Nick Reding's "Methland"

Just listened to three different podcasts that focused on “Methland: The Death and Life of an American Small Town” - a new book from the American journalist Nick Reding. As the title might suggest this book explores the impact of methamphetamine on rural America. The town of Oelwein, Iowa serves as the focal point of the story.

In each of three radio interviews I listened to, Mr Reding paints a compelling picture of the meth epidemic that swept across rural America in the past decade or so.

You can get the gist of his argument by listening to this 8 minute segment that aired on NPR’s All Things Considered. For a more comprehensive exploration of the book check out this 44 minute interview that aired on WBUR’s On Point with Tom Ashbrook. Want more still - check out this 28 minute interview on Iowa Public Radio’s The Exchange. (I confess to only listening to the last half of the IPR segment.

A book excerpt - in the form of the prologue - is available at methlandbook.com.

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