I agree with the rhetorical goals of this book and I think a lot of the information was very interesting, but I’m not sure who the intended audience is. 

As much as I understand and relate to the frustration that seems to be underlying every element of this book, I think the tone that occasionally borders on condescending and angry does it a disservice. If this book was intended FOR rural whites, who are already sensitive to feeling condescended to, I think it will just make them upset and unwilling to listen to any of the very valid points the book presents (which might be a stretch that they would do so anyways). I am a leftist who lives in the U.S. South, so I interact with the demographic of this book everyday. I found parts of this book that refused to coddle and excuse the beliefs and actions of rural whites refreshing - but I think those elements will be alienating to rural whites as an audience. It feels like instead the intended audience of this book is for irritated liberals who need catharsis for how frustrating it is to try and engage with people so politically inconsistent and out of touch with reality. I guess that’s fine enough as a goal. I think it’s pretty well-structured and the consolidation of many different studies and polls which reflect the perspectives of rural whites was interesting. 

I guess I feel conflicted. The information is good, but the people who need to hear this the most will probably be put off by the overall tone. I feel like a book that covers a different but semi-related topic very well is Jesus and John Wayne. Obviously that addresses religion more than politics, but I feel like that book struck a good balance between honesty and still being approachable for people who are ideologically aligned with the subject the book is criticizing. I have also seen people recommend Dying of Whiteness, so I will check that one out as well.