by J.D. Vance
I found the book interesting as I learned about a potential Vice President. Vance lived a rough life in Kentucky and Ohio. His family is originally from Kentucky but moved to Middletown, Ohio when he was young. He primarily lived with his grandparents growing up because his mom was a drug addict and his father abandoned him at a young age. Vance’s grandmother (Maw Maw) was the guiding light in his life. His mom had a carousel of men that rotated in and out of his life leaving him no stability. I can see why he claims family is so important to him because the way he was raised. He wanted parents that loved and took care of him. But, like so many youth today, that duty has fallen on some grandparents. Vance was a mediocre student in high school. After graduation, he enlisted in the Marines. This adventure took him to Iraq. He credits the Marines for putting purpose in his life. After his four years of service, he went to Ohio State and later Yale University for a law degree. It was there he met his wife. Vance only spoke a little about his political views, but he did state that there was no single government based solution to help poor people and communities no matter if you are black or white. I want to listen to him debate and learn more about his stances on government and its purpose. But, considering how he grew up, he is definitely a survivor.