Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis

I've noticed this book on a number of “must read” lists regarding “understanding the Trump victory.” Also, I heard the author on a few podcasts and was fascinated by his story. His engaging, fast-paced, funny and insightful memoir did not disappoint me. Although I live in Central Ohio, his description of the life and culture just to the south (in Kentucky) and to the west in Middletown (between Dayton and Cincinnati) was eye-opening. His thesis has stayed with me: While hillbilly life can be crazy and pridefully resistant to governmental “handouts,” everyone in this culture can use a “hand-up,” via strong, healthy, encouraging adult mentors like those that J.D. had growing up. Whether the anger and ills of the “white, working-class” can be solved this easily remains to be seen. Regardless, I am grateful for the illumination of this foreign (for me) culture presented by Vance.