Should be required reading for every person in Congress — and other governmental agencies — who make decisions as to where, when, why and how financial aid is given in this country.

Should be required reading in all high schools

A success story about a young mom’s determination and fight to provide for her child and make a better life for them on her own. A harsh lesson to those who judge and criticize people purchasing food with government resources. Think before you speak and be kind!

It was ok. Her story is inspiring, no doubt about it. It gave me empathy for those in poverty. But I think it was how the story was told/written. Parts were repetitive and it lacked a much development or anticipation. At times I found it hard to keep reading. It felt monotonous at times. I would have liked to have learned how she ultimately got through college and escaped poverty and had a better life, but it never got to that point.

I couldn’t put this book down. It was absolutely beautifully written, heartbreaking and funny. I love her story, her resilience, how hard she fought for a better future for herself and her daughter. This book makes me want to write my own life story one day.

Emotional abuse was the main issue, but also parents with mental health issues, a bit of alcoholism, a bit of hoarding, depression, and how hard it is to escape some circumstances when the odds are stacked against one financially. Highly recommend

I kept waiting for something to happen. I liked the idea of this book and it wasn’t poorly written. It just wasn’t memorable for me.

What a life. Good for you and your daughter and family for survival for tenacity and love.

I realize the extreme hardship the author went through, and I do empathize with her. However, the entire book basically boils down to her repeating over and over again the things she cannot afford. This should be talked about, of course, but it is on every page. She goes on about how much pain she is in from being a maid and the hard physical labor it is and that she has no health insurance. I wonder why she did not get an office position making minimum wage (which is what she made cleaning) and try to work her way up. There are many unanswered questions in the book. All that being said, her family situation is quite sad, she has no support and no one who can help her with child care or financially, not even her parents. She does write about the people whose houses she clean, which is interesting in a voyeuristic kind of way. But other all it is a tiring and tedious read.

The author writes with the authority and honesty Of living life the best she can and doing it with very little help. The saddest part is that some in this country doubt the amount of work and commitment that goes into such a life.