Lucky Me

A Memoir of Changing the Odds

By: Rich Paul, Jesse Washington - contributor, LeBron James - foreword

Narrated by: Rich Paul, Dennis Logan

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A memoir of will, success, and the luck we make—from the founder and CEO of Klutch Sports Group and one of the most influential figures in the multibillion-dollar sports industry

“One of the greatest stories of growing up in America’s ghettos and overcoming adversity.”—Jay-Z

“The minute I met Rich, I knew he was different.”—LeBron James, from the Foreword

A BET BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

There’s a story about Rich Paul that everyone knows: A twenty-one-year-old kid from Cleveland who sells sports jerseys out of his car meets a high school basketball phenom named LeBron James at an airport—the two become friends and forge a decades-long partnership that reinvents the business of sports. That random meeting might seem like the lucky break that changed Paul’s life. But a moment of good fortune means nothing without the struggle that gets you there. And the truth is, Paul had always been lucky.

Rich Paul became a gambler at an early age—his fast mind and gift for finding an edge made him a devastating dice roller who could hold his own with grown men, win big, and walk away alive. Shooting dice wasn’t just a pastime; it was a way to earn money for his family as his mother struggled under the weight of drug addiction. He learned the secret science of dice in the same place he found all the lessons of his young life: the corner store his father operated, the center of the neighborhood’s frantic action. Paul’s father had another family but kept his son close working at the store. Paul dreamed of becoming a star athlete, but the streets were where he thrived, building a lucrative enterprise on shaky ground. When he found himself at a dangerous crossroads, he summoned the teachings of his past to create a different future.

Listeners will follow the riveting journey of a young Rich Paul narrated by the Paul of today, who looks back with wit and insight, drawing out the lessons he learned at every stage—about business, people, and the values that lead to success. It’s the inspiring story of the luck that’s all around us, if we know where to look.

©2023 Rich Paul (P)2023 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“The minute I met Rich, I knew he was different. . . . [He] helped me find my strength. Rich’s superpower is understanding what people truly need. So when you flip these pages and witness the kind of pain we felt growing up, don’t flinch. Hard truths make us stronger.”—LeBron James, from the Foreword

“This book is an American tale of ‘against all odds’—and I believe young people in similar environments will see themselves in Lucky Me, one of the greatest stories of growing up in America’s ghettos and overcoming adversity.”—Jay-Z

“Rich Paul spells out why businesses need to recognize that elite talent can take the most unlikely paths. By treating people the right way, demanding excellence at every turn, and utilizing the lessons he learned from his father, Paul turned his opportunity into one of the great, modern-day success stories in sports.”—Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN Chairman

A Voice of this Generation

The basics of life struggles as the author mention, "Love, Dignity and Purpose. Great Job.

Simply put

Simply put everything about this book was awesome story rich Paul told his life the way he narrated the entire book and his life as a whole highly recommend for anyone who wants to read a self-help or inspiring story

Should be required reading

Wherever you are in life, there are jewels in this book. All young people especially in a challenged environment should indulge. It’s inspiration, motivation, & an example of the American dream.

I'm a new support of Rich Paul

One word inspiration, his story resonates with generation of young men. It was a pleasure to hear such an honest and insightful book.

Good work

A good source to lean from someone’s experience. A valuable true story about a different perspective on what possibilities exist.

Great book

Dope. Happy he made it out and black can be great despite their circumstances. Love

Lucky us

This book is rooted in realness. Rich opens up about his upbringing, which is not a desirable experience for anyone to go through. I listened intently because I know several people who walked the same walk but are no longer with us (jail or death). It’s refreshing to hear about his cosmic brush with Lebron and how his upbringing enhanced his character. Thank you, Rich, for pouring your heart out in your tome. Thank you, Rich, for pointing out the disparities between children growing up in underserved, drug-infested communities and our wealthy, white counterparts. Not all circumstances are equal; however, your points will serve as lessons to learn and most importantly, share!

Amazing

What God and effort creates on an improbable journey
To amazing heights in disrupting the legacy of racism and exploitation

Great!

Coming from Ohio around the same time I really could relate to his story. Very motivating and inspiring.

Wow! What a powerful story!

Such incredible insight into his life as a child and his family situation, he describes it so well. He had a sad start, how he chose to overcome them all was inspiring!