A Civil Action

Rating:
Summary: You might as well just read about it in the paper.
Review: I couldn't get into this book. It was nothing but the facts, and had no entertainment value at all. But, since I am used to Grisham, I guess reading non-fiction law isn't the same. I didn't finish it cuz I felt like there might be a test at the end and I'd fail it! You could probably get the jist of this in the local newspaper or the evening news. I heard pretty much the same review for the movie, too.

Rating:
Summary: A must for law students
Review: Like the others submitting on-line reviews, I also could not put the book down. I am a person who, until I read this book, was quite ignorant of environmental issues. Although the book does a very important job of educating the public about what its silent surroundings may hold, the drama is invaluable for law students who can benefit from exposure to the real life existence of a struggling lawyer. The story is enthralling.

Rating:
Summary: A legal thriller with a scientific twang
Review: A Civil Action was one of the most riveting books i have ever read. The legal language was easy to decipher even for those who aren't familiar with court room jargon. This wasn't a book with a happy ending, rather a true to life resolution resulted. Harr gives a detailed description of each character so well that i thought i was a part of the courtroom drama. I could only imagine myself standing in front of a wise yet vindictive judge and not knowing there was a two sided conspiracy going on right before my own eyes. Jonathan Harr kept me on the edge of my seat by not only entertaining but inviting me to take a look at what I may really want to do with my life. Who knows a lawyer or an environmental scientist?

Rating:
Summary: Fabulous
Review: This was a fantastic book. I could not put it down, despite midterms and such. Terrifically written and objectively captivating. After this, I am interested in reading more non-fiction books.

Rating:
Summary: It was a great book.
Review: A Civil Action is a true story about one young lawyer fights in court against two huge corporations, W.R. Grace Co. and Riley Tannery a division of Beatrice Foods Co. It all starts in a small town in Massachusetts called Woburn over twenty years ago. There had been reports before about Woburn's water problems so most people just used tap water for mixing in orange juice and other things. Some people still drank it though. The Riley Tannery and W.R. Grace on the edge of the river, something might be leaking. The town was running low on water, so they open two new wells. The wells were constantly opened and closed because of the high amount of pollution, but were left open. Many children were getting sick and dying. So twenty years later one mom of the first child who was killed of leukemia hires Jan Sclichtmann. They go to court, but how long can the case last as Sclichtmann keeps spending money he doesn't have.

Rating:
Summary: So good I caught a cold and blew a week at work!!!!!!
Review: I read this book of nearly 500 pages in two single sittings... I couldn't put it down, for two nights I stayed up so late that I was useless at work and finally caught a cold ( I suspect due to my lack of sleep! ) I haven't seen the movie and I have no desire to after reading this book because it can't possibly measure up... Great read! Buy it! Read it!

Rating:
Summary: Interesting!
Review: "A Civil Action" was a very interesting book because it showed me what really goes on in a real investigation. I, personally, thought it was boring at times but it my attention just enough that it made me want to keep reading it.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful to read
Review: If you can get past the legal debates this is a very interesting book. The frustrations of knowing that something is wrong and trying to prove it is very emotional. You are drawn into this book and want to get the Judge and Jury to see more then they can looking at papers. Our legal system is so burdened with exhibits, experts, testimonies it becomes a matter of who you believe. It boils down to a matter of the lawyers performance. I highly recommend this book.

Rating:
Summary: impossible to put down.
Review: Anyone who didn't like this book has to check their pulse. I thought Mr. Harr did an excellent job of turning a true court case into an enjoyable book. He puts you through many emotions, and builds the characters extremely well. I warn you not to start this book unless you have a free evening on your hands.

Rating:
Summary: Outstanding piece of writing!!
Review: This is one of the best non-fiction books I have read!! I found myself feeling as though I were actually a member of Mr. Schlichtmann's staff. My heart went out to the families involved in their fight for justice; and I could feel the frustration that Mr. Schlichtmann felt during the entire trial. I wanted to vent my anger to Judge Skinner and Mr. Fachar as I felt they were forming a bond against the residents of Woburn and Mr. Schlichtmann's pursuit of the truth. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in law and/or large industrial pollution. This book was very difficult to put down. It will kepp you in suspense until the last page.