Benjamin Anastas

In part, this book is a love letter from a father to his son, beautifully written. But more than that, it is a story of failure, and it turns out the author means mostly financial failure. I know it is difficult to downsize when things get tough, but I can't wrap my head around worrying a partner will leave me because I'm not solvent, or hiding bill collection notices, or even paying attention to debt collectors. And if these things are important, hasn't this dude heard of bankruptcy?

Anastas is embarrassed that he counts change to buy groceries. Cashing in less than $9.00 at a Coinstar was humiliating to him. At the end of the month I have split purchases over two debit cards and cash, with said cash being in the form of coins totaling less than $1.00. I'm sure it is different being a parent and provider. Much different. But if he's really worried about not having nine thousand dollars to buy his girlfriend an engagement ring...wow. His standards are far higher than mine.… (mehr)