Boomtown Blues
Boomtown Blues
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2018
Book Brief
302
Book • Nonfiction
American West • 1970s
2018
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Boomtown Blues: Colorado Oil Shale, 1885-1985 by Andrew Gulliford chronicles the dramatic history of the Colorado River Valley, emphasizing the social and economic upheavals brought on by oil-shale exploitation. Gulliford details the transition from a close-knit, agrarian community to a region destabilized by the corporate-driven boom of the 1980s, culminating in Exxon’s disastrous "Colony Project" which left lasting economic and personal turmoil.
Nostalgic
Contemplative
Informative
Reviews & Readership
12 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Andrew Gulliford's Boomtown Blues is praised for its thorough historical research and engaging narrative about the impact of the oil boom in western Colorado. Reviewers appreciate the vivid storytelling and insightful analysis. However, some find its academic tone occasionally dense. Overall, it's commended for shedding light on regional history with depth and clarity.
Who Should Read Boomtown Blues?
A reader who enjoys Boomtown Blues by Andrew Gulliford is likely interested in American history, environmental issues, and the cultural impact of economic changes in small towns. Comparable to readers of The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan or The Big Burn by Egan, they appreciate in-depth narratives exploring historical and societal transformations.
12 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
302
Book • Nonfiction
American West • 1970s
2018
Adult
18+ years
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