Real People/Real Stories: “Paradise Falls”

Real People/Real Stories meets the third Thursday of each month to explore the best in nonfiction history, biography, science, nature, and the arts.

This month’s title is Paradise Falls: The True Story of an Environmental Catastrophe

In 1977, the residents of Paradise Falls, New York discovered that their homes were built over an underground canal full of toxic waste. This nonfiction thriller tells the story of Love Canal and how a group of neighborhood moms took on a major chemical company and governmental indifference to save their families.

“Paced like a thriller, it’s a remarkable story of perseverance against impossible odds.” —Chicago Review of Books

“Riveting . . . the text blisters with details . . . Paradise Falls is a narrative resplendent with ordinary people who stood up against overwhelming odds. O’Brien has accomplished an outstanding work of investigative journalism.” —Booklist, starred review

“With stunning clarity . . . [O’Brien chronicles] the human tragedy of Love Canal. . . As the disaster unfolds, there are horrific discoveries, medical mysteries and plenty of screaming neighbors . . . so gripping it could almost be a thriller.” —Erika Engelhaupt, Science News