The Lucky Ones

by Liz Lawson

[shannonmiz]

You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight

4.5*

The Lucky Ones is a book that is so heartbreaking, yet so hopeful. And look, if you're going to pick this one up, you should know by the synopsis that it isn't going to be a lighthearted sort. Sure, there are moments! But it's definitely a book that is going to pull at your heartstrings, in many ways, and it succeeds at doing so. Which is great, because that is what I signed up for.

May is a disaster of a person. A shell of her former self, and that's saying a lot because she had lost her way even before the shooting that took her brother. She's rightfully angry, she's achingly sad, and so very alone. Because not only did May lose her brother, but her parents have also become hollowed out versions of themselves since their son's death. Which makes sense. That's the great thing about how the author handles May and her family: they're portrayed as people who have gone through this unthinkable tragedy, and who are struggling to come out the other side. Another great thing is that May has some really quality friends who are willing to stand by her no matter how much she tries to push them away. I'll let those stories unravel for you, but trust that they're worth it.

Zach, on the other hand, has been downright vilified by many of his classmates. Why? Because his mother is defending the shooter. Hell, May herself vandalized their home (not knowing- or frankly, caring- that his mother had a family). And wow did I feel for Zach. Because look- he is not his mother's choices, first of all. Second, and I know that this is a real moral gray area that you'll probably have to answer for yourself as the book goes on, but... doesn't everyone deserve a fair trial? And by being a criminal attorney, it's par for the course? Anyway, that's another element of the book that I loved- how thought provoking it was.

May and Zach find each other, but first they need to find themselves. Figure out who they are, what they want, how to heal. And I like that they do so, not within the confines of a relationship, but with all of their supports- including each other- and ultimately, for themselves. It's rocky and messy and not always forward progress. But it's also incredibly honest, and makes for a lovely, lovely story.

Bottom Line: If you like a grittier sort of contemporary, one that will break your heart and then help it heal again, this is undoubtedly the book for you.