Inspiring and Heartfelt: A Review of ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles’ by Rufi Thorpe on Single Motherhood, Addiction, and Resilience

Walking into a quaint, locally owned bookstore in Crested Butte, I stumbled upon Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe. As a single mom and a writer myself, I am captivated by stories that delve deep into the struggles and triumphs of single motherhood and addiction. The artwork on the cover grabbed my attention, and the recap on the inside sleeve solidified my purchase. This book resonated with me on a profoundly personal level and inspired me to continue crafting my narrative.

The story centers on Margo Millet, a young woman thrust into the chaos of adulthood and motherhood at just twenty. (I did that.) With an infant in her arms, no job, and an eviction notice looming, Margo’s life feels strikingly familiar to my past. Her relentless determination to find a way through her troubles, even turning to OnlyFans to make ends meet, is empowering and heart-wrenching. Being a young single mom is not for the faint of heart, and I admire how Thorpe gave Margo the moxy to figure out how to make the best of things. The portrayal of her father’s addiction and their shared journey toward recovery is depicted with raw honesty, reflecting the challenging but hopeful path many of us in similar situations traverse.

Thorpe’s narrative illuminates the modern-day struggles of single mothers, blending humor and poignancy to make Margo’s story relatable and entertaining. As a reader, I found myself cheering for Margo, admiring her grit and her ability to adapt and persevere. The cheeky, bold nature of the book kept me engaged, offering both laughter and moments of deep reflection.

The Washington Post aptly describes Margo’s Got Money Troubles as “the feel-good novel we need right now.” Indeed, when the world can feel bleak, Margo’s resilience and ingenuity offer a beacon of hope. Nick Hornby’s praise in the New York Times Book Review, calling it “enormously entertaining and lovable,” captures what makes this book special. It’s a story that doesn’t shy away from the gritty realities of life but celebrates the strength found in overcoming them.

As The Associated Press highlights, Thorpe’s poetic and profound storytelling brings Margo’s journey to a remarkable conclusion. The blend of humor, heartbreak, and triumph in Margo’s Got Money Troubles makes it a standout read for anyone who has faced life’s toughest challenges and emerged stronger.

In discovering this gem of a book, I felt a renewed sense of inspiration for my writing. Rufi Thorpe’s ability to craft a character as compelling and relatable as Margo has spurred me to dive deeper into my own story, celebrating the resilience and strength that single mothers worldwide embody every day.

The Sobees Addiction Fiction Score: 4 out of 5

About Margo’s Got Money Troubles

A bold, laugh-out-loud funny, and heartwarming story about one young woman’s attempt to navigate adulthood, new motherhood, and her meager bank account in our increasingly online world—from the PEN/Faulkner finalist and critically acclaimed author of The Knockout Queen.

As the child of a Hooters waitress and an ex-pro wrestler, Margo Millet’s always known she’d have to make it on her own. So she enrolls at her local junior college, even though she can’t imagine how she’ll ever make a living. She’s still figuring things out and never planned to have an affair with her English professor—and while the affair is brief, it isn’t brief enough to keep her from getting pregnant. Despite everyone’s advice, she decides to keep the baby, mostly out of naiveté and a yearning for something bigger.

Now, at twenty, Margo is alone with an infant, unemployed, and on the verge of eviction. She needs a cash infusion—fast. When her estranged father, Jinx, shows up on her doorstep and asks to move in with her, she agrees in exchange for help with childcare. Then Margo begins to form a plan: she’ll start an OnlyFans as an experiment, and soon finds herself adapting some of Jinx’s advice from the world of wrestling. Like how to craft a compelling character and make your audience fall in love with you. Before she knows it, she’s turned it into a runaway success. Could this be the answer to all of Margo’s problems, or does internet fame come with too high a price?

Blisteringly funny and filled with sharp insight, Margo’s Got Money Troubles is a tender tale starring an endearing young heroine who’s struggling to wrest money and power from a world that has little interest in giving it to her. It’s a playful and honest examination of the art of storytelling and controlling your own narrative, and an empowering portrait of coming into your own, both online and off.   

“A wholly original novel. . . . Thorpe is both poetic and profound in the way she brings her remarkable story to an end.” —The Associated Press 

Jimmy Reveals the Tonight Show Summer Reads 2024 Winner | The Tonight Show – Margo’s Got Money Troubles Cameo Appearance

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