Hillbilly Elegy
Hillbilly Elegy
J. D. Vance
Stewart Butterfield
Human, perceptive, loving, well-told. - Stewart Butterfield
Ben Shapiro
A very well-written book. [...] The whole thing is a critique of individual decisions. - Ben Shapiro
Bill Gates
I came away with new insights into the multifaceted cultural and family dynamics that contribute to poverty. - Bill Gates
Max Levchin
Max Levchin recommended this book on LinkedIn.
Bill Nye
Provides the reader with insight into how the United States got into its current mess. - Bill Nye
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6
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Hillbilly Elegy

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

J. D. Vance
By
J. D. Vance
3.9
34222
ratings on Goodreads

In the heart of America's Rust Belt, J.D. Vance's "Hillbilly Elegy" unfolds as a profound narrative that transcends a mere personal memoir to explore the nuanced tapestry of white, working-class America grappling with systemic disenfranchisement. Vance, a former Marine and Yale Law School graduate, delves into his Appalachian heritage with raw honesty, tracing his family's journey from the poverty-stricken hills of Kentucky to the struggling steel towns of Ohio. Through his eyes, we witness the relentless cycle of hope and hardship that defines the region, making "Hillbilly Elegy" not only a poignant account of Vance's own upward mobility but also a reflective look at a segment of society fighting to find its place in a rapidly changing America. What sets Vance's narrative apart is its unflinching examination of the cultural and emotional landscape of the American white working class. With a narrative that is both tender and brutally frank, Vance brings to life the complex dynamics of family, poverty, and resilience. The memoir goes beyond personal success to question the very fabric of the American dream, challenging readers to consider the broader implications of social and economic decline. Through vivid storytelling and insightful analysis, "Hillbilly Elegy" offers a compelling meditation on identity, belonging, and the enduring spirit of a community often overlooked, making it an essential contribution to the ongoing dialogue about the future of America.

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Released
2016
28 Jun
Length
264
Pages

6

recommendations

recommendation

Human, perceptive, loving, well-told. - Stewart Butterfield
Provides the reader with insight into how the United States got into its current mess. - Bill Nye
Jason Calacanis recommended this book on his blog.
Max Levchin recommended this book on LinkedIn.
A very well-written book. [...] The whole thing is a critique of individual decisions. - Ben Shapiro
I came away with new insights into the multifaceted cultural and family dynamics that contribute to poverty. - Bill Gates
What separates the successful from the unsuccessful are the expectations that they had for their own lives. Yet the message of the right is increasingly: It’s not your fault that you’re a loser; it’s the government’s fault.
— J. D. Vance, Hillbilly Elegy

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