This is essential reading on the impact of class and environment on a child's outcomes. It must have been hard to write this as clear-eyed as Vance did, pairing his own life alongside the research. He recognizes that he beat the odds and the great luck that it took for him to be able to do so, and presents a stark picture of what it takes for others to do the same. There's plenty of rich fodder for both conservatives and liberals to glean insights on poverty and welfare here.