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jencunn2024's review against another edition
3.0
This was an interesting memoir and study of growing up in the white working class. It brings to light both the possibilities of upward mobility and be the many blocks jades, challenges, and hindrances that hold these people back, that make them repeat the same from generation to generation. I’m excited to watch the show to get more of the personal aspects to the story for J. D. Vance. I was actually somewhat surprised at how much of his memoir was an analysis of his experiences rather than his personal story. So I’m hoping for more of that with the show.
kim_j_dare's review against another edition
3.0
Eh. I listened to the author read the audiobook version. Interesting, but a thread of condescension runs through.
oktofon's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
Interesting story of a controversial political figure. Suffers from flat and repetitive writing.
moco71's review against another edition
4.0
I'm glad I read this - reminds me of some people I know but don't spend a lot of time with. The author was able to overcome some serious odds to get a college education and a more stable life than he grew up with. Very inspiring, but the "lessons learned" or ways to help others like him are limited and rely on people making better decisions, wanting a different lifestyle, taking responsibility for their actions, and also being given more opportunities.
memeganne's review against another edition
dark
reflective
medium-paced
2.5
If Vance could focus on his personal story rather than extrapolating and playing amateur sociologist, this book may have been worth the read.
As it stands, while his recollections of his childhood and experiences overcoming poverty are admittedly compelling, this is tainted by his current lack of a moral centre and spine.
As it stands, while his recollections of his childhood and experiences overcoming poverty are admittedly compelling, this is tainted by his current lack of a moral centre and spine.
callienicole's review against another edition
4.0
This book has been all over the place, and I finally picked it up - wow, really interesting look at a culture in America that I didn't know a ton about! I'd recommend it just because it was fascinating and would provide for great discussion, but watch out for alot of language and crudity.
floackle's review against another edition
3.0
An entertaining read that many will likely enjoy. I found the writing engaging and the topic increasingly relevant in today's day age. The second half of the book falters once it moves into J.D.'s college years and loses some of its steam, but still remains a recommended read.
dellaposta's review against another edition
2.0
The book is part memoir and part social commentary on the decline of the white working class. The memoir part benefits from good writing, but is largely the expected family melodrama with some memorable characters (Mamaw!). The social commentary features few genuine insights and ranges from generic platitudes (e.g. That the decline of the white working class has cultural as well as economic antecedents) to self-serving apologetics (e.g. That Appalachian whites mistrust Obama because of his "elitism," not his race). Knowing that the author has already announced interest in a run for office in Ohio, it is not difficult to see the real aim here - indeed, the book reminded me in some ways of Dreams from My Father. Ultimately, I learned little besides some interesting history of Appalachian culture and migration in the first few chapters.
christinehonn's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
3.5
This memoir shines when Vance talks about his personal experiences (especially from his childhood) - those are the parts I found most interesting. I found myself skimming over everything else; when Vance tries to zoom out and look at the "big picture" of Appalachian culture and its effects it often comes across condescending and as a lecture on a topic he's very conservative about. The book really started to lose me after he became a Marine. It was upsetting to learn that this man is an avid Trump supporter (even now in June 2024!). Would Mamaw, the guardian who has almost legendary status in this book, approve of that? My heart tells me no.
Edited to add that I watched the movie on Netflix and it's one of those rare instances where the movie is better than the book in my opinion, since it focuses much more heavily on Vance family dynamics than overarching Appalachian issues.
Edited to add that I watched the movie on Netflix and it's one of those rare instances where the movie is better than the book in my opinion, since it focuses much more heavily on Vance family dynamics than overarching Appalachian issues.