Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I am a 67 year old white man raised in the South. This is a wonderful book. I found it interesting to compare and contrast this book with Hillbilly Elegy. Both books describe a childhood hard for a middle class kid to adequately grasp; but the writers emerge into very different places. J.D. Vance escapes from his childhood hell, aided by a probably unknown and still unacknowledged privilege. Consequently, he elevates his 'escape' as a journey based on his own effort, integrity and intention. Patrisse Khan-Cullors, black and gay is born into similar economic circumstances... but the deck is stacked. She realizes that escape can only occur through commitment to community, a community she must cobble together herself. Together the two books provide a very real picture of white privilege. J, D. Vance doesn't see it, doesn't get it, because it would ruin his fairy tale story of self salvation. Both stories are tragedies of people thrown away by a heartless economic system. Vance rises above his circumstances aided by the invisible structures of privilege. The impoverished black community of Khan-Cullors family knows no such privilege; and that is our collective sin and shame.