By Kevin Williams
My hometown was recently chronicled, at least partially, in a best-selling book called Hillbilly Elegy.  I've not read it yet, but I want to. Still, I'm wary.  After all, the author grew up, left here, and went away to seek his fortunes.  There are those of us who have stayed here in the trenches by chance or choice who definitely have more of a stake in this city than someone who has left and chronicles from afar. Has anyone read the book?
The tallest building downtown in my hometown, it sort of has that early 70s steel and glass look that was popularized by the fallen WTC in New York.
A white squirrel has been brightening my yard....
A new pizza joint being crammed into a small building in my hometown. Man, I love, love, love pizza. This town is already saturated with pizza places, but counting this one, at least three new ones are scheduled to open in the coming months. Yum. Â The building beside it that says "Lakeside Inn" was a popular local watering hole that, alas, like so many places couldn't outlast the Great Recession, although it hung on longer than many places.
Denise
Yes, I have read the book, and recommend it especially to those who work in education. It helps one to understand how hard it is for some to leave behind their family/culture to change to a better way of life. That may sound harsh but you can't go home on the weekends when the expectation is you will do drugs, break laws, etc. The author was one of the lucky ones who succeeded.
Kevin
Denise, thanks for that...I'll have to read the book, the author grew up just a few blocks from where I currently live...
hmchelen
I have never seen a white squirrel. Thank you for posting.