Hillbilly Elegy

you about the power of seeing enough of
the world to dream big: “I think you
have to have good role models around
you. One of my very good friends, her
father was the president of the bank, so I
got to see different things. I knew there
was another life out there, and that
exposure gives you something to dream
for.”
My cousin Gail is one of my all-time
favorite people: She’s one of the first of
my mom’s generation, the Blanton
grandchildren. Gail’s life is the
American Dream personified: a
beautiful house, three great kids, a happy
marriage, and a saintly demeanor.
Outside of Mamaw Blanton, a virtual