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

So he appears to "understand and explain" (except not even remotely) working class white frustration, while benefiting entirely from white privilege? And, once again, largely disparages social and tax payer paid programs, while entirely benefiting from them, as well? So typical Republican hypocrisy, then, which has been explained decades ago, with one quote:

“Socialism never took root in America because the poor see themselves not as an exploited proletariat but as temporarily embarrassed millionaires.”

The guy's simply a hypocrite.

And people who are poor and white support politics that are contrary to their bests interests and don't bother to help themselves? Also, nothing new.

Not what I thought it was. Right wing propaganda! If you love Fox News, this is for you.

I bought this book on CD for my elderly father who loves to listen to true stories about people, famous or not. Due to the great reviews of this story I bought it for him. Unfortunately, he couldn't get past the first CD because of all the vulgar language (F bombs, curse words, etc). I wish people would have mentioned this in their reviews and in the product description. I would not have bought this CD. Warning to you if you or your children don't want to hear vulgar language. Too bad as this might have been an good story otherwise.

I didn’t get a chance to listen to the book. I went to download it and the cds only read as blank cds. I tried three different ways of checking them none of them worked. I am frustrated by this. I don’t know if this is a normal thing for this company but it was very discouraging to go to listen and not be able to.

I am not very political but I would make the argument that, just as Jonathan Haidt explained to the left why they lost the 2000 and 2004 elections by focusing on too narrow a view of morality, J.D. Vance has written the definitive account of the 2016 election without even trying to.

Hillbilly Elegy uses personal memoir to give a vivid account of what life is like in the Rust Belt. What used to be the blue-collar population of the Midwest is revealed to be living with the well-known despondency and desperation of many an inner city. Vance's compelling account of his victory against overwhelming odds to escape from that dysfunctional society is not only interesting but I believe basic to understanding why Clinton was upset by Trump. In 2000 and 2016 the left failed to recognize what truly mattered to a significant part of their traditional coalition.

Even if this political argument is wrong, this book is worth reading by all Americans interested in learning about the changes taking place in Rust Belt America. The fact that the author also has a underdog story to tell only makes for more interesting reading.

I fail to understand why this book has garnered so much gushing praise. I thought it sounded interesting and might shed some light on Trump's popularity in white, rural America but it failed to deliver. I found the writing to be pedestrian, if not just bad. Hard to believe this guy graduated from Yale Law using cliche's like " But make no mistake...." . I didn't learn anything new about the effects of poverty, class, and isolation. His observations about the lasting damage of "adverse childhood experiences" (ACEs) are disturbingly accurate but again, nothing fresh or insightful. I don't get it.

Very moving and personal account of someone who made it through a maze of obstacles that many others didn't. However, did hold onto the relationships family and otherwise in a safe and loving way. I found this book to be very very like Deer hunting with Jesus by Joe Bageant. This book was written by an insider looking in. Hiilbilly elegey was an insider getting out and looking back. Both good reads.

I found this book very honest and appreciated the insight into the lives of children growing up with the issues that Mr. Vance experienced. The book is well written and interesting while imparting important information. I would recommend it highly.

Hillbilly Elegy is a fantastic book that should be required reading in every school in the country. The book gave me a great understanding of the obstacles that people face advancing their status in impoverished areas in the country. I now understand why it's hard for underprivileged kids to make it in our society.. Honestly, I wish that our government would stop sending money overseas to countries that we foolishly invade, and start sending money to Americans in this country who need our help. J.D. Vance tells his heart felt story with honesty and clarity and I'm telling everyone I know to go out and buy the book.

Good book. Not to most complex of analytic of the erosion of the work ethic, but worthwhile reading. Really validates the conventional wisdom that who you associate with, determines your future health... financially, emotionally, socially, and yes, physically.