15 Books About Appalachia to Read Instead of Hillbilly Elegy

By Kendra Winchester on July 22, 2024

When Hillbilly Elegy was published in 2016, it quickly became a cultural touchstone for understanding Appalachia. However, many critics, including those from the region, have argued that J.D. Vance’s portrayal is both narrow and problematic.

The Problematics of Hillbilly Elegy

Not everyone agrees with Vance’s depiction of Appalachian life. His memoir has often been criticized for perpetuating stereotypes and failing to represent the diverse experiences of those who call Appalachia home. Back when the book was first released, Book Riot published an excellent essay on why Hillbilly Elegy is problematic, which you can read here.

In an article from 2020, which you can read here, I discussed the release of the film adaptation, directed by Ron Howard and starring Glenn Close and Amy Adams. Many of the issues from the memoir carry over to the film version, presenting a harmful portrait of Appalachia to a new audience.

Alternative Reads That Showcase Appalachia's True Essence

Instead of Hillbilly Elegy, consider exploring these 15 books that offer a richer, more nuanced understanding of Appalachia. The books listed below will each give you a unique perspective, celebrating the region's rich literary tradition.

What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia by Elizabeth Catte

Elizabeth Catte’s What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia is an essential read. In less than 150 pages, Catte methodically deconstructs the stereotypes that have been perpetuated by works like Hillbilly Elegy. This book offers invaluable insights, complete with additional resources for further reading.

Bloodroot by Amy Greene

Amy Greene’s Bloodroot delves into the multigenerational saga of an Appalachian family. With its richly developed characters and poetic prose, Bloodroot beautifully captures the complexity and dignity of Appalachian life.

Fair and Tender Ladies by Lee Smith

Lee Smith's Fair and Tender Ladies is a deeply moving epistolary novel that tells the life story of Ivy Rowe, a spirited Appalachian woman. Through Ivy’s letters, Smith portrays the nuanced, vibrant reality of Appalachia, far from the bleak stereotypes often depicted.

Appalachian Reckoning: A Region Responds to Hillbilly Elegy

This anthology brings together essays, poems, and stories from a variety of voices within Appalachia. In Appalachian Reckoning, contributors critically engage with Vance’s work and provide richer, more diverse perspectives on the region.

Understanding Appalachia: Diverse Voices

The literary tradition of Appalachia is both vast and varied. Exploring different narratives helps challenge the monolithic portrayal presented by Hillbilly Elegy, providing a more complex and humanized image of the region and its people.

The Unquiet Earth by Denise Giardina

Denise Giardina’s The Unquiet Earth interweaves personal and political struggles in a mining town. Her work underscores the environmental, social, and economic challenges faced by the Appalachian community.

Clay's Quilt by Silas House

Silas House's Clay’s Quilt is a lyrical portrayal of a young man striving to understand his place in the world. Through vivid descriptions and compelling storytelling, House paints an authentic and affectionate picture of Appalachia.

Black Bone: 25 Years of the Affrilachian Poets

Edited by Bianca Lynne Spriggs and Jeremy Paden, Black Bone celebrates the works of the Affrilachian Poets, a collective that challenges the notion that Appalachia is exclusively white. This anthology showcases the rich, diverse voices emerging from the region.

“The fact is, no single voice can represent an entire region.” – Kendra Winchester

Final Thoughts

There’s no denying that Appalachia is a complex region with a multifaceted culture. Reading these 15 books provides a more comprehensive understanding of the region, free from the oversimplified and often harmful narratives found in works like Hillbilly Elegy.

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