A review by joannchilada
Crapalachia: A Biography of a Place by Scott McClanahan

2.0

I wish I knew ahead of time that this book bends a lot of truths. The author says he was painting a picture, and you don’t ask if a painting is true. But that’s not a fair comparison, because a book is very much not a painting, and when it’s categorized as nonfiction and biography you set an expectation for your reader. This information should be presented up front. It comes as a bit of a slap in the face when told at the end. It also helps make sense of what feels off while you’re reading. For example, I kept wondering why his friend and one time roommate sometimes did things out of character. Well, turns out the author combined two people into one character. Certainly less jarring when you know that already, I’m sure. It also makes you question the entirety of the book when truly every character is changed, as well as the timeline of when things occurred and who they happened to. So much is about living with his grandmother and uncle - and then you learn he never did. So call it fiction inspired by true events. Don’t lie.