Book Review: Only if You’re Lucky by Stacey Willingham

“That’s all I’ve ever wanted, really: for someone to scoop me up and tell me what I’m supposed to be. My entire life, I’ve contorted so easily in the hands of others—my parents, Eliza—shape-shifting at any given second to be the thing that everyone else wants. So maybe that’s who I am: a chameleon that can take on the appearance of its surroundings. A master of camouflage to stay invisible and safe. I need someone to mold me like putty; give me function and form.”

Stacey Willingham, Only if You’re Lucky

Review:

Stacey Willingham is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Normally I struggle to connect with characters this age and in this setting, but I was absolutely absorbed into this story. 

Margot’s college experience isn’t what she’d imagined it would be after the death of her best friend after high school. She muddles through her first year. Toward the end of her first year at college, she befriends Lucy, whose allure has Margot under a spell. When Lucy invites her to live with her and a couple of her friends off-campus, Margot accepts. Margot’s friendship with Lucy feels like a rebirth of sorts. No longer does she feel like she’s only the shadow of her childhood best friend. She’s become part of Lucy’s circle. Partway through sophomore year, a neighboring fraternity boy is killed. When Lucy suddenly disappears, all eyes turn to Margot, Sloane, and Nicole. 

I ate up the dynamic between Margot and Eliza as well as Margot and Lucy. The relationships (and the characters in general) were so intriguing. The setting was a good match with the personalities. 

Likes & Dislikes:

What I liked:

• Intriguing dynamics between the characters.
• Twisty.
• Psychological.

What I didn’t like:

• The characters weren’t exactly likable, making it difficult to empathize.

Afterthoughts:

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this as an audiobook despite having also purchased through Book of the Month.

Where to buy the book: