John Grisham tackles coal issues in "Gray Mountain" and offers thanks to ACLC

John Grisham’s newly released novel Gray Mountain takes what the Washington Post describes as a “searing look” at the complex issues of the Appalachian coalfields, from black lung to mountaintop removal. Featuring a lawyer working at an Appalachian non-profit law firm, the book includes an author’s note acknowledging the work of the Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center and particularly the contributions of our lawyers Mary Cromer and Wes Addington.
Thankfully, there are dozens of non-profits working diligently in the coalfields to protect the environment, change policy, and fight for the rights of miners and their families. One is the Appalachian Citizens Law Center in Whitesburg,, Kentucky. Mary Cromer and Wes Addington are wonderful lawyers there, and they provided guidance as I wandered through their region for the first time.
We are gratified that the issues we work on at ACLC have received such careful and effective treatment in Grisham’s work and are proud to be recognized for our efforts to work for justice in Appalachia.