Surprisingly addictive and interesting

I had seen the book reviews and the book didn't turn our exactly as I expected. With each chapter ending, i found myself eager to start the next and although I am not very much into personal memoirs, this wasn't a factor with this book, which is a credit to the author and the book.
The book narrates the childhood of the author and it's a good depiction of many of the difficulties faced in may families in the US rust belt. The book is not so much about self bragging but about how the author managed to get out of a vicious circle of low opportunities, drugs and alcohol and terrible parenting, to become an Ivy League graduate (as some other similar books end up being), but is almost a bit distant description of what happened and how important the author's grandmother was in allowing him to break that vicious circle. In its clear and vivid description of his early years, there are important lessons that can be drawn to drive public policies to provide more ways out of similar vicious cycles that end up in lack of opportunities and lives miserably wasted and lost in rural America.
Highly recommended.

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2 people found this helpful

Highly recommend

Engaging and informative. Touching and edgy. I didn't expect it to but this book has actually helped me understand the actions and behaviours of a loved one who grew up in hardship.

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So much more than just an autobiography

Absolutely love this interesting and inspiring book that comes with some value lessons. Great listen that is read by the author himself.

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Unexpectedly good

Really enjoyed this. Not an academic text but an insight into a culture I know little about from a personal point of view. Explains a bit more about why Trump is so popular. A good combination of sympathy, empathy and realism and a reminder of what children do and don't need. I would have liked a a few other perspectives eg if the author had asked his mother why she thought she behaved in the way she did, but maybe that's another book.

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Excellent 👌

Insightful depiction of white working class Americans and the adversity their children face growing up. Passionate and humorous, despite the sadness. A thrilling and informative read 👍

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Insights into life in parts of USA

Super audiobook. A real page turner. A real, rare, honest account of overcoming adversity. Thoroughly recommend!

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How could hillbilly's elect a Buffoon?

I was desperate to work out how Pennsylvania could elect a buffoon like Donald Trump. This story explains the mind set of an abandoned sector of the population who in many ways wanted to "stick it the man". Republicans were never going to have this sector's needs at heart and i hoped i would learn how they had hypnotized these people into becoming a 'base'. This story tries to explain how a single persons life was encapsulated within that culture. Its not a rags to riches story of overcoming adversity and wining the American dream. Its a painful account of the titanic forces imposed on a community affecting migration, poverty, and embarrassment as someone claws his way out.

The unique super power of being able to go without sleep and study like a Trojan is what makes Mr Vance's story different from those around him.

I didn't find what i was looking for but can see parallels to communities here in the UK, people fooled into believing the politics of a situation when we frequently find Politicians who are bending the truth.

I learnt something but didn't like what i learned, that said i listened in one sitting and couldn't stop until it had finished. I had a weep like Mr Vance does at the end of "Saving Private Ryan".

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2 people found this helpful

Thought provoking and harrowing

People often look for something high stakes and far fetched to stir the soul, but this tale of everyday life of ordinary folk on the Appellations elicits emotions one struggles to describe.
One appears both awe struck and shocked at the nature of Hill Billy justice (the harsh retaliation for insulting a family member), despairing at the misery caused by drug addiction, touched by the personal tragedy encountered, and stirred to a sense of indignation at how family trauma dims outlooks.
Vance's personal story is a story best told by himself, it's a remarkable story, and any attempt to summarize it within a review is likely to detract from the story itself.
However, the person's story draws attention to the macro issues that are overlooked by identity politics.
Vance rhapsodizes Rustbelt America, an area in industrial decline which has birthed single parent families, revolving door stepfathers, drug addiction, depression, and psychological breakdown.
It's a harrowing portrait and a story that needs to be told.
Yes, white folk are on welfare and have it hard. Yes, success is the result of many variables aligning, and No, not everyone can succeed.
Among the insights Vance offers is the notion that Americans pin too much hope on College, and No, not everyone can make it to College, and how simply making ends meet in small town America can be tough.
Vance points out that far too much emotional energy is given toward blame in its various forms, from government to fat cat corporations and not enough emphasis is given to personal shortcomings.
An additional bonus is the feeling one gets as to why formerly Democrat dominated Appellation America came to despise the elite Liberals embodied by the Clintonistas and the like. It cannot be explained through simple insights and knowledge points, it's something the needs to be felt.
Overall, a harrowing tale, something one should read to both understand and feel Rustbelt America.
Overall, this is a memoir that is felt more than anything, and heartfelt it is. Truly unforgettable.

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Fascinating

A brilliant insight to problems so common and yet so very difficult to deal with. I’m Irish but the theme is universal. Food for thought indeed

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Great listen for a professional 30 something

Fantastic listen, well read and interesting throughout. JD is a great discovery from this book, he sounds like exactly what this world needs more of.

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