Although an 800-calorie per day diet probably wasn't a good idea, I do admire the author's discipline. This book was a fun read; I really enjoyed the humor.

Sam MacDonald is at the bottom of his rope - broke, overweight, and floundering in his career. He decides to launch into the "Urban Hermit Financial Emergency Rotgut Poverty Plan," surviving on 800-calories a day made up of tuna and lentils (cheapest thing he could find). The goal is to eliminate all unnecessary spending, while hunkering down at his two jobs to make as much money as possible.

Over the course of a year, he manages to lose 160 pounds, get out of debt, and even find his future wife. It's a new spin on hope, commitment, and perseverance and a great read for these tough financial times.