No wonder “Hillbilly Elegy” by J.D. Vance is #1 on Amazon’s top purchased books in July 2024, a New York Times Best Seller, and a Netflix movie!!!!!! (This review does not contain vital spoilers.) J.D. should be commended for his poignant work, not solely for its exceptional literary quality but for the emotional and informative depth that resonates throughout the narrative. His ability to evoke genuine sentiment is a testament to his storytelling prowess, shocking experiences, and time as a life-long learner. While reading, I had to keep reminding myself that I was reading non-fiction. His mother was constantly changing up what the “D” in “J.D.” stood for. For me, a humorous moment in the book is when J.D. remarks on his aversion to the name "Donald." When writing this, he had no way of knowing who his future running mate for the United States Presidential Candidacy would be 8 years after this masterpiece was published. That made me laugh out loud. J.D.'s candid portrayal of his family's struggles offers a stark portrayal of small-town America, urging readers to look beyond initial impressions. I can’t put into words the courage it must have taken him to share the darkest moments and terrible choices of his mother (and other family members) for the world to read about. His courage in revealing personal hardships and familial dynamics underscores the book's authenticity and societal relevance. J.D.'s exploration of the cyclical nature of poverty, addiction, and fractured families underscores a broader message of resilience and the capacity for change. By drawing parallels between different communities facing systemic challenges, he prompts reflection on shared human experiences and the potential for societal transformation. J.D. proves that we are not facing a race war, but a socioeconomic one right here within our own borders. J.D. wrote: “Mamaw and Papaw taught me that we live in the best and greatest country on earth. This fact gave meaning to my childhood. Whenever times were tough- when I felt overwhelmed by the drama and the tumult of my youth- I knew that better days were ahead because I lived in a country that allowed me to make the good choices that others hadn’t. (Chapter 11)” That is the sum of this book. I wholeheartedly recommend “Hillbilly Elegy” to EVERYONE regardless of political affiliations. It serves as a poignant commentary on humanity, the pursuit of the American Dream, and the resilience inherent in the face of adversity. J.D.'s narrative has the power to inspire and provoke thought, leaving a lasting impact on readers. This is an elegy that will stick with me for so many good reasons. J.D., if you happen to read this review- Thank you for your service in the Marine Corps. Thank you for sharing this highly personal story. Thank you for standing for what is right. And thank you for agreeing to be our next Vice President. Congratulations to your mom on 10 years of sobriety. I’m praying for your family, you, and our country.

The book was well written. Easy to read. Easy to follow. Engaging. Surprising at times. A very telling, first-hand experience of the American rust belt. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was because of the author's frequent use of foul language from his first-person telling... not in the reflective, historical stories throughout the book, but in his first-person, present verbiage. It devalued the quality of the book. It seemed to be an immature choice... unprofessional... in my humble opinion. It was surprising and disappointing. Other than that, it was a well-written book.

Folks this is a very well-written book about where J. D. Vance came from and how he survived growing up in an unstable environment with a drug addict for a mother with no real father in his life and many men moving in and out of his life. The positive force that kept him from poverty and jail was his fearful grandmother and his service in the Marine Corps. His grandmother, Mamaw, came from a tough family and she was the toughest of the bunch. When there was nobody else, she stepped up and gave J. D. stability, a roof over his head, food, and encouragement to study and do the right thing. Nearly failing high school, once he moved in with Mama, his grades improved. Although he maxed the ACT and was accepted entry to Ohio State college, he did not feel ready and instead joined the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps got him in shape, taught him leadership skills and confidence in himself. During that time, he learned work and financial skills that would follow him for the rest of his life. His wartime service gave him confidence, taught him how to work with others to accomplish goals, persevere through difficult tasks and times, and be successful in tasks that were far above his pay grade. After leaving the service, he enrolled in Ohio State College and graduated with good grades while working 3 jobs and taking twice the number of classes a semester than the norm. After undergraduate studies he applied and was surprised to be accepted to attend Law School at Yale. While there he gained confidence and performance and became the editor of his school newspaper. At Yale he met the love of his life who taught him life skills that made him a better person. This book provides an understanding of the culture and lack of opportunity afforded impoverished kids and the positive effects people can have to improve their stock and excel in unsuspected ways. I recommend this book to family, friends, and others to learn who J. D. Vance is.