Today I am reviewing Hillbilly Elegy
It is under the category: Free Choice
This is a true story of the author who grew up in the Rust Belt between Kentucky and Ohio. He tells the story of a culture in crisis - white working class Americans. He has a biological father he didn't know until he was older. A slew of men in and out of his life while his mother - who abused alcohol and drugs - barely could raise him. His was basically raised by his grandparents who he credits for saving him and turning him into the man he is today.
He is now a marine veteran who went to Yale Law School. He talks how it took him a long time to trust people and let his guard down due to his upbringing in such an unstable environment.
I really liked this book. I grew up in a VERY stable family, but in a very UNSTABLE town. A town full of families just like the authors (I grew up in Western Pennsylvania near the Appalachian mountains). I watched families struggle every day and watched the cycle repeat itself generation after generation. And when a kid broke the cycle, like the author did, it was amazing to see. The author talks extensively how the support and stability of his grandmother's home saved him. That seems to be the bottom line. A kid needs stability and love to break a cycle. The author could have ended up like his mother - a drug and alcohol abuser with a very bleak future. But due to the grandparents, his broke away.
Great, great book. Highly recommend!
Stars: 5
This book shows up on all of the lists. I don't know why I haven't read it yet, but I need to get on that.
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