Man, this was an eye opening read. It was like learning about a completely foreign civilization, which I suppose Hillbillies are in our country. I even had a tough time at the beginning with the author's family tree and family names, as if they were written in a foreign language. Once I got into the swing of things, though, it was very compelling and readable. Vance's family is hilarious and heartbreaking. They paint a full portrait of a culture I knew very little about. Although it was informative, I came away feeling helpless and angry. As a person of Scots-Irish descent, I find this notion of excessive pride that supposedly drives the pig-headed nature of Hillbillies, infuriating. It feels like an excuse for the terrible cycle of violence and abuse. I had hoped for a more optimistic ending, or Vance's thoughts on solutions to the problems that face the poor working class. Alas, it's seems like more of a jumping off point to at least get the conversation started, and an important one for the health of our country.



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