Without a Net: Middle Class and Homeless (with Kids) in America Paperback – January 31, 2006

In today's world with the recession and so many people unemployed or underemployed this book is what people have to deal with day in and day out. I have even had to go to food banks for food or figure out how to make a little go a long way. I am not homeless but the reality in today's world is that homeless could be trying to figure out how to make next month's rent or food budget.Some people think that everyone is able to get on food stamps or help whenever they can or want and that these people's income is below or in the poverty line. This is not always true. Both my husband and I make decent money but yet we have to take into account other things in order to make it week to week. This includes paying old bills and keeping up to date on others. We are unable to get food stamps or any help. We make too much money based on what the state and federal government states. I am not a victim, but people have to look at it on both sides of the coin. Just like Michelle attempt to help her family with making bread to sell and doing other things. Homeslessness is becoming more and more widespread especially with everything going on.

This was an interesting book, but I was put off a bit by the numberous discrepancies. For example, at one point the author states that they drove around exploring a lot while homeless in Stone Harbor; yet the very next page she states that she doesn't know where their money goes as they hardly drive and therefore don't spend much on gas. She also states at one point how she left her number at the pub for her husband and he didn't call, yet later when he does call, she wonders how he got her number and assumes thru her parents. There are many instances of this sort of disonnance in the book.She did have her parents as a net, and altho I do not want to be judgemental, leaving her children in a car while she worked was dangerous. She even states that at times they wandered into the restaurant (one so young as to still be in diapers); what if they had wandered into the street instead, or into the clutches of a pedophile?Otherwise a fairly intereseting, quick read.

What a beautiful, easy to read book. I couldn't put it down! Yes, how easy it is to lose one's way in this society. When Michelle talked about being selfish I wanted to scream that I think (as a parent and as a parent educator) she is one of the most unselfish people I have ever read about. She gave of herself to her children in the most basic and giving of ways - especially as such a young woman herself. Her words are easy to digest and I feel like I know her. I want to congratulate her for not only writing such an inspirational story, but being the type of loving parent we should all strive to be - especially those of us who have been fortunate enough to have all the luxuries of life. I have always been grateful for what I have, but I hope Michelle's teachings will stay with me for a long time.

This book is alright. The core of the story is the middle-class woman who suddenly finds herself on the street, then living out of her car because she's unable to find an apartment.With first and last months' and security deposit finding a suitable apartment is certainly a challenge. However, Kennedy failed to exhaust or seek out options to better her situation. She also failed to make educated financial decisions and prioritize.For example, she mentions that she didn't ask her parents for help because she felt too proud to admit to her situation.when she moved to the North before becoming homeless, she was given some seed money from her mom, and she spent that money on dog sledding accessories, instead of establishing an emergency fund.She - at the end of the book - admits that she failed to recognize additional non-profit and non-governmental resources established for homeless single mothers.The book raises an important question and then completely fails to explore it to the depth necessary to sustain its importance.The book also could've been edited better, in times it seems somewhat slow.The physical copy of the book was in expected shape, as far as the seller's rating goes.

I heard about this book on TTBOOK years ago and the story stayed with me. I finally read it and found the story very well written and incredibly moving. I'm really not sure how the author kept moving forward, but she did. It's interesting to read the judgmental tones in other reviews on this page. It's so easy to judge others choices and yet we've all made bad choices in life. I felt no judgement. I only felt inspired to be a better me...to live an authentic life. That's an afternoon well spent reading a book.

This was an easy read, and although I wouldn't call it "literature", I found it to be fairly well-written. However, I expected a different plot. This woman was not without a net. She had loving parents, Her children had a father, who, even though she hated her life with him, was not abusive and was certainly a better alternative than living in a car while she saved some money. I am normally not a judgemental person, but I just think a woman with 3 children needs to put their needs ahead of her own pride and own up to the fact that she made some poor decisions. And the ending was a little "and they all lived happily-ever-after" for me.

This was a good enjoyable book. It was about being poor and trying to get up in the world. Her kids slept in the car while she tried to make end meet. It's about living on a smaller budget. The book was in good condition and it was sent very fast.

Such a great book, I could not put it down❤ loooooved reading this true story..... this lady and her kids survived amazing circumstances

I loved reading her story. Her struggles shows that even though there may be a lot of single-mothers out there who may want a better life for their kids, they cannot do so because of all the restrictions on welfare support. With wages lagging far behind the minimum cost of living, single parents struggle the most in neoliberal countries to provide adequately to their children. No wonder, these are also the only developed countries with such high rates of child poverty.This reading was for a course requirement, however I am glad I got to read it. Really touching story.