To be honest, the main reason I added “The Financial Lives of the Poets” to my Kindle revolved around the discounted price of the Kindle edition as I planned my reading strategy for our annual beach trip.

I placed the book on my Wish List because the summary sounded interesting, but a couple of dozen books make the list for the same reason. Only the sensible financial choices make it into my hands.

Matt Prior, the main character in Jess Walter‘s entertaining book, would approve. Or would he? After all, Matt’s string of poor financial decisions provides the backdrop for the story. Don’t ask me how Walter managed to connect poetry, business reporting, marital troubles, senility, the future of newspapers and pot. Just grab a copy and go along for the ride.

Even though the ultimate situation sounds completely improbable,the many factors which lead to Matt’s descent likely ring all too familiar with many readers.

Who doesn’t worry about their parents? Who hasn’t made a bad decision with money? What couple doesn’t have doubts about their future? Hasn’t everyone in their mid-40s watched younger adults party and wished for a return to those carefree nights?

But most of us have not taken a turn down that bad road, which leads to more turns which eventually make us think selling pot will provide the way out of the horrific financial maze people can lose themselves in these days. Walker skillfully helps Matt try to make sense of everything while justifying present and past bad decisions.

In a way, you feel bad for the guy even though you want to bash him in the head for ever entering Weedland. And that doesn’t even get into the stupidity of paying 7-11 prices for milk.