Lottery

By: Patricia Wood

Narrated by: Paul Michael

Perry's IQ is only 76, but he's not stupid. His grandmother taught him everything he needs to know to survive: she taught him to write things down so he won't forget them. She taught him to play the lottery every week. And, most important, she taught him whom to trust.

When Gram dies, Perry is left orphaned and bereft at the age of 31. Then his weekly Washington State Lottery ticket wins him 12 million dollars, and he finds he has more family than he knows what to do with.

Peopled with characters both wicked and heroic, Lottery is a deeply satisfying, gorgeously rendered novel about trust, loyalty, and what distinguishes us as capable.

©2007 Patricia Wood (P)2007 Penguin Audio, a member of Penguin Group (USA), Inc. and Books on Tape. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

Orange Prize for Fiction, Winner

"Wood's light humor and likable narrator...have mass appeal." (Publishers Weekly)

get it - heartwarming

you should get this book. it's sweet, hearwarming and real. it just reflects how awful people can be, but by contrast and balance how awesome as well. it's one of the better one's i've listened to.

Sweet

This was a sweet book about a simple man who can be quite smart. It's the crazy characters around him that make you laugh - the Vietnam vet/hippie, the absurdly greedy family, and Cherry, the luscious store clerk. Patricia Wood created a fabulous set of characters and Paul Michael captures Perry's voice perfectly. It was nice to escape to Perry's world for a while.

What a wonderful story and exceptional performance.

I enjoyed so much about this book and it would have never been the same without this talented narration by Paul Michael. Aside from that, the story is filled with good friends, lots of hope, and it was a wonderful listen.

Fabulous!

This book is a warm, funny and poignant story that moved me. Emotional rendition of how it feels to be a "special needs" person who is honest, loving, trusting and kind but who manages to make great, wise choices and find happiness. This book is filled with wisdom and grace! Highly recommended!

Sweet

A very simple and ultimately happy story. There isn't anything terribly deep here but it is appealingly told and beautifully narrated.

Review Lottery

This book is a fantastic story and the narrative was excellent. What I didn’t like was the repetitive references to Gram and Gramp.

The main characters were very likable and the evil characters were well developed.

Very Sweet

This is a lift up your spirits story. With it's share of grief and joy it is a wonderful listen. I think the narration was great with all the characters having their distinctive voices.

The main character is adorable, although he might remind you of Forrest Gump, at least a bit. There are some plot holes, but are minor. Overall I'd definitely recommend it.

LOVED this book!

Would you listen to Lottery again? Why?

Yes, the characters were so real and the story remarkable and touching.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Keith. His way of saying things was so amusing.

What about Paul Michael’s performance did you like?

Maintained my interest, not boring at all.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

It was all moving.

Any additional comments?

I didn't want it to end

Characters to love and hate

I really enjoyed this book. It was recommended to me by a friend and I am very glad I took the suggestion. The characters of Perry, grandam, Keith, Gary and Cherry were all so enjoyable and you rooted for them all. The characters of Perry's "family" almost ruined the book for me and I had second thoughts about finishing the book because of my severe disgust for them. I am so glad that I chose to stick it out. This story is sweet with memorable characters and important life reminders mixed with a ton of humor. I firmly believe that the people I most like and respect in my life all have a little "Perry" in them. I won't forget these characters for awhile and I can still hear their voices. The reader was excellent.... Will try him again.

Lottery

It was a pretty good book. Surely worth listening to, although the book was filled with profanity.