Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe

Look, I’m gonna level with you. When I first picked up “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” by Rufi Thorpe, I thought I was in for another run-of-the-mill millennial struggle story. You know the type—broken twenty-something fumbles through life, makes questionable choices, learns important lessons. Been there, read that, bought the ironically overpriced t-shirt. But holy smokes, was I wrong. This book? It’s like if “Bridget Jones’s Diary” had a love child with “The Wolf of Wall Street,” and that baby was raised by a crew of foul-mouthed, kind-hearted pro wrestlers. It’s a wild ride, folks, and I’m here to tell you why you need to buckle up and enjoy it.

Meet Margo: Our Lovable Disaster of a Heroine

Let’s start with our girl Margo. She’s the daughter of a Hooters waitress and an ex-pro wrestler, which should tell you everything you need to know about the level of chaos we’re dealing with here. Margo’s got dreams, sure, but they’re about as well-defined as a foggy mirror after a hot shower. She’s fumbling her way through community college when—bam!—she has an affair with her English professor and ends up pregnant. Because, of course, she does.

Now, a less skilled author might have turned Margo into a caricature. But Thorpe? She gives us a character so real, so raw, you’ll swear you went to high school with her. Margo’s not always likable, but damn if she isn’t lovable. She’s a mess, but she’s trying, and isn’t that just the most relatable thing ever?

The Supporting Cast: A Motley Crew of Misfits

But Margo’s not alone in this circus. Oh no. We’ve got a whole cast of characters that’ll make your head spin:

• Jinx, Margo’s estranged father and former pro wrestler. He’s like if The Rock had a love child with your kooky, conspiracy-theory-spouting uncle.
• Shyanne, Margo’s mom, who’s trying to balance her Hooters past with a respectable future. It’s… not going great.
• Mark, the English professor who really should have known better. Seriously, dude?
• And let’s not forget baby Bodhi, who’s along for this wild ride whether he likes it or not.

Each character is so vividly drawn, you’ll find yourself alternately wanting to hug them and shake some sense into them. Sometimes both at the same time.

The Plot: A Rollercoaster of Bad Decisions and Surprising Triumphs

So, Margo’s got a baby, no job, and rent’s due. What’s a girl to do? Start an OnlyFans account, obviously. Because that’s a totally normal and not-at-all potentially disastrous solution, right?

What follows is a breakneck journey through the underbelly of internet fame, single motherhood, and the gig economy. Thorpe doesn’t pull any punches here. She dives headfirst into the messy realities of Margo’s life, from the challenges of breastfeeding to the moral quandaries of selling sexy content online.

But here’s the kicker—it’s funny. Like, laugh-out-loud, snort-your-drink funny. Thorpe has this knack for finding the humor in even the darkest situations. One minute you’re cringing at Margo’s latest questionable decision, and the next you’re cackling at a perfectly timed one-liner.

The Writing: Sharp, Witty, and Unflinchingly Honest

Let’s talk about Thorpe’s writing for a hot second. It’s like she’s taken the voice of every millennial woman who’s ever felt lost and amplified it to eleven. The prose crackles with energy, peppered with pop culture references and internet-speak that never feels forced. It’s the literary equivalent of your smartest, funniest friend ranting over wine after a particularly rough day.

But don’t let the breezy tone fool you. Thorpe isn’t afraid to go deep. She tackles heavy themes—poverty, the ethics of sex work, the challenges of single parenthood—with a deft touch that never feels preachy or overwrought.

Themes: More Than Just Money Troubles

On the surface, “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” is about, well, money troubles. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll find it’s wrestling with some big questions:

• What does it mean to be a “good” parent in a world where the deck seems stacked against you?
• How do we navigate morality in the age of internet fame and hustle culture?
• Can you really reinvent yourself, or are we all just playing characters based on our circumstances?

Thorpe doesn’t offer easy answers, but she sure as hell makes you think.

Comparisons and Context

If you’ve read Thorpe’s previous work, like “The Knockout Queen” or “The Girls from Corona del Mar,” you’ll recognize her sharp wit and keen eye for the complexities of female friendships. But “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” feels like a leveling up. It’s bolder, funnier, and even more unflinching in its exploration of modern womanhood.

In terms of contemporary comparisons, it’s giving me strong “Fleabag” vibes, with a dash of “Shit, Actually” by Lindy West. It’s part of a growing trend of books that aren’t afraid to show women as messy, complicated, and yes, sometimes problematic.

The Verdict: A Must-Read for the Chronically Broke and Perpetually Confused

Look, I’m not gonna lie to you. “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” isn’t for everyone. If you clutch your pearls at the mere mention of OnlyFans, this might not be your cup of tea. But if you’re ready for a raw, riotously funny look at what it means to be young, broke, and trying to figure it all out in the digital age? You need this book in your life.

Thorpe has crafted a story that’s equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking, outrageous and oddly relatable. It’s a book that’ll make you laugh, make you think, and maybe—just maybe—make you feel a little less alone in your own money troubles.

So here’s my advice: grab a copy, cancel your plans for the weekend, and dive in. Just maybe don’t read it at work. Unless you’re cool with explaining to your coworkers why you’re cackling maniacally at your desk.