"They Poisoned the World" is an enticing, captivating, and devastating read about the tumultuous downsides of capitalistic greed. Unfortunately, in today's world, this type of occurrence feels all too commonplace, but author Mariah Blake takes readers on an incredible journey of corporate cover-ups dating back to World War II. After losing several friends and family, including his father, to cancer, Michael Hickey began looking into his local water supply in Hoosick Falls, New York and discovered dangerous levels of "forever chemicals" known as PFAS in the town's drinking water caused by illegal dumping, among other factors, of toxic chemicals.

Throughout this book, Blake describes decades of government officials and business executives looking the other way on research into disastrous effects of chemicals used in their production plants, as well as run-off affecting inconspicuous areas of everyday town life. These companies would rather pay hefty fines than admit any wrongdoing or do their part to warn employees or townspeople of the harmful conditions. Blake weaves in historical narratives that read like science fiction. She captivates readers with, at times, unbelievable stories of greed and corruption with personal implications interspersed detailing how these decisions have lasting impacts on everyday people for generations. It's difficult to fathom just how far those in power will go to stay there, even at the cost of human life, and Blake does an excellent job of remaining objective while leading readers to understand the full scope of these chemicals' effects.

An important read to understand how entwined corporations have been in our communities for centuries, poisoning our lives. Blake tells us stories of ordinary people mixed with the Powers That Be maneuvering our lives, getting away with murder from the moment industrialization advanced.

How ubiquitous are forever chemicals? What are the consequences of these dangerous materials? What can you do if your community is heavily affected by pollution? This books answers these questions through facts and stories of everyday Americans affected by forever chemicals. An important read!

"They Poisoned the World" by Mariah Blake is a chilling exposé of the chemical industry's decades-long campaign to conceal the dangers of "forever chemicals." Blake masterfully weaves together the secret history of these toxins with the inspiring story of a small town that dared to challenge powerful corporations. This book is a must-read for anyone concerned about public health and the environment.

This is a stunning exposé of how companies that put forever chemicals into communities are getting away with murder. With compelling interviews and detailed research, this book is easy to read because of its style - yet incredibly difficult to read because of its content. I hope this book becomes our generation’s Silent Spring: a rallying cry for common-sense regulation that protects Americans from unethical agencies and greedy corporations that put profit above people. This is a must-read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for the free eARC. I post this review with my honest opinions.

This review is cross-posted on Goodreads and will be posted on Amazon and Instagram upon the book’s publication.

PS: even though I got this book for free, it’s going to be the most expensive one I ever read… I’m about to replace my PFA-filled cookware and bakeware with nontoxic options!