Under the Surface: Fracking, Fortunes, and the Fate of the Marcellus Shale

Well, maybe not gushing, but this was a very good book. It explains the good, the bad, and the ugly of the new "fracking" technology which makes possible the extraction of natural gas from previously unusable shale. The author has done thorough research, talking with people in the industry, in politics, and on farms who were directly affected by this new approach to "developing" our natural resources. There is a lot of information, but the author has a good narrative style, and the story pulls you along. He makes a good effort to remain objective, but it becomes clear that his sympathies lie with the landowners who have been abused by unethical oil companies. The author does make the point that many oil companies have been ethical and careful. Reading this book will give you helpful understanding of fracking generally and of the Marcellus Shale issues in particular. Since fracking is already having an enormous economic impact in America, it is worth learning about.

This seems to be an even-handed description of the fracking which has already taken place, both in the past, and more recently in PA. It does represent the gas-developer side of the coin, too, as well as the many issues which have surfaced during the extremely expensive and dirty business, actually and politically, of the process. It is well worth reading by anybody involved or concerned about the current rush to frack, particularly in NYS.

My thanks to Author Mr. Wilber. I bought two books because I wanted our local library to have one. Everyone needs to read and understand the consequences of this issue. Mr. Wilber studied this for a long time and came up with all the information we need to form an opinion. I found it amazing that Barnes and Noble does not have this book on their shelves. Perhaps someone should contact them. Thank You

This is a very detailed recounting of how fracking came to Pennsylvania and New York states. It gives both pro and anti - fracking arguments. There are personal stories of landowners' experiences with the gas companies. Well written!

I had the opportunity to meet Tom at the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. He did a talk about his experiences and his book and read a few excerpts for us. If you want to support an author - he is amazing. I loved his book and I'm happy I have it signed.

As a environmental regulator, I found this book to be quite informative. I definately expanded my knowledge of horizontal drilling and fracturing beyond what I already knew. I also think it is a useful book to help remind regulators about who they are working for that citizens and landowners sometimes just want someone to listen.

If you live near an area where natural gas fracking is going on, and fail to read this well-researched, objective book, you are doing yourself and future generations a great disservice. The dishonesty and self-serving attitudes of many of our legislators - from small townships to the state levels - is appalling.

Easy read, not as balanced a presentation as billed, but still a fair treatment overall of a difficult and controversial subject.