Stephanie Smith > Recent Status Updates

Digging into this book, which is our main spine for science! It’s just the starting point—we’re also using videos, other books, and lots of real-world, hands-on learning.

For all the hype, this book is not keeping my attention.

I read on, skipping around, but ultimately shelved it before finishing it. This book was repetitive and had factual errors.

33% done and this book isn’t just for raising critical thinkers, it is also for anyone who wants to become a critical thinker or to strengthen those skills.

Only 15% of the way through this book. Much of what is said can be said universally to anyone in power as reminded by the quote “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Let’s see how the rest of the book unfolds.

The Obamas were alien to the white working class not because of their race, but because of their education, lack of accent, and clothes; however, Vance became an alien to the white working class was his optimism? Interesting. Lots to dissect here.

Vance had never considered sympathy for his mom, why did Vance not consider empathy. A bit more to go.

In "Hillbilly Elegy," Chapter 11, J.D. Vance argues that working-class whites distrust Barack Obama because he is perceived as an "alien" due to his Ivy League education, wealth, and perceived disconnect from their "hillbilly" lives, suggesting a lack of relatability rather than racism. I’m curious to see how Vance addresses his Ivy League education & wealth during his US Senate and VP campaigns.

Still baffled. Still listening.

My Appalachian family history makes reading 'Hillbilly Elegy' a unique experience. While I see glimpses of familiarity, much of it feels foreign. It's highlighting how personal Vance's story is and how it might differ from a broader Appalachian experience.