The Higher Power of Lucky

A person's higher power is what lets them take control of their lives. According to Lucky, this is usually discovered only after a person hits rock bottom. While this might at first come off as a of a bit ham-fisted attempt at shoehorning the story into a 3-act structure, it is really more of a reflection of where Lucky would be if perceived through a 3-act structure lens. It just so happens that The Higher Power of Lucky fits nicely into this structure. Rather than coming off as derivative, Lucky's story is legitimately heart wrenching. At Lucky's rock bottom, the author has long ago set up the complete absence of her father, citing his monthly checks (always without a letter or even a short note to Lucky). Just a before, the author took the audience through her mother's funeral, surreally narrated by her friend, Lincoln. Topped off by repeatedly showing her caretaker, Brigitte through Lucky's eyes:

Her first sight of Brigitte reminded Lucky of the beautiful ladies on Short Sammy's calendar. Brigitte's dress fit her more like a red slip, except the twirly skirt gave you thoughts of dancing. Plus her blond hair was shiny and bouncy, and her lipstick was the perfect, exact same red as her dress. Her high heeled shoes and creamy clean neck made Brigitte look way too French, and too...fancy for Hard Pan.

When Lucky finds a suitcase with Brigitte's passport in it, we feel Lucky's despair as she grapples with her inability to find her higher power. Because only adults have control of lives; adults can abandon people. Like her father who left. Like her mother who died. Like Brigitte who now has a passport. The Higher Power of Lucky is not a perfect book, but it is an honest story of a very real character.