Book Review: What The Eyes Don't See by Mona Hanna-Attisha

Some books are eye openers, while others leave you in shock. Then there are books that alter your perception and understanding forever. I can say with confidence that "What The Eyes Don't See" by Mona Hanna-Attisha falls into the third category. 



I found this book in the free bin at my local library bookstore and since I was ignorant and wanted to learn more about the Flint water crisis, I didn't have a second thought before grabbing the book. I was able to connect with the book as a doctor, a public health enthusiast, and as an immigrant. 

Even though the author does a phenomenal job in underlining, investigating, and finally helping solve one of the worst water quality problems America has ever faced, the book shines in other categories too. With the mix of anecdotes about the author's life and the roots of activism that runs through her family, the readers get to connect and empathize with the author. 

Instead of merely stating facts and figures, the author adds a personal touch to her writing which makes the readers feel the gravity of the subject matter even more greatly. The fervor and zeal of the author for the well being of children and her commitment to the  betterment of the society is felt loud and clear through her writing and her activism. 

I say that the book was life altering for me because it showed and emphasized the fact that a person with passion, commitment and, goodness in their heart can indeed make a change in this world despite being told otherwise or while having to fight all the adverse forcing reining in on them. It showed me that no matter what, one should never lose hope and that there is always light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how dark it might all seem like at the moment. 

The author should be given a lot of credit, not only for discovering, fighting and winning against the injustice but for also taking the time away from her busy work life to narrate it all and add personal anecdotes to it, writing a wonderful piece of work that will be read for years to come. I am hereby personally thanking the author for writing such a heart touching and revealing account of the Flint water crisis and working hard to solve it with the resilient and never ending passion. And I hope that this book and the author will serve as an inspiration for people from all walks of life hoping and striving for the betterment of the world we live in. 


-Rithin. 

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