As Luck Would Have It: Incredible Stories, from Lottery Wins to Lightning Strikes

Rating:
Summary: A fun read, but...
Review: I checked this out of the library recently, and yes, it's fascinating to read about these people's lives and how they have coped with various kinds of luck. If you've got a plane ride in your future or a day at the beach, bring this along.

Piven is an interesting writer, but employs some gimmicks that can misfire. For example, he starts each story with a striking detail from the middle of the story. Distracting and confusing? Could be for some, but it really hooked me. Also, every story is told in the present tense, which I found odd.

What's less than successful is the author's attempt to cobble together a scientific framework for the stories; worse yet is the last chapter, which reads like a 'PowerPoint' presentation on things we can do to manage our own luck.

On balance, though, it's readable and interesting.

Rating:
Summary: Intriguing read
Review: Piven writes a superb book about the seemingly inexplicable fortunes of everyday people -- a topic that is universally appealing, but little understood or explored. As a reader, I found myself wondering what I would have done in the same situation presented to the "luck receiver" (or "bad luck receiver" in some cases). The stories are interesting, well chosen and keep their reader wanting to know "what happens in the end." Who knows -- perhaps reading this book will bring similar luck to its readers.

Ultimately, Piven proves that he can write more than just "Worst Case" scenarios; he is a first-rate author with an easy-to-read style. It will be interesting to see what topic he decides to tackle next.

Rating:
Summary: I believe in luck!
Review: This book addresses the phenomenon of luck by telling fascinating stories of good and bad luck. The stories have you churning pages and end with a quick but informative analysis of how the participants came upon such luck. I read the book while commuting on a train to and from work, and found that I completed one story per commute. The stories had me on the edge of my seat and are told with great attention to detail.

I think that the author has done a great job discussing the phenomenon of luck -- not sugar-coating it, but giving it a distanced, objective analysis. There is no psycho-babble here. I also think that the author has brought to our attention that some force, whether you call it "luck" or something else, can be invited or refused. Proceed accordingly!