From the author of the New York Times bestseller Dear Martin –which Angie Thomas, the bestselling author of The Hate U Give, called “a must read”–comes a pitch-perfect romance that examines class, privilege, and how a stroke of good luck can change an entire life.
Meet Rico: high school senior and afternoon-shift cashier at the Gas ‘n’ Go, who after school and work races home to take care of her younger brother. Every. Single. Day. When Rico sells a jackpot-winning lotto ticket, she thinks maybe her luck will finally change, but only if she–with some assistance from her popular and wildly rich classmate Zan–can find the ticket holder who hasn’t claimed the prize. But what happens when have and have-nots collide? Will this investigative duo unite…or divide?
Nic Stone, the New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin and Odd One Out, creates two unforgettable characters in one hard-hitting story about class, money–both too little and too much–and how you make your own luck in the world.
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book. I really, really enjoyed it. I became really attached to the two main characters, Rico and Zan. I loved their ups and downs, and the message about how we have choices. The supporting characters also bring the whole story to life. I laughed often and some scenes got me choked up. While there are some low moments, it all leads to a feel good ending.
A small critique: I will say I did predict where the ticket was, however; that did not hinder my enjoyment. I also would have liked to know a bit more about some incidents in Zan’s past.
I loved the small chapters from the point of view of an object. That was such a humorous and entertaining use of personification.
Some favorite quotes, one because it is funny and the other because it is so true to life:
Page 63: “My apologies, sir” Zan says. “It’s just funny seeing Pope Paul, Malcolm X, and British politician sex in the same line, am I right guys? That Billy Joel was something’ else!”
The whole class laughs.
Page 90: It’ll never cease to amaze me that my mother’s fear of unpaid medical bills is stronger than her fear of death.
4.5 out of 5 Lottery Tickets.