Review: Margo's Got Money Troubles

Author: Rufi Thorpe

Book: Margo's Got Money Troubles

This was an excellent book. It's always a pleasant surprise when a highly hyped book—from both readers and publishing industry folks—actually delivers on its promise. Because that's not always the case. I personally love a good coming-of-age story. That's why I think I'll always find myself drawn to the young adult section, no matter my age. There's something magical about witnessing someone's journey of self-discovery and watching all the choices they make as they learn who they truly are.

So the story follows Margo - raised by a Hooters waitress mom and an ex-wrestler dad, which pretty much meant she had to figure life out on her own. She heads to junior college without much of a game plan, and ends up having a short fling with her English professor—her married professor. Plot twist: she gets pregnant. Even though everyone tells her not to keep the baby, she follows her heart and does it anyway.

Fast forward a bit - she's 20, has a baby to take care of, no job, and rent's coming due. Talk about stress! Then her dad Jinx (who she hasn't seen in forever and who I LOVE) shows up wanting to crash at her place and she lets him stay in exchange for babysitting help. That's when she gets this wild idea to start an OnlyFans account. She even uses some of her dad's old wrestling tips about creating a character and winning over fans. Before she knows it, she's actually killing it online! But over time she starts to wonder if this quick internet fame is worth what it might cost her?

"Margo's Got Money Troubles" transcends the typical coming-of-age story because Margo isn't just discovering herself—she's actively creating herself through how she faces the world and handles the consequences of her actions. With almost no support system at the start, she navigates her career, finances, and life choices while caring for the child she deeply loves.

I was particularly impressed with Thorpe's writing style. The narrative alternates between a third-person omniscient narrator and Margo's first-person account, with transitions so smooth they feel effortless—a remarkable feat of storytelling in my opinion.

This book tells a compelling story about s a truly daring protagonist. I was in awe of how Margo at her age lives with such intention, taking active control of her choices and accepting their consequences with grace. It was a fantastic read!