After reading Janesville:An American Story I picked up Hillbilly Elegy expecting it to be a social commentary about the working class poor in the Appalachians that I could read as a companion book. Instead what I read was the personal memoir of J.D. Vance, a thirty two year old ex marine and Yale Law School graduate who, although descended from a Kentucky family, was raised in Ohio. His family background was dysfunctional but not especially so, and while his family were uncultured, they were far from poor.
I knew after about fifty pages that I wasn't going to enjoy this book as it wasn't at all what I was expecting to read. I found it was a not particularly interesting story about a family recounted by a smug man with staunch right wing politics. I will give credit where it's due: J.D. overcame a certain amount of difficulties and worked hard to improve his lot in life, but I didn't pick this up expecting an indulgent memoir. I was expecting to read a well researched book that would give me insight into the lifestyle and culture of a section of society.
Hillbilly Elegy is an easy read but it's not particularly well written and, honestly, I'm amazed that it is not only as popular as it is but that so many people are raving about it.
Not recommended!
(In case you didn't pick up on my vibe...)
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