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Caviar Dreams, Tuna Fish Budget: How to Survive in Business and Life
Pretty Mess meets #Girlboss in this part memoir, part entrepreneurial manifesto from The Real Housewives of New Jersey ’s “Powerhouse in Pigtails.”
Margaret Josephs is a hustler. She’s a tough cookie. She speaks her mind. She never leaves the house without lipstick on. She’s also a devoted wife, mother, daughter, businesswoman, lifestyle expert, and fan-favorite star of the reality TV series The Real Housewives of New Jersey . Sounds pretty glamorous, right? Well, things are never exactly as they seem.
Before she arrived where she is today, “The Marge” was born to young immigrant parents. Raised by a single party-girl mother who left her physically abusive father when she was one and a half, she was taught that it was more important to look good than to feel good. No structure. No rules. No blueprint for future success or stability. But like most people who struggle through atypical childhoods, destructive relationships, and career challenges, she forced herself to wake up every morning and put one high heel in front of the other, even if she didn’t know where she was going.
Margaret took the cards she was dealt and eventually turned them into a winning hand, and she wants to arm fans with the ability to do the same. In Caviar Dreams, Tuna Fish Budget , she’ll talk about how to launch a lifestyle brand, how to work with family members, and how to be an uncompromising woman in a man’s world. She also spills stories from her personal life about the son Real Housewives viewers don’t know exists, the time Joan Rivers gave her the best advice she ever got, the rendezvous she had with a famous rock star, and the affair with her contractor that ended her marriage but gave her the happily ever after.
Caviar Dreams, Tuna Fish Budget takes readers along Margaret’s wild, bumpy journey to entrepreneurial success and reality TV fame, written in her trademark no-nonsense, tongue-in-cheek voice with the perfect combination of grit and glitz.
Margaret Josephs is a hustler. She’s a tough cookie. She speaks her mind. She never leaves the house without lipstick on. She’s also a devoted wife, mother, daughter, businesswoman, lifestyle expert, and fan-favorite star of the reality TV series The Real Housewives of New Jersey . Sounds pretty glamorous, right? Well, things are never exactly as they seem.
Before she arrived where she is today, “The Marge” was born to young immigrant parents. Raised by a single party-girl mother who left her physically abusive father when she was one and a half, she was taught that it was more important to look good than to feel good. No structure. No rules. No blueprint for future success or stability. But like most people who struggle through atypical childhoods, destructive relationships, and career challenges, she forced herself to wake up every morning and put one high heel in front of the other, even if she didn’t know where she was going.
Margaret took the cards she was dealt and eventually turned them into a winning hand, and she wants to arm fans with the ability to do the same. In Caviar Dreams, Tuna Fish Budget , she’ll talk about how to launch a lifestyle brand, how to work with family members, and how to be an uncompromising woman in a man’s world. She also spills stories from her personal life about the son Real Housewives viewers don’t know exists, the time Joan Rivers gave her the best advice she ever got, the rendezvous she had with a famous rock star, and the affair with her contractor that ended her marriage but gave her the happily ever after.
Caviar Dreams, Tuna Fish Budget takes readers along Margaret’s wild, bumpy journey to entrepreneurial success and reality TV fame, written in her trademark no-nonsense, tongue-in-cheek voice with the perfect combination of grit and glitz.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published April 13, 2021
88 people are currently reading
2212 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
May 25, 2021
Giveaway Win!
I dont watch The Real Housewives of New Jersey, so I had no clue who Margaret Josephs was before reading this book. I entered to win this book because I liked the title.
Margaret Josephs was born to be on reality tv. Her upbringing was wild and her mother deserves her own show because WOW! JUST WOW!!
It took me awhile to decide on what I wanted to rate this book. I found the book entertaining but I truly cannot stand Margaret Josephs. Shes the perfect Real Housewife but shes a terrible person.
-She dismisses sexual harassment in the workplace
- She continuously calls herself "Self Made" despite the fact that she was married to a very rich man who provided her with the privilege and money to start her business
- She shit talks the woman whose husband she had an affair with and later married
- She's oblivious to why people don't like her and call her toxic
- She doesn't understand the difference between optimism and delusion
I dont like Margaret Josephs the person but I bet she's a fan favorite Housewife.
Margaret Josephs spends the majority of this book trying to convince us that's her marriage is perfect and that shes a great mother. I'm always suspicious when someone calls their relationship perfect and while I'm not a mother I find it hard to believe that she was this fantastic mother when 3 of her 4 children have little to no relationship with her. Shes never even met some of her grandchildren.
Who would I recommend this book to?
Obviously New Jersey Housewives fans and people who enjoy memoirs written by people with wild personalities.
I dont watch The Real Housewives of New Jersey, so I had no clue who Margaret Josephs was before reading this book. I entered to win this book because I liked the title.
Margaret Josephs was born to be on reality tv. Her upbringing was wild and her mother deserves her own show because WOW! JUST WOW!!
It took me awhile to decide on what I wanted to rate this book. I found the book entertaining but I truly cannot stand Margaret Josephs. Shes the perfect Real Housewife but shes a terrible person.
-She dismisses sexual harassment in the workplace
- She continuously calls herself "Self Made" despite the fact that she was married to a very rich man who provided her with the privilege and money to start her business
- She shit talks the woman whose husband she had an affair with and later married
- She's oblivious to why people don't like her and call her toxic
- She doesn't understand the difference between optimism and delusion
I dont like Margaret Josephs the person but I bet she's a fan favorite Housewife.
Margaret Josephs spends the majority of this book trying to convince us that's her marriage is perfect and that shes a great mother. I'm always suspicious when someone calls their relationship perfect and while I'm not a mother I find it hard to believe that she was this fantastic mother when 3 of her 4 children have little to no relationship with her. Shes never even met some of her grandchildren.
Who would I recommend this book to?
Obviously New Jersey Housewives fans and people who enjoy memoirs written by people with wild personalities.
March 23, 2021
I normally don't read memoirs as I feel like public figures tend to pick and choose what they'd like to talk about, but Margaret Josephs holds nothing back in her upcoming memoir. This no holds barred story talks about her upbringing with a mother who was a friend rather than a parent, living with traditional Hungarian roots and forging her own path in fashion. We can scandalous tales of sex and romance, loss and tragedy, and career set backs. Of course, we are given a bird's eye view on everything Real Housewives, but I really loved hearing about Margaret's past before becoming a reality tv staple. As mentioned on The Real Housewives, Emily Liebert is the ghostwriter for this book and she captured Margaret's voice perfectly! I had Marge's voice in the back of my head as I kept turning the pages. My respect for Margaret has grown immensely after reading this book and I really think it'll be a popular read for not only housewives fans, but people who want to read read about women commanding their own respect in work and in life.
May 24, 2021
A great memoir and I love that Margaret narrates it! If you’re a RHONJ fan, you’ll enjoy this one. Loved getting a sneak peek behind the scenes but also really enjoyed getting to more more about Margaret. Love that Joe made an appearance in the audio to read their wedding vows. Fun, entertaining, filled with drama and Margaret doesn’t shy away from talking about the hard stuff.
June 6, 2022
This was a super fun, quick, laugh out loud read for a Monday full of busy work.
Margaret keeps it real, shares some show secrets, is honest to a fault about her early years and growing up with a Mom who was more a friend than a Mom.
This was a delight and has made me more of a Marge fan than ever before!
Margaret keeps it real, shares some show secrets, is honest to a fault about her early years and growing up with a Mom who was more a friend than a Mom.
This was a delight and has made me more of a Marge fan than ever before!
August 24, 2023
Literally a top 3 audiobook of the year
April 19, 2021
Hahaha I love the Marge this was great! She’s one of the few housewives who is interesting due to her accomplishments and smarts. The book’s actually about her life, rather than veiled references to the show. It’s quickly risen to the top of my bravolebrities reads.
May 2, 2021
Breezed through this one! Enjoy Marge as one of the housewives but felt like a lot of the book is what we already know and heard so it wasn’t that interesting and felt a little redundant. Some of the stories were sad and applaud her for opening up; other stories were definitely filled with great advice on all things family, business, dreams, etc.
July 22, 2021
If you’ve been following me for a while then you know I am obsessed with Bravo! This book was written by Real Housewive of New Jersey’s Margaret Josephs. In the story she talks about her first marriage, her children, starting and running her multiple businesses, meeting her second husband and of course the Real Housewives. Im a huge Marge fan, so I loved reading this book and learning some Bravo gossip!
April 10, 2022
Yes Queen, yes....
May 25, 2022
i love my marge! this book felt like we were just sitting and talking but what made it even more special was being able to meet her in person alongside dolores. such a quick read!
December 28, 2023
A page turner. Very funny and honest!
June 19, 2025
Definitely one of the better autobiographies and books written by a Housewife. I think The Marge is hilarious and loved watching her in RHONJ.
April 29, 2021
I'm a huge Bravo fan and I aim to read all the books written (or ghost-written) by Bravolebrities; I would have to say this is one of the better written ones. However, after reading Caviar Dreams, I'm not liking Margaret Josephs more. She seems too fast to blame those around her, too quick to find fault in everyone other than herself. But I enjoyed the book. It's an extremely fast and easy read; and Marge has an interesting and memoir-worthy life.
In each chapter, there are things every reader will be able to learn, albeit not relate to. I especially enjoyed the Life Lessons at the end of each section; they clarified what Margaret wanted me to take away.
I recommend Caviar Dreams Tuna Fish Budget especially if you're already a Bravo, RHONJ or Marge fan. (Be warned, though: She doesn't talk about RHONJ until page 207/253.)
In each chapter, there are things every reader will be able to learn, albeit not relate to. I especially enjoyed the Life Lessons at the end of each section; they clarified what Margaret wanted me to take away.
I recommend Caviar Dreams Tuna Fish Budget especially if you're already a Bravo, RHONJ or Marge fan. (Be warned, though: She doesn't talk about RHONJ until page 207/253.)
May 20, 2021
Quick read- the book reads like she is talking to you. It was entertaining and fun to learn about her life, but I feel like she was trying to write it as a business “self help” “girl boss” type book, which leaves a lot to be desired.
May 23, 2022
Listened to
August 28, 2021
Ever since Marge joined NJ housewives, I've loved her. She's real and this book was written and narrated so perfectly, it felt like she was on my couch having a catch-up sesh.
April 28, 2021
Love The Marge, loved this. I breezed through this in a few days and I am sad it’s over. It felt like hanging out with her and I loved it.
May 15, 2021
100% Marge
March 23, 2022
Excellent memoir!! Marge is always in charge & by far the best Jersey housewife !!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars !!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars !!!!
September 30, 2022
Just finished reading the book “CAVIAR DREAMS - TUNA FISH BUDGET” by MARGARET JOSEPHS. I read this book while listening to the audible version narrated by the author, MARGARET JOSEPHS. Pretty Mess meets #Girlboss in this part memoir, part entrepreneurial manifesto from The Real Housewives of New Jersey’s “Powerhouse in Pigtails.” Margaret Josephs is a hustler. She’s a tough cookie. She speaks her mind. She never leaves the house without lipstick on. She’s also a devoted wife, mother, daughter, businesswoman, lifestyle expert, and fan-favorite star of the reality TV series The Real Housewives of New Jersey. Sounds pretty glamorous, right? Well, things are never exactly as they seem. Before she arrived where she is today, “The Marge” was born to young immigrant parents. Raised by a single party-girl mother who left her physically abusive father when she was one and a half, she was taught that it was more important to look good than to feel good. No structure. No rules. No blueprint for future success or stability. But like most people who struggle through atypical childhoods, destructive relationships, and career challenges, she forced herself to wake up every morning and put one high heel in front of the other, even if she didn’t know where she was going. Margaret took the cards she was dealt and eventually turned them into a winning hand, and she wants to arm fans with the ability to do the same. In Caviar Dreams, Tuna Fish Budget, she’ll talk about how to launch a lifestyle brand, how to work with family members, and how to be an uncompromising woman in a man’s world. She also spills stories from her personal life about the son Real Housewives viewers don’t know exists, the time Joan Rivers gave her the best advice she ever got, the rendezvous she had with a famous rock star, and the affair with her contractor that ended her marriage but gave her the happily ever after. Caviar Dreams, Tuna Fish Budget takes readers along Margaret’s wild, bumpy journey to entrepreneurial success and reality TV fame, written in her trademark no-nonsense, tongue-in-cheek voice with the perfect combination of grit and glitz. I have not seen any shows with Margaret in them. I never even heard of her. But the book title and reviews drew me in. I really enjoyed her memoirs. She seemed very honest and despite having to basically raise herself as a child, she has led a very inspirational life. Definitely not afraid of hard work. I enjoyed how she just tells it like it is. I read this book in one 4 hour sitting.
September 30, 2022
Just finished reading the book “CAVIAR DREAMS - TUNA FISH BUDGET” by MARGARET JOSEPHS. I read this book while listening to the audible version narrated by the author, MARGARET JOSEPHS. Pretty Mess meets #Girlboss in this part memoir, part entrepreneurial manifesto from The Real Housewives of New Jersey’s “Powerhouse in Pigtails.” Margaret Josephs is a hustler. She’s a tough cookie. She speaks her mind. She never leaves the house without lipstick on. She’s also a devoted wife, mother, daughter, businesswoman, lifestyle expert, and fan-favorite star of the reality TV series The Real Housewives of New Jersey. Sounds pretty glamorous, right? Well, things are never exactly as they seem. Before she arrived where she is today, “The Marge” was born to young immigrant parents. Raised by a single party-girl mother who left her physically abusive father when she was one and a half, she was taught that it was more important to look good than to feel good. No structure. No rules. No blueprint for future success or stability. But like most people who struggle through atypical childhoods, destructive relationships, and career challenges, she forced herself to wake up every morning and put one high heel in front of the other, even if she didn’t know where she was going. Margaret took the cards she was dealt and eventually turned them into a winning hand, and she wants to arm fans with the ability to do the same. In Caviar Dreams, Tuna Fish Budget, she’ll talk about how to launch a lifestyle brand, how to work with family members, and how to be an uncompromising woman in a man’s world. She also spills stories from her personal life about the son Real Housewives viewers don’t know exists, the time Joan Rivers gave her the best advice she ever got, the rendezvous she had with a famous rock star, and the affair with her contractor that ended her marriage but gave her the happily ever after. Caviar Dreams, Tuna Fish Budget takes readers along Margaret’s wild, bumpy journey to entrepreneurial success and reality TV fame, written in her trademark no-nonsense, tongue-in-cheek voice with the perfect combination of grit and glitz. I have not seen any shows with Margaret in them. I never even heard of her. But the book title and reviews drew me in. I really enjoyed her memoirs. She seemed very honest and despite having to basically raise herself as a child, she has led a very inspirational life. Definitely not afraid of hard work. I enjoyed how she just tells it like it is. I read this book in one 4 hour sitting.
April 22, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bravo addict here🙋🏻♀️If it has been on Bravo, I’ve probably seen it. If it is an episode of Housewives, I’ve definitely seen it. All cities, all seasons, I cannot get enough. To me, they are studies in sociology, psychology, anthropology, and more. I could bore you for hours on the cultural significance of reality television. But I won’t. Because we’re here to discuss the platinum blonde wonder known as The Marge.
Of all the franchises, The Real Housewives of New Jersey is one of my favorites. As a life-long Long Islander, these are my people. NYC-adjacent, fast talking, outgoing women with funny accents and flashy style are the norm, and Margaret Josephs is no exception. NJ is the franchise that really focuses on the families—the men (“House Husbands”) are supporting characters, but very much a part of the show. For some, this is a problem. But not for me; I love getting to know the families through my tv and I relate to them all in one way or another. Because of this I’m already familiar with Margaret, her mother Marge Sr., husband Joe, ex-husband Jan, BFF Lexi, and even her singing housekeeper Marlene and yippy dog, Bella.
I loved getting to know more about Margaret’s history. Brought up by her hardworking immigrant mom and grandparents, The Marge was treated like a little adult. In some ways this damaged her, but these early years shaped her responsible, nurturing, and determined nature. I found her business success (and failure) stories fascinating, and her mommy stories equally so. She has always been an up-front Housewife, so there wasn’t much dirt we fans didn’t already know, but I loved hearing it straight from The Marge’s mouth.
One part of the book I did not like is that Margaret body shames herself several times. I’m not ok with that. Marge, if you’re reading this—and I’m sure you’re not—you’re beautiful inside and out and at any weight. Although you disguise your insults at yourself in humor, I hear the shame. It’s not cool to criticize yourself or others that way. I’m sure there are decades of internalized self hatred from your upbringing, your abuse by employers, Jan and his family’s commitment to fitness, and more, but your fans (and Joe!) love you! So be nice to our Marge! Anyway, if you readers want a memoir by a reality tv star with a big accent, a bigger personality, and the biggest heart, pick up this book.
Bravo addict here🙋🏻♀️If it has been on Bravo, I’ve probably seen it. If it is an episode of Housewives, I’ve definitely seen it. All cities, all seasons, I cannot get enough. To me, they are studies in sociology, psychology, anthropology, and more. I could bore you for hours on the cultural significance of reality television. But I won’t. Because we’re here to discuss the platinum blonde wonder known as The Marge.
Of all the franchises, The Real Housewives of New Jersey is one of my favorites. As a life-long Long Islander, these are my people. NYC-adjacent, fast talking, outgoing women with funny accents and flashy style are the norm, and Margaret Josephs is no exception. NJ is the franchise that really focuses on the families—the men (“House Husbands”) are supporting characters, but very much a part of the show. For some, this is a problem. But not for me; I love getting to know the families through my tv and I relate to them all in one way or another. Because of this I’m already familiar with Margaret, her mother Marge Sr., husband Joe, ex-husband Jan, BFF Lexi, and even her singing housekeeper Marlene and yippy dog, Bella.
I loved getting to know more about Margaret’s history. Brought up by her hardworking immigrant mom and grandparents, The Marge was treated like a little adult. In some ways this damaged her, but these early years shaped her responsible, nurturing, and determined nature. I found her business success (and failure) stories fascinating, and her mommy stories equally so. She has always been an up-front Housewife, so there wasn’t much dirt we fans didn’t already know, but I loved hearing it straight from The Marge’s mouth.
One part of the book I did not like is that Margaret body shames herself several times. I’m not ok with that. Marge, if you’re reading this—and I’m sure you’re not—you’re beautiful inside and out and at any weight. Although you disguise your insults at yourself in humor, I hear the shame. It’s not cool to criticize yourself or others that way. I’m sure there are decades of internalized self hatred from your upbringing, your abuse by employers, Jan and his family’s commitment to fitness, and more, but your fans (and Joe!) love you! So be nice to our Marge! Anyway, if you readers want a memoir by a reality tv star with a big accent, a bigger personality, and the biggest heart, pick up this book.
April 21, 2022
I just love Margaret! This bubbly, raw, fashionista has become my Real Housewives of New Jersey favorite. With her whimsical prints, pig tails, and witty, says it how it is behavior – I just want to be real friends!
‘You can’t choose your start in life, but you can choose how it impacts your decisions later down the road’
‘The earlier you realize that you have to advocate for yourself, the better’
‘You will be put in situations that you’re uncomfortable with; don’t let fear paralyze you. Make the best decision you can in the moment and move on’
‘You can love someone so much you hate them; it’s a very fine line.’
‘It’s more important to know what you’re not good at than what you’re good at. Your strengths will always be there to play to, but your weaknesses could be the downfall of you.’
‘Surrounding yourself with successful people should inspire you, not make you feel inferior. Acknowledge that you’ve earned your seat at the table, then listen and learn.’
‘If you don’t believe your own hype, no one else will.’
‘I don’t see roadblocks – I just see speed bumps and an opportunity to reroute. Ask all questions, exhaust all avenues, and eventually you’ll get to the destination.’
‘Not everything lasts forever. People change and grow apart, and that’s okay.’
‘The strongest quality you can possess is authenticity.’
‘You can’t choose your start in life, but you can choose how it impacts your decisions later down the road’
‘The earlier you realize that you have to advocate for yourself, the better’
‘You will be put in situations that you’re uncomfortable with; don’t let fear paralyze you. Make the best decision you can in the moment and move on’
‘You can love someone so much you hate them; it’s a very fine line.’
‘It’s more important to know what you’re not good at than what you’re good at. Your strengths will always be there to play to, but your weaknesses could be the downfall of you.’
‘Surrounding yourself with successful people should inspire you, not make you feel inferior. Acknowledge that you’ve earned your seat at the table, then listen and learn.’
‘If you don’t believe your own hype, no one else will.’
‘I don’t see roadblocks – I just see speed bumps and an opportunity to reroute. Ask all questions, exhaust all avenues, and eventually you’ll get to the destination.’
‘Not everything lasts forever. People change and grow apart, and that’s okay.’
‘The strongest quality you can possess is authenticity.’
May 2, 2021
Now I Know Why I Loved Marge from the Start!
Margaret's book made me realize why I liked her from the very start as a NJ housewife! She is refreshingly real and honest about herself and every chapter of her life! She is confident, grateful, humble, and authentic; which, is rare in reality TV and business! I also love her sense of humor throughout the book and the life lessons she learned throughout her life, for which I can relate. Her self diagnosis of having "imposter syndrome" is something I have suffered with all my life! I am so glad that I am not the only one, that despite success from hard work and determination, somehow feels like I don't deserve the respect and positive feedback that I get from my efforts. Anybody that has felt that way needs to read her book. You will see yourself; but, be inspired! Thanks Margaret for putting it out there for us to relate, laugh, and learn!
Margaret's book made me realize why I liked her from the very start as a NJ housewife! She is refreshingly real and honest about herself and every chapter of her life! She is confident, grateful, humble, and authentic; which, is rare in reality TV and business! I also love her sense of humor throughout the book and the life lessons she learned throughout her life, for which I can relate. Her self diagnosis of having "imposter syndrome" is something I have suffered with all my life! I am so glad that I am not the only one, that despite success from hard work and determination, somehow feels like I don't deserve the respect and positive feedback that I get from my efforts. Anybody that has felt that way needs to read her book. You will see yourself; but, be inspired! Thanks Margaret for putting it out there for us to relate, laugh, and learn!
July 3, 2022
I’m a total Real Housewives snob! I’ve been a fan since the first franchise began years ago with Orange County Housewives. The New Jersey franchise quickly became a favorite of mine after Theresa Guidice famously flipped a table.
When Marge came on the show, she quickly became a favorite of mine. So picking up her book was a no brainer.
Marge definitely puts the real in Real Housewife with this book. She doesn’t hold back and frankly tells it like it is and then some. She details her childhood and what life was like with her mom, Marge senior. Definitely not your typical suburban childhood. She talks about her business ventures and how she became the self made woman she is today. Her love life in self could be its own book. I never condone cheating, so disappointed, but ultimately I am glad she found love!
The best part of this book was the way it was written, I could hear Marge’s voice the whole way.
When Marge came on the show, she quickly became a favorite of mine. So picking up her book was a no brainer.
Marge definitely puts the real in Real Housewife with this book. She doesn’t hold back and frankly tells it like it is and then some. She details her childhood and what life was like with her mom, Marge senior. Definitely not your typical suburban childhood. She talks about her business ventures and how she became the self made woman she is today. Her love life in self could be its own book. I never condone cheating, so disappointed, but ultimately I am glad she found love!
The best part of this book was the way it was written, I could hear Marge’s voice the whole way.
August 1, 2024
Disclaimer: I watch Bravo shows through a sociological lens.
After reading this book, I fully understand why she was cast on Real Housewives of New Jersey. Truth be told, I was not a fan of her on the show until now. She is a unique woman with a backstory that makes your jaw drop at times. What a life she has lived! I do appreciate how candid she was about all of the affairs she's had and how she showed some self-awareness in discussing the degradation of her first marriage. The lack of television discussion is much appreciated, as I read this wanting to get behind the screen and learn what makes The Marge, well, Marge. The show was saved for the end of the book but gave context to some infamous scenes of hers. I did laugh out loud at some parts, and others left my head spinning...partially due to her ironclad confidence level. Good book!
After reading this book, I fully understand why she was cast on Real Housewives of New Jersey. Truth be told, I was not a fan of her on the show until now. She is a unique woman with a backstory that makes your jaw drop at times. What a life she has lived! I do appreciate how candid she was about all of the affairs she's had and how she showed some self-awareness in discussing the degradation of her first marriage. The lack of television discussion is much appreciated, as I read this wanting to get behind the screen and learn what makes The Marge, well, Marge. The show was saved for the end of the book but gave context to some infamous scenes of hers. I did laugh out loud at some parts, and others left my head spinning...partially due to her ironclad confidence level. Good book!
December 26, 2022
If you don’t like rhonj and the marge maybe don’t pick this one up! I love rhonj and the marg and I cannot lie 😂 Although I will say don’t pick this one of for housewives tea because there isn’t more than a chapter or two on it. I love how authentic her writing was! She really is one of the most authentic people, and that is something that simply cannot be taken from her. Although I love the marge I didn’t love everything about this book :/ I think she could’ve been more constructive with her story telling and maybe spared her family more, but then again her best quality could be how authentic she is so it is lose-lose pleasing me I guess. I loved reading about her gaining her empowerment and really earning her keep. Luv u marge!!!!
May 13, 2025
tbh was surprised this was written in 2021 because it reads like its one of the poorly written houewives memoirs circa 2014 (i.e. in need of a ghost writer - not everyone needs to write a book). having not watched rhonj, my takeaway is that margaret doesn't seem like she sucks lol. the book is cute but forgettable.a lso i dont feel like "caviar dreams, tuna fish budget" theme is actually apparent in her story as a through line. heavy on the "how to survive in business" tho, as in... the majority of the book is about her business barely surviving. and then crawling back. by the skin of her teeth. after making bad business decision after bad business decision. oof. happy ur home depot pails are still around tho i guess
5/10
5/10
May 11, 2021
Disclaimer: I have not seen The Real Housewives of New Jersey, so prior to reading this, I did not know who Margaret Josephs was.
This book is an interesting read. After reading the first chapter, I was glad to hear that she is in therapy. Josephs' life is certainly a wild ride, and the writing is so casual it feels like you're talking to a friend.
Once you get to the section about The Real Housewives, it doesn't fully make sense if you haven't seen the show. Besides that though, this book is still enjoyable without being a fan of Margaret.
This book is an interesting read. After reading the first chapter, I was glad to hear that she is in therapy. Josephs' life is certainly a wild ride, and the writing is so casual it feels like you're talking to a friend.
Once you get to the section about The Real Housewives, it doesn't fully make sense if you haven't seen the show. Besides that though, this book is still enjoyable without being a fan of Margaret.
May 18, 2021
First, I am a huge fan of the Housewives franchise. I bought this book based on seeing it on the show and Andy Cohen's endorsement, so I may be a little biased. However, I really enjoyed this book. I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Margaret is witty, has an interesting life and has some good advice to give. I enjoyed both her personal story and her professional story. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is curious about her or looking for some sound practical life and business advice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews