“Trump Mini-Me’s and Wannabe’s.”

In 'Hillbilly Elegy,' J.D. Vance recounts his life growing up in a dysfunctional family in Middletown, Ohio, with roots in Kentucky's Appalachia. The book details his experiences with poverty, addiction, and family violence, as well as his journey to joining the marines and eventually graduating from Yale Law School. Vance provides a personal and insightful look into the decline of the white working class in America, exploring themes of family, culture, and the loss of the American dream. The memoir also touches on the political swing of the region, particularly in relation to the 2016 presidential election and the appeal of Donald Trump to this demographic.

In this book, Adam Serwer presents a collection of essays that combine revelatory reporting, searing analysis, and clarity to dissect the profound influence of white supremacy on the American political system. The essays explore topics such as the persistence of the Lost Cause, the past and present of police unions, the mythology of migration, and the many faces of anti-Semitism. Serwer argues that Trump is not the cause but a symptom of deeper historical and ideological forces. The book includes additional elements such as essays on how the Supreme Court undermines justice and a new epilogue connecting the post-reconstruction narrative with today’s political discourse.