Shadow People: How Meth-driven Crime Is Eating At the Heart of Rural America Paperback – April 17, 2012

Wow! I live in a rural area that is plagued by rampant theft to feed drug habits. I learned so much from reading this. It has obviously been researched, is well-written and VERY informative. While it is gritty and parts are hard to take, he doesn't gloss over this ugly epidemic that is sweeping across the nation. Every legislator in this country on both the state and national level, should be required to read this book. I'm still fuming that Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that would have helped to curb the trafficking of this horrible drug one of his last acts. He should be ashamed of himself. Unbelievable. Also unbelievable is a drug that can make one think that maybe living out in the country isn't such a good thing. It is getting to the point that you can't have anything or leave anything unattended outside, as it will be stolen, right out of your yard. I speak from personal experience on that one. And as the books states, police budgets keep getting cut. It is useless to try and report a crime in this area, as the usual response is, "We will get to it when we can, but we are short-handed." It is sad and heart-breaking what this chemical time-bomb has done to the country, the people hooked on it, and mostly the innocent children who have to suffer unspeakable abuse and neglect by parents who are addicted.

Truly puts into perspective the apocalypse that this drug presents to civilisation as we know it.. The writing style is brilliant. The narrative so skilfully woven that we are drawn into the everyday, comfortably familiar world that could be the backdrop for any one of our families. Surely we are safe in our little comunity with strong family values and clear eyed, goal directed kids? But no, we are shown how quickly things are turned around so that the most unlikely to be self indulgent person can become a meth addict with all the attendant mental and physical consequences and the collateral damage to family and community. Set against this are the brave and selfless men and women who work in law enforcement, welfare and other roles. ..what can I say..but just read it! You will be glad you did.

This book provides the reader with a powerfully written overview of how meth-amphetamines have impacted the rural United States. By reading this book one develops an understanding of just how complex this problem is at the national level. Not only that but the author demonstrates what rural police departments are facing when addressing meth related crimes. Finally, the author outlines the negative effect that meth has had on rural economies, and on the lives of people living in rural areas. Overall I thought that this was a good and informative read.

This is a valuable read and should be required reading for high school students. I wish this book was more widely publicized. The book is well written, well researched, and is an eye opener for people who do not do drugs, but should be aware of the desperate, stupid, selfish, slime out there who put themselves and their wants and needs above anyone else, including their family, even their children.

I got my reserved copy of Scott Thomas Anderson's Shadow People last night, started it this morning and finished this afternoon, it was that compelling and that well-written. I had the pleasure of having Scott in my classes at Folsom Lake College and have enjoyed reading his work as he has become a fine journalist with an eye for the kinds of details that make one feel truth rather than just read it. As a resident of the Gold Country, I found this book exciting but disturbing at every level, its journalistic intensity shining light on the horrific underworld of methamphetamine, whose tentacles reach into the heart of rural communities throughout America. Anderson's experiences as he rode with detectives, cops and deputies, coalesce into a haunting vision that we can only wish were fiction. After reading this, I truly believe that students from high school on, perhaps even earlier, should be given this book to see the frightening and decidedly non-glamorous world of meth, because clearly, once hooked, few ever get free. This book has the potential to make the kind of difference that fine journalists seek: a change not only in attitudes, but in behaviors. Above all, I found myself wanting to ensure that those brave men and women in law enforcement and in the criminal and victims justice system get the help they so clearly need to protect our communities from this scourge. Kudos, Mr. Anderson, and to those with whom you worked.

An interesting history of a local problem. Not quite what I was expecting. A good story,but can be tedious to read in parts.

I couldn't put it down. The author draws you in with stories of real addict's and their struggles with drug addiction. Very informative.

Although this story was well written, as a reader you may have to read parts numerous times in order to keep up. The author had limited time to tell vivid and gruesome try stories from all over the u.s . Tied to meth. Well worth reading, Shadow People should be a high school literary requirement.

A very informative and interesting read although quite disturbing,learning how these crack addicts live on a day-to-day basis.It is,however quite depressing the fact that so many of the addicts children are taken into care,although this is possibly the best outcome as far as they are concerned.

fascinating and absorbing. Thank GOD we don't have a massive meth problem here. How evil the people are behind this drug's production.

A frightening and terrifying book about the Crystal Meth epidemic and gives insight into its history in the USA from the bikies to the Mexican drug cartels that now seem to have taken over manufacture and distribution.It should be in every high school library.Cannot recommend it enough for anyone interested in the meth scourge that is destroying people's lives, users and non users.

This is a well constructed narrative that capably describes the breadth of the meth problem in central California. Unfortunately the message is sad and disheartening particularly where children are involved. This was published in 2011. I wonder what the situation with meth abuse is like now

An eye opening book showing the true cost of meth addiction on all facets of society. The squalor & degradation of the hardcore addicts as well as the depressing & sickening things faced daily by police & social workers in these areas.Add pictures of some of the scenes described along with before & after photo's of the addicts, then make this book required high school reading. Perhaps showing teens the ugly reality of the meth lifestyle would stop more from taking that first hit.