I am struggling to write a review for this title. Hillbilly Queer is a memoir written by J.R. Jamison that touches on many topics, including the severe political divide currently in the United States. Jamison's family, like many American families, has members who fall on each end of the spectrum. In this case, Jamison is a gay man who is very left-leaning politically and his father is more conservative. The memoir unfolds during the 2016 election season as the two go on a trip to his father's hometown for his high school reunion. The author is trying to understand and accept that his father is planning to vote for Donald Trump - a candidate who is not LGBTQ+ friendly (that might be an understatement) among other things (racist, sexist, an accused sexual abuser, xenophobic, etc.). Here's why this review is difficult to write: this is a nonfiction account of Jamison's experience with Trump supporters as a gay man. I do not think it's appropriate for me to invalidate his story and I am glad that he was able to write this memoir. However, something about this book did not sit right with me. Maybe it was because I read it five years after the events occurred, just months after Donald Trump left the white house leaving the country in shambles. This memoir encourages readers to reach across the political aisle and embrace those who hold different views than us. Which is great in theory. But is it realistic at this time? Just something to consider if you decide to pick up this title...
(PUB DATE: 05/11/2021)
(I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed above are my own.)