Reading Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance was an unexpectedly engaging experience—I found myself constantly putting my paperback down to Google things, whether it was about Appalachian culture, local politics, or historical references. That may sound like a distraction, but it really pulled me deeper into the world he was writing about.
The story itself is truly glue for the eyes. He sure has a way of drawing you into his family and upbringing, and I honestly still feel delighted whenever I see him mention his mom in public—it’s like I’ve come to know her myself, and I’m weirdly proud of her sobriety. One detail I especially love was his decision to take his grandparents’ name instead of that from an ex-stepfather he barely knew. Even better, he and his wife changed their names together when they got married—it felt meaningful and symbolic in a way that resonated. Identity is so critical to who we are.
Vance’s reflections on his time in the Marines, his college experience, and his relationship with his wife really stood out.
Stylistically, he manages to make discussions of economics and politics compelling—impressive for me who is not a reader of memoir (ever). He wraps his thoughts in storytelling so effectively that you’re drawn in, much like Ayn Rand did with her novels (although a different tone and context).
All in all, whether or not you agree with his perspectives, Hillbilly Elegy was a gripping read. The narrative, the family dynamics, and the personal reflections make it hard to put down. I’ve decided to skip the movie for now—maybe I’ll come around—but the book itself was an experience worth having.
