In Deer Hunting with Jesus, Joe Bageant takes us on a humorous, searing journey from his boyhood in rural Virginia to working-class neighborhoods in Baltimore and Winchester. He paints an unforgettable portrait of America’s forgotten white underclass—the people who have been shafted by the politicians, Wall Street fat cats, and self-righteous religious zealots. Mixing hardscrabble wisdom with unbridled wit, Bageant shows how rednecks, gun nuts, flag waving patriots . . . , NASCAR dads & gospel singing sisters are dealing with the harsh realities of today’s global economy.
For who is this book for ?
If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh, while giving you an inside look at the struggles of America’s white underclass, Deer Hunting with Jesus is perfect for you. Written by Joe Bageant, who grew up in rural Virginia and has spent time living among America’s poor and working class, this book provides a unique perspective on life in today’s economy.
Pros :
- The author’s writing style is engaging and humorous, while also being searingly honest.
- Bageant offers a unique perspective on America’s “forgotten white underclass.”
- The book provides an important look at the realities of life for working class Americans in today’s global economy.
Cons :
- The author’s observations about the American redneck might be offensive to some readers.
- Bageant’s anecdotal writing style may not appeal to all readers.
- The book provides a limited perspective on life in America’s working class neighborhoods.
Learn more about the author
Joe Bageant is the author of three other books, including Rainbow Pie: A redneck memoir and Hunting in Harlem: A white man’s journey into Black America. He has also written for various magazines, including Harper’s, The Atlantic Monthly, Esquire, Smithsonian Magazine, and Salon.com.
Reader Reviews
“Hilarious, heartbreaking and profound . Deer Hunting With Jesus is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the seismic shifts that have taken place in Middle America over the past few decades.”
“A passionate, darkly funny look at America’s white underclass.”
“Deer Hunting with Jesus is a hilariously written, brutally honest account of life in America’s white working class. Joe Bageant has the guts to tell it like it is and the writing chops to make you laugh all the way through it.”
“Deer Hunting with Jesus is about as close to the real America as you’re going to get. Hilarious, heartbreaking, and thought-provoking, it’s a must-read for anyone who wants to understand what makes us tick.”
