The Good Luck of Right Now
Book Description
In a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, Bartholomew Neil finds solace in letters addressed to his idol, Richard Gere. Heartbroken and grappling with the loss of his mother, he embarks on an unexpected journey filled with eccentric friends and fragile relationships. As he navigates the complexities of love, loss, and self-discovery, each encounter pushes him closer to uncovering a truth he's been avoiding. In the quiet moments of chaos, hope gleams like a distant star. What happens when you embrace the unknown to find the courage within?
Quick Book Summary
In "The Good Luck of Right Now," Bartholomew Neil, an earnest and socially awkward man in his late thirties, is left adrift by the death of his beloved mother. Struggling with loneliness and the challenge of facing the world alone, Bartholomew pours his thoughts into a series of confessional letters to actor Richard Gere—his mother's lifelong hero—seeking guidance. As Bartholomew ventures beyond his comfort zone, he forms unlikely bonds with a grief counselor, a foul-mouthed priest in crisis, and a troubled "Girlbrarian." Together, this oddball group embarks on an unconventional road trip that pushes each of them toward healing and self-discovery. Through humor, heartache, and revelations, Bartholomew learns that embracing the unknown can unveil both courage and unexpected luck, changing the course of his life.
Summary of Key Ideas
Table of Contents
Coping with Grief and Loss
Bartholomew Neil, a sheltered man in his late thirties, faces unimaginable loss when his mother dies after a long illness. Having spent his whole life caring for her, Bartholomew is paralyzed by grief and anxiety about entering the world on his own. His unique way of coping manifests in writing letters to Richard Gere, inspired by his mother's admiration for the actor and a mysterious letter she left behind. These letters become a therapeutic outlet for Bartholomew, allowing him to process pain and confusion in the absence of friends or family.
The Importance of Human Connection
Grief propels Bartholomew out of his comfort zone and into the orbit of others grappling with their own struggles. His therapist, Wendy, tries to gently coax him toward independence, but it is bar patron Father McNamee—a priest questioning his own faith—who unexpectedly becomes a companion. Alongside them is Max, a man with anger management issues, and Max’s sister, the elusive "Girlbrarian." This motley crew forms an unlikely surrogate family, challenging one another's assumptions and offering empathy where each needs it most.
Self-Discovery Through Vulnerability
The central journey of the novel, both literal and metaphoric, is the group road trip to Canada. Their quest, driven in part by Max's search for alien abduction truth and Bartholomew's desire for connection, forces each member to confront personal demons and secrets. Along the way, Bartholomew slowly finds his voice, learning the power of vulnerability and discovering agency in a life long-ruled by fear and routine.
Finding Hope in Unlikely Places
Humor and heartache are woven throughout the narrative, giving Bartholomew’s journey a sense of realism and charm. Through misadventures, misunderstandings, and moments of painful honesty, the group’s bond deepens. The book explores how shared pain can foster compassion and how hope often arrives when least expected. Bartholomew, previously isolated and shy, starts to see himself reflected in his friends’ brokenness, finding solidarity rather than shame.
Embracing Life's Uncertainties
By the end of the novel, Bartholomew has transformed. The letters to Richard Gere no longer serve as his only lifeline; he begins to embrace real-life relationships and the unpredictable nature of happiness. Ultimately, Bartholomew’s story is about the discovery of hope even in darkness, the courage to face new beginnings, and the joy of finding good luck in the unpredictability of right now.
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