This is an insightful read about what it's like to be working class poor in the United States. In my mind, I thought that all poor work to make ends meet and that bad luck means some break through the safety net. It hasn't ever really occurred to me that milking the system could be systematic or common place. Given that perspective, I suppose the poor people who do work can feel deeply affronted about having to pay taxes. It also exemplifies the deep divide between the working poor and the elite. The working poor are deeply mistrustful of mainstream media and policies from "above".

In the United States, "42 percent of working-class whites - by far the highest number in the survey - report that their lives are less economically successful than those of their parents". Statistics I've seen show that that minimum wage in the 1950's could support a family, whether these days, this is impossible. At least with just one minimum wage job.

I better understand now how the last election went like it did. A "common" guy vs. established elite - well, that went down well with many I suppose. Not that it's going to help anyone who needs help, but I better understand the perspective eventhough I do not agree with it.

This book is mostly about the author's life and his take on the situation he grew up in and stepped out of. J.D. Vance is sympathetic, down to earth and belieavable. There aren't many like him anymore. For most the "American Dream" is just that - a dream.