The influence of "Hillbilly Elegy" by JD Vance on American politics

American voters were surprised on Monday by the news that Senator JD Vance had been selected by Donald Trump as his candidate for Vice President of the U.S. in the upcoming presidential elections. This decision has not only sparked intense political debate, but has also revitalized a literary phenomenon: Vance's memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis," published in 2016, has experienced a surge in sales and popularity within hours. The book recounts Vance's childhood in the Appalachian region of Ohio, offering a perspective on the lives of the poor living in rural areas. Since its publication, it has received both positive and negative reviews, and has been controversial due to some people's perceptions of its portrayal of the region. Vance's followers have embraced the book as a testimony of his connection with ordinary people, leading to a significant increase in sales and the viewing of its film adaptation on streaming platforms. However, critics have expressed concerns about the authenticity and Vance's interpretation of the reality of rural communities. The political impact of Vance's nomination has transcended the literary sphere and reached online platforms such as Goodreads, where book reviews were temporarily blocked due to a possible "review bombing." This practice, common in the internet age, aims to harm the reputation of a product, place, or person through unrelated negative reviews. In addition to online criticisms of the book, the movie based on Vance's work has also been controversial on platforms like Letterboxd, where negative reviews have increased. Nevertheless, both the book and the movie have seen a surge in popularity, reflected in Amazon's bestseller lists and Netflix's most popular movies. Vance's nomination as a Vice Presidential candidate marks a milestone in his political career, initially driven by the success of "Hillbilly Elegy." His rise from bestselling author to Senator for Ohio and now as a potential Vice President demonstrates the power of narrative and the influence of popular culture in the political sphere. In a context marked by polarization and the growing influence of social media, the connection between literature, film, and politics has become increasingly apparent. The controversy surrounding Vance's figure and his work reflects the tensions and divisions present in American society, as well as the ability of a book to become a political phenomenon in crucial election times.