kate_e_mac's review
5.0
I love how much of a hot mess Maggie is. I love that it is an Australian story. The characters are very relatable
gl_mrtnl's review
3.0
Heh. Okay I guess? Sometimes infuriating and sometimes hilarious, and definitely reads like the script for a tv show.
thelifeoflaura's review
5.0
Maggie Cotton’s life is a hot mess.
In one day, she’s dumped by her boyfriend, disinherited by her mum, and kicked off the three-year degree course she’d stretched to a decade. And that was before she received the letter saying she owed the government $70,000.
But that’s no reason to grow up, is it?
Honestly, this was the perfect book to start the year off. Such a lovely lighthearted read that takes the tragedy of losing everything and makes it enjoyable. Maggie Cotton has hit rock bottom and has nothing left to lose. As she starts to realise everything she's lost and questions what she has left, she will start to realise the importance of living. It was such a beautiful story and I honestly loved every bit of it. Would highly recommend if you're after something a little bit lighter and easy to read!
In one day, she’s dumped by her boyfriend, disinherited by her mum, and kicked off the three-year degree course she’d stretched to a decade. And that was before she received the letter saying she owed the government $70,000.
But that’s no reason to grow up, is it?
Honestly, this was the perfect book to start the year off. Such a lovely lighthearted read that takes the tragedy of losing everything and makes it enjoyable. Maggie Cotton has hit rock bottom and has nothing left to lose. As she starts to realise everything she's lost and questions what she has left, she will start to realise the importance of living. It was such a beautiful story and I honestly loved every bit of it. Would highly recommend if you're after something a little bit lighter and easy to read!
shelleyrae's review
4.0
Maggie’s Going Nowhere is a charming and hilarious debut from Rose Hartley.
Devoted to avoiding hard work and responsibility, twenty-nine year old Maggie Cotton may finally have to grow up when she is dumped by her boyfriend, loses her place at University, disinherited by her mother, and slapped with an outrageous debt by Centerlink.
Forced to take her first steps towards independence, Maggie moves into a shabby 1960’s caravan with no running water, electricity, or toilet facilities, that she parks out the front of her best friend’s house, and grudgingly takes a volunteer position at a charity in order to keep her Newstart payments.
Maggie’s Going Nowhere feels like a coming-of-age tale for the millennial generation, some of whom seem determined to extend adolescence by a decade.
In truth, Maggie is the sort of character that I would despair of in real life, and that I usually find frustrating in fiction. She’s entitled, irresponsible, insensitive, and unapologetic, so it’s to Hartley’s credit that I actually found her likeable, and even somewhat endearing. Maggie’s confidence is appealing, her lack of tact is refreshing, and her loyalty to her best friend Jen is sincere.
Jen has the patience of a saint, not only with Maggie, but also with her own fiancé Johnno, whom Maggie refers to as ‘The King of Arseholes’. I liked the author’s depiction of these relationships, and the acknowledgement that even having it all- a home of your own, a steady job, and committed relationship - is no guarantee of a happy ever after.
Given her history of sabotaging her romantic relationships, (in the worst way possible), Maggie’s crush on fellow volunteer Rueben, a sexy ex-con focused on taking responsibility for himself, seems destined for failure, but convincing him otherwise proves to be surprising motivation for her, and I couldn’t help but hope that Maggie would finally get everything she wants, even if it’s nothing she perhaps deserves.
Fast paced and thoroughly entertaining, I really enjoyed Maggie’s Going Nowhere, and I’m happy to recommend it.
Devoted to avoiding hard work and responsibility, twenty-nine year old Maggie Cotton may finally have to grow up when she is dumped by her boyfriend, loses her place at University, disinherited by her mother, and slapped with an outrageous debt by Centerlink.
Forced to take her first steps towards independence, Maggie moves into a shabby 1960’s caravan with no running water, electricity, or toilet facilities, that she parks out the front of her best friend’s house, and grudgingly takes a volunteer position at a charity in order to keep her Newstart payments.
Maggie’s Going Nowhere feels like a coming-of-age tale for the millennial generation, some of whom seem determined to extend adolescence by a decade.
In truth, Maggie is the sort of character that I would despair of in real life, and that I usually find frustrating in fiction. She’s entitled, irresponsible, insensitive, and unapologetic, so it’s to Hartley’s credit that I actually found her likeable, and even somewhat endearing. Maggie’s confidence is appealing, her lack of tact is refreshing, and her loyalty to her best friend Jen is sincere.
Jen has the patience of a saint, not only with Maggie, but also with her own fiancé Johnno, whom Maggie refers to as ‘The King of Arseholes’. I liked the author’s depiction of these relationships, and the acknowledgement that even having it all- a home of your own, a steady job, and committed relationship - is no guarantee of a happy ever after.
Given her history of sabotaging her romantic relationships, (in the worst way possible), Maggie’s crush on fellow volunteer Rueben, a sexy ex-con focused on taking responsibility for himself, seems destined for failure, but convincing him otherwise proves to be surprising motivation for her, and I couldn’t help but hope that Maggie would finally get everything she wants, even if it’s nothing she perhaps deserves.
Fast paced and thoroughly entertaining, I really enjoyed Maggie’s Going Nowhere, and I’m happy to recommend it.
readingbunny_'s review
2.0
Within the first few pages of this book, I was texting my bet friend quotes and saying “this is so us”
We were introduced to Maggie and Jen, best friends since high school with a bond that feels more like family.
But my excitement soon fizzled out over the next few chapters.
Maggie is a terrible friend, like the worst.
Jen is planning her upcoming wedding and Maggie is ruining dresses, complaining and throwing not so subtle jabs at Jens husband to be. She’s rude, abrupt and constantly thinks of herself.
Some may find Maggie likeable and see her as a strong willed and confident character in some ways. But unfortunately I found her lazy, self deprecating and just frustrating. I was never on Maggie’s side while reading this book!
The saviours were Jen and Rueben and we don’t get enough of them! Jen is warm, kind and looks after her best friend regardless of whether Maggie is grateful or not.
Rueben has had a troubled past but doesn’t let it define him. He’s patient and doesn’t pass judgement and seems like such a good person to talk things through with.
I struggled to get through this book when I wasn’t connected to the main character.
I actually found what was was happening when the book ended the most interesting and we don’t see it through!
2 star read for me
We were introduced to Maggie and Jen, best friends since high school with a bond that feels more like family.
But my excitement soon fizzled out over the next few chapters.
Maggie is a terrible friend, like the worst.
Jen is planning her upcoming wedding and Maggie is ruining dresses, complaining and throwing not so subtle jabs at Jens husband to be. She’s rude, abrupt and constantly thinks of herself.
Some may find Maggie likeable and see her as a strong willed and confident character in some ways. But unfortunately I found her lazy, self deprecating and just frustrating. I was never on Maggie’s side while reading this book!
The saviours were Jen and Rueben and we don’t get enough of them! Jen is warm, kind and looks after her best friend regardless of whether Maggie is grateful or not.
Rueben has had a troubled past but doesn’t let it define him. He’s patient and doesn’t pass judgement and seems like such a good person to talk things through with.
I struggled to get through this book when I wasn’t connected to the main character.
I actually found what was was happening when the book ended the most interesting and we don’t see it through!
2 star read for me
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