The corrupt and blood-smeared fingerprints of the past must be wiped away to create a clean space for the morally pure generation that is surely about to arrive. Such is the theory. But among these bloody fingerprints are those made by
...more
“Women endure because we aren’t given any other choice.”
― The Witch Doesn't Burn in This One
― The Witch Doesn't Burn in This One
“How did journalists and correspondents for the New York Times as well as scholars not catch these acts of generalizing and aggrandizing on behalf of elite readers?” she asks. “How did we trade in the breadth of diversity the region has to offer for one view? While reading Hillbilly Elegy I thought, here is how. This is how places and people become caricatures of themselves, ourselves.”
― What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia
― What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia
“And if you trace a flawed narrative about Appalachia back far enough, you’ll often find someone making a profit.”
― What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia
― What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia
“You might be asking, “Why does Hillbilly Elegy sound kind of like the Moynihan Report?” One reason is that white Appalachians became persona non grata after the War on Poverty failed.”
― What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia
― What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia
“I don't give a damn about geography, but I'll note that Vance has transcended one of the most authentically Appalachian experiences of them all: watching someone with tired ideas about race and culture get famous by selling cheap stereotypes abou the region.”
― What You Are Getting Wrong about Appalachia
― What You Are Getting Wrong about Appalachia
Melanie’s 2025 Year in Books
Take a look at Melanie’s Year in Books, including some fun facts about their reading.
More friends…
Favorite Genres
Polls voted on by Melanie
Lists liked by Melanie













































