Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I was born and raised in a small coal-mining town in eastern Kentucky with a population of about 1,700. Right in the middle of a valley. After high school, I got my bachelors degree, traveled a bit, and now live in DC. Many of the experiences Mr. Vance describes are familiar, but there are some major differences. First, one might call Mr. Vance's grandparents and extended relatives "hillbillies," but he is not. Nor is his mother. They are from central Ohio where hills are mythical landscapes. He claims to have been raised in poverty, and his families income may seem low to those reading his book, but the median household income of my hometown is around $12,000 per year. Mr. Vance's grandparents left Kentucky to find a better life for their children. Mr. Vance has undoubtedly had an interesting life - one filled with hardship from a young age. He has risen above the struggles placed upon him by his family and society and should be greatly commended for it. It is not easy to rise above your station. But his claim that he is a "hillbilly" is false and for those looking for a window into the life of Appalachian people, this is not the book for you. As I said before, I am from the mountains and now live in DC. If I have a child, that child will not be a "hillbilly" - no matter how many vacations they take to Kentucky. Their children will also not be Appalachians.