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devinanovel's review against another edition
4.0
So charming, I don't know how I'd never heard of this.
leslielu67's review against another edition
3.0
I really liked the author's style, but the story line petered out about 3/4 through.
amycrea's review against another edition
4.0
It's so hard to sustain a wildly comic tone, but Walter succeeds in this darkly funny at life on the edge of financial ruin and marital discord. Now I want to read his other books, which I'd guess is one of the highest compliments I could pay. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is I thought the ending was rushed and--well, no spoilers. But overall, great read.
danihamreads's review against another edition
3.0
With Walter's candid style, our protagonist, Matt, finds himself secretly drowning in poor financial decisions. While trying to save his house and his marriage, continuing to care for his senile father, and finding a way to cover his sons' private school tuition, Matt stumbles upon a potential business opportunity he feels is too good to refuse - until it hits the fan. Predictable and some points and a bit boring at others, The Financial Lives of the Poets is a quick read with an entertaining story that's worth reading to pass some time.
katefort's review against another edition
3.0
Brief moment of brilliance and hilarity 2/3 of the way through, not a bad ending. It took forever to get started, which is weird, given how short it is.
spauffwrites's review against another edition
3.0
A darkly comic novel about an out-of-work reporter who turns to selling weed during the recession, ends up becoming a criminal informant and tries to keep his life from falling apart. Great, weird characters — the scenes with the cops and the owners of the grow room were my favorite. Definitely got second hand embarrassment for Matt several times, so if that’s not your thing, steer clear. And as a former journalist who watched good people get laid off during the recession, those parts were painful to read. But I enjoyed the characters and the bittersweet ending.
katieparker's review against another edition
4.0
It was very entertaining, went quickly (it was the perfect length), and Jess Walter is obviously a good writer. Certainly not a book for everyone, and maybe a little more for dudes, but I'm glad I read it.
kmatthe2's review against another edition
4.0
A fun, farcical look at the current economic crisis. Probably appreciated more by me because of the "poetic" element. Well-drawn characters. A bit of a downer, but with a strain of wicked black humor.