Most of us would like to think that history is based on civil negotiations between representatives from around the world. The fact is that war has always been a disease that not only spreads on the battlefield, but infects everyone who comes into contact with it. In the case of nuclear weapons, the United States, like many countries, has raced to produce some of the most lethal weapons. Kristen Iversen shares her experiences about a nuclear power plant in Boulder, Colorado called Rocky Flats. The events at Rocky Flats are fueled by secrecy and pervasive risk, and it is the integration of these concepts into various aspects of his life that is at the heart of Full Body Burden. To better understand the historical context of nuclear development it seems to me as if Iversen has dived into a fair amount of investigative journalism. The book primarily focuses on the events of Rocky Flats and his life through a nonfiction narrative interpretation. By providing a journalistic approach, Iversen makes it easy for the reader to build a relationship with the characters presented in the book. At times I found myself visualizing the intensity of the fires, the swirl of emotions of the locals, and the lasting environmental impacts that would not only plague Colorado but taint the reputation of what it means to be human. The title Full Body Burden refers to the amount of radioactive material present in a human body, which acts as an internal and continuous source of radiation. The parallel between his family life and the events on Rocky Flats is often very profound. Iversen describes one case where mice took up residence in his walls, closets and heating ducts. The solution to their extermination is the use of some paper... about the events surrounding Rocky Flats and the state of current nuclear operations. Today, the current state of nuclear energy, energy, bombs, etc. they are only a small part of the dangers that infect our society. There is a greater web of individualism at play and I think she is trying to show that it is not just the American government's fault for keeping secrets, but that we as human beings must refrain from remaining passive in these situations. We must open our eyes and see that civilization is not as civilized as we would like to see it. It's time to move forward and change our attitude towards each other. This book is worth $12, especially considering Dow Chemical's strong presence in today's news. Its size makes it perfect for travel and not a weekend read. It will definitely inspire you to do some muckraking of your own.