American Hollow

I will always remember my time in Kentucky fondly. This book and the movie remind me of the simplicity and values of the region. You can never know what it truely is like until you live there and I will never know what it is like to live there for a lifetime. This book offers a glimpse into life in an American Holler.

As a college professor, psychotherapist, and son of a coal miner from Butcher Hollow, the film and book speak volumes about the origins and values my family. I am amazed by the defensiveness of the reviewers. If we saw a documentary of a poor black family, there would not be the self-righteous need to defend the concept that "not all black people are like this." Indeed, the most insulting thing that can be said among whites is that someone is "poor white trash." Perhaps this defensiveness expressed by other writers to convince us that "we even have running water" comes from a belief that if you're white and poor then you must be inherently lazy. I find the Bowling family amazingly adaptive given the circumstances in which they find themselves. Iree's inner strength is a lesson for us all. I believe that reviewers who feel that Ms. Kennedy set out to depict all "hill folk" as the Bowlings fail to grasp the notion that this is the story of ONE family and their story is legitimate and worthy of the readers/viewers time. Those who feel the need to vilify this work might do well to reflect upon their own countertransference, and discover what the REAL issue is. It certainly is not only about the Bowling family. I use the film each time I teach undergraduate and graduate multiculturalism (a liberal California agenda) to open discussion concerning empathy, empowerment, and a strength-based perspective in viewing family systems. And I do tell the students that some people even have "runnin' water."

In my opinion, the American Hollow is not the author's literary and photographic perception of life in Appalachia. It is an unbiased view of life in the hollow as seen by one family. The author did not attempt to label the family as being representative of the population in general. Whether the family is atypical of the average Appalachian family is irrelevant. The determination of authenticity can be more appropriately evaluated by the participants, the actual family members depicted in the book and film. If the family and neighbors recognize the depictions as creditable, then the author has done a good job of telling it like it is, without approval or disapproval, but merely acceptance that this is one Appalachian family. I missed the documentary on HBO and have searched high and low for it without success. Would be interested to know where I might obtain a copy...all comments welcomed.

Wanda Bowling, daughter-in-law of Iree & Bass Bowling, is my best friend. I love her dearly. I work with her every day at Mid South Electrics. I have stayed at her home, attended the annual homecoming & gotten to know & love many members of her family. This book is not condesending or sensationalized; it merely "tells it like it is." American Hollow describes the lifestyle of the Bowlings. Because I know & love these people, I think I am more qualified to say this than someone who has merely visited the Bluegrass Region.

Hello. The main character in this book stayed with my mother when my youngest sister was borned. Iree that is,so I know very well how and what this book and document on HBO is like.In fact my mother and two sisters live now less than two miles from Bass and Iree Bowling.Even though I live in another state ,,I go back and visit my mother very often. Also I always go back for the Home coming at Labor Day Weekend every year. Yes this is the way of the mountian people but,we are very proud of our hertage. Also most have running water and modern conviences now days too. However the Bowling family lives just like the book says. How do I know? You say! Because I know them very personally. P. Woods Ps..Very good work Rory..