Customer Reviews

Strictly A Loner: My Life and Times with Plattsburgh's Poorest Millionaire

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To say "Strictly a Millionaire" is an enjoyable read,(though it is) would be limiting the value of this book. What makes this worthy reading, is an intimate look into the final chapter of a lonely, tragic life,largely influenced, decades earlier, by a careless parental remark.
Another interesting aspect of this book, is the interaction between the author, and her family, with their parsimonious roommate in his twilight years.
Kathy Baumgarten's narrative and flowing writing style makes this a difficult book to put down.

It's no accident that I chose to read "Strictly a Loner" in the weeks following Christmas, when I struggled with the decision of where to put all my new gifts amidst a house already filled with stuff. "Strictly a Loner" details one man's obsession with acquiring stuff and his refusal to dispose of anything. And not simply a refusal to replace an outdated gadget with the newest model, like a toaster received at Christmas, but an obsession with hording sugar packets and half-used napkins, even stray gloves found on the street. Earl was a strict loner, hoarder, miser, and stranger when the author, Kathy, and her husband purchased their house on Elm St. It was a boarding house with eight bedrooms and Earl its only tenant. He was like the stuff he collected: He came with the house and was difficult to get rid of. In fact, Earl and his stuff continued living with the Baumgartens for five years. "Strictly a Loner" is a folksy tale of their lives together and the big secret that Earl kept hidden away like boxes of holey socks. It is a fascinating memoir, at times both humorous and tragic. This is definitely one book worthy of keeping its place in any home for a very long time.

I read this book as part of a research project for a writing class. I decided to write about Compulsive Hoarding Disorder and approach the topic of this disease from a more personal view. I had been watching the various reality shows about hoarding and found them to be disturbing in the sense that they focus on the "stuff" instead of the person. I stumbled upon this book "Strictly A Loner" during my research and it quickly became a major focus of my paper. Kathy Baumgarten does such an excellent job of giving her first hand account of life with Earl as she addresses not only the issue of hoarding, but on Earl's life and the isolation he created for himself as a result of his hoarding. Kathy Baumgarten beautifully and poetically describes her family's time with Earl in his last years and though his condition is tragic in many ways, she gives respect to the man that he was behind the disease of hoarding. I would strongly recommend this book, whether for enjoyment or for research purposes. I also contacted Kathy Baumgarten for an interview via email for my research and she was gracious enough to provide me with additional information which was extremely helpful.

Kathy Baumgarten's wit and charm has turned what could be a very sad story into clever and fitting tribute for someone she "inherits" after buying a rooming house.
By the end of the book, I felt like part of the family, looking at the quirkiness of her eccentric border with the same sense of humor that Kathy brings to her writing. It's a quick and easy read and offers sympathetic insight into the mind of person dealing with obsessive compulsive disorder. I highly recommend "Strictly a Loner".

I brought this book with me on vacation in Myrtle Beach. Normally I never have time there to read because there is so much to do. Sitting on the beach with this book, I could'nt put it down. The author made this book so interesting and personal that I had to finish it. I read alot of books by different authors and I enjoyed this author so much I will look to see what other books was written by her. I give this book a five star rating. If you don't believe me read it for yourself.

Strictly a Loner is the true story of a family that buys a rooming house in Plattsburg,NY and get more than they bargained for when they allow Earl, a tenant to stay. Earl is a loner who they gradually discover is not what he first appears. My only complaint is that when I finished I wanted to know more about Earl's quirks and what happened if and when he ever dated anyone. BONUS-Author will sign the book when you buy on Amazon if you ask!

Gary Gawel
Statesboro, GA 30458

Kathy Baumgarten has penned a mild masterpiece, a sketchbook in the grand tradition and no less engaging than those writ by Twain and Irving. Her character Earl, a curmudgeon of declining years is the lost child on her and every doorstep, and this wonderful little book recalls to mind the joy of discovery in the raising up and the setting down. I am richer for having read this book, and my 87 year old mother liked it too. (First book she's read in years.)

Ok, I did NOT read it cover to cover... I got it to send to give as a gift(got 2 copies, actually), & opened it in a few spots & sampled... The reason I can give it 5 stars is because I had to make myself quit sampling & can honestly say, that if this "genre" interests you, then this book would likely appeal to you.

Thanks to the author for her service to her country!!