Welcome to Litsy!

I felt like this was an informative memoir. The author shares her experience as a single mom who escaped an abusive relationship--dreams of being a writer.  Going to school for it while working (cleaning houses) and struggling to house and feed her and her young daughter, with very little support, and lots of stigma...more so, when she was facing another unplanned pregnancy.  We‘re always told ‘pull yourself up by your bootstraps”, get⬇️

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I think that Land showcases his difficult it is to be poor, hard working, and a single mom exceptionally well. I loved her points through her life about the “deserving poor.” That said, her comments about having a child “by herself” and being angry with her friends (who helped her constantly) for not unconditionally supporting her was off putting. It changed my view of this book.

Since finishing my recent Star Wars trilogy on audio, I've been binging the Clear + Vivid podcast to try and catch up. In November, he had on Stephanie Land to talk about the Netflix adaptation of Maid and the release of Class. He has the absolute best conversations with guests. There is a section where she talks about being a reluctant public figure that is very interesting. My default podcast recommendation!

I was surprised at the number of mixed and even harsh reviews I've seen on Land's second memoir, which disseminates how poorly our systems are setup to support the poor. I appreciated her vulnerability in writing and bringing attention to areas needing improvement and being a voice for many that are unable or lack the platform to share, all the while acknowledging her privilege. It's a pick for me. (📷 of NYT article)

⭐️⭐️⭐️ This follows Land‘s struggles after escaping her abusive ex, moving with her young daughter to Missoula, Montana for a fresh start. I can‘t imagine sharing parenting duties in this situation. So much empathy. Still, I have mixed feelings on this follow up to Maid which itself was quite poignant and eye-opening. It‘s hard not to judge Land‘s personal life decisions, but no one‘s perfect, and I appreciate her honesty. Truly cringy at times.

It‘s been a while since I‘ve had time to enjoy a puzzle. I‘ve missed it! 🎧🧩 #audiopuzzling

I appreciate Land‘s giving public voice to single mothers living in poverty. Each family has its own story to tell, and I didn‘t find this chapter of Land‘s story as interesting as the last. A soft pick.

Got to watch a talk with Stephanie Land she did in Harrisburg tonight. I cannot wait to start reading this.

I‘ve often noticed my copy of Maid on my shelves and wondered what happened to Stephanie after moving to Missoula (a town close to my heart and roots). I don‘t agree with some of the choices and decisions she made as a deeply indebted 35 yo single mother. (An IRL bookclub discussion would be so interesting). However, I respect her effort to earn an English degree and model for her daughter the goal to become who you dream to be.