The Winners Circle

by Christopher Klim

Striking it rich is as much a part of American folklore as it is the American dream. For unemployed autoworker Jerry Nearing, it’s the answer to his prayers, but when he wins millions in the lottery, his troubles have only begun. His life swarms with con artists who kidnap his time and money and just might keep him from recapturing the love of his life. Klim's best comic drama since Jesus Lives in Trenton examines the necessity for love, while poking fun at the many ways to be miserable in the lap of luxury. "Like Klim's previous two novels, it's hard to put down until you're done. ... a well-wrought story well told." Thomas E. Kennedy, International Editor StoryQuarterly

252 pages, Paperback

First published September 13, 2005

About the author

Christopher Klim's books include the novels Jesus Lives in Trenton, Everything Burns, The Winners Circle, and Idiot!, as well as the short story collection True Surrealism.

His book list contains only books that he loved or are important to him for various reasons.

Reviews

[Rebecca Markus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway.
The Winners Circle is a good imagining of what would happen if a down-to-earth guy won the lottery. Jerry did just that and all he wants is to get his old life back. Everyone else just wants a piece of what he has.
The writing was good and the dialogue was very natural. It definitely made me think about how I would handle the same situation.

[Lisa Cobb Sabatini]

I won The Winners Circle by Christopher Klim from Goodreads.

A cautionary tale for anyone who dreams of winning a big lottery prize, Christopher Klim's novel, The Winners Circle, takes unexpected turns and surprising twists as protagonist Jerry Nearing deals with life as a new millionaire. Readers will chuckle as they meet Jerry's fellow suddenly-ruch crew, and follow them as they perform their antics.

The Winners Circle is not simply a tale about the foibles of life after winning the lottery. Klim guides his protagonist through matters of the heart in an unusual love story.
A great book for readers who enjoy reading about everyday folks in extraordinary circumstances.

[V.G. Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m cheering for Jerry in a “No, don’t do that!—Yes, totally do that!!” sort of way while juxtaposing what I’d do (or not) differently in Jerry’s position. What a character! You love to hate him and hate to love him. Crazy Jerry. Needless to say, The Winners Circle offers a very emotionally-interactive reading experience and laugh-out-loud escape from the doldrums of day to day routines. Hoping to run into Jerry at a local bar soon and buy him a beer. Meanwhile, Klim has done it again! Must Read.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great little story! What happens when you win the lottery? All your dreams come true of course! Ha! This tongue in cheek look at Jerry and Chelsea as they traverse the up and downs of having it all. I won't spoil it for others, I don't appreciate those types of reviews myself, but would highly recommend this book. If you need a little giggle, a bit to ponder of what it would be like and how you would react/behave if you hit the big one, then this is a story you don't want to miss.

[Judie Dooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book from good reads. Thank you for choosing me. This book is the story of a man who won a lot of money in the lottery. Thinking he would be a happy millionaire it proved to bring him nothing but heartache and misery. This was a quick read and a humorous story. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the authors o ther books. I like the way he tells a story, and will recommend it to others,

[Rosalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won The Winners Circle from a Goodreads giveaway. I could not put the book down until I was finished...Great Book!!!
I would recommend this humorous book to others, it will put a smile on your face!
I will be looking forward to Christopher Klim's other books!!!

[Lora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

This is a funny story of a guy that wins the lottery and his life falls apart. Some things are beyond his control, and some things are from his own bad decisions.

[Sabrina Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this book in the mail recently from a goodreads giveaway. I must say that I couldn't put it down. Its been in my work bag since I pulled it out of the packaging.
Really enjoyed, thank you so much for the book and am now looking forward to reading your other titles!

[Dana Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won The Winners Circle from a Goodreads Giveaway in exchange for my review. This was a very easy read and I read it in one sitting. Another of example of money not being the answer to happiness. Funny and quick I recommend this book. Thanks for the opportunity to read it.

[C. Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

At once ironic and knock-your-socks off hilarious...

[Joanne Hetherington]

I loved every minute of the book. It was an interesting story and I will let my friends read it.

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was surprising in that I did not know what to expect and I really enjoyed the story and the quirky characters.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting psychological study of what could happen when one goes from being an "average Joe" to a millionaire via winning the lottery. This is the type of book that makes you look at your life and realize you don't have it so bad. Definitely Jerry Nearing, the unemployed autoworker protagonist, has a lot to get used to and a lot to reminisce about.

I liked the undercurrent love story in this book. Definitely worth a read!

[Pamela · Rating 2 out of 5]

Received free copy through goodreads. Explores what happens to the mega lottery winners. Winners Circle is a private self help club modeled after AA made up of mega winners with the attempt of keeping winners grounded, avoid being scammed, and make good decisions. I liked the premise but found the character and plot development to be disappointing. Read more like a proof of concept than a finished novel.

[Julia Jansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I accidentally hit enter and one star after reviewing this book a while ago. I really enjoy Christopher Klim's writing thoroughly. His characters are so unique yet relatable. His writing is really great.