"Gray Mountain" by John Grisham

For a great summer read, try John Grisham’s #1 New York Times Bestseller “Gray Mountain.”  Based on the true-to-life story of the devastation caused by coal mining in the mountains of Virginia, it explores the environmental issues of coal mining, the plight of miners dealing with black lung disease, and the total lack of interest shown by the insurance companies.

Wall Street lawyer Samantha Kofer loses her job during the recession and is promised a return if she interns (for free) for a non-profit.  So she moves to Brady, VA, in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, where she quickly realizes the 100 billable hour work week doesn't fit her.  But as she becomes embroiled in litigation, she learns the importance of helping others - which really puts her lawyer skills to work. 

On the down side, I was disappointed in how the other main character, Brady lawyer Donovan Gray, was handled in the story (I would have liked to see a love interest between the two to flourish) ... but I won’t spoil it for you.

Grisham does not disappoint with this latest novel - I give it 5 stars.  I am hoping that a movie will follow soon as this is a great subject and location for a film.