Extra Credit: Holler

A debut graphic memoir that profiles an Appalachian community’s resistance to an oil pipeline.

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Holler: A Graphic Memoir of Rural Resistance by Denali Sai Nalamalapu

Hi friends! I’m trying something new—profiling new or otherwise noteworthy climate-related books that aren’t on our reading list for the year but that this community may want to check out. I’m calling this segment, “Extra Credit.”

First up… a debut graphic novel about an Appalachian community’s resistance to an oil pipeline. Denali Sai Nalamalapu, a climate organizer, has interviewed six frontline resisters to the Mountain Valley Pipeline, a project that spans approximately 300 miles from northwestern West Virginia to southern Virginia. Their book offers a portrait of the diverse people and places of Appalachia and the creation of a hopeful movement, introducing us to everyday organizers and resisters—a teacher, a single mother, a nurse, an organizer, a photographer, and a seed keeper.

I’m also excited to share that I will be in conversation with Denali at Baltimore’s 3-day Lost Weekend literary festival, hosted by my beloved local bookshop, Greedy Reads! There’s an incredible lineup all weekend from Friday, May 30 through Sunday, June 1, 2025 in the Remington neighborhood. I’ll be interviewing Denali on Saturday, May 31 at 3 PM EST. Help Greedy Reads plan by RSVP’ing in advance!

Hope to see you there and enjoy reading Holler!