documentno_is 's review for:

I Survived Capitalism and All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt by Madeline Pendleton

4.5

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

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While maybe a little imperfect in its writing, the message of this book rings clear: we are all victims of this imperfect system trying to navigate it in various ways. Through navigating the tragedy of loss, to the anxiety of never having enough funds, Madeline takes us on an autobiographical journey of the ways the system has failed her. As somebody with my own experience in the punk scene (albeit in the southeast) and systems of collective care I've stumbled upon many of the same conclusions she has; in the end it's all about just trying to take care of each other. In terms of its financial advice, I can't really weigh in, the author is much further in her financial wellness journey than I am in my own (one of the real reasons I wanted to read this book!) and some of the advice isn't practically applicable to me (not a business owner, just a cog in the machine) although I sure wish my bosses would take her advice (they won't)! Still, I found this book very worthy of reading as a biography and to get the gears in my head turning (will I really someday be able to afford a house or retirement?) My only criticisms come from the structure, as a biography the financial sections seem dull but as a financial advice piece the long biographical sections "lose the plot" a little. Still, an amazing read I recommend to anybody who isn't a mega billion 'gazillionaire' monopoly man. I love crass.