Losing it All: Houseless, with Love, Dogs and Sausages

by Alexandra Lynn

LOSING IT ALL takes readers on a raw, deeply personal emotional journey through loss, fear, resilience, and ultimately hope. The memoir begins with the disbelief of losing everything - home, financial security, and the life Alexandra and her husband had built. The initial stages are marked by panic, shame, and a sense of isolation and the looming threat of homelessness.

The couple's struggle to keep their beloved dogs becomes a symbol of their determination to hold onto family and dignity, even as their world unravels. The memoir captures moments of deep despair and the overwhelming fear of being judged or forgotten by society. Yet, amid the hardship, there are sparks of humor, gratitude, and unexpected joy.
LOSING IT ALL is more than a survival story - it's a celebration of love, grit, and the courage to dream again, even when the odds seem impossible. If you are looking for a memoir that's both gripping and deeply moving, this book delivers an unforgettable ride.

Because giving up was not an option.

10% of the proceeds will be donated to non-profit charity organizations. The funds will be equally split between animal shelters that offer emergency foster-return-to-owner programs and www.isupportthegirls.org.

247 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2025

Reviews

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I could not put this book down. It really makes you think and see things differently. I can't wait to read part 2.

[Ann Burgoyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story had me from the beginning. It’s a rare inside look at what can happen to your financial situation as a result of circumstances that are completely out of your control. The author shares the fear and uncertainty of having your comfortable world blow up around you, and the desperate moves necessary to hold your life together. This couple has four dogs, and are determined to keep them, which, after losing their home, is no small feat. Their amazing resilience and industriousness gets them through, but it isn’t an easy ride. Love and friendship are important ingredients in their formula for survival. The author lays bare emotional circumstances that could have easily claimed their spirits. It is an amazing story that will have you rooting for them at every turn.

[Darlene Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible book, a true story about a normal couple living a comfortable life who, in a short amount of time, lose just about everything. It totally blindsides them, as it would many people. How they make it through and come out the other side is well documented by the author. The descriptions of her feelings are raw and true. At times, I wanted to scream, why did you do that? But then I wonder if I would have done the same under similar circumstances. The story is a test of friendships and marriage. I love that despite it all, they kept their dogs. There is some unnecessary repetition in the book, but that is minor. It is a good read and kept me guessing as to what would happen next. I admire the bravery and honesty of the author and the fact that the couple stuck together through it all. A test of true love. I recommend this book.

[Colleen E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really thought about putting this book down a few chapters in. Boy, I’m glad I didn’t. The first chapters cover the feelings the author had regarding the devastation of losing everything and having to take refuge with a close friend. That’s a reminder that even if you do everything “right,” it can all go away in an instant. Then the story gets good. The most wonderful thing about the story of the author’s loss is also the story of the author’s gain. This is a picture of true friendship. As the author and her husband try to put their lives together in someone else’s home while creating someone else’s dream, the author must experience and confront the meaning of true friendship as well as the sacrifices that need to be confronted during tough times. The writing isn’t Hemmingway, but it’s real. It’s a good quick read that reminds you that there but for the grace of God go all of us.

[cindy mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished reading LOSING IT ALL by Alexandra Lynn. It is the story of loss, friendship and love. It is a tale of perseverance in the face of adversity. Dog lovers will enjoy the endearing snippets of dog stories interwoven throughout the book. Alexandra Lynn has an enjoyable‘writer’s voice’. Reading this book felt like having a visit with a chatty friend who shared from the heart. Alexandra Lynn shared the ups and downs of job loss and homelessness, and the valuable lessons learned along the way.

[Kasi Bury_Busy_Reader Bury · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made you feel like the author was in the room, telling you her story herself. You are able to become so connected to the characters and what was happening to the point you just couldn't put the book down. It is crazy to think how close we all can be to losing it all too. the fear you could feel of having their lives held in others hands was so relatable. I am so invested and can't wait for the second volume to come out to see what happens next!

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember those years, 2008, 09, 10. I had graduated from grad school in 08. It was hard to find librarian work, but I did, only to get layed off in 2009 because of the economy. But my experience wasn't nearly as stressful as the author's and it was interesting to compare her experiences to my own. I'm glad she had somewhere to go, and I'm hoping she never has to face that kind of scary situation again.

[Mari Schroedinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in examining what being unhoused often looks like in the US.
While we often think of homeless folks only as those who are sleeping rough or in shelters, the reality is hundreds of thousands of people are the uncounted homeless: living in cars, moving in with relatives, or couch surfing with friends. When people lose their housing, so do their pets, and very few shelters will let you bring your pets.
Loved and really identified with the struggles in this memoir, having experienced homelessness with a pet myself, it made me cry and really reminded me how far I've come and how lost I was.
Feelings of shame, fear, walking on eggshells around people who have taken you in, and just being really overwhelmed and hopeless are all super valid in my experience.
Also enjoyed their adventures in sausage making and the underlying love story.

[Debra Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of meeting the author and actually read the first half of the manuscript a while back. Couldn't put it down. The words just flowed. When I finished the first have I wanted more. Unfortunately the other half wasn't completed yet and she wanted sure she would finish. I said absolutely she should finish. This is a great story.

She contacted me a couple months ago, the book was finished and to be published. I got to read the second half of the manuscript! Such a heartfelt story on so many levels. Congrats. This book is so worth the read. Many people unfortunately go through homelessness/houseless, they just don't write about it. This book gives read insight as to what real people go through and the journey to recover their lives.

[Karen Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading a first draft of this book and couldn't put it down. It was so exciting to hear it was in print! Read it again and enjoyed it even second time around. Had many things to make it interesting, including relatable people trying to find a way forward during trying times.

[Debbie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really eye opening for those who have never experienced losing everything. It gives the reader a glimpse of how things can change in the blink of an eye, as in the author's case. This book is a tale of survival, uncertainty, resilience, love, friendship, and even ... making sausages! Well written and entertaining as she tells the story of their life. Easy to read, easy to follow. I definitely recommend this book, and look forward to the next one!