Matthew Quick - The Good Luck of Right Now

The Good Luck of Right Now: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Unexpected Connections

Bartholomew Neil, a man clinging to the familiar comfort of his late mother's memory, finds himself adrift in the world. His life, a predictable blend of Saturday mass and library visits, suddenly feels empty and undefined. With a nudge from his redheaded grief counselor, Wendy, Bartholomew embarks on a quest to find his "flock" and learn to spread his wings. His journey begins with an unexpected clue - a "Free Tibet" letter from Richard Gere hidden amongst his mother's belongings. This unlikely find, coupled with his mother's final whispers of "Richard," sets Bartholomew on a path of whimsical hope. He decides that Richard Gere, the actor, is meant to guide him, and begins writing him intimate, heartfelt letters. These letters, a window into Bartholomew's soul, reveal his struggles, his anxieties, and his longing for connection. He delves into philosophy, faith, and the mysteries of life with a childlike curiosity, exploring everything from the Dalai Lama to alien abductions and the enigmatic nature of women.
His search for belonging leads him to an eclectic group of companions: a struggling priest, a "Girlbrarian" with a penchant for cats, and her foul-mouthed brother. Together, they embark on a road trip in a rented Ford Focus, venturing into Canada to seek out the "cat Parliament" and find Bartholomew's biological father. But their journey is about much more than finding a lost parent; it's about discovering the power of human connection, the beauty of unexpected friendships, and the undeniable good luck that can be found in the most unlikely of places. The Good Luck of Right Now is a charming and heartwarming tale about finding your place in the world, embracing the unexpected, and discovering that sometimes, the greatest luck is the kindness of strangers. Matthew Quick, the author of The Good Luck of Right Now, is known for his insightful and engaging stories that explore themes of family, faith, and finding solace in the face of life's challenges.