rate.

The people-versus-the-corporation conflict is a classic "David and Goliath" scenario or the "little people" against the mighty corporation.

Although many lawyers, a professor, and a government agency become involved, it is the unwavering determination of the families for justice and Schlichtmann that keeps the case going.

There are numerous obstacles and legal and financial setbacks along the way, but they persevere.

The reader must follow the ups and downs and the complex decisions made.

The legal system often appears to be more about who can make the right decisions and has the financial means to find evidence rather than about achieving justice.

This was my first foray into reading a detailed book about a lawsuit. At times, it was difficult to relate to all the different decisions and legal thinking.

None of my family members are involved in court cases, laws, or running companies, and I don't know any kids with cancer.

My grandfather passed away from cancer before I was born, but I could still sympathize with the families.

They simply wanted to know why their children were dying. I felt sorry for both the families and the lawyers because of the way the corporations tried to use their power and wealth to deny the families justice.

For example, Schlichtmann ran out of money and couldn't even afford to have his lucky suit dry-cleaned. His law firm was on the verge of having its electricity shut off.

When a settlement was finally reached for the families, some of them challenged the legal fees. While most sided with Schlichtmann, two did not.

The money ended up causing more problems, while the companies continued to thrive.

The case did force the corporations to clean up the contamination, but it is impossible to completely eradicate it.

I would recommend this book to others due to its context and engaging story.

There is still a significant amount of environmental pollution caused by corporations, such as natural gas fracking in Pennsylvania that pollutes water.

There are likely many people who suffer from cancer due to pollution.

There are also corporations and banks that seem to get away with illegal activities, as seen during the 2008 recession.

Therefore, we should all care about these issues. However, the book can be a challenging read as it is extremely detailed.

It focuses primarily on the lawyers, their thoughts and actions, rather than on the families. I would have preferred to read more about the families and their perspectives.

There is also a great deal of detail about the trial, which was complicated for me as I have limited knowledge of the law and trials.

If I could change one thing in the book, I would include more information about the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cleanup.

There is a brief mention of the families at the end, but the focus is mainly on Schlichtmann, who ends up happily married with children and a good income.

I would recommend this book to those interested in the law, the environment, and corporate responsibility.

It is also a story about one person's unwavering determination - Schlichtmann.

Since I have never read anything quite like this book, I'm not aware of a similar one about a lawsuit.

The story of a character who overcomes the odds and remains focused is somewhat similar to that in Lord of the Rings.

This book is not part of a series. The author, Harr, won a National Book of the Year award for it, and it was later made into a movie.

The movie is similar, but it places more emphasis on Schlichtmann's life rather than the families.

Harr also wrote The Lost Painting, which was a bestseller. It is also non-fiction but about a topic I know nothing about - an old lost painting from Italy.

In conclusion, A Civil Action introduced me to new topics and showed me that non-fiction can sometimes create a "hero" while overlooking the real heroes - the families.

I had to read for law school orientation.

It was a very tedious and dense read. The content seemed to drag on and on, making it a rather uninteresting and tiresome task.

Not only that, but it was also quite depressing. It made me realize the harsh reality of dealing with big corporations.

The complexity and often cutthroat nature of the corporate world were laid out before me, and it wasn't a very pleasant sight.

Although it wasn't a very satisfying read, I guess this is just the beginning of what I can expect in law school and in the legal field.

I have to get used to dealing with such dry and challenging materials if I want to succeed.

So, despite the initial disappointment, I will persevere and try to extract as much valuable information as possible from these readings.

After all, they are an important part of my legal education and will help me prepare for the real-world situations I will encounter in the future.

Top 10

The top 10 is a very interesting and widely discussed topic. It can refer to many different things, such as the top 10 movies, the top 10 books, the top 10 restaurants, and so on. People often like to make lists of the top 10 because it gives them a sense of direction and helps them make decisions. For example, if you're looking for a good movie to watch, you might check out a list of the top 10 movies of the year. Or if you're trying to decide where to eat, you might look at a list of the top 10 restaurants in your city. However, it's important to remember that these lists are subjective and may not always reflect your own personal tastes and preferences. So while they can be a useful starting point, it's always a good idea to do your own research and make up your own mind.

Well-written non-fiction/memoir offers a captivating account of a plaintiff firm's unwavering pursuit of justice---or perhaps a substantial payoff. The true story of a group of partners who go to extreme lengths, taking out second mortgages on their houses and pawning their precious possessions to sustain their case, is truly remarkable. These men are either audacious or鲁莽, yet they are so firmly convinced of their stance that they struggle to view the risks objectively.

The book outshines the movie. Hope I haven't spoiled it for you!

As a defense attorney handling similar tort suits, I probably ought to re-read this, especially the sections related to the Boston legal community. I initially read it as homework---during the summer prior to starting first-year law school classes.

It's a fascinating read that provides valuable insights into the legal world and the lengths people will go to in the name of justice or financial gain.

When I first selected this book from a box of books that my dad brought home, I initially thought it was a work of fiction. I have a passion for legal thrillers, so I was certain I would take pleasure in it.

Then, upon closer inspection, I realized it was nonfiction. In a strange way, this made me even more intrigued because I had just completed reading "Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee" by Casey Cep, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and this book seemed to have a similar structure. I'm truly glad that I read it.

This book is exceptionally well-written. It is interesting, well-paced, and held my attention from the very beginning. I started reading it aloud to my dad, but as it was taking some time, I wanted to finish it on my own. Eventually, I ended up reading the majority of it independently, but my dad also liked what I read to him. The people in the book became characters that I felt I knew intimately, especially Jan Schlichtmann, and I sympathized with them and experienced the rollercoaster of emotions along with them. The Woburn case evoked so many emotions in me - dismay, surprise, inevitability, frustration, sadness... It is a heavy read, very detailed, but also emotionally engaging if you become invested, which I most definitely was. I also read "Holler: A Graphic Memoir of Rural Resistance" by Denali Sai Nalamalapu while reading this book, and that connected the fact that these kinds of issues are still ongoing, making it even more poignant.

I highly recommend this book if you have an interest in legal stories, environmental and health cases, and human interest stories. My dad remembers the Woburn trial, so if you do too, it provides inside scoops and background, and it's even more fascinating because Harr was actually present at the trial, so this is largely a firsthand account. If you don't remember the trial, as I didn't since it began the year I was born, you'll learn a great deal about our justice system, such as it is, and all that goes into building a case like this.