Vance's memoir soars after Trump picks him as running mate
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J.D. Vance signs a copy of his book "Hillbilly Elegy" in October 2022 when running for U.S. Senate. Photo: Jeff Swensen/Getty Images
"Hillbilly Elegy" — the 2016 memoir that turned Sen. J.D. Vance into a national celebrity — is back on Amazon's bestseller book list with sales skyrocketing since he became Trump's running mate.
Why it matters: The book is considered one of the most influential books of the last decade and explains the rage of working-class America against elites that propelled Trump into office.
- Interest also surged for the 2020 Netflix film adaption of the Ohio senator's book since Monday.
Driving the news: Vance's new reach as the Republican vice presidential nominee could further spike movie views and book sales.
Hillbilly Elegy tops Amazon list with Prime Day deal
By the numbers: "Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis" has topped Amazon's best sellers list since Monday, with the paperback version No. 1.
- It was at No. 220 earlier Monday, AP reported.
- The hardcover version of the book is No. 2 and the Kindle version was the top paid Kindle book as of Wednesday.
- Lifetime print sales in the U.S. for "Hillbilly Elegy" are 1.6 million through the week ending July 6, market research firm Circana told Axios.
Zoom in: The paperback version is a Prime Day deal, selling for $7.45, a 59% discount on the $17.99 retail price. Amazon's Prime Day ends Wednesday night.
- A note on the Amazon product page says the hardcover book usually ships within one to two months.
- Data and analytics company Similarweb told Axios that searches for "Hillbilly Elegy" by Amazon shoppers rose over the last six months and have been steadily increasing since June.
- Amazon did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment on sales of Vance's book.
Hillbilly Elegy movie on Netflix
The Netflix adaption — featuring Amy Adams and Glenn Close, directed by Ron Howard — was No. 4 on the list of top 10 movies streaming on the platform in the U.S. Wednesday.
- The Hollywood Reporter reported it was at No. 6 on Tuesday, four years after its Netflix release.
Between the lines: U.S. viewership for the film grew 1,180% Monday with a total of 19.2 million minutes watched, according to Luminate streaming viewership data shared with Axios.
- That's an increase from 1.5 million minutes watched on Sunday, the day before the vice presidential announcement, Luminate data shows.
- Viewership grew another 381% Tuesday over Monday with 92.3 million minutes watched July 16, Luminate said Thursday.
- The combined viewership for July 15-16 was 111.5 million minutes, growing 3,745% in two days compared to July 13-14, data shows.
Editor's note: This story was updated with additional Netflix viewership numbers from Luminate.
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