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Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis
Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis | J.D. Vance
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review
Bibliophile004
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Pickpick

This book is powerful. Vance is very open about his childhood- the good and the bad. It speaks to all the ways resilience is fostered in children. It also highlights the many ways children can thrive- stability, support, love. Its a very thought provoking read.

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RowReads1
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😏Ok no mention of French Canadians, still interesting. https://lithub.com/rebecca-solnit-jd-vance-is-just-another-know-nothing-nativist...

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monkeygirlsmama
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Mehso-so

I did not love this book, but found it mildly interesting. #audiobook

Soscha I‘ve never regretted missing this one. I skipped because of criticism it wasn‘t an honest portrayal, so… 🤷🏼‍♀️ 3mo
monkeygirlsmama And now he's running on a presidential VP campaign trail? Wtf?! 2mo
27 likes2 comments
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LiseWorks
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Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 👍🏻📚🙌🏻 3mo
Eggs Perfect 👍🏼 🤩 3mo
KadaGul I was really looking 👀 forward ⏩to diving into the book 📚 before catching the movie 🎦 . I've heard 👂 so many great things about the book 📚 !#Book2Movie (edited) 3mo
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lynneamch @KadaGul Lots of negative things about the book too. BookRiot has a list of 15 books to read instead including this one that @Chelsea.Poole posted about 3mo
KadaGul @lynneamch What do you think ? about the book ? ? If it will be tough on my soul, I can add it to the bottom of my "To Be Read" list.#BOTTOMOFTBR 3mo
LiseWorks @KadaGul it is on my TBR list I haven't read it yet. But it's a memoir I don't usually read that genre 3mo
lynneamch @KadaGul I chose not to read it after many reviews like this one https://www.statepress.com/article/2020/04/specho-review-hillbilly-elegy?ref=404...
So many books, so little time. Right?
3mo
KadaGul @lynneamch Thank you 🙏 for letting me know. I'll just watch the movie 🎦 & call it a day. The book 📚 ill put in LFL. 3mo
24 likes8 comments
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EadieB
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Pickpick

#HillbillyElegy #JDVance #August2024 #BookSpinBingo #SeriesLove2024

Hillbilly Elegy recounts J.D. Vance‘s powerful origin story….
From a former marine and Yale Law School graduate now serving as a U.S. Senator from Ohio and the Republican Vice Presidential candidate for the 2024 election, an incisive account of growing up in a poor Rust Belt town that offers a broader, probing look at the struggles of America‘s white working class.

EadieB After watching the movie, Hillbilly Elegy, I decided to read the book. I loved the book and found it utterly amazing all that he has accomplished in his life after growing up with such odds against him. 3mo
slategreyskies If this region and its rich cultural heritage and challenges interests you, you may find this article with suggested books interesting as well: https://bookriot.com/books-about-appalachia/ 3mo
EadieB @slategreyskies Very interesting! Thanks! 3mo
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slategreyskies You‘re welcome! One of the professors I had while at university recommended that article. She‘s studied a lot about Appalachia, written several books & also lived there, so while I don‘t have firsthand knowledge of how the books on the list compare to the one you read, I love having options for learning new things, especially in areas that interest me. Happy reading! 📚 ♥️ 3mo
TheSpineView Fantastic! 3mo
DieAReader 🥳Great 3mo
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 3mo
35 likes7 comments
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BethM
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Mehso-so

Listened to this for obvious reasons, and bc I didn‘t have to pay for it. I‘ve seen one Litten who lives in the same area say this was pretty spot on. Politics aside, I found the first half of the story pre-college very engaging. Having experienced some similar childhood issues I felt seen, which makes any story worthwhile. I whole heartedly understand how grandparents can save you, even while being crazy and imperfect themselves. 👇

BethM That being said, the story post high school feels almost dissociative. As someone with a high ACE score myself, it didn‘t feel like his trauma was owned or dealt with, rather boxed away like only men seem able to do. His adult stance on his mom and boundaries I was with 100% but everything else just seemed very distant and a tad disjointed. I‘m not sad I read it, but I don‘t feel like I super know the guy either which is kind of the point 👇 4mo
BethM for memoirs. 4mo
Cuilin “Boxed away”, great description with a double meaning. 4mo
34 likes3 comments
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Kerrbearlib
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I don't discuss politics much here, but this childless cat lady is not impressed with JD Vance. I'm debating whether I should read his book, however, because I want to be more informed about him & his views. I will borrow it from the library if I do. I'm not giving him my money.

Anyhoo, these are my cats. Lorelei (left) and Boots (right.) Love my girls. ❤️

#ChildlessCatLady

RowReads1 You‘re beautiful cats look a lot like my Rafferty! 4mo
TieDyeDude 🤘 😸 I have no interest in his book because a lot of what I hear is that he completely abandoned his former opinions and values to fit the MAGA mold. Sure, people can change, but it seems his priorities now are more opportunistic. 🤷‍♂️ 4mo
Tamra I‘ve heard the same @TieDyeDude 4mo
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dabbe #lovelylorelei and #beautifulboots 🖤🐾🐾🖤 4mo
Kerrbearlib @dabbe ❤️ 4mo
Kerrbearlib @TieDyeDude @Tamra that's a good point. Thank you for pointing that out! 4mo
Kerrbearlib @RowReads1 thank you! Is Rafferty part Maine Coon? Both my girls are. 4mo
22 likes7 comments
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Bookish_Gal
Panpan

Granted, let me get my biases out of the way. I listened to this audiobook because of the VP choice. The book is a few years old, and tells of his growing up. As a memoir, it felt disjointed, off putting writing. I just didn‘t feel his story, let alone not sure my hillbilly awareness should be off this guy talking about how much he wanted to rage at people all the time growing up. I don‘t feel like I know him better. Which is the point of memoirs

dabbe #fanofthepan! 🤩🤩🤩 4mo
9 likes1 comment
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JenniferEgnor
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Just saw this on a feminist facebook page. Fuck around, find out. It is my utmost pleasure and honor, to be a ‘childless cat lady‘! Now, where are my other Litsy childless cat ladies at? Check in, come through!

Suet624 I am a mom of 4 and have no animals and I understand the assignment. ;)
4mo
TheBookHippie This dog mom and Nana understands the assignment ! ✊🏽💙🗳️ 4mo
kspenmoll This has exploded all over the internet as you can imagine! 4mo
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Amiable 2 kids, a hubby and a cat over here. We all know what we need to do. Even the cat gets it. 😀 (edited) 4mo
IndoorDame 2 cats, no kids ✊🏽💙🗳️ 4mo
Kerrbearlib Childless cat lady here! 4mo
clconn17 Childless cat lady right here that loves JD Vance and is super excited to vote for him this fall! 4mo
27 likes7 comments
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RowReads1
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😬🤐https://lithub.com/jd-vance-is-the-toxic-byproduct-of-americas-obsession-with-bootstrap-narratives/?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Lit%20Hub%20Daily:%20July%2018%2C%202024&utm_term=lithub_master_list

Bookwomble He described Britain as "the first Islamist country with nuclear weapons", so he can fuck right off as far as I'm concerned! 4mo
38 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Shannon_McKinney
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Pickpick

This book is incredibly accurate. I grew up just north of Middletown&the grandchild of “hillbilly transplants” from Kentucky. One papa moved north after WW2 for factory job & another always said he worked one day in a coal mine & left for Chicago. I‘ve watched family struggle with drugs -lost some to it. & the domestic abuse carry through the generations. It is odd that even though I‘m an Ohioan I still feel such a connection with eastern Kentucky

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Bethanyroe
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Pickpick

I found this to be a very fascinating read! I haven‘t seen the movie so had no expectations one way or another. The writing was fresh, authentic and personal.

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cephellapod
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Mehso-so

Loved the narrative style and deeply appreciated the childhood stories and insights on American and Appalachian culture. I was completely thrown off by the military talk and thoughts on the Iraq war. Only then did I learn the author is a Trump-endorsed conservative politician. I can still appreciate the book, but with a healthy dose of skepticism after learning this.

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RebeccaRoo7
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Teree883
Pickpick

Great story

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Teree883

Great story

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sarahbellum
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Panpan

Sloppy pseudo-sociology. A lot of what he claims to be “hillbilly” either isn‘t unique to Appalachia or only describes his own personal experiences. I‘m sorry that he had a hard childhood, but I‘m not really sure what to do with this memoir. Reading about his life and beliefs post-memoir make him sound like quite the hypocrite to me, but, then again, he did claim that hillbillies are bad at seeing their own flaws 🤷🏻‍♀️

June‘s #doublespin

ManyWordsLater Amen! His conclusions are counter to what he experienced. 2y
Graywacke Yes to all that! A frustrating memoir and he‘s far worse in RL politics. 2y
marleed I read this book a couple years before the author decided to scream his voice into politics. Knowing now what he has become I had to rid myself of my copy of his book because I just couldn‘t walk into my reading room and see his name on my shelves. 2y
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Coleen
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Pickpick

I don‘t live in KY or OH, but I do live in a neighboring Midwestern state, and sadly, much of what was portrayed here accurately describes many in my community as well. It pisses me off, to be perfectly honest. I don‘t have the answers as to how to fix things, but I fear that things will get worse before they get better. If nothing else, this is a good book to instigate some serious discussions.

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Kris10H
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Mehso-so

⭐⭐⭐
I don't want to get all political, but when I started listening to this book, I did not know anything about Vance's political leanings, or twitter comments he has made since the book was published.
Having said that, living and teaching in a Canadian province with a high child poverty rate, I see a lot of parallels between Vance's early life experiences, and those of many families in my community.

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CourtSmall
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Mehso-so

Book 214/2021. Finished 5/9/21 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Completely overhyped, this was boring as, I only finished it as it was a nominated book in my readathon. Can't believe they made this into a movie.

megnews It was awful. And the audio with him reading it was even worse. 3y
marleed I read/owned this book but recently donated it. I just didn‘t want to support this guy sitting on my shelves. Post reading the book I‘ve come to perceive him as an opportunist willing to scam others for his own success. 3y
14 likes2 comments
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BiblioLitten
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Not quite what I expected it to be but I‘m going to go ahead with it anyway.
Is that print turned bookmark too distracting? 😁
#currentlyreading #weekendreads

Jee_HookedOnBookz Where did you get that print from? It‘s gorgeous! 3y
BiblioLitten @Jee_HookedOnBookz I got this printed four years back to make cards for Littens. I had this on my laptop at that time. Originally it‘s a painting by Raja Ravi Varma titled ‘Lady with Jewels. (edited) 3y
45 likes1 stack add3 comments
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allureofbeauty
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Bought these eons ago but didn‘t get them posted so I will now. I got these at a goodwill outlet so I paid 1.69 I think for the whole stack. I got the You to pass along to someone else because it‘s one of my favorites.

#goodwilloutlet #goodwill #memoir #bookhaul

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Tiana
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Pickpick

8/10

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elisebarker
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Panpan

Meh. The writing wasn‘t that great. He jumped around a lot and honestly, he made it seem like anyone can just get out of the situation easily. As a trained social worker, I don‘t agree with a lot of what he said.

megnews I did not care for this either. I think he holds a lot of shame about his roots and while Appalachia surely has its problems it didn‘t deserve the broad brush I felt he painted it with. 4y
Readerann I agree 4y
elisebarker megnews I agree!! 4y
12 likes3 comments
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dariazeoli
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I‘m posting one book per day from my ever-increasing TBR. No description. No explanation. Just books to read. Join the fun if you want.

Day 92.

#fromthetbrstacks

bibliobliss Great book 4y
Sweettartlaura Are these books you own? Or just books you want to read? 4y
dariazeoli @Sweettartlaura These are the ones I own. 4y
50 likes3 comments
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AmyK1
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Pickpick

Interesting look at one family‘s experiences dealing with substance abuse, violence, lack of education and growing up a hillbilly.

This was my #doublespin for February @TheAromaofBooks

Crazeedi I know some didn't care for this book, but I really liked it 4y
TheAromaofBooks Great progress!! 4y
44 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Mccall0113
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Ugh. Why did I wait so long to read this?? I love looking at people‘s lifestyles that are different from.

Melismatic I enjoyed the film more than I expected to - it got mixed reviews but I thought it was well acted. 4y
Q84 I watched this and enjoyed it. 4y
PrezBookster The movie was great! Made me pick up the book! 4y
71 likes4 stack adds3 comments
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MonicaLoves2Read
Mehso-so

Not what I was expecting. Instead of a memoir it was more like a social look at growing up in a Hillbilly family and the struggles that insued.

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LynnG
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Just finished this book and being from Kentucky, I found this very interesting. I‘m not specifically from the Appalachian region but have read about some of these problems plaguing that area. He also has an interesting take on the level of distrust of government from this region and how that seems to coincide with our current political climate. Great read!!

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Cathyloves2read
Pickpick

I usually avoid reading memoirs, but am glad I took the chance on this one. I wanted to read it before I watch the Netflix film. It was a story of bravery while faced with economic and cultural challenges. It takes a deeper dive into the challenges that the white working class in Appalachia encounter. It touches on politics, but not enough to overpower. I am looking forward to watching the film!

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GinaKButler
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I‘m getting a jumpstart on #bookspinbingo with Hillbilly Elegy. This has been on my shelf for a couple of years now. Over Thanksgiving I listened to podcasts instead of books and heard Megyn Kelly interview the author, which I really enjoyed! I‘m also using this as the Book You Picked for the Movie Adaptation for the Beat Your Bookshelf Reading Challenge. 📚

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GypsyKat
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Mehso-so

As a memoir, this is... fine. But I think it‘s important to remember that is all that it is. One man‘s take on his own life and his family‘s experiences, and therefore biased. Two and a half stars.

Jensol77 The Netflix piece is good. I was annoyed at the end of the memoir. The movie does a good job of summing it up. He carried on towards the end. I give the Netflix piece ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4y
Andrea313 I agree with your take on this. It was fine; it was one man's account. But as it lacked the inclusion of broader data, it really irks me how this book is held up as emblematic of an entire groups' outlook and experience. 4y
LibrarianRyan I've seen the controversy, And I understand that. I watched the movie last night, and Agree, it's one person's tale. Not a grand look at an entire community. A look at his very specific community and his life in it. I didn't mind the movie, but don't think it was oscar worthy. 4y
SamAnne This was on my TBR list a few years ago and then I took it off. 4y
56 likes4 comments
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Nikki_E
Pickpick

I read this in about a day. Went in thinking it would live up to it‘s name but this was a seriously good read.

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Nikki_E

I was supposed to have surgery today, but thanks to a series of mix ups I‘ll be going in tomorrow. Waiting for a call any time now to let me know when I need to be at the hospital.

TrishB Good luck 🤞🏻 4y
Graciouswarriorprincess Good luck and sending hugs! 4y
kezzlou85 Good luck tomorrow 4y
Cheshirecat913 Good luck tomorrow. May it all go smoothly. 4y
39 likes1 stack add4 comments
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rather_be_reading
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Bailedbailed

Listened to more than half and just could not get into the story. I just didnt care what he was saying and was not getting the point of it. Also, another Litten told me about some controversy surrounding this one.

Schwifty Interesting. I was planning on reading this some day. Do you think the audio killed it? Like would it have been better in printed word? 4y
rather_be_reading @Schwifty that could be. his voice was boring and put me to sleep 4y
62 likes2 comments
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aperfectmjk
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Pickpick

I finished up my first November read for #bookspinbingo. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Living so close to the Middletown community, I can't help but connect. I know there is controversy on how Appalachians are portrayed, I can't speak to that, but I can speak to the culture of Middletown. It has a reputation, but so does Hamilton. The opioid crisis is tragic right now. Fascinating read for sure.

@TheAromaofBooks

S3V3N I‘m from Middletown. I haven‘t read this one yet. 4y
TheAromaofBooks Getting a jump on the month!! 4y
aperfectmjk @BeaG it doesn't paint a pretty picture of Middletown. He does show that you have the ability to change your circumstances rather than using it as an excuse. He promotes education. Like I said, it's pretty fascinating. Apparently they are making a movie for Netflix. 4y
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S3V3N @aperfectmjk I may check it out. I had a great upbringing in Middletown. I curious to see where (street) he grew up on. 4y
aperfectmjk @BeaG his life was not great. His mom went through various men and addiction, he suffered from abuse. It's a sad story. 4y
S3V3N WOW 4y
39 likes6 comments
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aperfectmjk
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Started this one today as my first read for #bookspinbingo this month and I've got to say, I'm completely engrossed. I have to confess though, I live in Hamilton, OH which is 10 miles south of Middletown, so it's very easy for me to connect and relate with this one. Plus I'm only two years older than the author.

Texreader I thought this was a good book 4y
25 likes1 comment
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PMMREADS
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Mehso-so

Interesting. I am interested to see if the film adaption 🎞 on Netflix. The author told his story well. As far as explaining socio economics and poverty; I feel those were his opinions.

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rather_be_reading
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Scochrane26 Please read about the controversy with this book & keep in mind that his story does not represent Appalachia (even though he says it does). 4y
rather_be_reading @Scochrane26 tysm bc i had no idea! 4y
39 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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gobecauseyoucan
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Pickpick

My Dad has always said “The breakdown of our country happened when large companies closed”, which drew me to this book. It‘s a Memoir of a young man who made it out of a stagnant physical and mental place that many do not. Very interesting read. I laughed out loud at some of his Grandmother‘s antics, she was quite a character.

RenePenn I have this ebook but haven‘t read it yet. 4y
gobecauseyoucan It was interesting to me that some of the mindsets actually mirrored some in my own family, that spunky fighting spirit that‘s passed down from generations. 4y
12 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Ericalambbrown
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Mehso-so

Oofff. I‘m not sure what say about this one. It certainly hit close to home, though we are hillbillies of the Missouri variety. I feel like Memaw and my mother-in-law could‘ve been separated at birth. My husband and I both escaped to the Marine Corps as well, albeit a decade earlier than Vance. I also feel like Vance displays the genuine arrogance and self-loathing I see in poverty escapees here. That juxtaposition is an interesting 👇🏻

Ericalambbrown thing to behold. He says no govt program can help because it‘s his community‘s own fault, but he credits the programs in the Marines for teaching him how to be a proper adult. He identifies as conservative but it seems mostly in rebellion to his past. So many contradictory opinions. I would really like to hear his perspective in 20 years after he matures a bit more. (edited) 4y
Amiable Ooh-rah! What was your MOS in the Marines? Where were you stationed? My son is a Marine—stationed right now at the air station near Jacksonville, NC (he‘s a Huey helicopter pilot). 4y
Ericalambbrown @Amiable I was 2600 - Signals Intelligence, I was Lackland AFB - I spent most of my time at joint service commands. My husband was SF. 8541 - Scout/Sniper out of Pendleton. Very cool MOS your son has! That‘s awesome! 4y
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SamAnne I‘ve heard these criticisms of the book. It has been on my TBR list but then wasn‘t up to being irritated. I didn‘t grow up in hillbilly country (although my ancestors did) but I did grow up in a poor logging community which is very similar. The deck was stacked against my fellow community members. 4y
Ericalambbrown @SamAnne I am not sorry I read it. At all. I just often wished I could ask him “why do you think you feel that way?” as if I were his counselor. He just seems to labor under that same old “if I can do it, anyone can” misconception. I don‘t think he realizes he‘s smart and extremely high-functioning. No doubt he worked his ass off but not everyone is capable of doing half so much without significant intervention. 4y
Scochrane26 @SamAnne @Ericalambbrown I‘ve heard & read several Appalachian writers & advocates that don‘t like this because he generalizes his family issues. When I read it, I liked the memoir, but he lost me in the last part. Apparently, he now thinks he‘s a spokesman for Appalachia, which isn‘t appreciated by those who are actually raised in the area. And I don‘t think he‘s done anything to really help the area. 4y
SamAnne @Scochrane26 @Ericalambbrown I want to read it. Maybe after the Presidential election. It may give additional insight into some of my friends from high school who hold similar views. Even when they are still struggling. 4y
Freespirit I have this one on my book shelves but haven‘t read it yet. 4y
Amiable @Ericalambbrown My son spent almost a year at Pendleton for his advanced flight training —he loved it there! And he enjoyed Pensacola during flight school. Not so much a fan of NC, though. 😬 He‘s going out on a MEU to the fleet in the Mediterranean early in 2021, so that‘ll be a change of scenery at least. 😀 (edited) 4y
gobecauseyoucan Agreed, Memaw reminded me a bit of my own Grandma, I had several good chuckles. 4y
62 likes10 comments
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ElvinaGB
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Today's read. Recommended by two co-workers. I can see people I knew growing up in some of the characters.

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Honeybeebooks
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Pickpick

I realize this work was initially well-received and then as is often the case there was backlash. But with all memoirs I tried to listen to the author as I would a friend willing to share his history, his memories and his dreams to make it and then make a difference. To that end I enjoyed hearing the outlandish stories, cringed at some parts and cheered when the author overcame the many odds he faced.

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Murphytall
Pickpick

This is an engaging, poignant and emotional read. This memoir is so well written that you are cheering them on throughout the book. A great read!

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Hillea2
Pickpick

Listened to the audio book read by the author. I loved hearing JD tell his story, his failures and successes, and the power of family.

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Kayla.Adriena
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Bailedbailed

I bailed on this one a while ago but here's my two cents anyway: I did not even make it through introduction. When this book came out it garnered A LOT of attention. And then I read some reviews that said it was racist classist nonsense. And guess what: IT IS. I'm interested in Appalachian culture. Just not from this guy's perspective. The type that Donald Trump would hug. No thanks.

Megabooks It is terrible. Horrible book!! 4y
Schnoebs You should try the book that was published in response to it! 4y
KatieDid927 Oof, oh boy. It‘s on my shelf, but I‘ll add it to the sell/donate. 4y
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KatieDid927 @Schnoebs Stacked, thanks! 4y
Scochrane26 I love the one @Schnoebs suggested. There‘s a lot of great Appalachian writers & NF—Hillbilly Elegy is not one. My favorite eastern Ky writer is Silas House & he does a lot for the region. 4y
OrangeMooseReads I bailed on this too. 4y
41 likes1 stack add6 comments
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amyf0x
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Mehso-so

Vance tells the story of his upbringing in ‘hillbilly America‘ and eventual escape through higher education, interspersing discussion of the Appalachian region‘s unique history, culture and economic troubles.

Read April 10-20
Rated 2/5 ⭐️
Book 20/60