It’s the year 2000 and Paul Livingson is in his first office job in Bristol. With student debts hanging over him, Paul still wants to live the high life: holidays in Europe, booze-fuelled nights of excess, designer fashions. But how to do it all? Easy! More credit! Spending gets even easier when Paul meets Kelly, an inspiring, free-spirited singer in a band with whom he falls in love. Written in the form of a diary, this book is about losing control and learning to regain it. It is about putting individuality above consumerism and asking who is responsible for the financial meltdown that more and more people face everyday. Is it all down to personal responsibility? Or does the system encourage massive debt that makes slaves of us all just for a handful of profits? An entertaining, honest and thought-provoking book that makes Lao Tse’s great point: doing nothing, everything is done.
You can buy the book in paperback or on Kindle here.
Non-UK residents should check out The Book Depository as they don’t charge international shipping.
US readers can buy it on Kindle for only $3.44
Reviews of The Bankruptcy Diaries
A dishonest but appealing hero – N16 Mag review.
‘There is something very refreshing about one man’s revolt against a revolting banking system’ – Hackney Hive review.
‘Readers of this book may be left with a lasting feeling of moral ambiguity..it is this very same ambiguity that makes this book hugely compelling’ – Debtology Review.
‘Paul’s prose really sizzles with anger and sardonic wit’ – The Idle Foundation review.
3 comments
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July 29, 2011 at 1:02 pm
Hannah
I have just read The Bankruptcy Diaries. Very readable – it’s like a guide to the best way to get rid of unwanted debt. I know at least two people who have had a wonderful time buying new furniture, clothes, holidays etc. and then got rid off all the debt seemingly scot free by going bankrupt. My friend went bankrupt with debts of £35,000 and was allowed to keep brand new sofas (store credit gets wiped out too), a six year old VW Golf and she constantly goes off on holidays and has a penchant for the finest champagne in restaurants. Her brother has gone bankrupt twice – the second time he actually planned more carefully for it and maxed out on all the credit cards first! They have lots of lovely new furniture! I have to say that I do not approve of this.
This book is very controversial as it really does make it seem an easy way out.
Anyway, your book is very funny and I enjoyed reading it. Best of luck for the future.
September 26, 2011 at 8:26 pm
Peter Keightley
Congratulations. Just listened to your interview on BBC Radio with Griff. and ordered a copy on Amazon. Best of luck for the future. All the best Peter Keightley.
January 17, 2012 at 12:22 pm
Kerry M
I just read this as a cheap ebook on my I-phone – excellent work. I still have my credit cards but thank you for making me smile!