Review of Feeling Lucky

[abstactlemon]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Feeling Lucky" by M.S.M. Barkawitz.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Jackie and her girlfriend run scams on married men by sleeping with them, telling them that Jackie is pregnant, and using that to solicit money. However, her girlfriend Shannon is actually pregnant, and that is their primary source of income, seeing as Jackie makes barely anything from an unsuccessful acting career. Their latest job went off flawlessly, but the next one after that brings some unpredictable complications when their mark starts to get obsessive. Then the pandemic hits, bringing further complications and overwhelming Jackie in more ways than she can handle. She tries to pull through as obstacles, twists, and turns get thrown her way in Feeling Lucky by M.S.M. Barkawitz.

Character work is something Barkawitz has clearly mastered. Both Jackie and Shannon felt like real people with clear goals and motivations. Jackie especially, with her mysterious nature, her false names, and her past. She is a well-rounded character, and the author gets that across by putting her in varied situations that showcase the different aspects of her personality. She has a dichotomy about her, and the fact that you never really know how she’s going to react makes this a gripping thriller. The flashbacks that tell you more about her past were also wildly interesting.

The book is really easy to dive into; the opening scene is masterful and will set the tone for the rest of the book. There was also a sprinkling of humor throughout, which I found refreshing. I like Barkawitz’s attention to detail, especially with regard to the pandemic. It’s clear that a lot of effort was put into making sure the events lined up with real life, which added a significant amount of immersion.

I did have a problem with the prose, however. It was fast and clipped, which is a style I actually enjoy, but Barkawitz executed it in a way that led to spoon-feeding. The delivery of some character traits and narrative plot points was very overt, and I prefer my prose to be a little subtler than that. This means I can’t give Feeling Lucky full marks, but it’s still a solid 4 out of 5 stars.

If you’re going into this expecting a textbook thriller, you won’t find it here, but it will still thrill you. Barkawitz managed to come up with some twists that will knock you out of your seat and force you to turn the page. Note that this is a very adult book with very adult themes. That being said, I would recommend this to thriller readers as well as those who love character-driven stories. However, people who were significantly impacted by the pandemic might want to stay away for fear of reliving bad memories. Still a fantastic read.

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Feeling Lucky
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[Mary Nagy]

It is heartbreaking for a woman to find no other means to earn a living except through her body. May governments and specialists consider this issue.

[Keleka Christian]

This book was very creative wow amazing the thrill the love the magic very adult themes adult nature the twist in the story will get you out your seat I'd highly recommended this book so get to it if this book is for you go for it .

[Amy Luman]

I think this is a novel that I’ll like. I like to be able to connect with the characters even when, like Jackie, they do things that I would never consider doing.

[Janethzoe]

I thinks this story would be a great book , but the scene were too predictable , maybe add some more thrill and twist , make it more sadder and maybe add some violent.

[CrossK]

Character work is something Barkawitz has clearly mastered. Both Jackie and Shannon felt like real people with clear goals and motivations. Great book here and wonderful review.

[Grace Elkana]

I like fictional stories with characters that are real and relatable. I guess this is one of the efficient tools of the author's trade.

[expansive writer]

what a great review! Through reading this review I have a general overview of what is happening in the novel and the message of the author.

[Annas Felix]

It's a shame you felt spoon-fed by the way the author presented the characters. In other quarters, that could be just what the reader needs to understand the characters better. I guess the reader will decide how that makes them feel.

[Josephine Mercy]

Most girls practice the same act as Jackie and her girlfriend. I hope they don't get caught.

[Ignesta Ignetius]

Thrillers are always fun and suspense bound, this book doesn't seem otherwise. I like that the author fully developed her characters and mastered the art of making them come fully to life as one can be in "real life". This is something most author's do not have a total grasp. Well done .

[misshanyn]

The story have set a good a and bad morale but it still can be taken as a good lesson to us all. I love the part where Jackie is pregnant but it never stopped her from giving up on her life and future. Instead she is more determined. This indeed shows nothing can stop anyone from surviving if you put your mind to it. Superb!

[Wren Michaels]

The front cover of the novel looks interesting. Great review and honesty regarding the prose

[Halocem]

"Feeling Lucky" is a book that explores the concept of luck and how it can impact one's life. The author delves into the scientific and psychological factors that contribute to luck, as well as the role that mindset and perspective play in determining one's luck.

One of the key themes of the book is that luck is not simply a matter of chance, but rather is influenced by a combination of external circumstances and internal factors. The author argues that by changing one's mindset and adopting certain behaviors, it is possible to increase one's luck.

One of the most interesting aspects of the book is the discussion of the role that perception plays in luck. The author argues that our perceptions and beliefs about luck can actually shape the luck we experience. For example, if we believe that we are unlucky, we may be more likely to overlook opportunities or make negative self-fulfilling prophecies. On the other hand, if we believe that we are lucky, we may be more open to new opportunities and be more likely to seize them when they arise.

The author also discusses the concept of "luck rituals," or specific behaviors and practices that people engage in to try to increase their luck. These can range from superstitious practices such as carrying a lucky charm to more practical strategies such as setting goals and visualizing success.

Overall, "Feeling Lucky" is an engaging and thought-provoking book that offers a unique perspective on the role of luck in our lives. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the science and psychology of luck, and how to harness it to improve their own lives.

[Obi Egbuniwe]

Very interesting premise. I get the feel of a femme fatale thriller from this and that gets me excited to delve deeper into it. Thank you for the great review.