The Rich History of Appalachia: 8 Books to Read While You Wait for Hillbilly Elegy

The Rich History of Appalachia: 8 Books to Read While You Wait for Hillbilly Elegy

Shortly after J.D. Vance was selected as the Republican Vice Presidential Candidate, libraries saw an uptick in requests for his 2016 book, Hillbilly Elegy, which chronicles his life growing up in Middletown, Ohio. Beebe Library has purchased more copies of the book to keep up with the demand, but in the meantime, we have other reading recommendations–fiction and nonfiction–so you can learn more about Appalachia.

Fiction



  • ffitch, Madeline Stay and Fight Summary:Helen moves to rural Ohio with her boyfriend to live off the land, but he leaves when winter gets tough. Left alone, Helen receives help from her boss Rudy and her neighbors, Karen and Lily, who live at the Women’s Land Trust. When Karen and Lily, who are expecting a baby, need a new place to stay, they move in with Helen. They all decide to share the work and build a new life together. This novel is about creating a chosen family and supporting each other through difficult and seemingly impossible challenges.


  • Haigh, Jennifer Heat and Light Summary:The Pennsylvania mining town Bakerton, is struggling in the wake of mine closures. When a natural gas deposit is discovered, the town faces a dilemma about whether to drill. This intricately plotted story, which addresses real issues for Appalachian people, is told from the perspectives of various community members and highlights what the opportunity could mean for them–both positively and negatively.


  • McDaniel, Tiffany Betty Summary:Inspired by her own mother’s life, McDaniel tells the story of Betty Carpenter, born to a Cherokee father and a white mother, the sixth of eight children. Despite a life of poverty and hardship, Betty finds solace in writing. Through her love of storytelling, she confronts her family’s dark secrets, the secrets of their small Ohio town, and her own hidden truths. A character-driven, intense story.


  • Offutt, Chris The Killing Hills Summary:Army agent Mick Hardin is home on leave with his pregnant wife. His sister, the new sheriff in their rural Kentucky town, is handling her first murder case and faces pressure to call the FBI. Instead, she asks Mick for help. They discover the situation is far more complex than expected, with more murders likely to come. In this gritty and tense story, everyone is a suspect, and everyone needs to watch their backs to avoid becoming the next victim.

Nonfiction



  • Chambers, Cassie Hill Women : finding family and a way forward in the Appalachian Mountains Summary:In this hopeful and moving memoir, Cassie Chambers exemplifies dedication to her community and the importance of honoring the women in her family for their support. Of note, she’s also the author of a 2020 Atlantic article titled “Hillbilly Elegy Doesn’t Reflect the Appalachia I Know,” which captures her perspective on the region.


  • Broome, Brian Punch Me Up to the Gods Summary:In his debut, Brian Broome recounts growing up in a small town in Appalachian Ohio. He explores the colorism he faced within his community and the isolation he experienced as a Black gay man in a world that demanded he pretend to be straight. Broome’s candid and captivating prose holds your attention until the very last page.


  • Philyaw, Deesha The Secret Lives of Church Ladies Summary:This complex short story collection, a finalist for the National Book Award, will draw you in and make you feel invested within the first few paragraphs.


  • Rodenberg, Shawna Kay Kin : A Memoir Summary:Rodenberg tells the story of her childhood, moving away from and then returning to her family’s home in Eastern Kentucky. Her moving memoir captures the feelings many Appalachian young people experience when deciding whether to stay in the place they love or leave for better opportunities.