Download PDF Appalachian Reckoning A Region Responds to Hillbilly Elegy eBook Anthony Harkins Meredith McCarroll

Product details File Size 2632 KB Print Length 432 pages Page Numbers Source ISBN 1946684783 Publisher West Virginia University Press; 1st edition (March 1, 2019) Publication Date March 1, 2019 Sold by  Digital Services LLC Language English ASIN B07NBJ6PL2

Appalachian Reckoning A Region Responds to Hillbilly Elegy eBook Anthony Harkins Meredith McCarroll Reviews

• Great book - should have been called "Appalachia Fights Back." This collection of essays tells you what you actually need to know about Appalachia, not the cliches and stereotypes that have been perpetrated for generations, most recently by JD Vance (whose book should have been called "Hillbilly Reprimand," according to one of this book's contributors).
  If you're part of affluent America and think Appalachia is an outlier, a curiosity that doesn't matter, think again - spend $20 on this book and get educated. It's a great read that will open your eyes!
• I was born and raised in Prestonsburg in eastern Kentucky. I am proud to be a hillbilly from Appalachia. This book makes me sick! I am 60 years old and every so many years in my whole life someone comes up with a book, article, documentary, or movie like this that portrays my mountain folk in this negative light. There may be 20% of people that live in the poverty written about in this book, but what about the other 80% that no one ever wants to talk about?
  My hometown is a beautiful small brick town of 4500 people. We have the Kentucky Opry that brings in concerts. We have Stonecrest golf course. Also, a 2-year college which, in the 1970's was Prestonsburg Community College which I attented. We have Jenny Wiley State Park, with a lodge and several cabins. The park brings in tourist from several neighboring states. There is Dewey lake with houseboats, pontoons, wave runners and speedboats. Also we have Jenny wiley summer music theater that has 4 musicals that run through the summer months. We have Archer Park with an Olympic size pool, baseball fields and tennis courts. My father-in-law, Dr. George P. Archer, who was mayor of Prestonsburg at the time, donated the land to the city. Dr. George was also instrumental in the building of the first regional hospital in eastern Kentucky "Highlands regional medical center ".
  Are there still mountain people that live in poverty, have lived off welfare for generations and have opioid addiction and possibly (i have no idea) voted for Trump? Yes, (the 20%) but this could describe anyone in any state in America!
  I just want people to know that there is another side of the coin that no one ever wants to tell! That I represent the other 80% that no one knows about. Come to Prestonsburg and tell our story! We deserve the same consideration.
  Thank you.
• An ultimately and urgently necessary response to Hillbilly Elegy, expertly shading and deepening the full experience of being Appalachian, and a delightful, challenging mix of perspectives, voice and approaches. It’s both academic and popular writing, and I can see it becoming a great English 101 text.
• Left wing “Progressive” recycling of each other’s first hand grounded view points trashing Hillbilly Elegy as best as they can. They quote the same 5 authors over and over in defense of their positions while adding nothing new or expansive to the conversation. Sad book. Save your money. Read the latest column by Paul Krugman if you need a dose of apologizing for being white.
• I liked the book. I thought some writers were overly critical of J.D. Vance, because his book was written about his own experience only. The critics seemed to think he should have included everyone else's experiences. My experience was different from his in most ways, but there is room for a variety of experiences. Appalachia is more diverse than many people realize.
• Written in direct response to Hillbilly Elegy, this collection’s strength lies in the diversity of its selections. If this had been merely a series of scholarly essays condemning J.D. Vance’s much-discussed memoir, it could’ve been seen by some as a tired, progressive rant. Instead, it is a varied collection of essays, photographs, poetry, and personal accounts by Appalachian scholars, writers, poets and others who represent a variety of experiences across the Appalachian region. Eye-opening and enlightening, especially to readers who never considered the fact that there might be another side to the Appalachian narrative. Stories such as these need to be shared alongside that of Hillbilly Elegy, to avoid a continuing stereotypical view of Appalachia, and to show the diversity of experiences in the region. An outstanding collection of voices and viewpoints and a fascinating, enjoyable read. I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review of this publication.
• I especially liked the Response Section in Part I and the narratives in Part 2.
• I liked the range of replies, but noticed a dearth of Black voices.