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rballenger's review against another edition
3.0
Type of read: Commuter read.
What made me pick it up: I saw it on one of my recommended lists and thought the cover was interesting.
Overall rating: 'Bootstrapper' is the mental spiral and inner monologue we've all had but weren't willing to admit to ourselves. The flow and format of the book is smooth but is truly nothing more than the pieced-together ramblings of a woman going through a trying time and reinventing herself as the strong, 'with it' woman she's always tried to believe she is. It wasn't the most interesting read that I've had, but I enjoyed the honesty, laughed quite a bit at some of the predicaments and solutions (been there, done that sort of connections), and overall feel it was a good addition to my TBR list. I will add, as a native Minnesotan, the Michigan setting was relatable and I think made me connect with Link just a little bit more.
What made me pick it up: I saw it on one of my recommended lists and thought the cover was interesting.
Overall rating: 'Bootstrapper' is the mental spiral and inner monologue we've all had but weren't willing to admit to ourselves. The flow and format of the book is smooth but is truly nothing more than the pieced-together ramblings of a woman going through a trying time and reinventing herself as the strong, 'with it' woman she's always tried to believe she is. It wasn't the most interesting read that I've had, but I enjoyed the honesty, laughed quite a bit at some of the predicaments and solutions (been there, done that sort of connections), and overall feel it was a good addition to my TBR list. I will add, as a native Minnesotan, the Michigan setting was relatable and I think made me connect with Link just a little bit more.
amibunk's review against another edition
3.0
While this book was very well written I had a hard time enjoying it. I applaud, loudly, the author's moxie and ability to work her butt off, but I can't help but wonder what might have happened if she had asked for help once or twice. There's a difference between receiving help from beloved friends or family members and asking for a handout.
I realize that countless people live on that knife's edge between "getting by" and "going under." This has certainly opened my eyes to the plight of many single moms recovering from divorce. What I don't understand is why you would choose to live that perilous, stressful life when there are some options available to you. Ms. Link is commendable in her desire to remain independent but I think there comes a point when independence becomes foolhardy and prideful.
I realize that countless people live on that knife's edge between "getting by" and "going under." This has certainly opened my eyes to the plight of many single moms recovering from divorce. What I don't understand is why you would choose to live that perilous, stressful life when there are some options available to you. Ms. Link is commendable in her desire to remain independent but I think there comes a point when independence becomes foolhardy and prideful.
ori_gina_lity's review against another edition
3.0
Bootstrapper’s subtitle pretty much sums this novel up: From Broke to Badass on a Northern Michigan Farm. The memoir picks in the midst of Link’s life falling apart, a marriage of almost 20 years down the drain, three boys to take care of and a farm she’ll do anything not to lose. First of all I loved that I was reading about my hometown/area! It was great to think back about what I was doing the year this book takes place in (I was between the ages of 10-11) it added a personal touch to reading that I haven’t experienced in a while.
Link has a humorous, positive outlook on life that engages the reader in a realistic and not uncommon fate of a family after divorce; shit hits the fan - you gotta keep moving. Through soul searching, major budgeting, and life lessons with her kids, Link shares an intimate look at life that I found inspiring - slightly less fulfilling than I expected, but still a fair effort. Though left a little underwhelmed Bootstrapper receives a lot of bonus points from me for the genre of memoir 1. It’s not preachy. 2. It’s sarcastic but not too sarcastic. 3. It’s down-to-earth. Three reasons to give this novel 3/5 stars.
Link has a humorous, positive outlook on life that engages the reader in a realistic and not uncommon fate of a family after divorce; shit hits the fan - you gotta keep moving. Through soul searching, major budgeting, and life lessons with her kids, Link shares an intimate look at life that I found inspiring - slightly less fulfilling than I expected, but still a fair effort. Though left a little underwhelmed Bootstrapper receives a lot of bonus points from me for the genre of memoir 1. It’s not preachy. 2. It’s sarcastic but not too sarcastic. 3. It’s down-to-earth. Three reasons to give this novel 3/5 stars.
raychelllibby's review against another edition
1.0
Listened on audible: This was a boring and drab story with little (practically no) farming and absolutely nothing "badass".