This was a truly fast-paced, highly entertaining/enraging read. It held my attention firmly until the last 100 pages.

At that point, it unexpectedly transformed into a guide on how not to litigate. As a reader, I was left with two distinct thoughts.

First, it becomes abundantly clear that corporations are often portrayed as evil entities that will stop at nothing to maximize their profits. This includes, in the extreme, actions that could potentially lead to the harm or even murder of hundreds or thousands of innocent little children.

Second, the lawyer representing the victims comes across as an extremely stupid man. He seemingly blew every single opportunity that came his way. He failed to follow up on crucial evidence, did not act promptly when it was necessary, neglected to file the appropriate motions, and was completely oblivious to the significance of events as they unfolded. The litany of his shortcomings goes on and on, and it really makes one wonder what on earth he was thinking. What a chump indeed!

The fact that he was played by John Travolta in the film version, I firmly believe, is a perfect and fitting representation of just how utterly impotent and incompetent this character appears to be throughout the entire book.

In courtroom fiction, one is presented with only the select and exciting aspects of a jury trial. There's the hostile witness on the stand, the angry objections being raised, the intense deliberations taking place in the jury room, the unexpected twist of evidence, and finally, the verdict. However, in reality, a trial involves so much more. It encompasses many years' worth of paperwork, numerous hearings, strategic maneuvering, countless meetings, and bills that need to be paid. But unfortunately, these details often get left on the cutting room floor in order to create a fast-paced and thrilling narrative.

In this nonfiction courtroom book, Harr has managed to provide a comprehensive account of everything that occurs during a trial. In this particular case, it includes eight long years' worth of events. Despite this wealth of information, he has still crafted a book that reads like a fast-paced novel. He uncovers real drama at every step of the way, making it impossible for the reader to put down.

(Update: I watched the movie. It was quite good. It had an all-star cast, which added to its appeal!)

I had hoped that a good night's sleep would put me in a more favorable frame of mind to review this book. However, as soon as the thought of A Civil Action pops into my head, several vulgar adjectives immediately come to mind. It seems my plan didn't work out as expected. Oh well, I guess it's time to face the real deal.

My classmates almost unanimously loved this book, but I, on the other hand, despised it. It was overly wordy, extremely one-sided, and careless with details. For the majority of the book, I was on the verge of giving it two stars and simply labeling it as "excessively dull." But then, the last hundred pages were so outrageously bad that I couldn't ignore them. I wouldn't accept such melodrama in my fictional reads, and I fail to understand why I should endure it in non-fiction.

I suppose a significant part of my issue with this book is that the author never truly managed to convince me to like his hero, Schlichtmann. Despite the author's obvious hero-worship, I found Schlichtmann to be obnoxious and unprofessional throughout the story. While I could feel some sympathy for the families who lost their children, my overall dislike for the plaintiffs and their case made it difficult for me to get outraged or even truly care. The author attempts to turn this into a story about "big business" and "corrupt government" crushing the little guy. However, such a portrayal falsely simplifies the complex realities and nuances of what actually occurred. I just can't believe that the defendants were the monsters the author makes them out to be. And don't try to tell me that the author is unbiased because it's clear he has an agenda here. How could he not? He admits to spending most of the trial in Schlichtmann's office.

Besides being an extremely one-sided account, the author also tries to add some romance to Schlichtmann's story by introducing his girlfriend and another girl vying for his affection. It was completely unnecessary. This book was already far too long and detailed without these side-stories that lead nowhere.

A Civil Action would make for terrible fiction, and it makes for horribly boring non-fiction.

You know, there is a silver lining to all of this. I can now firmly cross off environmental law and personal injury from the list of law fields that I might ever, possibly consider studying.

A detailed history of a major court case that not everyone has heard about awaits you. This case is filled with more twists and turns than a fictional one, making it an absolute great read.

It delves into the complex web of events, the legal battles, and the unexpected outcomes that unfolded. The story takes you on a journey through the halls of justice, revealing the drama and intrigue that often lies beneath the surface of a court case.

You'll be captivated by the details, the characters involved, and the decisions that had a profound impact on the outcome. Whether you're a legal enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys a good story, this detailed history of a major court case is sure to keep you engaged from start to finish.

I LOVED this book with all my heart.

It truly amazed me that the judge and a significant number of others chose to turn a blind eye to what the corporations were doing to the people of Woburn. Their actions were nothing short of despicable.

This book was written in an incredibly engaging and well-crafted manner. It was a real page-turner that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

I like to believe that this book served as a form of justice for the people of Woburn. It shed light on their plight and the injustices they had endured.

It gave a voice to those who had been silenced and a platform for their story to be told.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in social justice, environmental issues, or simply a good read. It is a powerful and thought-provoking work that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

This is the true story of a nine-year legal battle that involved the flamboyant, obsessed, and ambitious lawyer, Jan Schlictmann, and two large corporations. The corporations were accused of exposing a cluster of mostly children to water contaminated by industrial pollution.

The town in question is Woburn, Massachusetts, and the time period is the 1970s. During this time, children were dying from leukemia. Fast forward to the late 80s and early 90s, and Schlictmann and his team set out to find a link between the very sick and dying people and the dumping of toxic waste that had entered the groundwater and well system of the town.

The amount of money, paper documentation, manpower, and people hired as expert witnesses in this case was truly mind-boggling. However, it was also frustrating to see how flawed the American court system could be, including a biased judge. Since this is a true-life story and not fiction or a Hollywood production, there is no hero who saves the day. In fact, the case was never really resolved. It went to settlement largely because of the amount of money the law firms spent on this trial and other factors that prohibited a fair trial.

This book was written like a documentary, was gripping, and thoroughly researched. The author shadowed many people involved before and during the trial. It is very thought-provoking and has made me have second thoughts about drinking tap water. However, I'm sure that experts will eventually find something wrong with bottled water too!!!

I happened to pick this up while rummaging through a Goodwill book shelf. At that time, I knew absolutely nothing about it. However, I thought I remembered hearing about a movie with the same name. A few weeks later, I started reading it and became immediately engrossed in this story. I've read numerous books that I would describe as "page-turners", but none of them centered around complicated legal proceedings. So, this is a first for me.

This book was very well written, with excellent documentation, and it was completely riveting. Sadly, it is also very depressing and frustrating, as it highlights significant flaws in our legal system. We are truly foolish if we believe that justice is truly blind. I felt a great sense of sorrow for the families and their attorneys in this case.

In spite of all the negative aspects, it is still well worth a read. It provides a unique perspective on the legal system and makes you think about the fairness and effectiveness of our justice system. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in legal dramas or wants to learn more about the inner workings of the legal system.

I had to read this particular book before starting law school. I was led to believe that it was going to be a thrilling John Grisham novel. However, what I actually got was a huge amount of boredom. The story seemed to drag on and on, lacking the excitement and intrigue that I had expected. The characters were not very engaging, and the plot failed to capture my attention. I found myself constantly struggling to stay interested and keep reading. It was a major disappointment, especially considering the high expectations that had been set. I had been looking forward to getting lost in a captivating legal thriller, but instead, I was left with a sense of dissatisfaction and a wasted effort.

A Horrible True Story of Toxic Waste Disposal Gone Wrong

In the 1960s, in Woburn, Massachusetts, a tragic incident occurred due to improper disposal of toxic waste. Two companies contaminated the wells with toxic chemicals, which had severe consequences for the health of the local people. Many suffered from serious health effects, and unfortunately, a number of children died from leukemia.

The legal battle that ensued was both fascinating and disappointing. It showed how the legal system operates, but in the end, it failed to provide appropriate punishment. The long and costly legal process ultimately led to the bankruptcy of the law firm representing the injured families.
What truly enraged me was the power that the EPA later exerted. Without a trial, they were able to blame and convict these companies and force them to pay an exorbitant amount for a long-term clean-up plan. While I don't believe these companies should be able to get away with their actions, I am firmly against the government having such absolute power. It is essential to ensure that there is a balance between holding polluters accountable and protecting the rights and freedoms of all.

This story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proper waste management and the need for a just and fair legal system. We must learn from past mistakes and work towards creating a safer and healthier environment for future generations.

A truly depressing story that is filled with injustice, lies, and liars.

I have a dream of becoming a lawyer, and not just any lawyer, but a good one. If and when I have clients, I will strive to do my absolute best for them. However, above all, I yearn for justice to be served.

This book had me on the edge of my seat, thrilling me until the very end. But then, time and time again, justice and a sense of what is right were blatantly ignored. I attempted to view the judgment in an unbiased way, and I believe I could to some extent. But still, a bubble of fury boiled within me. It was just a gross and disappointing display.

I truly wish the outcome had been better. I wish the system had caught the errors and corrected them. I firmly believe that it is a good system at its core. But after finishing this tale, I was left feeling pretty depressed.

Despite this, I would still recommend the book, but with the caveat that it will likely leave you feeling saddened.

The story is about a small town located north of Boston.

Here, the polluted wells lead to a "leukemia cluster", which causes great pain and suffering to the local families.

The lawyers in this town take on the challenge of trying to right the wrong.

Published in 1995, this book titled "A Civil Action" became the winner of the National Book Critics Circle award for Non-Fiction.

The true legal drama presented in the book is truly captivating.

The characters are vivid and real, and the hardship faced by the families as their loved ones die is heart-wrenching.

The courtroom antics and corruption described in the book are almost unbelievable.

Although we all hope for a happy ending, in real life, it doesn't always happen.

In this case, the story doesn't have a traditional happy ending.

However, when all is said and done, I truly hope that the legal world can learn valuable lessons from this story.

Perhaps it will lead to better environmental protection and more just legal systems in the future.

This is a tragically realistic courtroom drama that will truly grip you from start to finish.

You won't be able to put it down as the intense and complex legal proceedings unfold before your eyes.

The story delves deep into the heart of the American legal system, making you question whether there is truly any justice to be found.

The characters are vividly portrayed, each with their own motives and flaws, adding to the authenticity and drama of the narrative.

As you follow the twists and turns of the case, you'll be left wondering if the system is truly fair or if it is simply a tool for the powerful to manipulate.

This courtroom drama is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the darker side of the legal world and the human condition.