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ktsass's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
sarahhengle's review
3.0
I would give this a 3.5 if I could. I love books that are just pockets of moments and this book did exactly that. Stories like this, about finding your place in the world, make me feel less alone.
jedore's review
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
The quieter you become, the more you can hear.
Yikes…the reviews on this one are not good! Had I looked at them before I chose this as my BOTM selection, I wouldn’t have picked it. It’s really a book for 20-somethings; not many people in my 50+ age group would have liked it, let alone finished. That being said, I didn’t hate it! The writing was good…it’s the story and characters that are irritating.
This was my BOTM pick because it was a story centered on the less-than-ideal realities of living off the grid…the “Whole Story,” so to speak. (Something I’m passionate about sharing on my social platforms.) Having entered the post-honeymoon phase of my life in Panamá, after living without power for a year, this topic piqued my interest.
It’s definitely not a pretty story. The 23-ish year old characters are entitled, dysfunctional, irresponsible and have completely wonky moral compasses from beginning to end. The story brings to light how easy it is to start and be sucked into a cult. But, I was empathetic to some of their angst, particularly around work and purpose so there were parts I could relate to.
Honestly, if you’re past 40, the odds are you’ll find this book highly annoying, so I feel safe in recommending a hard pass. If you’re in your 20s, it’s definitely worth a shot!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Infidelity, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Alcoholism, Toxic friendship, Drug use, and War
Moderate: Vomit, Self harm, Mental illness, Body shaming, and Eating disorder
rixha's review
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
lizzylikesbooks's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
skirmishgirl's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars, if that were an option.
It's a little too believable to be fun.
It's a little too believable to be fun.
mschrock8's review
3.0
Reference to "No Impact Man" and his book. I used to read his blog.
Living in an apartment next door to a fraternity house. I can only imagine.
And, working in a Montessori school.
Living in an apartment next door to a fraternity house. I can only imagine.
And, working in a Montessori school.
cmbarowsky's review
2.0
Rating: 2/5 Stars
Lucky You had the potential to be a beautiful read about mental health, friendship, escape, etc. It was disappointing because it was not really about anything.
Carter’s talent with the written word is incredible. Her dialogue and detail was real and smooth. Unfortunately, her style of writing was not enough to make this book likeable.
Themes present in Carter’s novel include mental health, alcoholism, friendship and escape, or sometimes the lack there of. Escape as a theme in this novel established a clear and undeniable truth – disappearing does not erase one’s problems.
It is challenging to write a negative review when I sincerely enjoy all books and all genres that I read. However, this book was difficult to complete. No plot-line was present, the characters were not well-developed and unlikable, and the novel’s focus on the mental health problems of the characters were not as relevant as I expected.
Erika Carter has a wonderful style that shines through in even a difficult read. I truly wish to see her overcome a difficult debut.
Lucky You had the potential to be a beautiful read about mental health, friendship, escape, etc. It was disappointing because it was not really about anything.
Carter’s talent with the written word is incredible. Her dialogue and detail was real and smooth. Unfortunately, her style of writing was not enough to make this book likeable.
Themes present in Carter’s novel include mental health, alcoholism, friendship and escape, or sometimes the lack there of. Escape as a theme in this novel established a clear and undeniable truth – disappearing does not erase one’s problems.
It is challenging to write a negative review when I sincerely enjoy all books and all genres that I read. However, this book was difficult to complete. No plot-line was present, the characters were not well-developed and unlikable, and the novel’s focus on the mental health problems of the characters were not as relevant as I expected.
Erika Carter has a wonderful style that shines through in even a difficult read. I truly wish to see her overcome a difficult debut.
hannairene3's review
1.0
I simply didn't like it. The story didn't go anywhere. I don't know if this was the author's intention, but in any case, it was a poor choice. You can write a book about nothing! Go ahead! But please please at least make the writing itself enjoyable. Or maybe the characters? And by enjoyable, I don't even mean likable, but if not one of your characters has a single redeeming(or even interesting) quality, I just can't listen to them whine and carry on. For such an underwhelming book, it wasn't even realistic. I mean, come on. They just vibed on a mountain rent-free for a year? No one had jobs, but they had an endless supply of drugs? And everyone was immediately in love with Ellie despite her bland yet pretentious personality?
Overall; Lucky You was not the worst book I've ever read, and that is definitely the worst part.
Overall; Lucky You was not the worst book I've ever read, and that is definitely the worst part.