M.S.M. Barkawitz

If you're in self-isolation this short and punchy read, is ironically the perfect escape from the Covid pandemic. "Feeling Lucky" is set during the current pandemic and features an intriguing protagonist who changes her personality more often than most people change socks.

The book is full of dark humour, thrilling twists, and - one of my favorites - a strong female lead. Jackie (otherwise known as lucky) is not your typical heroine - we first meet her pulling a scam with her girlfriend - but she is fun and fire, and has a knack for getting herself into risky and often, hilarious situations.

A great little read and a timely one too.… (mais)

Barkawitz writes a crime-thrilling page-turner from the prologue onward and I found it difficult to put Feeling Lucky down.

I loved the fact that the book touches on important topics that are told with enough humour to keep it from being too severe. The writing is detailed, interesting, and at times very moving. The character development of main protagonist, Jackie, is complex and enthralling and I couldn’t help but get attached to her even though she very often ends up on the wrong side of good.

I have a feeling the book will be shared around many friends due to its topicality. A highly recommended read.… (mais)

Lucky/Jackie was born out of wedlock. Her mom ran scams in Vegas, until one day she left. Since then, Jackie has been in her own, trying to make it as an actor. She runs scams with her now pregnant girlfriend, Shannon, fleecing wealthy men into paying off Jackie when they think she is pregnant. Jackie’s ex-boyfriend wants her back. Also, one of Jackie’s targets, Mark, is unstable. Shannon contracts Covid-19 and is severely ill and in the hospital.
There are many flashbacks to time with Jackie’s mom. I would have enjoyed this more if those flashbacks were clearly delineated. Everything comes to a satisfying conclusion. I think the Covid timeline details could have been integrated more seamlessly, they seemed a bit disjointed. Overall, though, I liked the story.… (mais)

Lucky/Jackie was born out of wedlock. Her mom ran scams in Vegas, until one day she left. Since then, Jackie has been in her own, trying to make it as an actor. She runs scams with her now pregnant girlfriend, Shannon, fleecing wealthy men into paying off Jackie when they think she is pregnant. Jackie’s ex-boyfriend wants her back. Also, one of Jackie’s targets, Mark, is unstable. Shannon contracts Covid-19 and is severely ill and in the hospital.
There are many flashbacks to time with Jackie’s mom. I would have enjoyed this more if those flashbacks were clearly delineated. Everything comes to a satisfying conclusion. I think the Covid timeline details could have been integrated more seamlessly, they seemed a bit disjointed. Overall, though, I liked the story.… (mais)