In this Rural Impact Extra episode, which we're releasing as our second special in our seventh series, "Courageous Conversations About the 2024 Elections," Michelle has what she has described as "a conversation of a lifetime" with the author of the newly released book Bone of the Bone: Essays on America, Sarah Smarsh.

Hailing from Kansas, Sarah is a journalist who has reported for The New York Times, Harper's Magazine, The Guardian, and many other publications. Her first book, Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth, was a finalist for the National Book Award. Her second book, She Come By It Natural: Dolly Parton and the Women Who Lived Her Songs, was a National Book Critics Circle Award finalist. Smarsh is a frequent political commentator and speaker on socioeconomic class.

Sarah and Michelle discuss various essays from her book 'Bone of the Bone: Essays on America' and explore themes such as media bias, poverty, prejudice, labels, and rural politics. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities of socioeconomic class and the need for productive dialogue and empathy. Smarsh also highlights the significance of politicians like the Vice-Presidential candidate and current Governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, who can bridge the gap between rural and urban communities. Overall, her essays shed light on the experiences and challenges faced by marginalized groups and advocate for a more inclusive and understanding society.

Purchase Your Copy of Bone of the Bone on Amazon > https://amzn.to/3XwT5SR
For Book Tour Information > https://sarahsmarsh.com/book-tour