I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I always enjoy books as relatable as this one about Ralph from Kansas who makes an honest living with corn dogs but what happens when working this way doesn’t bring in the money yet the people at the top of the class always seem to be making out. But of course we all say we will try something else to make us wealthy but what happens when that isn’t enough? That’s what this book shows. When I say this book is relatable I truly mean it.

Review will be posted on Instagram and Amazon on pub day and links added to NetGalley.

Came for the cover (I know, but I like it ok?) stayed for the American business model humor

"Sell it quick before someone finds out you have no idea what you're doing."

I enjoyed this book - super fast read, only took me 2 days and a nice palette cleanser between books.

I loved Ralph's character - I felt like I could relate to an extent. Go to work, work, come home. Make enough money to live comfortably and move on. The discomfort he felt trying to be someone he wasn't even in a pretend scenario. I rightly hated his wife as we're supposed to, her how can she be as lazy as possible while have Ralph make money and turn his company into something he doesn't even want all in the name of money.

And the Money Master, ah the Money Master. I did enjoy the step by step how to turn life into corporate greed using these easy steps! I'm sure plenty of us have been on the cost cutting side of a business all in the name of profit and don't forget the share holders.

Unfortunately, or maybe, fortunately now I want a corn dog.

This was a fun little novella, while it is not something I would normally read I still enjoyed it. It feels like it was written for middle school aged children because the sentences were short and basic.

Dollartorium is a poetically written satirical novel about capitalism. It is packed with imagery - some familiar, some fantastical - which I quite enjoyed. The unique writing style was a fun aspect of the story & I hadn’t seen anything like it before! I appreciated the messages presented within the book also, especially in regard to greed.

That said, there’s a few things I wish were different with the story. I wish that the route to the Dollartorium was better explained - how did Stella know how to get there? I also found it hard to get into reading as Phyllis is so unlikeable (for awhile). The set up before the Dollartorium was a bit long considering how few lessons there are at the Dollartorium & how quickly things go awry. I’d have liked to have spent more time inside, seeing how things work & learning about the Money Master & Sycophant.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley.

The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting screwed.
Ralph makes world-class corndogs in a small Kansas shop. It’s humble work, but honest. The problem? The bills pile up faster than the money rolls in, and Ralph can’t help but notice the widening gap between the haves and the have-nots.

Ralph’s wife has had enough. She’s determined to get rich, one way or another. So when an infomercial for the “Dollartorium” promises untold wealth through a few simple business courses, Ralph reluctantly agrees to give it a shot.

Soon he’s learning how to hire, fire, market, and hustle his way to success. When the entire Dollartorium empire inevitably collapses under the weight of its own greed, Ralph must find his way back to what really matters: honest work, family, and the best damn corndogs in Kansas.

Loved it. Will recommend to others