reviews

'This book is a beautifully written and wonderfully honest testimony to the anti-roads protests in which so many of us participated during the 1990's. It took me back to those days, but also reminded me how much we carry forward now that climate change means that even the most industry-corrupted sceptics can no longer deny that our critique of 'the great car culture' was spot on. I remember a protest song that went. 'What did you do in the eco-wars, Daddy?' Read this book - it tells you.'

- Proffessor Alastair McIntosh, author of Soil and Soul and Love and Revolution.

Nine Miles is a powerful and timely reminder of just how far the state is prepared to put economic interests above those of communities, the environment and benefits to society as a whole. It is also testimony to what can be achieved, both individually and collectively, when we refuse to accept this kind of destruction and focus instead on our relationship with the planet and with one another. Read it - and be inspired..

Dr Caroline Lucas, Leader of the UK Green Party and Green MEP for the South East of England.

Jim tells his story of the protest against the Newbury Bypass and other road schemes in a deeply moving way that perfectly captures the idealism and chaos of this time. The campaign against the infamous Newbury Bypass was enormous, spreading over the nine miles of the book's title, 30+ protest camps, 1000+ arrests, and many thousands pf people's involvement. None of us who were there will ever know the full extent of the heroic input of all those who participated, and I was enchanted to read Jim's perspective from Middle Oak. He managed to catapault me straight back into the midst of the passion, chaos and turmoil. He is a very brave soul for entering back into that painful territory to chronicle what happened to him there.

Rebecca Lush Blum, founder of Roadblock.

Merrick's full review can be read here.

Copyright all Text and Images J.A. Hindle 2008