Reading Group Guide

The title of this book tells us luck is important to the story, but in fact both of the narrators have had a few hard knocks before even reaching page one. Do you think one huge turn of fortune can make up for a lifetime of bad breaks? Would you describe these two women as “lucky?” What about yourself?

Early in the story, the producer of the sweepstakes asks the winner if she plans to actually live in the house. Did this question take you by surprise? What do you think happens to the real life winners of such windfall contests? What would you do if you won a million dollar house hundred of miles away?

Each chapter of this story begins with a quote from a real cookbook chosen from Janey's imaginary collection. Which piqued your interest the most? 

Janey and Nean put their heart and soul into telling Aunt Midge's story to each other through food. What would a culinary history of your life look like? Are there certain meals you'd like to add? Delete?

Both Janey and Nean begin this story with unique—and debilitating—flaws. Did you relate to one character or the other more? Find one or the other more likable? 

How did one woman's weakness pair together with the other woman's strengths? Are there relationships like that in your own life?

The truth about Noah's situation takes many readers by surprise, as it does Janey. Nean, however, hardly bats an eye. Why do you think that is?

If you could have one meal from the book served up on a plate, which would it be? And with which character would you eat it?