Crude Awakening Book Tour Begins

Crude Awakening, by Amanda Coyne and Tony Hopfinger came out last week.  It is about the rise of the importance of oil money, oil politics, and in some cases, oil corruption in Alaska.  I received an advanced copy of the book in September, but have been busier at work this fall than at any time in the last 19 or 20 years, so..... 

Being this busy has been great, but I've only gotten to page 82 in this rich, detailed book.  I can say after reading it that far, that it is the best book coverage yet of ex-oil service magnate, Bill Allen.  Tony Hopfinger covered Allen extensively over the years, and his reporting on the many tawdry, disgusting and criminal aspects of Allen has long been the best anywhere.

The research these two experienced reporters bring to the book is extensive, with it containing several pages of end notes that show they also brought most of others' important work done on their subjects into the story they tell, along with their own efforts.

Amanda, Tony, or both will be making a number of appearances in the media, beginning today.  Here's a list:


Firedoglake Book Salon - Sunday, November 13th, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Alaska time  Amanda Coyne will be hosted by Jeanne Devon from The Mudflats at this very progressive blog (where I often write), that features weekly book salons on Saturdays and Sundays.  If you register as a firedoglake user, you can check in and ask Amanda about the book.

The authors will also be on Alaska Public Radio’s Alaska New Nightly at 6 p.m. on Monday, APRN’s Talk of Alaska at 10 a.m. Tuesday, and Moore Up North on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 5:30 p.m. at the Taproot Cafe in Anchorage.  The authors will be reading and signing books on Nov. 19 at 11:30 a.m. at Fireside Books in Palmer.

Reviews of the book can be found here, here and here.

I'll be writing a review soon after I find time to finish it.