A review by josephines_library
How Lucky by Will Leitch

adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

 

This book is something way out of my comfort zone but a story that I could not get out of my head. When I saw it on Book of the Month’s May choices, I decided on it in the spur of the moment, thinking I’d put it off for months and then be cemented in my decision that it wouldn’t be good. And why would it? I usually stick to women-written stories, and especially those who have at least a dash of romance and this had neither. But boy was I proven wrong!

Leitch’s story is a fascinating, light hearted, and informative mystery that follows Daniel, a young adult with SMA. The narrative that Daniel weaves is intricate but uber engaging, his voice is something that I could relate to and wanted to keep knowing more about.

I loved so many things about the story:

-While Daniel has a progressively deteriorating disorder, he doesn’t let it stop it from living his life. He has supportive friends, family, and aid that push him to do what he wants to do and not submit to society’s depiction of how a disabled person should act.

-The audacity of Daniel to actually correspond with a kidnapper without feeling scared. That man really had no sense of self preservation but I was at the edge of my seat anxious that something terrible would happen (and when it did it was just as bad as I thought).

-Again with the narrative, although the book spans a week in Daniel’s life, he weaves his past, present, and online life so seamlessly that it makes you feel like you’ve known him forever.

Overall, a stunning standalone novel. I recommend it wholeheartedly for those who like mystery but not all the angst/thriller vibes that it comes with.

8/10

Trigger Warnings: Violence towards the end, mentions of weed use, alcohol use