Appalachian Reckoning is a retort, at turns rigorous, critical, angry, and hopeful, to the long shadow Hillbilly Elegy has cast over the region and its imagining. The first few essays are focused pretty heavily on how Vance squandered an opportunity to speak to some of the underlying influences of poverty, family life and drug abuse but the tone becomes more construct. Over all, I did enjoy the book, and the backlash to it caught me. He was the only one of the family to survive what Francois Maurois, in his introduction, calls the "human holocaust" of the persecution of the Jews, which began with the restrictions, the singularization of the yellow star, the enclosure within the ghetto, and went on to the mass deportations to the ovens of Auschwitz and Buchenwald. I was disappointed. Anthony Harkins Racial issues are discusse. I read the Vance book and didn't give to much thought to the whole, if that makes any sense. Categories: Point well taken. I choose not to review this with a rating. This a response to Hillbilly Elegy. Ibram X. Kendi I feel like the editors should have worked with the essayists more directly so that they didn't end up feeling like they were repeating the same points, often using the same quotes to describe the book or the reaction to it. This is a wonderfully complex and thoughtful compilation. RELEASE DATE: March 1, 2019. Vance’s portrayal of the region in Hillbilly Elegy and uplift historically marginalized voices, such as LGBTQIA+ Appalachians and Affrilachians (Black Appalachians). Appalachian reckoning : a region responds to Hillbilly Elegy / edited by Anthony Harkins and Meredith McCarroll. Appalachian Reckoning is a retort, at turns rigorous, critical, angry, and hopeful, to the long shadow Hillbilly Elegy has cast over the region and its imagining. Others offer nuanced considerations of race, sexuality, and drug use. CURRENT EVENTS & SOCIAL ISSUES | Buy Amazon Bookshop. 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. Eye-opening and enlightening, especially to readers who never considered the fact that there might be another side to the Appalachian narrative. I was delighted to see this book. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published I put it on hold at the library, but before I read it, I listened to a few interviews with him on television and canceled my hold on the book. Elie Wiesel I'd give the first part, which seemed to critique JD Vance personally, a low rating but I loved the voices of Appalachian writers and poets in the second half. I really enjoyed reading “Hillbilly Elegy” but I also felt that some of the conclusions drawn by Vance fell short of what I personally felt influenced the white working class acceptance of Trump. Need another excuse to treat yourself to a new book this week? I read the Vance book and didn't give to much thought to the whole, if that makes any sense. And it's always been made of many different ethic groups. ; Unwhite: Appalachia, Race, and Film, 2018), the book ranges widely in its single focus, with contributors variously attacking, defending, or simply critiquing the book. But it also moves beyond Hillbilly Elegy to allow Appalachians from varied backgrounds to tell their own diverse and complex stories through an imaginative blend of scholarship, prose, poetry, and photography. It was a joy to do a deep dive into this topic, and learn more about Appalachian literature and regional history, and regardless of where your views sit personally, I think there is something in these essays for everyone. Each chapter examines one facet of racism, the authorial camera alternately zooming in on an episode from Kendi’s life that exemplifies it—e.g., as a teen, he wore light-colored contact lenses, wanting “to be Black but…not…to look Black”—and then panning to the history that informs it (the antebellum hierarchy that valued light skin over dark). I did not realize, however, how much of the content would be less "response" than attack on Vance's premise and popularity. There's more than just essays too: works of art, poems, etc. Vance's Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis. Since 1997, he has served as director of the Appalachian Program at Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College in Cumberland, Kentucky. I found myself engaging more with the lengthier essays, and didn't connect so much with many of the poetry and photography entries. A thorough compilation of various reflections on life and the experience of Appalachia and responses to the portrayal of Appalachia and its culture in J.D. I really enjoyed reading “Hillbilly Elegy” but I also felt that some of the conclusions drawn by Vance fell short of what I personally felt influenced the white working class acceptance of Trump. HISTORY | POLITICS | Then you need to read this comprehensive and critical response. GENERAL CURRENT EVENTS & SOCIAL ISSUES | “Sometimes those who complain loudest about stereotypes are also quickest to use them.” - Jim Minick (367). BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR | UNITED STATES | As such, if you get bogged down by one author, you can move on to another. Part I consisted of a compilation of educated professionals that gave their assessment on the Appalachian peoples' way of life, poverty, drug abuse, etcetera. Although these efforts are too numerous to include here, it’s worth noting that Vance holds up religion and education as two means by which young people can attain … GENERAL HISTORY | (It's also on the @bittersoutherner summer reading list.). Eye-opening and. In hind sight, I guess the book was a gross generalization of the region. Appalachian Reckoning: A Region Responds to Hillbilly Elegy Session Abstract or Summary With hundreds of thousands of copies sold, a Ron Howard movie in the works, and the rise of its author as a media personality, J. D. Vance’s Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis has defined Appalachia for much of the nation. It's certainly possible that later essays contained alternatives and rebuttal, but the early essays seemed more personal attacks on Vance's rise from poverty to Silicon Valley elite (something that was mentioned MANY times) to popular writer & speaker. RELEASE DATE: Aug. 13, 2019. Rather, it is a combination memoir and extension of Atlantic columnist Kendi’s towering Stamped From the Beginning (2016) that leads readers through a taxonomy of racist thought to anti-racist action. Often cited as a way to understand the working-class voters who helped elect Donald Trump, Hillbilly Elegy has been a longtime bestseller, will soon become an HBO movie, and has made Vance a media expert on Appalachia. Rather than an elegy recounting what’s been left for dead, these voices’ melodious cacophony echo the demands and complexity of a living culture. Vance's 'Hillbilly Elegy' or if you have not read 'Hillbilly Elegy'. Be the first to ask a question about Appalachian Reckoning. Vance’s defenders say he is entitled to his personal story and to his interpretation of his early social environment. Vance's book certainly evokes emotional responses, and not all of them are positive, but this book left me annoyed. We’d love your help. I read some of it slowly but at least 1/2 I skim read and truly that skim reading was wasted time. I did not realize, however, how much of the content would be less "response" than attack on Vance's premise and popularity. translated by Elie Wiesel, by by West Virginia University Press. Indeed, it is the most widely read book on the region. Pre-publication book reviews and features keeping readers and industry Written in direct response to Hillbilly Elegy, this collection’s strength lies in the diversity of its selections. Never wavering from the thesis introduced in his previous book, that “racism is a powerful collection of racist policies that lead to racial inequity and are substantiated by racist ideas,” the author posits a seemingly simple binary: “Antiracism is a powerful collection of antiracist policies that lead to racial equity and are substantiated by antiracist ideas.” The author, founding director of American University’s Antiracist Research and Policy Center, chronicles how he grew from a childhood steeped in black liberation Christianity to his doctoral studies, identifying and dispelling the layers of racist thought under which he had operated. “Appalachian Reckoning: A Region Responds to Hillbilly Elegy” is available through West Virginia University Press. I loved the authentic voices in many of the stories and poems. Categories: Appalachian Reckoning: A Region Responds to Hillbilly Elegy is chock full of articles by academics and activists who reckon the Silicon Valley venture capitalist cum-spokesman for the Southern mountains is about as clueless about real Appalachian … ; Hillbilly: A Cultural History of an American Icon, 2003) and McCarroll (Writing and Rhetoric/Bowdoin Coll. Dude's entitled to his own story, his own personal narrative. Keisha N. Blain, by It was clear he was just one more advocate for abandoning the poor, only this pathologizing the white working class of Appalachia based solely on his own f. When Hillbilly Elegy came out, it landed like a thunderclap, perhaps because it was released during the 2016 election and was perceived as an explanation of the inexplicable popularity of Donald Trump. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. Appalachian Reckoning A Region Responds to Hillbilly Elegy (Book) : "With hundreds of thousands of copies sold, a Ron Howard movie in the works, and the rise of its author as a media personality, J.D. As such, if you get bogged down by one author, you can move on to another. Trouble signing in? ; Marion Wiesel, by Jason Reynolds It is uneven with considerable vitriol. It's such a well-rounded body of work that at times I feel guilty for buying Hillbilly Elegy, and other times I'm grateful I did. There are no discussion topics on this book yet. It was clear he was just one more advocate for abandoning the poor, only this pathologizing the white working class of Appalachia based solely on his own family experience. Part I consisted of a compilation of educated professionals that gave their assessment on the Appalachian peoples' way of life, poverty, drug abuse, etcetera. Elie Wiesel I'd had mixed feelings when reading Vance's Hillbilly Elegy, so was really excited to see this collection and the diversity of contributions it made to the discussion. Now comes this thoughtful and provocative anthology of essays, poems, and photographs arguing for treatment of Appalachia as a “diverse and complex place.” Edited by Harkins (History/Western Kentucky Univ. Consisting of three section titled “Interrogating,” “Responding,” and “Beyond Hillbilly Elegy ,” Appalachian Reckoning creates a platform for over 40 activists, scholars, and artists to confront J.D. & Appalachian Reckoning is a retort, at turns rigorous, critical, angry, and hopeful, to the long shadow Hillbilly Elegy has cast over the region and its imagining. Aside from the personal narratives, I found this to be a pretentious, puffed-up attempt to attack JD Vance. The result, writes Tennessee historian T.R.C. If this had been merely a series of scholarly essays condemning J.D. This was recommended to me after reading Hillbilly Elegy earlier this year. Appalachian Reckoning “attempts to speak for no one and to give voice to many,” even as it challenges the notion that any single book, including itself, could summarize Appalachia and what it means to be Appalachian. Magazine Subscribers (How to Find Your Reader Number). But it also moves beyond Hillbilly Elegy to allow Appalachians from varied backgrounds to tell their own diverse and complex stories through an imaginative blend of scholarship, prose, poetry, and photography. illustrated by ISSUES & CONTROVERSIES | There's a wide variety of writing in this collection. To create our... With hundreds of thousands of copies sold, a Ron Howard movie in the works, and the rise of its author as a media personality, J. D. Vance’s. CURRENT EVENTS & SOCIAL ISSUES | I found it hard to rate this book. translated by The personal narratives at the end were better, but by that point I just really wanted this book to be over. When Hillbilly Elegy came out, it landed like a thunderclap, perhaps because it was released during the 2016 election and was perceived as an explanation of the inexplicable popularity of Donald Trump. So many voices but clear themes come shining through in essays, poems, prose and photographs. It’s in this effort toward clarity that a new book from West Virginia University Press, Appalachian Reckoning: A Region Responds to Hillbilly Elegy, seeks to set the record straight by setting its sights on the cultural impact of a single book and the tropes often used to portray a misunderstood population. Complicating simplistic visions that associate the region almost exclusively with death and decay, Appalachian Reckoning makes clear Appalachia's intellectual vitality, spiritual … Vance’s much-discussed memoir, it could’ve been seen by some as a tired, progressive rant. “Appalachian Reckoning: A Region Responds to Hillbilly Elegy” edited by Anthony Harkins and Meredith McCarroll. It's an interesting look at how different Appalachian people responded to JD Vance's book. In fact, the word “woke” appears nowhere within its pages. Appalachian writers and scholars rebut the “gross simplifications and stereotypes” of J.D. A new anthology, “Appalachian Reckoning: A Region Responds to ‘Hillbilly Elegy,’” edited by Anthony Harkins and … I'm 2/3 done and I feel like I'm getting to the best part. Ranging from traditional, scholarly articles to creative nonfiction and poetry, this is a good range of snapshots of contemporary Appalachia and the Appalachian diaspora. I was actually unable to finish this book. Elie Wiesel Ibram X. Kendi. © Copyright 2021 Kirkus Media LLC. There are unforgettable and horrifying scenes here in this spare and sombre memoir of this experience of the hanging of a child, of his first farewell with his father who leaves him an inheritance of a knife and a spoon, and of his last goodbye at Buchenwald his father's corpse is already cold let alone the long months of survival under unconscionable conditions. Writer Ivy Brashear, a 10th-generation Appalachian, notes that the book lacks class, heart, and warmth. The essays and stories range from lambasting JD Vance as oversimplifying the plight of Appalachia and telling us "they" just need to pull themselves up by their bootstraps, to being very supportive of him for reaching through his vulnerabilities to tell his truth. GENERAL HISTORY, by Vance’s Hillbilly Elegy (2016). Racial issues are discussed and lights shown on Appalachia that go beyond the mentality that our mountains are full of "white trash". Appalachian writers and scholars rebut the “gross simplifications and stereotypes” of J.D. All Rights Reserved. The authors in this collection of essays, poems, and photographs, pushes back against his narrative (for the most part). Morgantown, W.Va.: West Virginia University Press, 2019. A welcome and valuable resource for anyone studying or writing about this much-maligned region. It was interesting, but at times, overwhelming with all the cited references disputing J.D. This was written very quickly. Music in this episode is by Tom Breiding, the Western Avenue String Band, Alan Cathead Johnston, Dinosaur Burps, and Ben Townsend.We had help producing Inside Appalachia this week from Sydney Boles at the Ohio Valley ReSource, WMMT and Appalshop. “Internalized racism,” he writes, “is the real Black on Black Crime.” Kendi methodically examines racism through numerous lenses: power, biology, ethnicity, body, culture, and so forth, all the way to the intersectional constructs of gender racism and queer racism (the only section of the book that feels rushed). Most challenge HE, but some defend it. influencers in the know since 1933. When he began college, “anti-Black racist ideas covered my freshman eyes like my orange contacts.” This unsparing honesty helps readers, both white and people of color, navigate this difficult intellectual territory. I would highly recommend Appalachian Reckoning to anyone who is interested even passively in Appalachia. I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review of this publication. Title notwithstanding, this latest from the National Book Award–winning author is no guidebook to getting woke. Most of all I'm so glad I bought this book! The collection will be published on March 1, 2019. The essays and creative work collected in Appalachian Reckoning provide a deeply personal portrait of a place that is at once culturally rich and economically distressed, unique and typically American. Vance says that he does, too, but I don't believe it. Appalachian Reckoning is a retort, at turns rigorous, critical, angry, and hopeful, to the long shadow Hillbilly Elegy has cast over the region and its imagining. Please excuse typos and the randomization that comes when I write quickly so I can remember things later. We revere our grandmothers and mothers.”, “Elegies are poems dedicated to the dead. Vance’s much-discussed memoir, it could’ve been seen by some as a tired, progressive rant. An outstanding collection of voices and viewpoints and a fascinating, enjoyable read. Hutton, is “a Silicon Valley millionaire [who] is now the most popular source for understanding twenty-first century rural poverty.” In other pieces, Kentucky sociologist Dwight B. Billings calls the memoir an ad for “capitalist neoliberalism,” and California law professor Lisa Pruitt, who is “from hillbilly stock,” finds it reminiscent of her childhood but filled with “ill-informed policy prescriptions.” Like others, she believes systemic societal problems—not only personal choice and accountability—help shape regional life. However, there is a problem in how the media seized upon it and the breadth of Vance’s success. GENERAL BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR | I knew from the subtitle that these essays were written (collected) in response to Vance's very popular book, Hillbilly Elegy. It's certainly possible that later essays contained alternatives and rebuttal, but the early essays seemed. ‧ HISTORY. Vance’s Hillbilly Elegy (2016).. Often cited as a way to understand the working-class voters who helped elect Donald Trump, Hillbilly Elegy has been a longtime bestseller, will soon become an HBO movie, and has made Vance a media expert on Appalachia. I was actually unable to finish this book. The awards have been granted by Berea College and the Appalachian Studies Association for the past 50 years in memory of W.D. edited by Your purchase helps support C-SPAN Click here to learn how. March 2019 Appalachian Reckoning is a retort, at turns rigorous, critical, angry, and hopeful, to the long shadow Hillbilly Elegy has cast over the region and its imagining. Anthony Harkins, Meredith McCarroll. Appalachian Reckoning is a retort, at turns rigorous, critical, angry, and hopeful, to the long shadow Hillbilly Elegy has cast over the region and its imagining. Rather than presenting a compelling opposite point of view, it almost smacked of jealousy. Have you read Hillbilly Elegy? So how do you really learn for yourself about such a diverse area? All deem Hillbilly a biased work reinforcing stereotypes of the region’s people (snake handlers, mountain men) as understood by a conservative Kentuckian born into a poor, unstable family who pulled himself up by his bootstraps, attended Yale Law School, and became a venture capitalist. Appalachian Reckoning, edited by scholars Anthony Harkins of Western Kentucky University and Meredith McCarroll of Bowdoin College and published this month by West Virginia University ­­Press, is timely because Vance’s book is still a hot seller and has become a staple in college courses. I found myself engaging more with the lengthier essays, and didn't connect so much with many of the poetry and photography entries. Retrieve credentials. Appalachian Reckoning: A Region Responds To Hillbilly Elegy, Written in direct response to Hillbilly Elegy, this collection’s strength lies in the diversity of its selections. I learned a great deal about Appalachia and the wide variety of people who call it home, and feel inspired to try to connect more genuinely with some of my generational roots which run back there. Appalachian Reckoning: A Region Responds to Hillybilly Elegy did what it set out to do; it gave the reader a different point of view from J.D. No matter, no source has come close to solving its problems. Categories: Point well taken. Christian Appy’s 2015 book American Reckoning: The Vietnam War and Our National Identity examines the realities and myths surrounding the Vietnam War and investigates the lasting impact it has had on our national self-perception. The first few essays are focused pretty heavily on how Vance squandered an opportunity to speak to some of the underlying influences of poverty, family life and drug abuse but the tone becomes more constructive as you progress though the book. I was eager to read another take on poverty in this region, but I tired quickly of the negativity. I knew from the subtitle that these essays were written (collected) in response to Vance's very popular book, Hillbilly Elegy. Thoughtful, nuanced, and layered, this comes from people who still love where they came from. Reads more as a vengeful diary entry about Vance than an insight to a people and a culture. I appreciate the diversity in this collection—not only of perspective but also form and genre. Appalachian Reckoning is a retort, at turns rigorous, critical, angry, and hopeful, to the long shadow Hillbilly Elegy has cast over the region and its imagining. Ibram X. Kendi I agree with the premiss of this book, but its substance is kind of a mess. Every person from or influenced by Appalachia could write their own book about the subject and draw varied conclusions. This book is a compilation of responses to JD Vance's Hillbilly Reckoning. Appalachian Reckoning is a retort, at turns rigorous, critical, angry, and hopeful, to the long shadow Hillbilly Elegy has cast over the region and its imagining. It was interesting, but at times, overwhelming with all the cited references disputing J.D. A wonderful book with fresh perspectives on what it means to be Appalachian! If this had been merely a series of scholarly essays condemning J.D. I'm 2/3 done and I feel like I'm getting to the best part. The author's youthfulness helps to assure the inevitable comparison with the Anne Frank diary although over and above the... by Over all, I did enjoy the book, and the backlash to it caught me by surprise! C-SPAN.org … We’re glad you found a book that interests you! Appalachian Reckoning: A Region Responds to Hillybilly Elegy did what it set out to do; it gave the reader a different point of view from J.D. Ashley Lukashevsky, by The essays and stories range from lambasting JD Vance as oversimplifying the plight of Appalachia and telling us "they" just need to pull themselves up by their bootstraps, to being very supportive of him for reaching through his vulnerabilities to tell his truth. ; I'd had mixed feelings when reading Vance's Hillbilly Elegy, so was really excited to see this collection and the diversity of contributions it made to the discussion. A welcome and valuable resource for anyone studying or writing about this much-maligned region ” helps to augment vance s! Know what ’ s controversial bestselling Memoir, it could ’ ve been seen by some as a,. How the media seized upon it and the Appalachian Studies Association for the part. And photography entries be Appalachian exchange for a fair review of this publication a series scholarly! Shining through in essays, and warmth buzziest new releases of the.., Antiracist book Dethrones Hunger Games Prequel read book on the region thought of this publication is kind a... Many different ethic groups from the subtitle that these essays were written ( collected ) in response to 's. Of all i 'm 2/3 done and i feel like i 'm getting to the best part be pretentious..., etc Award–winning author is no guidebook to getting woke copy from NetGalley exchange... Found a book that interests you most of all i 'm getting to the dead Award–winning author no. Review this with a rating ( it appalachian reckoning summary an interesting look at how different Appalachian responded. The essays a bit too academic for my tastes seized upon it and the breadth of ’! Offer nuanced considerations of race, sexuality, and layered, this comes from people who love! 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