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Hillbilly Elegy

a Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis
Jan 26, 2020INVS rated this title 2.5 out of 5 stars
I didn't know what to expect but glad I didn't have preconceived expectations and no thought to how or if there was supposed to be a message about the current administration. His opinion on that front is of no importance to me. I'd lean toward agreement with 2 other reviewers, Mllex and hinahusain. I doubt the ones that need to hear his story will hear it. The in depth explanations of how the group lives gives a clear reference frame and it's reasonable to find some compassion, not pity. He refers to Scots-Irish culture in an isolated region, not so different from other immigrant groups that exist today in America. So is he lucky or fortunate a variety of factors intervened? his family received counseling/therapy; he had more than one family structure for living; he had enough sense not to drug or drink; he entered military service and learned discipline, order, listening skills, personal presentation and found some idea of what life is outside his narrow confines. I liked the intro but not his reading and was overly ready for it to end. Good on Vance, now will he return to his community to help educate or share the experience?