Susan Liberty's Blog, page 2
June 27, 2019
Appalachian Reckoning
Appalachian Reckoning: A Region Responds to Hillybilly Elegy did what it set out to do; it gave the reader a different point of view from J.D. Vance's Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis. Part I consisted of a compilation of educated professionals that gave their assessment on the Appalachian peoples' way of life, poverty, drug abuse, etcetera. It was interesting, but at times, overwhelming with all the cited references disputing J.D. Vance's judgment as to why the white working-class is in crisis.
Part II kept me riveted. Genuine Appalachian people shined, giving the reader insight into their way of life through their poems, letters, and pictures. Appalachian Reckoning: A Region Responds to Hillybilly Elegy gets 5 stars from me.
Part II kept me riveted. Genuine Appalachian people shined, giving the reader insight into their way of life through their poems, letters, and pictures. Appalachian Reckoning: A Region Responds to Hillybilly Elegy gets 5 stars from me.
June 1, 2019
Hillbilly Elegy: A memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis. Book review.
Before I delve into reviewing Hillbilly Elegy, I need to thank Mr. Vance for his military service. Thank you, J.D. Vance, for helping to keep Americans safe.
Hillbilly Elegy is an excellent read. J.D. Vance captivates readers with his memoirs of growing up in Middletown, Ohio, with what he refers to as his "hillbilly family." The reader feels the little boy's fear and pain at needing to endure a drug addicted, unstable, at times, abusive mother. It was made clear that his mother's antics deeply affected Mr. Vance and his sister, Lindsey, carrying over into their adulthood. Vance's love flows throughout the pages for his grandparents, sister, and aunt, crediting them for providing him with a stable home when needed.
Mr. Vance brings to light, through his eyes, the white working-class struggles with drug addiction, child abuse, and poverty that is plaguing the inner sanctum of Rust Belt America.
Admittedly, I am a bit agitated at Vance's depiction of the upper-class, the elite people of American society. He made it seem wealthy people with Ivy League educations are without problems. Vance, whether intentionally or unintentionally, insinuates America's elite families are unencumbered by child abuse, dysfunction, and drug addiction. I feel Vance's reverence for the well-educated, wealthy people of America perpetuates the division between the "haves and have nots." As if knowing what utensil to use at a formal dinner engagement makes you a "better, more worthy" person.
That said, I enjoyed reading Hillbilly Elegy. I'm glad Mr. Vance had the wear-with-all to overcome his childhood circumstances and meet his adult goals in life. It's admirable he's giving back to his community using his social connections.
Kudos to you, Mr. Vance, for writing an excellent, emotionally infused five-star novel.
Hillbilly Elegy is an excellent read. J.D. Vance captivates readers with his memoirs of growing up in Middletown, Ohio, with what he refers to as his "hillbilly family." The reader feels the little boy's fear and pain at needing to endure a drug addicted, unstable, at times, abusive mother. It was made clear that his mother's antics deeply affected Mr. Vance and his sister, Lindsey, carrying over into their adulthood. Vance's love flows throughout the pages for his grandparents, sister, and aunt, crediting them for providing him with a stable home when needed.
Mr. Vance brings to light, through his eyes, the white working-class struggles with drug addiction, child abuse, and poverty that is plaguing the inner sanctum of Rust Belt America.
Admittedly, I am a bit agitated at Vance's depiction of the upper-class, the elite people of American society. He made it seem wealthy people with Ivy League educations are without problems. Vance, whether intentionally or unintentionally, insinuates America's elite families are unencumbered by child abuse, dysfunction, and drug addiction. I feel Vance's reverence for the well-educated, wealthy people of America perpetuates the division between the "haves and have nots." As if knowing what utensil to use at a formal dinner engagement makes you a "better, more worthy" person.
That said, I enjoyed reading Hillbilly Elegy. I'm glad Mr. Vance had the wear-with-all to overcome his childhood circumstances and meet his adult goals in life. It's admirable he's giving back to his community using his social connections.
Kudos to you, Mr. Vance, for writing an excellent, emotionally infused five-star novel.
May 29, 2019
Three years and a thousand tears.
I’m happy to announce Broken Promises has made it to Amazon in eBook and paperback form. I’m looking forward to the journey Broken Promises, the readers, and I will take together. Please friend me on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
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Website: www.susanliberty.com
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Email: author.susanliberty@gmail.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/susanlibertyauthor
Website: www.susanliberty.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/susanliberty3
Email: author.susanliberty@gmail.com
