The Good Luck of Right Now

Thirty-eight-year-old Bartholomew Neil processes his grief through letters to Richard Gere after his mother's death leaves him alone for the first time. The letters reveal his daily struggles and observations as he attempts to navigate life without his mother's guidance. A small group of unconventional characters enters Bartholomew's world, including a troubled priest, a grief counselor, and a library volunteer with her own painful past. Together they form unexpected connections while dealing with their individual challenges. This epistolary novel explores synchronicity, faith, and human connection through Bartholomew's unique perspective. The narrative examines how people find meaning in coincidence and create their own understanding of the universe when faced with loss and uncertainty.

Readers describe this book as quirky and offbeat, with many comparing it to The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. The unique format of letters written to Richard Gere catches attention, though some found this device gimmicky. Readers appreciated: - The authentic portrayal of grief and mental illness - Memorable, unusual characters - Moments of humor within serious themes - The focus on finding connection through shared pain Common criticisms: - Plot meanders without clear direction - Richard Gere letters feel forced - Supporting characters need more development - Ending feels rushed and unrealistic Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (13,000+ ratings) Amazon: 3.8/5 (250+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.4/5 (300+ ratings) "A sweet story about damaged people finding each other," wrote one Amazon reviewer, while a Goodreads review noted: "The charm wears thin halfway through when you realize there's no real plot progression."

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon A fifteen-year-old narrator with a unique way of processing the world investigates a neighborhood mystery while navigating family upheaval and personal challenges.

Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple Through emails, documents, and correspondence, a daughter pieces together the story of her missing mother while uncovering family dynamics and personal struggles.

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman The story follows a grieving widower who forms reluctant connections with neighbors as he processes loss and finds new meaning in life.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion A genetics professor with rigid routines and social challenges embarks on an unorthodox journey of human connection and self-discovery.

Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick A man returns to live with his parents after time in a mental health facility and rebuilds his life through unconventional relationships and personal theories about fate.

🎬 Richard Gere, who plays a central role in the book's narrative, actually received a copy of the novel from the publisher and sent a gracious note back to Matthew Quick. 📚 Matthew Quick, known as "Q" to his students, left his job as a high school English teacher to pursue writing full-time, living in his in-laws' basement while writing his first novel. 🎥 Quick's previous novel "The Silver Linings Playbook" was adapted into an Oscar-winning film starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. 📝 The book's structure, told entirely through letters to Richard Gere, was inspired by Quick's interest in epistolary novels and his belief that people often find it easier to share their truths with strangers. 🧘‍♂️ Buddhism and Richard Gere's well-known Buddhist practice play significant roles in the novel's themes, reflecting on how spirituality can help people cope with loss and find meaning in life.