Astor Summary of Key Points

Astor, written by Alina Adams, is a historical fiction novel set in 19th-century New York. It revolves around the life of John Jacob Astor, a German immigrant who became America’s first multi-millionaire. The book meticulously details Astor’s journey from rags to riches, his innovations in the American fur trade, and his impactful real estate investments.

Hillbilly Elegy Summary of Key Points

Hillbilly Elegy is a personal reflection on upward mobility in America seen through the lens of a white, working-class family in the Midwest. The book explores the struggles of the white working-class in the midst of economic changes, a lack of access to resources, and systemic failures.