Denali Sai Nalamalapu’s Holler is exactly the book I needed right now—it’s raw, powerful, and unapologetically urgent. In a time when the current administration and the state of the world can feel overwhelming, this collection revitalized my spirit and reminded me why we have to keep fighting for justice, for each other, and for our planet. Nalamalapu’s words are both a rallying cry and a balm, blending fierce activism with tender hope, and their ability to balance despair with determination is nothing short of inspiring. This book is a reminder that art is resistance, that our voices matter, and that we’re not alone in this fight. If you need a spark to keep going, Holler will light that fire in you.

Denali Sai Nalamalapu's Holler is a graphic depiction of interviews she had with people connected to Appalachia who fought against the Mountain Valley Pipeline. In sharing the perspectives of 6 people from different backgrounds, she shows how individuals stood up against a giant and powerful force to try to protect their home and land. This is a timely story as we'll be seeing more of these types of fights over land and natural resources in the near future. 3.5/5 rounded up to 4/5 because while the language and content of Holler was fairly simple, this would be a good graphic novel for younger students and one that can bring about interesting conversations.

Many thanks to Timber Press and NetGalley for the e-arc!

I enjoyed this look at the different backgrounds and methods of several protestors of the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Through their stories, you are shown a number of ways small acts of resistance can make a difference against seemingly insurmountable odds. Even if the end result is not what you desire, you don’t give up hope. You transfer it and find new ways to act, rebel and persist.

Thank you to Timber Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.

A nice reflection on the importance of climate justice and being involved but could have stood to be longer. We don't really get a clear image on what the people highlighted actually did or the impact other than that they were involved and had personal reasons. It especially feels as if the people focused on at the end got much less story time to share their experiences than the people at the beginning of the book.

Holler was a short and sweet but very powerful look into the pipeline resistance movement in Appalachia. Its narrative teaches and reminds us that the movement is made stronger by the different experiences, skillsets, and motivations we bring to it. The art is lovely and the pacing was quick and very engaging. This is an incredibly special piece and I'm glad it exists.

I think the author does an excellent job of portraying concerns about the MVP. Full marks there. But a lot of people can tell you what's wrong; we need people who can better offer solutions. The reality is that we don't yet have cost-effective alternatives--especially in Appalachia where so are at subsistence living and certainly not at the point of paying for solar on their roofs. I grieve with the author, but ultimately it is just complaining. It's one of those uncomfortable truths that currently more fossil fuel is required in the area.

I think for the right audience, this will resonate really powerfully. In my mind, I was thinking especially of middle grade and young adult readers who are just learning of the depth and intersectionality of injustices, and how these stories can provide space for them to process those feelings. I loved how the art showcased the beauty of the nature we should protect, and I really appreciated the call to action at the end—that was powerful.

The reason I'm giving it 3 stars, however, is because I felt the stories themselves were a bit stilted at times and lacked depth, though I could just not be the target audience like I said earlier.

Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

A very informative and lyrical graphic novel that grapples with the reality of climate change, Holler follows the fight that a group of ordinary yet courageous people lead in order to protect their land from the construction of the Mountain Valley Pipeline that cuts through West Virginia, Southern Virginia, and North Carolina.

I enjoyed the message of hope that the story provides, as well as the little details that define the protagonists of the graphic novel and the movement against the MVP. It is an issue that I personally did not know about and Denali Sai Nalamalapu manages to recount it with a few simple yet powerful strokes.

I was not fully taken by the art style, especially in the representation of human figures, but this is purely a personal preference and I would still recommend this read to anyone interested in learning more about climate change activists and the MVP movement.

Thank you to NetGalley for my Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.

I enjoyed this book, although I would not classify this as a memoir. The book provides an excellent overview of the Mountain Valley Pipeline and the damage that building it through the Appalachian mountains has caused to both its people and its land. I liked the stories told from different points of views, even though they all have the same opinion when it comes to the pipeline and I appreciated the colorful drawings that clearly conveyed the message of the book.

Incredibly interesting story! I had never heard of this pipeline or controversy. Amazing activism and individuals. Very interesting and informative story. Nice format that it’s in as a graphic novel making the information easily digestible.

An excellent primer on environmental justice, focusing on the Mountain Valley Pipeline in Appalachia.

This was a really quick and informative graphic novel that taught me a lot about a topic that I was wholly unfamiliar with. The Mountain Valley Pipeline is a natural gas pipeline that runs through the Appalachia Mountains in West Virginia and Virginia. This book is about the people that call these mountains their home and their fight and resistance for the land they love. I really loved the power of community, finding your voice, and speaking out for what’s right.

Holler: A Graphic Memoir of Rural Resistance effectively introduces a younger audience to complex issues like racism and classism, highlighting their connections to the climate crisis. The text features simple language that is accessible for most readers. With that said, students will need some background knowledge about these issues in order to fully understand the text.

I would not refer to this text as a memoir. It's more like a serious of interrelated vignettes. The author does give a brief background about each person to help contextualize their experiences, but it is extremely brief. Overall, the story was bland, but again, I think it's intentionally simplistic in an effort to appeal to younger audiences.

I would be interested in purchasing this text for my classroom library. Many of my students prefer graphic novels and this is a good nonfiction option.

The most poignant and memorable part of this memoir is: "As people become more disillusioned with the world, they're going to turn to people with a vision for a better future who are able to find joy despite seeing the world for what it is. This is where what comes next will be grown." With the way things are right now, this quote is more important for folks to remember than anything else.

Though it's quick, this is an inspiring read. I recommend it for youngin's (probably late elementary and middle school-aged, perhaps even high schoolers) to help them understand climate activism and how even the little man can do things to help inspire change. Even if you aren't a kiddo, read this yourself as a reminder that no matter what happens, resistance matters.

The art style is comfortable and the use of colors to distinguish between the different vignettes was a wonderful choice. Transcribing oral histories into a graphic memoir is such a unique take and honestly, fulfills the author's goal of making information and knowledge more accessible and digestible to the masses.

Though the fight wasn't won against the MV pipeline, this memoir is a reminder of the most important aspect of resistance: connect with others, tell your story, and keep fighting.

A wonderful, graphic novel exploring rural resistance, especially pertaining to the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Nalamalapu explores the individual actions that have delayed the project and brought attention to the environmental risks of the MVP. Through illustrated interviews with people who have committed to environmental justice, Holler tells the story of Appalachians coming together to protect their land and preserve the future. Nalamalapu also explores the greed, white supremacy, and classism that drive the MVP project and calls out the intersectionality of environmental justice. A hopeful, informative look at what happens when we stand up for what we believe in and a call to action to protect our future.

The main focus of Holler is the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) and the Appalachian Americans affected by the industry's destruction and greed. I thoroughly enjoyed Nalamalapu's illustration of the interviews. They brought another level of peace and charm to this graphic novel. I would highly recommend this to readers who are interested in climate change.

Holler brings us straight into the kitchens and living rooms of average Appalachians turned activists in a simultaneously inspiring and frustrating real-life story of those impacted by and opposing the Mountain Valley Pipeline. The limited color palette in the illustrations focuses readers on the lived experiences of each activist while also providing enough detail to show the beauty of Appalachia. This graphic novel will make you consider your own power and skills while serving up a stark reminder of the deep enmeshment of government and corporate interests.

I really wanted to love Holler. The subject matter is so important—activism, environmental justice, and the fight against corporate overreach are topics that absolutely deserve attention. And for readers already invested in these issues, this book might be a valuable resource. But for me, it just didn’t fully land.

While I appreciated learning about the activists and their personal stakes in resisting the Mountain Valley Pipeline, I never felt fully connected to them. The storytelling leaned more toward telling than showing, and I found the author’s reflections at the end of each section a bit too heavy-handed. Instead of drawing me in, it felt like I was being preached to, which made it harder to stay engaged.

Visually, I also struggled. Graphic memoirs usually enhance emotional impact for me, but here, the art didn’t resonate in a way that pulled me deeper into the stories. I wish I had felt more immersed in the world of these activists instead of reading about them at a distance.

Maybe I’m just not the target audience, but I walked away appreciating the intent of this book more than the execution. That said, if you’re already passionate about environmental activism, you might get more out of Holler than I did.

I picked this up because the topic sounded interesting and relevant, and I really appreciated the diversity of voices the author included. Unfortunately, the book ended up disappointing me. It felt shallow and not very informative, repeating the same cliché statements (yes, fossil fuels are bad; yes, racism is a huge problem; yes, the greed of a few hurts many). While I respect the effort that went into the interviews, this one just didn’t work for me.

Graphic memoir of climate change activists fighting a pipeline in WVA. interesting take on the topic. I did find the authors interpretations of each story a bit trite. but I get she is trying to inspire a new generation of activists. It is hard to be inspired but a lost battle though.