dannafs 's review for:

Bootstrapper: From Broke to Badass on a Northern Michigan Farm by Mardi Jo Link

4.0

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Mardi Jo Link has just separated from her husband. He moved across the street and she has stayed on their farmstead, where she intends to remain and raise her three boys. There's just one small problem: she has absolutely no money. And to her chagrin, the farm is tough to run and her three boys require substantial sustenance. So, as the title implies, Mardi pulls herself up by her bootstraps and makes the decision to survive.

Mardi barters, plants, writes, works, sells the things she loves. She is stoic and strong, except in those moments when she can no longer hold it together. Then, she collapses and cries, angry at her own weakness. Like so many mothers before her, Mardi is adamant that she will provide for sons. And, beyond belief, she does it. And since this is a memoir, not a novel, it is painful, gruesome, and grueling.

Mardi is a remarkable woman, and her tale is impressive. It didn't feel like something entirely new, but it still felt worthwhile (who can resist a real-life heroine?).

Favorite quote:

"'When the devil is knocking in your door,' my grandma Link would say, 'just yell, 'Hey, Jesus, would you mind getting that for me?'"