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Full Body Burden: Growing Up in the Nuclear Shadow of Rocky Flats

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written by by Kristen IversenImage of item
published June 5th 2012

Iversen states that in writing her memoir she had to write about her father’s alcoholism and Rocky Flats.  This memoir blends together the thorough research on the history and impact of the nuclear weapons production facility with eloquent descriptions of the life Kristen had growing up.  She weaves the lives of those working and living around the plant (including herself) along with her life from childhood through today in a way that makes one complete story, that has the feel of two stories.  I never knew about this plant before reading this book and was both horrified and sadly not surprised by the lies and cover-up that went along with the management and closure of the plant.  In many instances this story reminded me about Erin Brockovich and her case against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company.  Iverson’s life is full of happy and terrible memories, many of which revolve around her father’s dependence on alcohol.  Iverson tells her memoir in a very balanced way with both the positive and the negatives, which keeps the story from becoming heavy and dark (though she has every right to do so).  The stories of those living around her and working at the Rocky Flats (including herself and her sister) are touching and by themselves make this book worth reading. This book serves as a great memoir and history of Rocky Flats.  I would recommend this book to most reader’s especially those with interest in America’s nuclear history.

Appeal Notes (May contain spoilers):
Genre: Non-fiction, memoir
Pacing: Fast, found the blending of stories made this book hard to put down
Location: Jefferson County, Colorado
Storyline: Character driven
Time: 1950s-current
Tone: Haunting, Journalistic
Writing Style: Journalistic

Comments: A wonderful deep read into Rocky Flats and Iverson’s life.  Though the topic is dark, the impact of the plant devastating and Iverson’s personal life tragic at many points she keeps the story light and fast-moving.



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