How Lucky by Will Leitch (Review by Stacie Kitchen)

Rating: 3.5/5

How Lucky is such a unique book! I have never read a book before from the point of view of a main character that has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). In fact, I had never even heard of this disorder until I started reading the novel. Essentially SMA is a neuromuscular disorder that rapidly decreases the strength of the patient’s muscles and nerves and their ability to move becomes extremely limited. I really enjoyed how the book discussed this genetic disorder. It felt genuine and that main character had a strong personality beyond just focusing on the disability.

Daniel was diagnosed with SMA as a young child, so his whole life he has had to deal with the slow decline of his physical abilities. In his mid-twenties now, Daniel is not able to walk, speak, and has limited function for most of his body. However, this does not stop Daniel from living his life. His job of dealing with angry airline customers (yikes) allows him to work from home and connect with customers online via typing. His childhood best friend, Travis, still visits him daily. He can go around town in his wheelchair, attend football games, and carry-on relationships with his friends and family.

On a nice day Daniel is out on his patio when he sees a young woman pass by and get into a vehicle with a man. Later this woman, Ai-Chin, is in the news after being reported missing by her roommate. Daniel has information on the case, but how can he get anyone to listen?

How Lucky had a cozy mystery feel with a lot of heart and soul. The author really relays how society treats people with diseases and disabilities. We shy away from things that make us uncomfortable and therefore outcast people that are different. In reality everyone has issues, and we should understand how lucky we are to be alive in this world.