White Hot Hate: A True Story of Domestic Terrorism in America’s Heartland

In the United States, homegrown terrorism (especially by far-right groups) is arguably a greater threat than terrorism from foreign groups. This book chronicles how a plot to bomb a Somali community in Garden City, Kansas, was foiled by the FBI through their informant imbedded with the far-right group. The story itself is riveting, and the knowledge that these are true events makes it all the more fascinating to read.

The narrative is not chronological, which leads to repetition when the event is recapped later. It also makes the story harder to follow, especially as there are several different intersecting strands. It would be interesting to learn what radicalized the extremists, but that was not covered. The background leading up to the plotting the bombing was highly detailed; probably too detailed and repetitious.

Unfortunately, that level of detail is not provided for the trial and court case (where more detail would have enhanced the narrative). The dialogues featured ooze with profanity. However, there is no warning on the book jacket or the product description indicating its presence. The pictures adorn rather than enhance the text. In the end, what carries the book is the story itself, although the storytelling could be improved.