Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis in Books
Oct 22, 2017
Without attributing the 2016 election results to Vance and his family himself, the author paints a picture of a total disconnect between establishments and white working class voters. From education, to opportunities in climbing the social ladder, Vance can be seen as an exception due to the lack of outreach from these institutions.
His story can appear both depressing and uplifting at the same time. From experiencing trauma through a broken home, poverty, and an abusive addict mother, to having supportive grandparents who are able to push him into believing in himself. Vance breaks the mould eventually studying at Yale and becoming a venture capitalist. But his doubts in himself are ever present.
Vance, however, also blames 'hillbilly' culture and it's encouragement of social rot. Likewise, he recounts stories about lack of work ethic, and the notion of blaming others for their own misfortune. It highlights the need for stability in families in order for upward mobility.
It is a raw, emotional portrait of growing up in and eventually out of a poor rural community riddled by drug addiction and volatility.
Andy Walker (4885 KP) rated American Horror Story - Season 3 in TV
Oct 22, 2017
Andy Walker (4885 KP) rated American Horror Story - Season 1 in TV
Oct 22, 2017
My save list
Some of my favorite films. Please comment or share my list. Also let me know what good movies I am missing as I am always looking to expand my knowledge of film.
Mother! (2017)
User: 10
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Avg: 6.3
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A couple's relationship is tested when uninvited guests arrive at their home, disrupting their...
The Thing (1982)
User: 10 -
Avg: 8.4
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Movie Watch
A research station in Antarctica is infiltrated by a parasitic alien lifeform that assimilates other...
Dead Poets Society (1989)
User: 10 -
Avg: 8.2
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Robin Williams plays an unconventional teacher in charge of shaping young minds at a boys prep...
Thelma & Louise (1991)
User: 9
Avg: 7.7
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Meek housewife Thelma (Geena Davis) joins her friend Louise (Susan Sarandon), an independent...
Aliens (1986)
User: 10 -
Avg: 9.0
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James Cameron's sequel to the highly successful 'Alien'. Officer Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), the sole...
Alien Xenomorph
and 40 other items
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Colossal (2016) in Movies
Oct 22, 2017
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Mother! (2017) in Movies
Oct 22, 2017
Mother! is a unique film experience which will not be duplicated for me any time soon.
I loved it.
Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated And Then There Were Four in Books
Oct 22, 2017
The plot itself in general was all right. Be prepared for some predictable scenes. It didn’t bother me as much as it was expected but there were plenty of moments in the book where you were blindsided with surprise which makes up for some of the predictability.
The characters were well done and complimented each other as a group despite each one having their differences. The narration done throughout the novel is by Caleb and Saralinda. Both characters are likable to an extent. I prefer reading Caleb’s side of the story instead of Saralinda only because she got annoying towards the second half of the novel. I thought she was trying too hard to be the happy nerdy girl with the forceful jokes. (You certainly CANNOT be thinking of first kisses and romance while you have the police and your murderous parents after you...seriously now?)
The read was all right. Some thrilling moments here and there and an ending that’s enough to close the story. Would I recommend this? Not really. I’d say more along the lines of: take it or leave it.