The Good Luck of Right Now
- Type: Audiobooks
- By: Matthew Quick
- Age Category: Adults
- Genre: General Fiction
- Recommended by: Eric S.
- ISBN/UPC: 9780062308702 Check Catalog
An Unusual Coming of Age Story
Believe it or not, this is a coming of age story for a thirty-eight year old man. Bartholomew Neil has never had a job and has spent his entire life looking after his mom whom he cherishes. When she dies after a battle with brain cancer, he is bereft and doesn’t know how he will continue on. Since he was raised to be a devout Catholic, Bartholomew seeks solace in his close relationship with his quirky parish priest, who is also a long-time family friend. Under the guidance of Father McNamee and Wendy, his inept grief counselor, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that will change his life forever. The entire story is told in imaginary correspondence between Bartholomew and his idol, actor Richard Gere, who is a practicing Buddhist.
I liked this story because it deals with important issues such as grief, mental health and family relationships, but isn’t overwhelming. Although these are weighty issues the book has a light and entertaining feel to it, actually bordering on the absurd. I hope this isn’t a spoiler alert, but the book has a happy ending, which isn’t too unbelievable. Readers who enjoyed the Silver Linings Playbook and have a cursory interest in philosophy and religion will enjoy this book.