I'm not sure how to review this. I learned so very much about environmental issues from this author. I think she's worked hard for decades and has a lot of wisdom and guidance to offer.

I agree with the author in so much as activists have to do what they can without regard to party. At the same time, the author defends Jeff Sessions and pretends that racists are incapable of polite behavior with Black folks, and that's a vast over simplification of the issue.

Hardened racists who were members of the Klan were known to also have biracial children. White racists aren't always mean to everyone all of the time. They aren't cartoon villains. I know this author is old enough and lived long enough to know this.

There's a somewhat preachy and unnecessary tone towards younger activists who aren't functioning like this author's generation, and she has passive-aggressive snide remarks about that.

She pretends that MAGA and Trump supporters can be worked with. The thing is, this isn't true. This type of activism doesn't work for long-term change. I wish the author had more respect for young activists who are moving in a different way. It's frustrating because most of this was said in the 70s, and it's like the author missed the memo.

In my opinion, pretending that MAGA Republicans are neutral actually normalizes racism. The author even shares anecdotes about Republican politicians literally using her for photo ops like the interaction was a win. It's kind of cringey.

This is a mixed bag for me because I found the stories of Black rural life fascinating. I spent a lot of time in rural Alabama on a Great-Uncles farm, and I've witnessed the grinding poverty. It was wonderful to see this author shine a light on this population, which is often forgotten in the fight for civil rights and climate change. These stories touched my heart and made me long for my childhood summers spent on the family farm in Alabama. I'm familiar with this history.

My main issue is that the author has experience to share, but her solutions failed to work for her generation. It would be nonsensical to apply them in this generation. This is worth reading but prepare to be irritated with the author's lecturing tone and resulting conclusions.

This is narrated by Karen Chilton. Karen does an excellent job with this nonfiction book, keeping her tone light. This adds depth to information that could otherwise feel like a bit of a boring lecture. I would highly recommend consuming this on audiobook.

Thank you to Catherine Coleman Flowers, Spiegel & Grau by Spotify Audiobooks, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.

Interesting read in which the author’s determination shines through. The audiobook narration is smooth and kept me focused. Whenever I see content mention “environmental justice” I always hope to hear about how animal agriculture is killing our planet. I only got to about 30% of this book and there was much mention of eating animal products. I was disappointed because I was on board with the author up until that point. Regrettably, I just couldn’t bring myself to listen anymore. Please check out The Food Empowerment Project for more information on total environmental justice that includes everyone, regardless of species.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGallery for letting me listen!

Thanks to NetGalley and Spiegel and Grau through Spotify Books for the digital copy of this audiobook; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Part memoir and part environmental justice manifesto, this book of essays by Catherine Coleman Flowers really opened my eyes to the climate change crisis in ways I hadn’t thought of before. When talking about climate change, the focus is usually on the privileged white class. Coleman Flowers peels back the curtain on the impoverished, rural, and often minority communities that have been affected by climate change, and what we can do as an individual, and as a country, to help. She also offers up her own story of needing reproductive care and how many can’t get the care they need now after the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision.

The author also shares stories about her life and weaves her tales of social activism throughout. Through her discussions with well-known and respected movers and shakers, both in the political sphere as well as the social and environmental movement, Coleman Flowers offers real solutions to problems facing everyone, but most especially Black people, whose voice is often left unheard or dismissed.

I thought the narrator, Karen Chilton, was great, but she sounds a lot younger than the author. Just a little nitpicky, I guess. Why does every narrator have to sound like they are in their early 30s? Clearly, Coleman Flowers is much older than that based on her stories. In 2023, she was recognized as one of the TIME 100 most influential people in the world and one of the Forbes 50 Over 50. So, let’s get a more mature voice for mature authors! End rant.

This is the kind of book that will make one want to take action immediately to do their part in society–I know I do!

In the words of her publisher, this is a collection of “stories that need to be read by more,” and I agree. It’s a collection of essays, so there are some common themes and facts that are repeated, but all the more important for being remembered long after the audiobook ends or the last page is turned. These essays document atrocities like poor families being held hostage by utility companies and regulators, unable to afford repairs on a septic tank or running water from a tap. When loan programs have been proposed by community groups, they are denied repeatedly by those in power. The author is an Alabama native and refers often to her native county, along with other examples of unrelenting destitution in Mississippi, Louisiana, and parts of Texas. She talks about the struggles leading up to and since passage of the Civil Rights Act, and shares her concerns for the future. It’s a far-ranging book that brings many types of injustices to light and foreshadows what may befall even more residents if the current POTUS has his way. Despite this, it is ultimately hopeful.
My thanks to the author, publisher, producer, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #HolyGround for review purposes. Publication date: Jan 28, 2025.

This is so good. I loved every single word. I loved the narration. I learned so much! I finished it last week and I am till thinking about it.