Hillbilly Elegy

Private Ryan around anyone but my
closest friends, because I can’t stop from
crying during the final scene.
Mamaw and Papaw taught me that
we live in the best and greatest country
on earth. This fact gave meaning to my
childhood. Whenever times were tough
—when I felt overwhelmed by the drama
and the tumult of my youth—I knew that
better days were ahead because I lived
in a country that allowed me to make the
good choices that others hadn’t. When I
think today about my life and how
genuinely incredible it is—a gorgeous,
kind, brilliant life partner; the financial
security that I dreamed about as a child;
great friends and exciting new