Author: J. D. Vance
Published: 2016
Language: English
Pages: 273
Rating: 3/5
Summary:
In this book, the author takes a look at his upbringing in the poor Rust Belt of America and explores hillbilly culture, the white working class and his own experience with his family.
Review:
This was a very interesting book to read. As I am not American, I'm not very familiar with "hillbilly" culture and so I found that part quite intriguing.
My favorite part of reading this was definitely the authors relationship with his grandmother, and in general, his entire family was very interesting. Mamaw takes the cake though; she's a ballbusting and complicated woman with a wonderful heart, and I love how appreciative her grandson is for having had her around.
I think the way the author captures the cycle of abuse is really interesting, how that can effect people for generations and just how difficult it is to break out of it. I liked how the book focused on the importance of education and good work ethics, but I do think that sometimes the tone of these arguments feels like the person writing it somehow feels superior and I think perhaps some of the nuances of the issues the author brings up are lost. I also think some importance issues were omitted; especially that of race and racism.
I don't think this is a life-changing read by any means and I'm not sure it's really made any impact on me as a reader, but it is interesting enough and worth the read if you like memoirs of this type.
You can read more about it on Goodreads
