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How to Survive When the Bottom Drops Out
How to Survive When the Bottom Drops Out is a guide to help you through the rough patches in the road of life. Not just another "how to" book, this work describes some of the more trying times in the author’s life in a touching and humorous way.
Despite a seemingly endless series of obstacles, J.T. has managed to come out with his optimism and love of life still intact. This book shares the author's philosophy that life is much easier to handle if you can see it from the right perspective. If a different and refreshing take on life is what you need, this book is just what the doctor ordered.
Despite a seemingly endless series of obstacles, J.T. has managed to come out with his optimism and love of life still intact. This book shares the author's philosophy that life is much easier to handle if you can see it from the right perspective. If a different and refreshing take on life is what you need, this book is just what the doctor ordered.
119 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2012
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23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 23, 2013
I didn't quite know what to expect with JT Sather's new book. I know JT through Facebook, and he's kinda goofy. But I have to say I enjoyed How to Survive When the Bottom Drops Out. It was a pleasant surprise. I've read these types of pseudo-memoirs and they seem to want to center on how the person is such a "playah" more than anything else. While JT stakes his claims in that territory at times, there's a much deeper verve to this book than just notches on a bedpost.
The story is part-self-help book, part-dramedy, and part-memoir. JT's a good writer. I don't necessarily agree with everything he says here or what he's done over the years (putting the proverbial tongue-in-cheek and taking that grain of salt in hand when considering what might have been real and what is pure conjecture in the book), but he makes some salient points that everyone can take heed from. I think the last two chapters are the most important: "Get a Life" and "How Not to Be an Asshole".
Definitely worth reading.
The story is part-self-help book, part-dramedy, and part-memoir. JT's a good writer. I don't necessarily agree with everything he says here or what he's done over the years (putting the proverbial tongue-in-cheek and taking that grain of salt in hand when considering what might have been real and what is pure conjecture in the book), but he makes some salient points that everyone can take heed from. I think the last two chapters are the most important: "Get a Life" and "How Not to Be an Asshole".
Definitely worth reading.
December 30, 2012
...and Mr. Sather's is not mine. Though I may have had an interesting life by some people's standards, the roller-coaster of the life described here, where the bottom drops out on several different occasions, makes me feel that I've lived curled up under a stone for the past few decades. But rather than letting this series of disasters grind him down, Mr. Sather has produced a practical, profane, and witty (and yes, you can indeed be profane and witty - this book is proof enough of that) guide to survival when many of us would regard the situation as hopeless.
He mixes down-to-earth practicalities, for example: "empty beer boxes are a fabulous fire starter" with more general abstractions of equal value, such as, "Try not to stay in any one place for too long. The last thing you want to do is wear out your welcome and be that three-day old, stinky fish in the fridge. Help out around the place and make yourself useful. Be a good guest and, when you move on, leave them wanting more, not relieved to get rid of you."
Even if you never find yourself in the bottom-dropped world described here, there is much to learn from - not least, the resilience to fight for your survival when the world seems to be kicking you in the teeth.
A recommended read, both for its unique style and for the wise words of the content.
He mixes down-to-earth practicalities, for example: "empty beer boxes are a fabulous fire starter" with more general abstractions of equal value, such as, "Try not to stay in any one place for too long. The last thing you want to do is wear out your welcome and be that three-day old, stinky fish in the fridge. Help out around the place and make yourself useful. Be a good guest and, when you move on, leave them wanting more, not relieved to get rid of you."
Even if you never find yourself in the bottom-dropped world described here, there is much to learn from - not least, the resilience to fight for your survival when the world seems to be kicking you in the teeth.
A recommended read, both for its unique style and for the wise words of the content.
October 27, 2013
‘Choose your battles wisely….nobody’s getting out of this life alive.’
JT Sather has produced a book for our times. With the way the government is imploding and the middle class is now a dinosaur memory, everyone is facing downsizing to survive. JT Sather has ‘downsized’ many times – and actually ‘had the rug pulled out form under him’ is a better description – that he has the experience to write to us, his fellow teetering friends, with some sound advice on how to survive this altering living situation we face. He states, ‘This is how I've survived the turbulence I've encountered throughout my flight, and the advice given is tongue in cheek, with some true heart sprinkled on top. If you love to love, and laugh, then you'll enjoy this read.’ And enjoy it you will, for this is some of the most hilarious contemporary philosophy to drop out of the sky since the Beat Generation.
Think you have it bad? JT Sather has had it worse, living high then Pow! everything is gone – wife, house, car, furniture, belongings, money, food – and where do you go from there. That is what this book is about – how to survive. “There’s always going to be some degree of bovine fecal matter in your life. It’s inescapable. The best you can shoot for is to limit it to the smallest possible pie. Your brain will thank you for it. If, for some reason, you find yourself happy floating around in it, then I’ll digress. There are those who feed off of it. Personally, I frown on picking it out of my teeth.’ That is the style of his writing and it is intoxicatingly humorous.
JT Sather explains through the immensely readable chapters (language is a but raw at times – it fits!) how to rid ourselves of ‘things’ – garage sales, gifts to friends, anything that makes us mobile and able to freeload on our own – a task he calls Assessment (ridding yourself of all the clutter you’ve collected that keeps you a slave. He moves on to finding a place to live, how to gather the essentials living items form friends who are moving, how to find food without shopping for it, how to find a trusty person to share space (‘The majority of the credit goes to a better philosophy on life. It turns out you don’t need to have millions of dollars to have a good time after all. You juts have to be the person others want to spend time with. Weird. Who knew?’), finding work, finding a new partner in life, and in general, getting a life!
‘If you’re no good for yourself, then you’re probably no good for anyone else… By embracing this philosophy correctly something dramatic will happen. Soon a smile will begin to appear on your face. People will actual want to spend time with you, You may even discover a little more cash in your pocket….If you can be a happy person when you’re broke, then you’ll be ecstatic when you’ve got a few bucks!’ This is terrific writing and though it is hilariously entertaining, it does contain some very profound philosophy. ‘Get a life’.
Grady Harp
JT Sather has produced a book for our times. With the way the government is imploding and the middle class is now a dinosaur memory, everyone is facing downsizing to survive. JT Sather has ‘downsized’ many times – and actually ‘had the rug pulled out form under him’ is a better description – that he has the experience to write to us, his fellow teetering friends, with some sound advice on how to survive this altering living situation we face. He states, ‘This is how I've survived the turbulence I've encountered throughout my flight, and the advice given is tongue in cheek, with some true heart sprinkled on top. If you love to love, and laugh, then you'll enjoy this read.’ And enjoy it you will, for this is some of the most hilarious contemporary philosophy to drop out of the sky since the Beat Generation.
Think you have it bad? JT Sather has had it worse, living high then Pow! everything is gone – wife, house, car, furniture, belongings, money, food – and where do you go from there. That is what this book is about – how to survive. “There’s always going to be some degree of bovine fecal matter in your life. It’s inescapable. The best you can shoot for is to limit it to the smallest possible pie. Your brain will thank you for it. If, for some reason, you find yourself happy floating around in it, then I’ll digress. There are those who feed off of it. Personally, I frown on picking it out of my teeth.’ That is the style of his writing and it is intoxicatingly humorous.
JT Sather explains through the immensely readable chapters (language is a but raw at times – it fits!) how to rid ourselves of ‘things’ – garage sales, gifts to friends, anything that makes us mobile and able to freeload on our own – a task he calls Assessment (ridding yourself of all the clutter you’ve collected that keeps you a slave. He moves on to finding a place to live, how to gather the essentials living items form friends who are moving, how to find food without shopping for it, how to find a trusty person to share space (‘The majority of the credit goes to a better philosophy on life. It turns out you don’t need to have millions of dollars to have a good time after all. You juts have to be the person others want to spend time with. Weird. Who knew?’), finding work, finding a new partner in life, and in general, getting a life!
‘If you’re no good for yourself, then you’re probably no good for anyone else… By embracing this philosophy correctly something dramatic will happen. Soon a smile will begin to appear on your face. People will actual want to spend time with you, You may even discover a little more cash in your pocket….If you can be a happy person when you’re broke, then you’ll be ecstatic when you’ve got a few bucks!’ This is terrific writing and though it is hilariously entertaining, it does contain some very profound philosophy. ‘Get a life’.
Grady Harp
January 3, 2013
Well, blow me down.
“I’m not too fond of ‘how-to’ books, JT.”
“But you’ll like this one.” JT obviously knows I’m a pushover, so I gave him the benefit of the doubt. It’s not that I’m a know-it-all and therefore don’t need to be told how to perform brain surgery on a mouse or how to make a necklace out of dog’s hair, it’s just that I only wish to know ‘how to’ to do something relevant to my own circumstances, and the last time I looked in the mirror, my bottom was fine and dandy and still there.
Ok, joking aside, this was really a very enjoyable read. ‘Enjoyable’ may seem a misnomer when someone has suffered from homelessness, near death and impecuniosity, but JT is like a bouncing ball, a boomerang—he has an incredibly optimistic, half-full-glass attitude to life, and despite his ups and quite a lot of undesirable downs, he emerges positive and down-to-earth. His experiences have taught him about perspective: for example, ‘things’ can be replaced, memories can’t—don’t hold on to the toaster or sofa, you can buy another as and when, but keep that little memento of someone special. Like and love yourself: if you don’t, you can’t expect anyone else to respect you.
As the title suggests, JT maps out a twenty-point advisory guide to help you keep your head above water when life turns around and smacks you in the face rather rudely. But I found his counsel more of a guide to life, full stop. His outlook is always bright, life is short and it’s no rehearsal. Have fun, make sure you have a story to tell, get out more and do things for yourself: if you don’t, what use will you be to anyone else? You see, “What’s the first thing they tell you to do on a passenger plane in the event the cabin should lose pressure? Secure your own oxygen mask first before you help your neighbor. If this sounds greedy or self-centered then good, learn to embrace these thoughts. If you’re no good for yourself, then you’re probably no good for anyone else.”
Whether or not you approve of JT’s solutions to his predicaments (quite a lot of booze and women are involved!), there is absolutely no doubt that his philosophies and strategies work. He’s upbeat, positive, compassionate, genial and just the sort of person you’d want to have sitting next to you on a barstool when you’re supping a beer, drowning one sorrow or twenty.
JT has a delightful turn of phrase: he’s witty, he’s funny, practical, and sensible. Any other how-to guide I read will have to be written by him.
“I’m not too fond of ‘how-to’ books, JT.”
“But you’ll like this one.” JT obviously knows I’m a pushover, so I gave him the benefit of the doubt. It’s not that I’m a know-it-all and therefore don’t need to be told how to perform brain surgery on a mouse or how to make a necklace out of dog’s hair, it’s just that I only wish to know ‘how to’ to do something relevant to my own circumstances, and the last time I looked in the mirror, my bottom was fine and dandy and still there.
Ok, joking aside, this was really a very enjoyable read. ‘Enjoyable’ may seem a misnomer when someone has suffered from homelessness, near death and impecuniosity, but JT is like a bouncing ball, a boomerang—he has an incredibly optimistic, half-full-glass attitude to life, and despite his ups and quite a lot of undesirable downs, he emerges positive and down-to-earth. His experiences have taught him about perspective: for example, ‘things’ can be replaced, memories can’t—don’t hold on to the toaster or sofa, you can buy another as and when, but keep that little memento of someone special. Like and love yourself: if you don’t, you can’t expect anyone else to respect you.
As the title suggests, JT maps out a twenty-point advisory guide to help you keep your head above water when life turns around and smacks you in the face rather rudely. But I found his counsel more of a guide to life, full stop. His outlook is always bright, life is short and it’s no rehearsal. Have fun, make sure you have a story to tell, get out more and do things for yourself: if you don’t, what use will you be to anyone else? You see, “What’s the first thing they tell you to do on a passenger plane in the event the cabin should lose pressure? Secure your own oxygen mask first before you help your neighbor. If this sounds greedy or self-centered then good, learn to embrace these thoughts. If you’re no good for yourself, then you’re probably no good for anyone else.”
Whether or not you approve of JT’s solutions to his predicaments (quite a lot of booze and women are involved!), there is absolutely no doubt that his philosophies and strategies work. He’s upbeat, positive, compassionate, genial and just the sort of person you’d want to have sitting next to you on a barstool when you’re supping a beer, drowning one sorrow or twenty.
JT has a delightful turn of phrase: he’s witty, he’s funny, practical, and sensible. Any other how-to guide I read will have to be written by him.
February 24, 2013
Does your heart sink a little when you contemplate a 'How To' book? Mine does, but this little volume is possibly the only one out there that matters. It could save your life. If you take fewer risks and have better luck than average, it might merely change it.
Brash, honest, deeply wise and with more wisecracks per page than is decent, this short journey takes you to the heart of how to live...whatever life throws at you. If you've ever looked into the future with uncertain dread, this book is for you. If you haven't yet, great, read it sooner rather than later. And if you are easily offended, well, read it anyway because it will take you beyond what you find offensive to a humble and vital truth beyond.
JT's advice ranges from the most basic practical issues of food and housing to the foundations of great parenting and not being an asshole. Whether he is telling you how to get out of the house, find work or learn to dance, he bares his soul and shares some serious pain to help you live better. We don't all reach the highs or descend to the depths that JT has managed but life will pull the rug from under most of us sometime. Here is how to pick the rug back up and beat life about the head with it.
Brash, honest, deeply wise and with more wisecracks per page than is decent, this short journey takes you to the heart of how to live...whatever life throws at you. If you've ever looked into the future with uncertain dread, this book is for you. If you haven't yet, great, read it sooner rather than later. And if you are easily offended, well, read it anyway because it will take you beyond what you find offensive to a humble and vital truth beyond.
JT's advice ranges from the most basic practical issues of food and housing to the foundations of great parenting and not being an asshole. Whether he is telling you how to get out of the house, find work or learn to dance, he bares his soul and shares some serious pain to help you live better. We don't all reach the highs or descend to the depths that JT has managed but life will pull the rug from under most of us sometime. Here is how to pick the rug back up and beat life about the head with it.
October 27, 2012
I must say I felt torn about this book. Don’t get me wrong; I liked it! However, there were some chapters that contained WAAAYYY too much information for me. LOL If you’re wondering what I’m referring to, grab the book and find out!
Sather has a gift not many writers possess; he makes the reader feel that instead of reading a book, they are sitting in a cozy little bar with him while he makes them laugh with his many anecdotes about life and love. Many times while sitting in the car-rider line at my daughter’s school, I could almost here Sather speaking to me, transporting us both to different times in my life I’d forgotten about.
That’s what this book does – it takes you back through your own memories in life and helps you remember the good times and how much they meant. Sather teaches us through his own experiences that no matter how tough life gets, someone else always has it harder and you just have to keep looking for the silver lining.
I love Sather’s attitude. He doesn’t force his opinion on anyone. Instead, his carefree and spontaneous way of life let’s you know he won’t fall over in despair if you don’t like what he has to say. He’s sharing some of his best and worst moments. What you decide to do with them is up to you.
There are a lot of good “rules” in this book. A favorite chapter that struck a personal cord with me is Limit the BS Around You. I recently had to clear some cobwebs from my own attic and I am a better person for it. Sather mixes great ideas with personal experience and gives examples. What more can you ask for in a self-help book?
Sather has a gift not many writers possess; he makes the reader feel that instead of reading a book, they are sitting in a cozy little bar with him while he makes them laugh with his many anecdotes about life and love. Many times while sitting in the car-rider line at my daughter’s school, I could almost here Sather speaking to me, transporting us both to different times in my life I’d forgotten about.
That’s what this book does – it takes you back through your own memories in life and helps you remember the good times and how much they meant. Sather teaches us through his own experiences that no matter how tough life gets, someone else always has it harder and you just have to keep looking for the silver lining.
I love Sather’s attitude. He doesn’t force his opinion on anyone. Instead, his carefree and spontaneous way of life let’s you know he won’t fall over in despair if you don’t like what he has to say. He’s sharing some of his best and worst moments. What you decide to do with them is up to you.
There are a lot of good “rules” in this book. A favorite chapter that struck a personal cord with me is Limit the BS Around You. I recently had to clear some cobwebs from my own attic and I am a better person for it. Sather mixes great ideas with personal experience and gives examples. What more can you ask for in a self-help book?
February 5, 2015
I have to admit I was drawn to the story by the sight of a shoe with a glass in it. To me it said spontaneous release and freedom, like when you are walking on a beach or any sensible place and then you see a chance for a break from routine. Quick toss of shoe and jump right in.
That is the impression I am left with after reading How to Survive When the Bottom Drops Out. J. T. Sather gives advice with the casualness of practically saying 'take my experienced words to heart or go live your own life'. I like the way he was able to find a treasured working moment in every situation that afforded him some resemblence of success. Even when he was an utter failure, there was still a bit of success.
I was really tickled with all of the snips of definitions thrown into the beginning or end of the paragraphs,appearing at just the moment your mind forms the question, what?
There are a mountain of emotions to scale when reading this book and you go through them so quickly, I just felt as if I were sitting in the company of a friend or family member regaling me with his adventures.There are so many parts in the book where you have to chuckle or just shake your head. My favorite part, 'Limit the BS Around You.' Awesome advice in there. My second, watching out for those smooth dancers. Lol
All in all, I recommend When the Bottom Falls Out.
That is the impression I am left with after reading How to Survive When the Bottom Drops Out. J. T. Sather gives advice with the casualness of practically saying 'take my experienced words to heart or go live your own life'. I like the way he was able to find a treasured working moment in every situation that afforded him some resemblence of success. Even when he was an utter failure, there was still a bit of success.
I was really tickled with all of the snips of definitions thrown into the beginning or end of the paragraphs,appearing at just the moment your mind forms the question, what?
There are a mountain of emotions to scale when reading this book and you go through them so quickly, I just felt as if I were sitting in the company of a friend or family member regaling me with his adventures.There are so many parts in the book where you have to chuckle or just shake your head. My favorite part, 'Limit the BS Around You.' Awesome advice in there. My second, watching out for those smooth dancers. Lol
All in all, I recommend When the Bottom Falls Out.
August 16, 2013
If anything, this book is a stress release. It made me laugh all the way through. At times the authors advice makes me want to run for the hills but everyone is entitled to his/her own opinion and it wasn't me who wrote this book.
I do think this has a clever premise and a likable narrator. The writing was smooth and felt natural like I hanging out with one of my guy friends. I love the clever delivery and the fun sarcastic moments. If you dig deep enough you will see that this story really does have heart and that is what I look for in a story that I am going to share some of my stars. There has to be some genuine heart! Oh and yes I agree, karma is a bitch! :-)
"Remember the old adage "you can't take it with you?" Well the same theory applies when you fall into the abyss. The sooner you believe me, the faster you can move forward. Keep in mind it's just stuff. Now is the time to make the stuff you have left (while you still have some) work for you. If you waste precious time worrying about the crap you've compiled over the years, you'll just end up losing it anyway, get nothing for it, and develop a bleeding ulcer for your trouble. You need to face the facts, it's time to liquidate."
I do think this has a clever premise and a likable narrator. The writing was smooth and felt natural like I hanging out with one of my guy friends. I love the clever delivery and the fun sarcastic moments. If you dig deep enough you will see that this story really does have heart and that is what I look for in a story that I am going to share some of my stars. There has to be some genuine heart! Oh and yes I agree, karma is a bitch! :-)
"Remember the old adage "you can't take it with you?" Well the same theory applies when you fall into the abyss. The sooner you believe me, the faster you can move forward. Keep in mind it's just stuff. Now is the time to make the stuff you have left (while you still have some) work for you. If you waste precious time worrying about the crap you've compiled over the years, you'll just end up losing it anyway, get nothing for it, and develop a bleeding ulcer for your trouble. You need to face the facts, it's time to liquidate."
June 1, 2013
Okay here's the deal. I have to admit I have know JT since we were 15 years old. Having said that I have seen and heard of all the things JT has went through in his life personally. From the beginning of this odyssey called JT life he has been able to put in words (his book) life's answers and wisdom most people never find. The minute you start to read about his life you will experience something very different. You will feel like you have know JT your whole life as he talks about all his escapades...his writing makes you feel like your outside about midnight sitting next to a campfire (near to a babbling brook) with a fishing pole in one hand and your favorite libation in the other as he carries you through years of happiness and sadness. But the way he sees it the sadness has make him stronger and yes even funnier - if that is even possible. If you have always wanted a life long friend that is bigger than life buy his book and you will feel privileged to have a life long best friend like I do...that's how his book makes you feel!
August 9, 2013
Arriving the day before Christmas, I began Mr Sather's book on Christmas morning and must write from memory having already passed on this book for a co-worker to enjoy. The experience of reading was akin to falling into a river. Abandoning myself to the current I was drawn along, promising myself I would finish just one more chapter before rolling out of bed and get something done. Presents remained unwrapped and dishes unwashed until I finished the book. The integrity of the author comes through in the writing, providing a solid foundation despite economic collapse. As a house painter I appreciated the author's ability to write what seems effortless prose with blue collar sensibilities without pandering. The fact that this is volume 1 has me eagerly awaiting where he will bring me next time.
March 6, 2014
I was gifted this book to read by the author, and this is my honest review.
The conversational style suits this books entirely. It is a witty, often extremely funny, tongue-in-cheek, guide on how to survive when the bottom drops out of your world.
I really enjoyed reading this book, but I did find it a little patronising in places, and sometimes the author tended to talk down to the reader. This was slightly annoying, but then the book would lighten up again and the flow would re-start.
If living off your friends and using people for your own ends is a must-do in your life, then this guide is the one for you.
All in all, this book is a good, relaxing read that can take you away from your own worries for a few hours. There are occassional nuggets of pure wisdom scattered about which will make you stop and think for a moment.
The conversational style suits this books entirely. It is a witty, often extremely funny, tongue-in-cheek, guide on how to survive when the bottom drops out of your world.
I really enjoyed reading this book, but I did find it a little patronising in places, and sometimes the author tended to talk down to the reader. This was slightly annoying, but then the book would lighten up again and the flow would re-start.
If living off your friends and using people for your own ends is a must-do in your life, then this guide is the one for you.
All in all, this book is a good, relaxing read that can take you away from your own worries for a few hours. There are occassional nuggets of pure wisdom scattered about which will make you stop and think for a moment.
July 16, 2013
I have to first confess I know Jt and some of the characters, and they
are characters, in the book and I had insight to some of the stories . They were first told to me at gatherings at the vfw and a night in Vegas accompanied by the author. Anyhow, I still chuckled as I read each chapter. I was expecting the book to cover a little more ground. Cause I know there's more....there's always a story when Jt is involved and his posey is partaking in these misadventures. I thought it was well written especially being the authors first novel. I think it's a great dose of medicine for those who are feeling they have hit bottom. And I agree with another review, might have been a little TMI, but none the less it was a book I couldn't put down till I finished. Great job Jt!
are characters, in the book and I had insight to some of the stories . They were first told to me at gatherings at the vfw and a night in Vegas accompanied by the author. Anyhow, I still chuckled as I read each chapter. I was expecting the book to cover a little more ground. Cause I know there's more....there's always a story when Jt is involved and his posey is partaking in these misadventures. I thought it was well written especially being the authors first novel. I think it's a great dose of medicine for those who are feeling they have hit bottom. And I agree with another review, might have been a little TMI, but none the less it was a book I couldn't put down till I finished. Great job Jt!
August 14, 2013
I did enjoy this book a great deal and thought it warrented a few words. It's down to earth, heartfelt, hilarious and completely different to anything I've read before. It feels more like a conversation with a good friend who's "been there and done that" rather than a 'how to' book. I quickly found myself totally consummed and yet, because the book is quite thin (only 92 pages) reading only a page at a time because I didn't want to get through it too quickly! Most of us are lucky enough never to have found ourselves having to face these difficulties but I imagine for those who have or are, this book would bring a whole lot of comfort and lets face it pretty darned good advice. Buy it, I'm sure you won't regret it :o)
January 26, 2022
I know the author from Facebook. The book was a fun read with a lot of useful gems on how to see the bright side even in the worst of situations. How to pick yourself up and start over again. How to live on less and smile while doing so. The importance of friends, being honest, helping others even when you are down on your luck, and good beer.
November 16, 2012
An excellent book filled with wonderful stories, humor, tenderness, and basic common sense. If you don't read this book, you are truly missing out, as the author has a wonderfully unique writing style all his own. You feel like you know him, like you've just sat down and had a heart to heart conversation with him. Am soooo glad I read this book!
July 28, 2013
I don't really consider this entirely a self help book but it is one heck of a concept. It is filled with what the author did during some unpleasant situations that went horribly wrong. Will say it's a bit different. The general gist is to always look for silver linings and always try to have a touch of humor. Regardless of who you are, things can go bad and they have me a few times.
October 6, 2013
Thoroughly enjoyable and very funny book.I just wish I had the pleasure of meeting Jt and hearing some of his stories first hand. Looking forward to the fellas next release.
May 8, 2015
How To Survive When the Bottom Drops Out by J T Sather
Synopsis: This is a pseudo memoir of sorts where the author chronicles his life from riches and happiness to being a man who has to live in a foreclosed house illegally. He tells his story of bad judgment, poor choices and down right just being a bad person. He shows how his life rode the waves of the economy from the highest highs to the lowest lows with a touch of humility and a comedic side.
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Review: The entire time I spent reading this book I felt like I was talking to my friend, in a casual situation we're hanging out laughing about all the stupid stuff he's done. Now don't get me wrong 3 out 5 isn't bad and I think a lot of people forget about the middle ground. The writing style was easy to read, there was nothing complex about this book and sometimes you might desire a little more. The only thing here is that I was pissed off! The author tends to write his story as if it is common. It sometimes felt as though the author thought everyone has lost millions of dollars when in reality there aren't many people who even make a million dollars by a young age still immature enough to lose it all and a family with it. I can't imagine what it would be like to be lose that kind of money. I know a lot of people lose money for various reasons but it turned into a lifestyle for this guy. Yes, I understand he had a lot working against him but at the same time after the first time going broke wouldn't you be so afraid to be that poor again that you save? Okay okay I know it's the risks that get you that high in life but it's also the risks that left you homeless. So let's just put this out there, it was a good book. It just felt so extremely frustration to see where things kept going wrong. I know most people loved this book and this is only a subjective opinion. I loved the story but it caused me so much aggravation ("what were you thinking?"), I would have been better off just hearing about it. Is that harsh? It's hard to hear a realistic story full of ruined opportunities but that's his story and in the end you have to say he's done damn well making a happy life. No, not everyone experience revolves around money in this book. So maybe I'm just bitter but I had this constant feeling that the author was the root of all his own problems. Yes, there's good advice mixed in there for each experience he has endured but I felt like it was mostly common sense and somewhat rooted back to "don't take advantage."
I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars. It got the three stars because there were a bunch of parts that made me giggle and the author paints himself as someone you are going to love to hate. Maybe hate to love a little bit because it's impossible not to feel a little compassion for the man.
Synopsis: This is a pseudo memoir of sorts where the author chronicles his life from riches and happiness to being a man who has to live in a foreclosed house illegally. He tells his story of bad judgment, poor choices and down right just being a bad person. He shows how his life rode the waves of the economy from the highest highs to the lowest lows with a touch of humility and a comedic side.
..................................................
Review: The entire time I spent reading this book I felt like I was talking to my friend, in a casual situation we're hanging out laughing about all the stupid stuff he's done. Now don't get me wrong 3 out 5 isn't bad and I think a lot of people forget about the middle ground. The writing style was easy to read, there was nothing complex about this book and sometimes you might desire a little more. The only thing here is that I was pissed off! The author tends to write his story as if it is common. It sometimes felt as though the author thought everyone has lost millions of dollars when in reality there aren't many people who even make a million dollars by a young age still immature enough to lose it all and a family with it. I can't imagine what it would be like to be lose that kind of money. I know a lot of people lose money for various reasons but it turned into a lifestyle for this guy. Yes, I understand he had a lot working against him but at the same time after the first time going broke wouldn't you be so afraid to be that poor again that you save? Okay okay I know it's the risks that get you that high in life but it's also the risks that left you homeless. So let's just put this out there, it was a good book. It just felt so extremely frustration to see where things kept going wrong. I know most people loved this book and this is only a subjective opinion. I loved the story but it caused me so much aggravation ("what were you thinking?"), I would have been better off just hearing about it. Is that harsh? It's hard to hear a realistic story full of ruined opportunities but that's his story and in the end you have to say he's done damn well making a happy life. No, not everyone experience revolves around money in this book. So maybe I'm just bitter but I had this constant feeling that the author was the root of all his own problems. Yes, there's good advice mixed in there for each experience he has endured but I felt like it was mostly common sense and somewhat rooted back to "don't take advantage."
I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars. It got the three stars because there were a bunch of parts that made me giggle and the author paints himself as someone you are going to love to hate. Maybe hate to love a little bit because it's impossible not to feel a little compassion for the man.
September 18, 2016
This quote from late in How to Survive When the Bottom Drops Out seemed to get at the heart of what the book is about:
“The stories of your life are the things that define you. If you can’t come up with any good ones, then look at what that has to say about you. Your stories are you. What you’ve done, where you’ve been, and the things that are yet to come if you are not afraid to take a chance.”
Life is full of ups and downs and in his stories JT Sather tells us how he's reacted to some of the bigger downs he's experienced. There's a lot of advice for how you might react when (not if, when) you have a downturn of your own. Whether that advice is right for you, you'll need to decide on your own. However, the attitudes at the root of the advice, to keep on pushing and to view life as an adventure is a lesson we should all heed.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
“The stories of your life are the things that define you. If you can’t come up with any good ones, then look at what that has to say about you. Your stories are you. What you’ve done, where you’ve been, and the things that are yet to come if you are not afraid to take a chance.”
Life is full of ups and downs and in his stories JT Sather tells us how he's reacted to some of the bigger downs he's experienced. There's a lot of advice for how you might react when (not if, when) you have a downturn of your own. Whether that advice is right for you, you'll need to decide on your own. However, the attitudes at the root of the advice, to keep on pushing and to view life as an adventure is a lesson we should all heed.
**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **
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