"Flat Broke with Two Goats" by Jennifer McGaha - Islington Branch Book Club - Past Titles

About the Author: Jennifer McGaha

In "Flat Broke with Two Goats," Jennifer McGaha shares her personal story of financial struggle and resilience as she and her family faced foreclosure and had to downsize to a more self-sufficient lifestyle. The memoir chronicles their journey from financial ruin to a simpler way of life, including raising goats and embracing a more sustainable existence in the Appalachian region.

While specific biographical details may not be widely available, it's known that McGaha is an author and educator based in North Carolina. Her experiences as recounted in her memoir have resonated with readers who appreciate her candid storytelling and insights into navigating adversity and finding meaning in challenging circumstances.

Synopsis

When life gets your goat, bring in the herd Jennifer McGaha never expected to own a goat named Merle. Or to be setting Merle up on dates and naming his doeling Merlene. She didn't expect to be buying organic yogurt for her chickens. She never thought she would be pulling camouflage carpet off her ceiling or rescuing opossums from her barn and calling it "date night." Most importantly, Jennifer never thought she would only have $4.57 in her bank account. When Jennifer discovered that she and her husband owed back taxes-a lot of back taxes-her world changed. Now desperate to save money, they foreclosed on their beloved suburban home and moved their family to a one-hundred-year-old cabin in a North Carolina holler. Soon enough, Jennifer's life began to more closely resemble her Appalachian ancestors than her upper-middle-class upbringing. But what started as a last-ditch effort to settle debts became a journey that revealed both the joys and challenges of living close to the land. Told with bold wit, unflinching honesty, and a firm foot in the traditions of Appalachia, Flat Broke with Two Goats blends stories of homesteading with the journey of two people rediscovering the true meaning of home.

Discussion Questions

Adversity and Resilience:
- How does Jennifer McGaha navigate the challenges of financial hardship, including losing her home and facing foreclosure? What strategies does she employ to cope with adversity, and what role does resilience play in her journey?
Identity and Lifestyle Changes:
- Discuss the theme of identity transformation in the book. How does McGaha's perception of herself and her lifestyle evolve as she transitions from a comfortable middle-class existence to a more frugal and self-sufficient way of life?
Relationships and Support Systems:
- Explore the dynamics of McGaha's relationships with her husband, children, and extended family throughout their financial struggles. How do these relationships contribute to (or hinder) their ability to cope with challenges and adapt to their changing circumstances?
Financial Literacy and Personal Finance:
- Reflect on the financial lessons learned by McGaha and her family throughout their journey. What insights does the book offer about personal finance, budgeting, and living within one's means?
Humor and Coping Mechanisms:
- Discuss the role of humor as a coping mechanism in the face of adversity. How does McGaha use humor to navigate difficult situations and find moments of levity amidst the challenges of financial hardship?
Self-Discovery and Personal Growth:
- Explore the theme of self-discovery and personal growth in the memoir. In what ways does McGaha's journey of financial struggle lead to deeper insights about herself, her values, and her priorities in life?
Sustainability and Environmentalism:
- Consider the book's portrayal of sustainable living practices and environmentalism. How does McGaha's experience align with broader discussions about sustainability, self-sufficiency, and living in harmony with the natural world?

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