A Yale law student's journey to fulfill his 'hillbilly' roots

A former Marine from southern Ohio is on the verge of landing his dream job when a family tragedy pulls him back to his hometown.

He soon learns that his family's history is more complex and nuanced than he ever realized.

Vance Gabriel Basso was a first-generation college graduate from Southern Ohio who went on to become a Marine and then a Yale Law student. He was on the verge of landing his dream job when a family tragedy pulled him back to his hometown. It was there that he began to reflect on three generations of family history and the complex web of poverty, addiction, and violence that had shaped his life.

Basso's story is a powerful and moving one that sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of growing up in rural America. It is a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world.

Basso's memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis," was published in 2016 and quickly became a bestseller. It has been praised for its honesty, intelligence, and compassion. Basso has also been praised for his work as an advocate for rural America.

Basso's story is a reminder that the American Dream is still alive and well, even in the most unexpected places. It is a story of hope, resilience, and the power of family.