Book Wise

J.D. Vance’s "Hillbilly Elegy": Who is Trump’s New Heir?

Share this episode

About the episode

Before J.D. Vance catapulted into the spotlight, he was a bestselling author. On this episode, we’ll give you the scoop on his 2016 book, “Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis.”

Britt Brewer is joined by BookClub CEO Jonathan Munk, who sets the scene for Vance’s upbringing in a small Ohio town hit hard by the decline of American manufacturing. How does Vance rise against so many odds to become Trump’s running mate? What does his story tell us about the hardships that so many Americans face? And what role do housing policy and privilege play in all of this?

Book Mentioned

"Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis" by J. D. Vance

Free Summaries

Subscribe to our newsletter

Stay up to date with any episode releases.

Thank you for subscribing.

Please check your email with your exclusive gift!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

"Hillbilly Elegy" by J.D. Vance is a compelling memoir that delves into the author's experiences growing up in a poor Rust Belt town, offering a poignant examination of the white working-class in America. Vance's story traces his family's journey from the impoverished Appalachian region to Ohio in pursuit of a better life, highlighting the persistent struggles with abuse, addiction, and poverty that accompanied them. Despite achieving personal success by graduating from Yale Law School, Vance reveals the enduring impact of his chaotic family history. This deeply moving account provides an intimate look at the challenges and decline of a significant segment of American society, reflecting on the broader implications for the American dream.