[PA Presbyterian]

Have you read his book? His sister verifies the authenticity of Vance’s description of his horrific childhood. She revealed in an interview that she wept when she read it and felt guilty that she didn’t stay behind to help her younger brother. Without his grandparents who took over his upbringing, Vance might be dead. His mother was a suicidal drug addict. Vance’s way out was to enlist in the Marines. He credits them with giving him direction and a sense of purpose.

I read the criticism of his book. His critics don’t believe anyone could survive what he endured. I don’t know how they have any real knowledge of his life. They just don’t like the message of the book which is his love of country and the love of his extended family that enabled him to rise about his circumstances.

His grandmother and grandfather were hillbillies from Kentucky who moved to Ohio after WWII to find work. They came with many others from the same part of Appalachia. Vance still identifies with the values they instilled in him. He despairs about the situation of these people who live in communities that no longer offer work and decent schools. These are poor whites who feel hopeless and turn to drugs like Oxycontin to cope. Nobody has been speaking for them. Vance’s eloquent book does. I found it incredibly moving. It’s not b.s.

You might want to read it before you make ignorant remarks.

[discostu]

Alex Haley gave lots of interviews too. Didn’t make it so.

[Albion Wilde]

Perfect explanation. I received it the same way.

[Tell It Right]

FWIW, I don't know anyone personally who grew up in the Appalachia area. But I've done a couple of volunteer mission weeks there over the years. The lifestyles of the people living in poverty there are about as bad as words can get but still be talking about living in the U.S.

Both times I was there (for mission work) I asked the young adults to consider moving out and finding jobs in the rest of the country. Every time the response was that they're not moving from their home, despite the poverty. (FYI, you get the same response when you volunteer in the deep poverty of Alabama's Black Belt.)

Looks like Vance is one of the few who decided on the moving out option through the Marines.

[Williams]

Thank you.

[jacknhoo]

Thank you for that thorough description.

Now, I’m going to read the book. I don’t have Netflix.

[Kathy in OC]

I don’t think his portrayal of his personal life has been disputed. Some people in Appalachia have taken issue if his portrayal of the people there generally.

[thinden]

Did vance join the marines & after he was discharged attend the Ohio State U on the GI Bill?