Media Reviews
The Mourning Wave: A Novel of the Great Storm By Gregory Funderburk Köehlerbooks, 2020 Reviewed by Nikki Morris
The Houston Lawyer
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magine living through a storm so powerful and so devastating that 120 years later it is still considered to be the deadliest natural disaster in US History, claiming the lives of between 6,000 and 12,000 people. This catastrophic event is the subject of Gregory Funderburk’s debut novel, The Mourning Wave: A Novel of the Great Storm. Funderburk is a Houston lawyer and a pastoral care minister. His experiences on both accounts have no doubt contributed to his ability to write a compelling story that is based in fact and yet conveys the genuine emotions felt during and after experiencing a natural disaster. The Mourning Wave is historical fiction that provides a detailed glimpse into what life was like in Galveston during and after the Great Storm of 1900. The novel centers around Will Murney, Frank Madera, and Albert Campbell—the only three survivors of over 90 orphans living at St. Mary’s orphanage at the time. Will, Albert, Frank and many of the characters they encounter throughout the story are based on real people and real accounts of the storm that demolished businesses, destroyed homes, and claimed thousands of human lives. The story begins just before the storm reaches the island and immediately invokes a sense of foreboding before taking you through the emotional rollercoaster that is a natural disaster. In the middle of the night, the boys cling to life in an old boat called the John S. Ames while wind and water threaten to pull them out to sea. Once the dawn breaks and the destruction is complete, the boys make their way 42 March/April 2021
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across the island seeking refuge and medical attention for injuries sustained during the storm and with the mission of telling the sisters at St. Mary’s infirmary what happened at the orphanage. Along the way, they encounter several characters experiencing the shock and grief that follows tragedy, as they grapple with the uncertainty of loved ones’ whereabouts and the complete loss of their homes or livelihoods. Funderburk’s descriptions of the destruction are thorough, but at one point, Will and his friends come across an unsurmountable ridge created by demolished buildings, furniture, and other remains, and I felt compelled to stop reading so that I could search for pictures of the destruction to see it for myself. If you, like me, have little knowledge of the history of this storm, I encourage you to search for pictures of the Great Storm of 1900, too! The devastation is incredible with houses turned on their sides and entire streets reduced to piles of lumber and other debris. But do not be discouraged. The Mourning Wave is not only a compelling tale of the devastation caused by the Great Storm, but it is also a story of hope and resiliency as the city begins to heal and find a way to move forward. Neighbors help neighbors with needed supplies, such as clothing and food. Other infrastructure is also instituted as large-scale cleanup efforts commence. There is even hope as people are reunited with loved ones thought to be lost. Although historical fiction is not my typical go-to genre, I was captivated by The Mourning Wave and compelled to find out the fate of Funderburk’s characters. This is the type of story that history buffs familiar with the Great Storm and fiction-lovers can both enjoy. Funderburk’s writing is thoughtful and poetic, and I look forward to his next novel.
Nikki Morris is a litigation attorney at Baker & Hostetler, LLP. She is a member of The Houston Lawyer editorial board and an avid reader.
A Litigator’s Guide to Building Your Best Argument By Cecil C. Kuhne III ABA Book Publishing, 2019 Reviewed by Brooksie Bonvillain Boutet
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f you find the same words and phrases appearing on your computer screen over and over again, A Litigator’s Guide to Building Your Best Argument is a good read to refresh your writing. The overarching theme is how to craft a convincing argument for a busy judge. The book covers wide-ranging topics—from overall structure and rigorous editing, to how to summarize the facts of a case and analyze case law—for trial and appellate attorneys across all practice areas. It even includes a little lagniappe on oral arguments. The structure of the book is user friendly. Each chapter provides a brief lesson on an essential of effective, persuasive writing and concludes with samples of the techniques described. This makes for a quick read for a practitioner who finds it necessary to forego the lengthier examples and allows for easy reference back to key points. However, if the examples included in each section are not enough for you, there are more at the end of the book and model briefs in the appendix. A Litigator’s Guide will bring attorneys of all skill levels back to the basics of building their best arguments. Brooksie Bonvillain Boutet is a trial attorney at Shipley Snell Montgomery, LLP. She is a member of The Houston Lawyer editorial board and serves as the editor of Behind the Lines: The Houston Lawyer Podcast.
