METHLAND The Death and Life of an American Small Town

To some, the purported epidemic of crystal methamphetamine use sounds as if it’s more media hype than reality. That preconception goes by the wayside in listening to this book, a surprisingly interesting examination of a scourge that has become common through the country. METHLAND focuses on Oelwein, Iowa, a midwestern town that has been destroyed by the drug, also known as “crank,” and those who thrive from making it. Mark Boyett’s narration is terrific. He deftly conveys the town’s efforts to deal with the problem and defines various key residents. Particularly strong are his portraits of town doctor Clay Hallburg, who personally observes the growth of the drug and the decline of the town, and prosecutor Nathan Lein, whose caseload is almost entirely meth based. The reporting is brutal, but the book is captivating. D.J.S. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2011]