Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J.D. VanceMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
What plagues the white working class of Hillbilly Elegy is the same behavior that keeps many humans regardless of race or socio-economic status from advancing in their lives - a propensity to withdraw from or fight against rather than to engage with the outside world. Vance believes that home-life is a large contributor to this. He cites research that shows that adverse childhood experiences are more prevalent among members of the white working class above other groups, resulting in a cycle of fear, anxiety, and withdrawal from conflict. For Vance, "being a hillbilly means sometimes not knowing the difference between love and hate."
As an expectant mother (and someone with determined and loyal "hillbillies" in the family tree) this book was a good reminder about how the actions of parents can profoundly impact children - for better and for worse.
264 pages
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This sounds fascinating.
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