Reading Beyond Hillbilly Elegy
This guide offers alternative reading choices to J.D. Vance's Hillbilly Elegy, aiming to provide a more comprehensive, nuanced, and authentic understanding of the Appalachian region and its people. The books, which span nonfiction, history, memoir, fiction, and poetry, collectively address the shortcomings of Vance's narrative by exploring diverse experiences, systemic issues, cultural richness, and the complex history of Appalachia.
I have chosen to use the “Top 10 List” format... In creating the first list, I immediately had to create a second list, as there were too many to just put on a single list on the front of a t-shirt. So there’s the Top 10 List of Books… and the Top 10 List of MORE Books… In fact, I could easily create a third list and a fourth list, and I just may do that, so stay tuned.
The Problems with "Hillbilly Elegy"
J.D. Vance's book has faced significant criticism from scholars, Appalachians, and critics for several key reasons:
- Oversimplification and Generalization: Reduces complex issues to cultural failings, neglecting systemic factors.
- Single Story Narrative: Presents a narrow, personal experience as representative of a diverse region of over 25 million people.
- Lack of Historical Context: Overlooks the history of resource extraction, economic exploitation, and political disenfranchisement.
- Perpetuation of Stereotypes: Reinforces negative stereotypes about Appalachian people being prone to violence or laziness.
- Ignoring Diversity: Fails to represent the racial, ethnic, cultural, and experiential diversity within Appalachia.
- Individualism vs. Systemic Issues: Downplays the impact of deindustrialization and the opioid crisis fueled by pharmaceutical companies.
The Top 10 Books
The Top 10 MORE Books
About SQUAWK SHOPPE
SQUAWK SHOPPE isn't just a place to find cool stuff. It's run by a small crew with big hearts, many with deep roots in Appalachia. These book lists are part of the 'NO ELEGY' collection. Why 'NO ELEGY'? Because an elegy is a lament for the dead, and Appalachia is so incredibly alive!
Here's the best part: a portion of the proceeds from every item in our 'NO ELEGY' collection goes directly to organizations in Central and Southern Appalachia providing direct support to communities.
Thanks for being part of the SQUAWK SHOPPE family and for helping to celebrate and support the incredible voices of Appalachia!