How Lucky by Will Leitch
Books don’t come with a “sell by” date, yet it sometimes seems that once the initial flurry of publicity heralding a debut passes, it is easy to overlook even a rare find. The temptation to grab a current bestseller may be too easy to resist, and you might miss some truly great works like How Lucky (Harper Perennial) by renowned journalist, editor and sportswriter Will Leitch. Now in paperback, Edgar Award finalist How Lucky is Leitch’s first work of general fiction and a gem of a novel that deserves a wider audience. One of the most inspiring, positive and life-affirming books I have read in a long time, How Lucky delivers a suspenseful mystery with a theme reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film Rear Window.
A MAIN CHARACTER READERS CAN’T HELP ROOTING FOR
Intrepid narrator and protagonist Daniel is highly intelligent, quick witted with a tremendous sense of humor and an eternal optimist — upbeat and grateful for each moment despite his full realization that each day brings him a little closer to death. Diagnosed as an infant with Type 2 Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a terminal and progressive genetic disorder, doctors did not expect Daniel to live beyond his teens, but at 26, he has defied the odds. Due to his condition, however, he was never able to walk, speaks with the help of a voice synthesizer, and requires assistance for eating, dressing and other routine activities, a caregiver even has to ensure he doesn’t choke while he sleeps. Although it sounds grim, readers never feel sorry for or underestimate Daniel. He considers the life he leads to be rich, full and meaningful, matter-of-factly acknowledging and accepting the gradual degradation of his body with grace. The John Prine lyrics “How Lucky Can One Man Get?” serve as the book’s epigraph, and its sentiment is certainly true for our hero.
Fortunately for Daniel, his mother, Angela, was not a helicopter parent who wrapped him in cotton wool and left him in a back bedroom with only a computer for company. As a single parent, it was necessary for Angela to continue to work full-time, and it was in the offices of the Philosophy Department at Eastern Illinois University that Daniel met his best friend Travis, the son of another faculty member. Extremely close since infancy, the two can readily communicate with only eye contact, and when super sports fan Travis moves to Athens, GA, home to the University of Georgia Bulldogs football team, Daniel follows him. Angela supports her son’s independence, helping him rent a house near campus and hire a caregiver, Marjani. Laid-back stoner Travis is a steadfast companion, cheerfully accommodating Daniel’s needs. Together with Marjani, they create a satisfying life and a comfortable daily routine.
MYSTERY IN THE FACE OF AN UNDERESTIMATING PUBLIC
That routine leads to the mystery of the story: On fair weather mornings before he begins work, Daniel enjoys wheeling out to his front porch to observe passersby. Many college students walk past him, heading to early morning classes and oblivious to his presence, including a slender young Chinese woman whose schedule has been as predictable as his own. Daniel is surprised when one morning, after a brief conversation, she gets into a distinctive vintage muscle car driven by a man wearing a bright blue ball cap. Daniel can’t see the license plate number but notes the time. Within 24 hours, a young woman named Ai-Chin is reported missing, but Daniel’s attempt to provide information to the police is rudely rebuffed by a young officer who discounts the eyewitness testimony due to Daniel’s disabilities. From here, How Lucky kicks into high gear as suspense mounts and events that follow endanger Daniel’s life. It’s a fast-paced, compelling novel that may keep you up late reading.
Guaranteed to make readers laugh often, How Lucky would be an excellent selection for book clubs and is high on my list of “must-read” recommendations. Author Leitch is a consummate wordsmith who has spun a great tale. He also prompts readers to consider how we react to people we perceive as being disabled in some discernible way. Do we turn away from people in wheelchairs, the elderly or morbidly obese? What about those of different races or nationalities? Are we so uncomfortable we choose to ignore anyone who is different? These questions bring to mind another John Prine song, “Hello in There,” and if Leitch’s sweet novel can similarly inspire us to begin seeing and including those around us, whoever they may be, it will have accomplished more than providing sheer entertainment.
