Hillbilly Elegy by JD Vance
A bunch of different factors led me to choosing this read. First, I noticed it was trending on Barnes and Noble. Also, I am not a huge nonfiction reader, but I enjoy a good memoir. And, lastly, I think this past election (it makes me cringe typing this because I’m so sick of all the hate that has been spewed over it) really left me feeling like I needed to clear my head. I struggle with the fact that my beliefs place me in the middle in terms of the political spectrum when I feel like, these days, you need to pick a side. And, what scares me most, is that if you do lean more towards one side, you are expected to veer that way on every single issue. It’s like people choose Democrat or Republican and then think this is what I need to believe instead of thinking this is what I believe, now who aligns most with my views? I’m getting off topic because Hillbilly Elegy was much more memoir than commentary on public policy. It is written by JD Vance, a former marine and graduate of Yale Law School. His story is a unique one, as he managed to rise up from a chaotic, violent, drug addled, poverty stricken Rust Belt community— something that rarely happens in Appalachia. What I liked about this book is the mix of Vance’s emotionally charged memories and his reflection on the events of his life and how they have formulated his ideologies on topics such as addiction, enabling, child endangerment, poverty, etc., particularly focusing on how and why lower working-class whites can’t seem to get ahead. I felt his viewpoint was fair, enlightening, and spot on. I would recommend this to pretty much anybody, regardless of political affiliation, who enjoys memoir, but also has an interest in working class culture and domestic affairs.
What Happened in Granite Creek by Robyn Bradley
After a couple of highly enjoyable nonfiction reads, it felt satisfying to pick up a novel. This one came recommended by my friend, Sharon. She had purchased it after seeing an ad online stating, “if you enjoy Jodi Picoult, you’ll love this read.” I enjoy Picoult’s books, and I was intrigued by the New Hampshire setting. What happened in Granite Creek is narrated by Koty, a young mother of three at a crossroads in her life. Her once-happy marriage has crumbled in the wake of her husband’s alcoholism, her kids are growing up, and she has been assigned to spend time with a 26 year old veteran whose service in Iraq has left him a quadruple amputee. The novel started with a jerk (pun intended; you’ll get it once you read) and grabbed me instantly. I will admit that I did predict the ending (mostly), but it didn’t stop me from feverishly turning the pages. I would recommend this book to pretty much anybody who enjoys thrillers and/or family dramas.
