I really enjoyed this funny, laugh out loud book about Margo and the cast of characters in her life, family and friends. Margo has to grow up quickly after getting pregnant and dropping out of college.

The flow of the story, and the writing style kept me engaged and reading.

Thank you Netgalley and William Morrow for the ARC!

The more I reflect on Margo’s Got Money Troubles, the more special this book seems to me.

Margo is a 19-year-old who starts out her story recounting her brief affair with her English professor, her pregnancy and subsequent choice to have the baby, and the aftermath. Her money troubles are present from the beginning - hospital bills, childcare, rent - and Margo decides to start an OnlyFans to make ends meet. Through some surprisingly insightful parallels between developing an online persona and the professional wrestling world, Margo builds a following, all while navigating the pitfalls of being a public figure on the internet and working within a society that vilifies sex work of any kind.

The author uses perspective shifts to give context to how Margo reflects on the events of the story. The things she needs to give herself “distance” from, if only to give her past-self more grace, she writes in third person. It can be jarring at first, but you get used to it. A few passages even take on a meta quality, with the author writing in second person when she really wants the reader to pay attention to something. I won’t spoil what Rufi Thorpe wants us to learn - the perspective shift makes the moment clear - but I can say with certainty that, for all that I expected I would enjoy this book, I did not expect the book to have something to say.

I think Margo is an incredibly relatable, flawed, intelligent character. Her naivety is an obstacle she has to overcome, which is something a lot of us do as we get older. As she gains experience and self-efficacy, she believes (and we, the audience, believe) in her ability to succeed. She works at it. She practices difficult conversations in the mirror. She uses her available resources and consults experts when she’s out of her depth. She is so endearingly human that you can’t help but root for her and cheer with her. The perspective shifts enhance the story, giving the reader the sense that older-Margo is telling the story to us, with us. There is a closeness to this, in a way that stories like To Kill a Mockingbird allow us to reflect on how we were at that age, how those experiences changed us.

The novel begins with a passage about how starting a new book is like going on a date, falling in love. I have felt that same giddy excitement as I tell my friends about Margo’s Got Money Troubles - “it’s coming out in June, I think you’ll really like it!” I give 5-star ratings sparingly. But I can tell, this is one of the best books I will read this year. And I’m excited to keep reading. Even knowing that I might have just read one of the best of the year (and it may be all downhill from here!), it’s experiences like this that remind me how good discovering a new book can feel.

**Many thanks to NetGalley, Rufi Thorpe, and William Morrow for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.**

One of the most fantastic & unique books I’ve read in a long time! Even though my life experiences have been substantially different from Margo, I felt so much empathy and compassion for her. I felt myself cheering on her relationship with Jinx. Her entire household felt like the perfect little unstoppable team. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the ending brought me so much joy!

This book is so SPECIFIC.

that might seem like a weird review, but it’s the word that jumped out while reading, and the one that continues to jump out as I reminisce about the special world the author built. Every detail contained specificity, making it easy to picture the characters and their situations — even though I’ve never met a single real-life person who fits their profiles. I would read a whole series about these people and their antics. Highly recommend, especially if you’re looking for something new and different. You won’t be disappointed.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early arc!

Well this novel surprised me in the best possible way! As soon as I read the description for Margo’s Got Money Troubles I knew I HAD to read it! Well it was crazier than I originally thought and it also one I am going to be recommending to absolutely everyone! The characters are well developed, quirky, and completely endearing! Every now and then I read a novel that plays out like a movie in my mind and this gem most definitely did. Margo's Got Money Troubles is a 5 star read and the first novel I’ve read from Rufi Thorpe, but I will definitely be reading her prior novels asap!

A funny and heart warming tale of Margo, who finds a creative way to support herself after her professor knocks her up. Although the character of Margo is well developed, I found the others a little flat. Margo’s former pro wrestler father did add a good amount of comedy and really was a heart warming character, but the other supporting crew wasn’t very memorable. This book also focuses on more untraditional ways to earn money and women’s empowerment, which was refreshing. Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to friends who are looking for an enjoyable, quick read.

Rufi Thorpe's "Margo's Got Money Trouble" is a delightful coming-of-age tale that blends humor, heart, and unexpected twists into a captivating narrative. Set against the backdrop of Margo Millet's tumultuous life, the story unfolds with a raw honesty and sharp wit that keeps you hooked from start to finish. I gave this novel a strong 4 stars!

Margo, the daughter of a Hooters waitress and an ex-pro wrestler, navigates the challenges of adulthood with resilience and humor. When faced with an unexpected pregnancy and financial struggles, she turns to unconventional means to make ends meet. Thorpe's portrayal of Margo's journey is both relatable and empowering, capturing the essence of resilience in the face of adversity.

What sets "Margo's Got Money Trouble" apart is Thorpe's masterful storytelling. With effortless prose and a keen understanding of human nature, she brings Margo's world to life with vivid detail. Each character feels authentic and multi-dimensional, adding depth to the narrative and allowing readers to become fully immersed in Margo's story.

But beyond its entertaining premise, the novel also explores themes of identity, empowerment, and the power of storytelling. Through Margo's experiences with online fame and self-discovery, Thorpe offers a poignant commentary on the complexities of modern life and the pursuit of happiness.

Overall, "Margo's Got Money Trouble" is a triumph of storytelling—a laugh-out-loud funny and heartwarming tale that will leave readers cheering for its endearing heroine. Thorpe's writing is a joy to behold, making this book a must-read for anyone in search of a captivating and uplifting story.

This book was such a fun read. The inclusion of OnlyFans as a central plot point made it feel current, and added edge and humor to an otherwise predictable new, young unwed-mother story.

20-year-old Margo has just had a baby from an affair with her married professor. The professor (and his aggressive mother) has paid Margo off to quit college and agree to never identify the professor as the baby’s father. All is well until Margo loses her waitress job and decides to make a foray into OnlyFans, an online subscription service through which subscribers “follow” individuals who provide risqué photos and videos. Once Margo’s participation in this field becomes linked with her real name, the professor files a lawsuit to gain full custody of the baby and Margo is forced to reconsider her career path. The compelling story line is made more interesting by Margo’s colorful father, an ex-professional-wrestler, coming to live in Margo’s apartment and helping Margo market herself on OnlyFans. There is also an interesting side plot involving an online relationship with an OnlyFans subscriber.

I read this book upon the recommendation of Kevin Wilson, one of my very favorite authors (he wrote Nothing to See Here, among other books). It is outside of my normal genre of literary fiction, but I found it perfect as a lighter tale between my mostly heavier features. I easily recommend it as a well-written work of general/women’s fiction.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this e-ARC which will be published in June.

This book is an intelligent, humorous, and insightful exploration of life's complexities. "Margo's Got Money Troubles" presents a wildly engaging story about Margo, a college student facing unexpected pregnancy with her married professor's child. Choosing to raise the baby on her own, she finds herself financially challenged when the baby's father opts out. The plot thickens as her ex-pro WWE star father, a recovering addict, steps in to assist, albeit not very effectively, leading Margo to venture into creating an Only Fans account for extra income. Margo, as a character, is profoundly relatable and evolves significantly throughout the narrative, mirroring the growth that often accompanies young parenthood. The relationships depicted are intricately layered, showcasing the book's deep dive into societal judgments and the essence of moral integrity. This tale, while entertaining and at times comical, touches on the raw, human desire to provide and be perceived as worthy, especially through the lens of motherhood. I found this book impossible to put down.

Margo's Got Money Troubles
Rufi Thorpe
Pub Date: June 11, 2024
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
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 book outside my comfort zone, but one I enjoyed all the same. I don't know how to categorize it, maybe plain Literary Fiction touching upon some mature themes, sex work being a major one.
So my recommenation, maybe go outside of your comfort zone and read this when it comes out in June!

"Margo's Got Money Troubles" by Rufi Thorpe is a brilliantly crafted novel that delves deep into the intricacies of financial insecurity and the profound impact it has on personal relationships and self-identity. With her signature style of raw honesty and emotional depth, Thorpe navigates the turbulent waters of modern life, making this novel a resonant and compelling exploration of contemporary issues.

The novel follows Margo, a character so vividly and intricately drawn that she leaps off the page, breathing and living in the reader's imagination. Margo's financial struggles serve as the backbone of the narrative, but Thorpe's storytelling prowess elevates the tale into a broader examination of ambition, friendship, love, and the societal pressures that shape our decisions. Margo's journey is fraught with challenges, yet it's her resilience and complex emotional landscape that captivate and engage the reader's empathy.

Thorpe's narrative is a masterclass in character-driven storytelling, with each chapter peeling back layers of Margo's life, revealing the vulnerabilities and strengths that define her. The secondary characters are equally well-crafted, each adding depth and perspective to Margo's world. The interactions and relationships between characters are portrayed with such nuance and sensitivity that they echo long after the final page.

What sets "Margo's Got Money Troubles" apart is Thorpe's ability to discuss financial instability without judgment or simplification. The novel approaches its themes with a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted nature of poverty and financial distress, avoiding clichés and easy solutions. Thorpe offers a narrative that is both specific in its details and universal in its themes, making Margo's story resonate with a wide array of readers.

Thorpe's prose is exquisite, combining sharp wit with poignant observations, all while maintaining a pace that keeps the reader engaged and invested in the outcome. The dialogues are crisp and authentic, further grounding the story in reality and enhancing its relatability.

"Margo's Got Money Troubles" is not just a narrative about financial hardship; it's a story about the human spirit, about fighting against the odds, and about finding hope in the most unexpected places. Rufi Thorpe has delivered a novel that is both thought-provoking and deeply moving, solidifying her status as a masterful storyteller capable of tackling complex social issues with empathy and grace.

In summary, "Margo's Got Money Troubles" is a testament to Rufi Thorpe's talent for creating rich, emotionally charged narratives that speak directly to the heart of contemporary life. It's a novel that is sure to resonate with readers long after they've turned the last page, and it comes highly recommended for anyone looking for a story that combines depth, drama, and a dash of humor to explore the complexities of life and the resilience required to navigate them.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to review for my honest opinion.

You know how sometimes in life there are people you grow up with who you just don't understand? They make horrible romantic decisions, beg for the affection of their objectively godawful parents, assume that people will show up for them without any clear indication that they'd do the same in return, and make choices so spectacularly stupid that it's hard to have any pity when it all blows up in their faces. That is Margo, the main character of this book, and from the jump it is as absolutely exhausting to read about her as it is to know a person like this in real life. I did not finish this book having any better of an understanding of this type of person than I did when I started reading it. In fact I put this book down about halfway through and read an entire other book in the meantime just because I could not take the thoughtlessness of this character any longer (when she brings home her newborn to a house with three other COLLEGE STUDENTS and is shocked when they don't all want to live with a screaming baby - girl, come on!!!).

And yet. When I picked it back up I found that I appreciated her chaotic voice a little more than I had previously, and then I ended up finishing the entire second half of the book in an afternoon. What can I say, she grew on me! It's tough not to feel sympathy for someone doing their best to turn things around, even when this includes absolutely self-destructive moves like continuing to seek the affection of her hideous excuse for a mother. It felt good to watch a character who initially appears to have the emotional intelligence of a paper bag develop meaningful relationships, stand up for herself, and even have a great Legally Blonde moment toward the end. This was a great portrait of someone who's incredibly smart in their own way, and more capable of forgiveness than I could imagine being myself even given a hundred lifetimes. By the end I found myself a little verklempt, and proud of a fictional character. Alright, alright, four stars out of five.

My thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the ARC of Margo's Got Money Troubles in exchange for an honest and independent review.

Rufi Thorpe has quite honestly put together one of the most rag tag, yet lovable, group of characters that I've seen in quite some time in her most recent work, Margo's Got Money Troubles. You are immediately introduced to Margo, a college student currently entwined in an relationship with her married college English professor (Mark). Although she see's nothing long term with him, he builds her self esteem and the sex is decent. Fast forward a couple of weeks, and Margo finds herself 8 weeks pregnant and perpetually lost as everyone around her urges her to have an abortion, insisting she she will wreck her entire life if she doesn't. Spoiler: she doesn't listen, because Margo is the type who paves her own path.

After the birth of her son, Margo finds herself jobless, without any support from her mother or Mark, and facing eviction as a new mother. It's at that moment, Margo's long lost, and primarily absent, professional wrestler of a father, Jinx, shows up on her front step, suitcase in hand and ready to save the day. Facing a divorce and serious substance abuse issues, he asks Margo for a place to stay while he gets back on his feet. In turn, he'll help her with rent and the baby, as well as some savvy business advice.

Margo takes him up on his offer, hoping to finally reconnect with her long lost father. During this time, they forge quite a relationship and Margo learns some interesting ways of the world. She also learns what if feels like to receive unconditional love and help from someone for a change. Still hard up for cash and making rent, Margo learns about OnlyFans from Jinx, and she decides to start her own page. She dives into research on what it takes to gain followers and cash flow by advertising herself and promoting herself along side some other interesting OnlyFans characters.

Everything comes crashing down with Margo learns that Mark has changed his mind and is wanting to pursue full custody of their son, feeling that Margo's lifestyle makes her unfit to be a mother. On top of that, CPS also receives an anonymous tip to investigate her life and care of her son. Jinx helps her to navigate this time and teaches her to stand on her own two feet and fight for what's hers.

Everything about this book is a beautiful dichotomy. It's heart wrenching and joyful, there's uncontrolled laughter and so many tears, learning to fail and then succeed like a boss, and to love with everything you have and to fear losing it the next second. There is more raw emotion packed within these few hundred pages than most books even begin to brush the surface of. I was so moved by Margo's inner thoughts and dialogue. She's honestly just a badass. Point blank.

The only thing I ask for in the case of this book is simply MORE. The ending was so abrupt. I selfishly wanted to see her just take on the world and watch her win and win again and kick major ass along the way. I wish all of the beautiful things for Margo, and I know you will too once finishing this one. Do not pass this one up!

I was totally BLOWN AWAY by this book, wow! It was delightful, hysterical, creative, and just so so smart. It had me hooked from the start and was a page-tuner, with the plot and characters both being extremely compelling. I was so sad to say goodbye to Margo & co at the end!

This actually reminded me a lot of the movie Easy A…and I adore that movie, so this is high praise. Both share a similar quirky tone, have a sharp, wise-beyond-her-years protagonist, and are an examination of storytelling, judgment, and sex/sex work. Truly cannot recommend this book enough!!!

Oooo I loved this!! So well written and funny. The characters are amazing and the plot is so interesting. Definitely recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and Rufi Thorpe!

The very beginning of this book, like the very first sentence had me. "The beginning of a novel is like a first date. You hope that from the first lines an urgent magic will take hold, and you will sink into the story like a hot bath, giving yourself over entirely."

The characters are equally lovable and unlovable. You have wrestling, OnlyFans, teachers sleeping with students, mothers not mothering, people wanting to be loved and seen, and cosplay. I love you, Hungry Ghost. The next part is going to definitely have spoilers.

Margo has a baby after she's been sleeping with her married professor for a handful of weeks. She decides to keep the baby and you follow along the journey. Turns out Mark is the worst but does kind of have some redemption in the end. But he really is an immoral weirdo.
"Margo felt instantly terrible that Mark was so short. She hadn't even chosen a big, strong dummy to procreate with; instead, she'd mated with a small, immoral weirdo."

Her dad comes back into the picture full time and straight from rehab. He is a retired professional wrestler/personality named Jinx. You want him to succeed. Margo is so supportive of her dad but also naïve when it comes to addiction/recovery. I love their relationship.
"Have you ever heard of a game called Fortnite? I asked him. He began doing a dance where he swung his arms in front and then behind his body in a confusing way. Who hasn't? He said." "You named your tree? Yes, Jinx said, I have named my tree Earnest."

I have mixed feelings about her mom. There were some beautiful parts between her mom and Margo though. "You ruined my life so pretty, Noodle."

The one thing that I didn't like is the way Margo and JB met. Stranger danger is the first thing that comes to mind. I just wish they would have come to be differently.

Anyway, I loved this book. I haven't stopped thinking about it. The way Margo loves her baby.
"Bodhi, meanwhile, was now three months old and mysteriously getting cuter and cuter."

So many important topics were addressed as well. Choices, addiction, Medication Assisted Treatment, the lack of resources, how expensive childcare is, the way society views and treats cam girls/any form of sex work and more. "You can't tell me that if it was men and a medical decision would result in their penis splitting open and them not being able to hold their pee for the rest of their life, they wouldn't think that should be their own decision."
"And I didn't understand how not set up the world is for women to have babies. The whole childcare system is unworkable. Like it ruins your life. You can't choose that for someone else. You shouldn't be able to make someone do that."

Actually, the last line has kept me up at night and I've been obsessing over the meaning.
"Because that's all art is, in the end. One person trying to get another person they have never met to fall in love with them." All I know for sure is I do love these characters, so maybe that means I love Rufi Thorpe too.

I reviewed this book on Goodreads as well.

Rufi Thorpe’s “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” is zany, hysterical, irreverent, thought provoking, and endearing. There’s some heavy subject matter in this book, teen pregnancy, sex work, women’s reproductive rights, power dynamics, poverty, religion…and while these characters are slightly satirized, they feel wholly familiar. Given the subject matter, this novel may be polarizing and will be perfect for lively book club discussions.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

Gosh…I really loved this book. I’d read The Knockout Queen previously and enjoyed that one, so I jumped at the opportunity to read this. Margo finds herself pregnant after an affair with her college professor. He has no interest in being involved and Margo is left to figure things out mostly on her own. Her father, who is an ex-wrestler and struggling addict soon moves in. Eventually, she starts an OnlyFans account to provide for herself and her baby. It’s…a lot. But I truly loved it. Jinx, while majorly flawed, stole my heart…he was my favorite part of the story. Thank you to NetGalley for the arc!!

I had never heard of Rufi Thorpe before reading this book but wow, I was so impressed. I laughed aloud so many times even pausing to read some sections to my husband. I've also now gone and ordered other Rufi Thorpe novels! Will highly recommend this!!

This was a delightful weird and wonderful book.

The first third of the book, I was hung up on the third person writing style but quickly found it endearing. A wonderful fast paced story with so many twists and turns, you won’t be able to put it down or put Margot out of your mind.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for an ARC of Margot’s Got Money Troubles out June 11, 2024 in exchange for an honest review