Last month I had the pleasure of attending the book launch for Rufi Thorpe’s new novel Margo’s Got Money Troubles at Skylight Books in Hollywood.
Margo is the 19 year old daughter of a gambling, former Hooters waitress and a in-and-out-of rehab ex-professional wrestler, who finds herself pregnant by her college English professor. Against everyone’s advice, Margo decides to keep the baby. From there we are thrust into a world of societal expectations, financial hardship, OnlyFans, and what it means to be a parent.
This is not the type of book I would normally pick up off the shelf but I am so glad that I did! It is fast paced, funny, heartbreaking, and utterly inspiring. I absolutely fell in love with Margo. Rufi gives us a thoughtful, creative, headstrong protagonist that you cannot help but root for.
Margo’s Got Money Troubles is a modern day exploration of sex work, financial insecurity, drug addiction, and what it takes to be a mother. Rufi uses a unique narration style switching back and forth between first person and third person which gives the reader an intimate relationship with Margo and her experiences. A wholly unique story and even more eclectic storytelling has made Margo one of my favorite books of the year.
Now that I’ve talked about the book, I have to talk about Rufi and just how cool she is. It is a rare and inspiring thing to see someone be unapologetically themselves, especially in the spotlight! Rufi used her time on stage to be a champion of women, wrestling, and most importantly herself.
Rufi was wholly inspiring in her journey with Margo and what it took to bring her to life. After being discouraged by her former publisher and agent, Rufi set out on her own for new representation and for a new home for the book because she believed in the story, in the character, and in her unique way of telling it. I mean… The courage that took! And the way it has paid off is incredible! Margo’s Got Money Troubles has already been bought for development by Apple TV with Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning at the helm. Just like Margo, Rufi stuck to her convictions and passions and came out of the ring with a championship belt!
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