Holler

“Holler’s heart lies in that which outlasts temporary disappointments: the power of community. ‘You lost hope in existing systems. But you found it in something bigger… in people building the future they deserve together.’” –Shelf Awareness“A moving and deeply accessible – and beautifully visual – story about change, hope, and humanity.”–The Good Men Project“A moving account and tribute to the local Virginia and West Virginia activists fighting to protect their land from the ravages of the Mountain Valley Pipeline project.” –Publishers Weekly“This debut graphic memoir tells the stories of six activists fighting against the Mountain Valley Pipeline in Appalachia, providing a vivid illustration of what a rural resistance movement looks like. Through their interviews with the individuals and accompanying artwork, Denali Sai Nalamalapu offers both information and inspiration.” –Ms. Magazine“In Nalamalapu’s debut comic, readers are introduced to organized resistance against the Mountain Valley Pipeline in the form of interviews with six activists from across Appalachia. These six chapters invite the reader to consider their own positionality, to think about what they could or would do to protect their (literal) homeland. This will appeal to fans of comics journalism, comics about place, and histories of Appalachian resistance to fossil fuel extraction.” –Booklist“Holler makes plain what’s at stake, not just for these organizers, and not just with the pipeline, but what’s at stake for all of us if we don’t make radical changes now…above all else, what strikes me about both Nalamalapu and the activists they profile is their ability to embody a kind of radical hope in the face of corporate greed, political corruption, and climate devastation.”–AWP The Writer’s Chronicle“Full of heart, this beautifully illustrated book tells a devastating story. A poignant portrait of an Appalachian environmental movement.”–Kirkus“Original, informative, and compassionate, Nalamalapu’s primer on pipeline resistance is a necessary addition to climate change literature. I highly recommend it. Holler’s clear facts and stories of courage and humanity speak to readers of all ages. While the book must document failures, it also teaches us not to despair by offering real-life examples of the gifts each of us have for creating a post-fossil fuel future.” –Ann Pancake, author of Strange as this Weather Has Been“Within the simplicity of this format lie so many beautiful complexities–the motives that make someone an activist, the skills that make them good at it, the intersectionality of the issues that motivate this book’s protagonists, the politics and peril of pipelines, the nature of campaigns…. Holler is an engrossing introduction to one pipeline struggle and valuable for thinking about many things beyond it.” –Rebecca Solnit, author of Orwell’s Roses“Denali Nalamalapu’s debut graphic novel tells the inspiring story of a community’s courageous resistance to the fossil fuel industry. Through heartfelt, accessible journalism and charming illustrations, Holler explores the work of six individuals fighting to stop a dangerous pipeline in Appalachia. It is a powerful account of the efforts of ordinary people to slow the climate crisis in the face of corporate greed and government indifference.” –Danica Novgorodoff, author of Alexander von Humboldt“In deft strokes, Holler tells the compelling story of the people resisting pipeline construction in Appalachia, with great narrative and ethical clarity. Simple black lines and block color narrate interviews that will help readers, especially young readers, understand not only the importance of fighting against extractive economies and for a green future, but how to do it.”–Solomon J. Brager, author of Heavyweight“Holler is a truly beautiful account of the beautiful people who have waged a beautiful fight for a beautiful piece of a beautiful planet. Read it and learn how to fight!” –Bill McKibben, author of The End of Nature“Central to survival during these troubled times is the art of listening. In Holler, Denali Sai Nalamalapu invites readers into the living rooms of those who have been heartfully fighting the construction of the Mountain Valley Pipeline for years. Few books illustrate what collective resistance looks like–the pain that sparks it, and the love that fuels it–Holler is a thoughtful addition to this growing, and necessary, canon.” –Elizabeth Rush, Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of Rising“Denali beautifully and plainly presents the truth of activism: that it takes all of us, that we all have something to bring to the movement. I sat down to read it and didn’t get up until I was done. Holler is earnest, clear, and moving without every becoming pedantic, and is an important piece of activist art.”–Margaret Killjoy, author of The Lamb Will Slaughter the Lion“Denali Nalamalapu’s Holler is a crucial contribution to contemporary visual storytelling and a stellar guide for all seeking change in their community and the world. The art is accomplished and assured, the use of interviews deft and effective. Holler tells a gentle, hopeful tale that neither ends happily nor ends. The work goes on, and Holler reminds us of the joy inherent to that work.”–Robert Gipe, author of Trampoline“Denali Sai Nalamalapu’s beautiful illustration of the Appalachian hillsides and forests offers a thoughtful introduction to the history of and activism around the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Nalamalapu made me care deeply about this important landscape and the varied personal stories of community members working for change there. I am grateful for their organizing work, for their education, and for inviting us to join them.”–Will Betke-Brunswick, author of A Pros and Cons List for Strong Feelings“In Holler, Denali Sai Nalamalapu introduces us to Appalachians who refuse to accept the destruction of their homes as a simple given. Paula, Karolyn, Becky, Crystal, Michael, and Desiree believe a better world is possible for us all, and use their art, their voices, and their wisdom to fight the forces of extractive capitalism behind the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Through clear prose and stunning visuals, Nalamalapu shows us how we, too, might build something new from the cinders of our burning world.”–Neema Avashia, author of Another Appalachia

Denali Sai Nalamalapu is a climate organizer from Southern Maine and Southern India. Denali lives in Southwest Virginia. They have written for Truthout, Prism, and Mergoat Magazine, and their climate activism has been covered in Shondaland, Vogue India, Self, The Independent, and elsewhere. They studied English Literature at Bates College and completed a Fulbright grant in Malaysia. Denali currently leads the grassroots environmental justice coalition Protect Our Water, Heritage Rights (POWHR). You can find them at @Denali_Sai on Twitter and Instagram.