J. D. Vance

Another tale of bettering-oneself-through-education—albeit one with a more political slant. J. D. Vance’s bestselling memoir describes his rise from a chaotic, poverty-stricken childhood in rust-belt Ohio, through state university and Yale Law School, before taking up a high-flying career as an investment manager. Vance describes the toxic ‘hillbilly’ culture of his youth with understanding and frustration. The book was often cited by commentators as they framed Trump’s victory as a symptom of growing mutiny among the American working class. Whatever your politics, it’s a worthwhile read.

From our article Books like Educated