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A review by mezzarella
Lucky Girl by Jamie Pacton
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Luck isn't the reason why Lucky Girl by Jamie Pacton is one of my most refreshing YA reads of the year. Pacton begins with a simple premise and expands it to a nuanced commentary on grief and healing. When Jane Bellweather wins the lottery underage, she has a few options. Find someone who's willing to cash in the money or burn it before anyone figures out its her. With a best friend set on finding the winner to use as leverage for a prestigious CNN internship, an ex boyfriend with a history of abuse talking to her again, a grandmother who hates worldly possessions, and a mother who hoards other's memories out of grief, it doesn't look like the 58,642,129 dollars will be hers anytime soon.
What begins as a personal dilemma about becoming rich soon evolves into a greater message about overcoming grief. As Jane tries to find people to confide in, she finds herself writing private messages on her late father's Facebook page. It's then we learn the true driver of this story. Jane bought the winning ticket on her father's birthday (committing a misdemeanor in the process). Her mother hoards discarded objects and clothing to fill the void of the husband who has since passed away. As we continue to follow Jane, we realize the real issue in this story is that Jane's home is still learning how they can move on from a tragic accident.
While the pace of this book is slow and the conflict is driven by lack of communication, this story shows readers a believable situation where talking is truly difficult. Despite Jane feeling alone in this story, it was heartwarming to see the moments where Jane opens up and sees that she has a supportive network of family and friends. Healing is a long process, and Lucky Girl doesn't shy away from the fact money helps but does not solve everything. The ending of this book ends on a hopeful note which is a welcome addition at a time where the real world appears so dark and gloomy.
What begins as a personal dilemma about becoming rich soon evolves into a greater message about overcoming grief. As Jane tries to find people to confide in, she finds herself writing private messages on her late father's Facebook page. It's then we learn the true driver of this story. Jane bought the winning ticket on her father's birthday (committing a misdemeanor in the process). Her mother hoards discarded objects and clothing to fill the void of the husband who has since passed away. As we continue to follow Jane, we realize the real issue in this story is that Jane's home is still learning how they can move on from a tragic accident.
While the pace of this book is slow and the conflict is driven by lack of communication, this story shows readers a believable situation where talking is truly difficult. Despite Jane feeling alone in this story, it was heartwarming to see the moments where Jane opens up and sees that she has a supportive network of family and friends. Healing is a long process, and Lucky Girl doesn't shy away from the fact money helps but does not solve everything. The ending of this book ends on a hopeful note which is a welcome addition at a time where the real world appears so dark and gloomy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Mental illness