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Feeling Lucky
Some characters and situations are fictitious. Others are only too real in this modern-day thriller set amid the chaos of a global epidemic and a cultural uprising that set the world ablaze. She's Lucky one day-Jackie the next. Actress or con artist? Avenging angel or gold-digger? Hunter or prey? Straight or lesbian? Black Lives Matter activist? Only she knows the truth. Or does she? Controversial? No doubt. And all the while-the pandemic kills.
185 pages, Paperback
Published May 22, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 8, 2021
‘I was too good for any man to forget – when I wanted to be’
California author MSM Barkawitz – aka Mark Barkawitz - is a screenwriter, actor, creative writing teacher, athlete and track coach whose fiction, essays, poetry and screenwriting have won multiple awards. His books, as Mark Barkawitz, to date include GIANT KILLERS, THE DOG WITH THE OPPOSABLE THUMB, 29 AGAIN AND OTHER CANCER-FIGHTING STORIES, and FULL MOON SATURDAY NIGHT. Now, under his new nom de plume, he offers FEELING LUCKY. In addition to his many literary accomplishments, Mark is a cancer survivor whose indomitable spirit has influenced many with critical illnesses as well as bringing support to the City of Hope research and patient care. He lives in Pasadena, California.
Perhaps Mark's skills, outlined in brief above, gained in screenwriting and in dealing with the ‘wages of life,’ are in part responsible for this exceptionally fine thriller. But whatever the nidus for his talent, this new novel places him solidly in the forefront of contemporary fiction authors. He is able to convey a breathlessly paced mystery while peppering it with a wry humor that serves to make his prose unique.
A sample of Mark’s talent opens his story – ‘It was still early morning, but the SoCal fog was already lifting. We’d been parked at the curb across form the upscale, west-side condominium complex for about half-an-hour, when a blue, late-model BMW 320i drove down the driveway with an attractive, young brunette behind the tinted safety-glass. She turned into the street – and without taking notice – drove past us. From the driver’s seat of our old VW Rabbit, Shannon looked over at me. “That her?” ‘”Think so.” She offered her closed fist. I bumped knuckles with her. Both of our fists popped open in a familiar, pretend explosion with brightly-colored, acrylic nails. I grabbed my purse. As I opened the door, she advised in Español, even though she wasn’t. “Vaya con Dios.” And form there we meet Jackie, in all her brand name and contemporary influenced lingo and the story takes off – after an announcement that jars the recipient!
Now that the principal character Jackie has been defined, the story revs up, and the plot unfolds – ‘Some characters and situations are fictitious. Others are only too real in this modern-day thriller set amid the chaos of a global epidemic and a cultural uprising that set the world ablaze. Catch her if you can. She's Lucky one day—Jackie the next. Actress or con artist? Avenging angel or gold-digger? Hunter or prey? Straight or lesbian? Black Lives Matter activist? Only she knows the truth. Or does she? Controversial? No doubt. And all the while—the pandemic kills.’
It is not often a book can be stamped “brilliant” but novel meets the criteria! Very highly recommended.
California author MSM Barkawitz – aka Mark Barkawitz - is a screenwriter, actor, creative writing teacher, athlete and track coach whose fiction, essays, poetry and screenwriting have won multiple awards. His books, as Mark Barkawitz, to date include GIANT KILLERS, THE DOG WITH THE OPPOSABLE THUMB, 29 AGAIN AND OTHER CANCER-FIGHTING STORIES, and FULL MOON SATURDAY NIGHT. Now, under his new nom de plume, he offers FEELING LUCKY. In addition to his many literary accomplishments, Mark is a cancer survivor whose indomitable spirit has influenced many with critical illnesses as well as bringing support to the City of Hope research and patient care. He lives in Pasadena, California.
Perhaps Mark's skills, outlined in brief above, gained in screenwriting and in dealing with the ‘wages of life,’ are in part responsible for this exceptionally fine thriller. But whatever the nidus for his talent, this new novel places him solidly in the forefront of contemporary fiction authors. He is able to convey a breathlessly paced mystery while peppering it with a wry humor that serves to make his prose unique.
A sample of Mark’s talent opens his story – ‘It was still early morning, but the SoCal fog was already lifting. We’d been parked at the curb across form the upscale, west-side condominium complex for about half-an-hour, when a blue, late-model BMW 320i drove down the driveway with an attractive, young brunette behind the tinted safety-glass. She turned into the street – and without taking notice – drove past us. From the driver’s seat of our old VW Rabbit, Shannon looked over at me. “That her?” ‘”Think so.” She offered her closed fist. I bumped knuckles with her. Both of our fists popped open in a familiar, pretend explosion with brightly-colored, acrylic nails. I grabbed my purse. As I opened the door, she advised in Español, even though she wasn’t. “Vaya con Dios.” And form there we meet Jackie, in all her brand name and contemporary influenced lingo and the story takes off – after an announcement that jars the recipient!
Now that the principal character Jackie has been defined, the story revs up, and the plot unfolds – ‘Some characters and situations are fictitious. Others are only too real in this modern-day thriller set amid the chaos of a global epidemic and a cultural uprising that set the world ablaze. Catch her if you can. She's Lucky one day—Jackie the next. Actress or con artist? Avenging angel or gold-digger? Hunter or prey? Straight or lesbian? Black Lives Matter activist? Only she knows the truth. Or does she? Controversial? No doubt. And all the while—the pandemic kills.’
It is not often a book can be stamped “brilliant” but novel meets the criteria! Very highly recommended.
July 9, 2021
FEELING LUCKY: A PANDEMIC NOVEL by M S M Barkawitz is a fun novel with a great opening scene. Jackie and her girlfriend Shannon are running a scam and doing it quite well. The scene sets the tone well for the rest of the book. The writing style is fast-paced with touches of humor to keep it on the lighter side. Jackie is a great conniver, a believable character, and one you feel you know by the end of the book. That the setting takes place during the pandemic makes this novel even more interesting. A great combination of mystery, brand names sprinkled here and there and the main character with a generous amount of chutzpah, make this a wild ride of a book. You can tell through the cadence of the writing that the author has a formidable spirit expressed through his stories. Highly recommend it for a fun and entertaining read.
August 14, 2021
This book starts off great. The opening scene got me hooked and this was a great short read. If you are in the mood for something a bit light, check this out. I am glad I picked this book up because I have been in a bit of a reading slump and I haven't been reading as much. This helped me a lot.
The book itself touches on important topics and of course the element of luck. Including COVID19 was interesting and made the book kind of real and easier to relate to. Initially, I wasn't too sure about that, but it was done well.
The book itself touches on important topics and of course the element of luck. Including COVID19 was interesting and made the book kind of real and easier to relate to. Initially, I wasn't too sure about that, but it was done well.
August 13, 2021
Lucky isn't what you'd expect from a heroine, but that doesn't make her a bad one. The most I'll say about that is sometimes things are not exactly as they appear. The pacing was pretty good, and I would have rated this higher, but there were too many instances of tell me, not show me, which ruined my immersion in the story when they popped up. There was enough comic relief to keep the story from becoming too serious. Overall an interesting, and timely, story.
November 21, 2021
Feeling Lucky
by M.S.M. Barkawitz
I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lucky, also occasionally known as Jackie, is in a relationship with Shannon, who is pregnant. She had a tough upbringing, living with her mother, often on the run after pulling off various scams, hence the pseudonym. Lucky follows in her mother’s footsteps, becoming the equivalent of a female gigolo, picking up men for a few dates, then back to their room for the inevitable. This is where the pregnancy pretence enters into the scheme of things, which if all things go well, should culminate in her receiving a decent sum. With David, this works brilliantly, and she arrived home with Shannon, holding a substantial cheque to cover the imminent arrival of a newborn and more. The pair are basically con artists, playing romance games with men, assumed to be married (always check for the wedding band!) But matters don’t always go as planned, and when Lucky thinks she has established her next victim in Mark, her method doesn’t unfold as routine. She receives more than she bargained for!
M.S.M. Barkawitz has based the story around Lucky and the pregnant Shannon, establishing their scams, before and during the pandemic outbreak. Including details of mask and glove-wearing dilemmas and the confinement, it appears to be one complication after another. But there’s one person Lucky can turn to in times of need, to help pull her through the hard times. Her ex-boyfriend Steven. He’s always the reliable one, genuinely caring in difficult situations. Could she have underestimated him? Is she straight, gay, bi…or does it not even matter? What’s the saying? The heart wants what it wants.
M.S.M. Barkawitz has created an entertaining novel of contemporary fiction, wrapped around the pandemic.
“But I couldn’t help thinking—Who the hell eats bats? Probably nothing.”
It’s a reasonably quick read, containing elements from multiple genres, such as: comedy, romance and thriller. It can’t fail to entertain! There is a poignant touch when we grasp the struggles of Lucky’s childhood and adolescent years, but the author addresses this and the story ends on a brighter note.
Covering the development of Covid and other controversial topics, the author jumps from Lucky present to Lucky past in moments. It’s easy to maintain the plot and in my opinion, it brings more depth to what makes Lucky tick.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read. It is one that I recommend and am interested to learn if there will be more to follow!
I rate Feeling Lucky 5 out of 5 stars!
by M.S.M. Barkawitz
I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lucky, also occasionally known as Jackie, is in a relationship with Shannon, who is pregnant. She had a tough upbringing, living with her mother, often on the run after pulling off various scams, hence the pseudonym. Lucky follows in her mother’s footsteps, becoming the equivalent of a female gigolo, picking up men for a few dates, then back to their room for the inevitable. This is where the pregnancy pretence enters into the scheme of things, which if all things go well, should culminate in her receiving a decent sum. With David, this works brilliantly, and she arrived home with Shannon, holding a substantial cheque to cover the imminent arrival of a newborn and more. The pair are basically con artists, playing romance games with men, assumed to be married (always check for the wedding band!) But matters don’t always go as planned, and when Lucky thinks she has established her next victim in Mark, her method doesn’t unfold as routine. She receives more than she bargained for!
M.S.M. Barkawitz has based the story around Lucky and the pregnant Shannon, establishing their scams, before and during the pandemic outbreak. Including details of mask and glove-wearing dilemmas and the confinement, it appears to be one complication after another. But there’s one person Lucky can turn to in times of need, to help pull her through the hard times. Her ex-boyfriend Steven. He’s always the reliable one, genuinely caring in difficult situations. Could she have underestimated him? Is she straight, gay, bi…or does it not even matter? What’s the saying? The heart wants what it wants.
M.S.M. Barkawitz has created an entertaining novel of contemporary fiction, wrapped around the pandemic.
“But I couldn’t help thinking—Who the hell eats bats? Probably nothing.”
It’s a reasonably quick read, containing elements from multiple genres, such as: comedy, romance and thriller. It can’t fail to entertain! There is a poignant touch when we grasp the struggles of Lucky’s childhood and adolescent years, but the author addresses this and the story ends on a brighter note.
Covering the development of Covid and other controversial topics, the author jumps from Lucky present to Lucky past in moments. It’s easy to maintain the plot and in my opinion, it brings more depth to what makes Lucky tick.
Overall, it was an enjoyable read. It is one that I recommend and am interested to learn if there will be more to follow!
I rate Feeling Lucky 5 out of 5 stars!
November 9, 2021
Feeling Lucky by M S M Barkawitz
This story surprised me along the way. Thought it'd be just a typical read, it's not that at all.
Exciting, moving, unpredictable and then some...
Story starts out with jackie and she's approaching a man she had slept with stating she was pregnant. She gets what she wants out of him and pays her pregnant girlfriend half of it.
Jackie also has noather on the line but he doesn't fall for it....and another who thinks she's his everything and more.
Lots of different scenes and story goes back wo when her mother was raising her, sometimes leaving her behind and she advanced her career.
She is thrown into the movie fiasco and I like how the events make a repeat performance later in the book.
While the whole pandemic is going on the story, on the west coast I can relive it all here on the east coast matching up events that occurred.
Being lesbian and the newborn is a surprise, covid and deaths. Love how she protects herself and had even taken classes.
Like how it ends, never saw that coming. So many schemes, half I didn't know even existed.
Was a wild ride for me! Love birthday party.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
This story surprised me along the way. Thought it'd be just a typical read, it's not that at all.
Exciting, moving, unpredictable and then some...
Story starts out with jackie and she's approaching a man she had slept with stating she was pregnant. She gets what she wants out of him and pays her pregnant girlfriend half of it.
Jackie also has noather on the line but he doesn't fall for it....and another who thinks she's his everything and more.
Lots of different scenes and story goes back wo when her mother was raising her, sometimes leaving her behind and she advanced her career.
She is thrown into the movie fiasco and I like how the events make a repeat performance later in the book.
While the whole pandemic is going on the story, on the west coast I can relive it all here on the east coast matching up events that occurred.
Being lesbian and the newborn is a surprise, covid and deaths. Love how she protects herself and had even taken classes.
Like how it ends, never saw that coming. So many schemes, half I didn't know even existed.
Was a wild ride for me! Love birthday party.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
August 31, 2021
Barkawitz is a seasoned Southern California writer with a wealth of experience. It shows in this book. Feeling Lucky is written well with a character development that shows us the complex nature of being human.
This sometimes humorous, sometimes sad story explores the many facets of the human struggle and how we grow and change based on the environment in our effort to survive/thrive. Jackie is a very diverse character. She wants to do well and do the right thing, but she tends to fall on the wrong side of the blurred “socially acceptable” line. Her manipulation and ruin have brought her to the point that I’m sure she has no idea who she even is anymore. In some odd way, she’s doing a sort of social vigilantism, standing up for what she thinks is right against corrupt individuals. On the other she’s part of the problem, using deceit to justify her actions.
This is a book to check out. The blend of real-world events with the wild nature of the main character is done very well.
This sometimes humorous, sometimes sad story explores the many facets of the human struggle and how we grow and change based on the environment in our effort to survive/thrive. Jackie is a very diverse character. She wants to do well and do the right thing, but she tends to fall on the wrong side of the blurred “socially acceptable” line. Her manipulation and ruin have brought her to the point that I’m sure she has no idea who she even is anymore. In some odd way, she’s doing a sort of social vigilantism, standing up for what she thinks is right against corrupt individuals. On the other she’s part of the problem, using deceit to justify her actions.
This is a book to check out. The blend of real-world events with the wild nature of the main character is done very well.
October 7, 2021
Feeling Lucky is a great addition to the emerging sub-genre of pandemic novels. In fact is probably the one I’ve enjoyed most from those I’ve read so far. An edge of dark-humour and subtle satire make this an even more interesting read, and one I found hard to put down.
Jackie is a great central character, and despite much subterfuge and smoke and mirrors the story hooked me early on and kept that “just one more chapter” feel all the way through.
This is one I’ll be recommending to friends.
Jackie is a great central character, and despite much subterfuge and smoke and mirrors the story hooked me early on and kept that “just one more chapter” feel all the way through.
This is one I’ll be recommending to friends.
December 6, 2021
Lucky/Jackie was born out of wedlock. Her mom ran scams in Vegas, until one day she left. Since then, Jackie has been in her own, trying to make it as an actor. She runs scams with her now pregnant girlfriend, Shannon, fleecing wealthy men into paying off Jackie when they think she is pregnant. Jackie’s ex-boyfriend wants her back. Also, one of Jackie’s targets, Mark, is unstable. Shannon contracts Covid-19 and is severely ill and in the hospital.
There are many flashbacks to time with Jackie’s mom. I would have enjoyed this more if those flashbacks were clearly delineated. Everything comes to a satisfying conclusion. I think the Covid timeline details could have been integrated more seamlessly, they seemed a bit disjointed. Overall, though, I liked the story.
There are many flashbacks to time with Jackie’s mom. I would have enjoyed this more if those flashbacks were clearly delineated. Everything comes to a satisfying conclusion. I think the Covid timeline details could have been integrated more seamlessly, they seemed a bit disjointed. Overall, though, I liked the story.
January 14, 2022
Barkawitz writes a crime-thrilling page-turner from the prologue onward and I found it difficult to put Feeling Lucky down.
I loved the fact that the book touches on important topics that are told with enough humour to keep it from being too severe. The writing is detailed, interesting, and at times very moving. The character development of main protagonist, Jackie, is complex and enthralling and I couldn’t help but get attached to her even though she very often ends up on the wrong side of good.
I have a feeling the book will be shared around many friends due to its topicality. A highly recommended read.
I loved the fact that the book touches on important topics that are told with enough humour to keep it from being too severe. The writing is detailed, interesting, and at times very moving. The character development of main protagonist, Jackie, is complex and enthralling and I couldn’t help but get attached to her even though she very often ends up on the wrong side of good.
I have a feeling the book will be shared around many friends due to its topicality. A highly recommended read.
July 12, 2021
What an awesome story!
With the leading lady who needs to pick a personality and a plot that is an on put down a ball read, you can’t go wrong with this book. It will keep you on your toes and you will never guess the ending at least I didn’t!
With the leading lady who needs to pick a personality and a plot that is an on put down a ball read, you can’t go wrong with this book. It will keep you on your toes and you will never guess the ending at least I didn’t!
July 28, 2021
Feeling Lucky by M.S.M. Barkawitz is a crime thriller written when the COVID-19 pandemic hits our country. Jackie hooks up with another girl to run cons on rich married men, only to have it backfire when one man becomes obsessed with her. Everything turns against Jackie when the country shuts down, and her pregnant friend ends up in the hospital with the virus. Will she see her way through these crazy times?
Feeling Lucky promoted many liberal agendas as the main character struggles to see her way through difficult times. The ending has a surprising twist that will make you smile that Jackie finally got lucky.
Feeling Lucky promoted many liberal agendas as the main character struggles to see her way through difficult times. The ending has a surprising twist that will make you smile that Jackie finally got lucky.
February 2, 2022
If you're in self-isolation this short and punchy read, is ironically the perfect escape from the Covid pandemic. "Feeling Lucky" is set during the current pandemic and features an intriguing protagonist who changes her personality more often than most people change socks.
The book is full of dark humour, thrilling twists, and - one of my favorites - a strong female lead. Jackie (otherwise known as lucky) is not your typical heroine - we first meet her pulling a scam with her girlfriend - but she is fun and fire, and has a knack for getting herself into risky and often, hilarious situations.
A great little read and a timely one too.
The book is full of dark humour, thrilling twists, and - one of my favorites - a strong female lead. Jackie (otherwise known as lucky) is not your typical heroine - we first meet her pulling a scam with her girlfriend - but she is fun and fire, and has a knack for getting herself into risky and often, hilarious situations.
A great little read and a timely one too.
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July 18, 2021With a leading lady who needs a pick a personality this book is action packed and hilarious. It is a truly on put down the ball read. I can’t wait to read more from this author with this comfortable writing style and wit you can’t go wrong with this book. It’s hard to be a female gigolo but even harder during an epidemic. What a great idea for a book!
December 11, 2021
The best thing I can say about this book was that it was over quick. Not sure I'm ready for a pandemic memoir, when we are still in it.
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