The selection of JD Vance as Donald Trump’s running mate has sparked a frenzy in the book market.
AP News reported that Former President Donald Trump’s choice of JD Vance as his running mate has led to a dramatic increase in sales for Vance's memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy."
Since Trump’s announcement on July 15, sales of "Hillbilly Elegy" have soared, with over 650,000 copies sold. This figure includes physical books, audiobooks, and e-books, indicating a widespread resurgence in interest in Vance’s account of his upbringing.
HarperCollins, the book’s publisher, is responding to the heightened demand by printing hundreds of thousands of additional copies.
JD Vance's memoir, originally released in 2016, had already achieved significant success prior to Trump’s announcement. The book had sold more than 3 million copies and had been adapted into a feature film by Ron Howard in 2020.
Despite its earlier success, the recent surge in sales is unprecedented, reflecting the powerful influence of Trump’s endorsement.
The book details Vance’s childhood in Ohio and his family’s roots in rural Kentucky. It gained attention after Trump’s 2016 victory as it was seen as essential reading for those trying to understand Trump’s appeal to working-class whites. However, the book has faced criticism from some who argue it presents a narrow and misleading view of Appalachia and poverty in the U.S.
A spokesperson for HarperCollins expressed the publisher's efforts to meet the new demand. "We are printing hundreds of thousands of copies to fill the demand at our retail partners," the publisher announced Thursday.
The adaptation of "Hillbilly Elegy" into a film by Ron Howard also played a role in maintaining the book's relevance. Released in 2020, the film brought Vance’s story to a wider audience, further solidifying the memoir’s place in American culture. The book’s narrative offers insights into the challenges faced by families in rural America, a perspective that continues to resonate.
Vance’s memoir has been both praised and critiqued for its depiction of life in Appalachia. While it has been lauded for shedding light on the struggles of the working class, some critics argue it offers a limited view of the region and its complexities.
Despite the mixed reviews, the book’s popularity has endured, bolstered by its relevance in political and social discussions.
The selection of JD Vance as Donald Trump’s running mate has significantly boosted sales of Vance's memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy." The book, which details Vance’s upbringing and his family’s roots in rural Kentucky, has seen over 650,000 additional copies sold since the announcement.
HarperCollins is responding to the surge by printing hundreds of thousands more copies to meet the demand. The memoir’s renewed popularity highlights the powerful intersection of politics and publishing. As Vance embarks on this new political chapter, his memoir continues to captivate readers, reflecting the ongoing interest in his personal and political journey.
