by Leslie Farin
This month’s pick of the month from Andrea Peskind-Katz from GREAT THOUGHTS, GREAT READERS is Jackpot Summer by Elyssa Friedland.
What is Jackpot Summer About?
The story begins with four siblings uniting to help their father pack up their cherished summer beach house at the Jersey shore one year after their mother passes. They are sad to see the house sold considering the many summers they spent there as a family, though understand why their father wants to sell it. He wants to simplify his life and move to a retirement home in Florida. While sorting through the memories, three of the four siblings make a casual decision to go in on a lottery ticket together. They never thought they would win, but, to everyone’s surprise, they did. Suddenly, life changed, as did connections between the family members.
We follow the characters, Laura, Mathew, Sophie, and Noah, as they navigate their “new normal”. The lottery win leads to a multitude of changes, both good and bad. Life becomes easier, but not necessarily better, and none of them manages their money particularly wisely. The windfall affects everything; family relationships, friendships, living situations, and more. As they say, money can’t buy happiness.
One thing that did not change was how much each sibling misses the loving guidance of their mother, who was the glue that held the family together. Despite their differences, they are close to each other and determined to stay connected through text chains and family gatherings. Without their mom to mediate family relationships, they learn to communicate more honestly and openly. As a result, they get to know each other better. They also each work to forge a new relationship with their father, Leo, as he embarks on this new phase of his life without his beloved wife, and ultimately helps pull the family together.
My Review of Jackpot Summer
Elyssa Friedland writes wonderful books about messy and relatable families. She develops the characters well, telling the story from the differing perspectives of various family members. Jackpot Summer is a fun read. It’s an entertaining book that made me laugh out loud, especially when reading the text conversations. However, it also explores much deeper topics that the title and book cover suggest.
Friedland writes about grief in this story and how it affects the various family members. Though the story depicts the mother as bossy and opinionated, she is also loving and wise. I appreciate the honest way the author described her, noting both her good qualities and bad as none of us are perfect. In this case, she was the matriarch of the family to whom the rest turned for advice. She also mediated disagreements between siblings, and between the children and their dad; they had to learn to find ways to solve their own issues once she was gone. Her passing left a big hole that perhaps can’t be filled, but, as we saw in this story, the remaining family can make it a priority to stick together and create new memories and traditions. Those of us who lost our mothers can likely relate to how life changes when they pass.
In addition to missing their mother, the siblings grieve the family life they once knew when their father moves to Florida. They did not know their father, Leo, as an individual with his own needs; they only knew him as their dad. And they interpret his lifestyle changes, which include pickleball and dating, to indicate he moved on and doesn’t care as much about their family. The children eventually realize this is not the case, but not without some hard work and difficult conversations. It’s also clear from this story that though more money is nice, it doesn’t solve all our problems. In fact, it creates other problems. Laura uses the money to move to a nicer home in a more upscale area in New Jersey but is bored and misses her friends. Sophie learns her boyfriend thought her newfound money could help his career and left her when it didn’t. Noah mismanages his money and finds that people take advantage of him. Mathew, who was given a portion of the lottery winnings, was already wealthy but realizes he is unhappy in his all-consuming high-paying job that keeps him from spending time with his family. With the help of their father, the four Jacobson children learn that money and nice things aren’t what’s most important in life, it’s family.
Conclusion
Jackpot Summer is a delightful fun summer read. It’s a quick read, hilarious in parts, and a perfect beach read. The book explores family dynamics, difficult life struggles, growth and change. It talks about the importance of communication to forging good relationships. I enjoyed Jackpot Summer and highly recommend it!
About the Author: Elyssa Friedland
Elyssa Friedland is the acclaimed author of Last Summer at the Golden Hotel, The Floating Feldmans, The Intermission, and Love and Miss Communication. Elyssa is a graduate of Yale University and Columbia Law School and currently teaches novel writing at Yale. She lives with her husband and three children in New York City, the best place on earth.
About Andrea Peskind Katz from Great Thoughts, Great Readers
Andrea Peskind Katz runs Great Thoughts, Great Readers, a Book Salon presented via her private FB group where approximately 5,000 prolific readers and authors interact. To quote Robert Frost, she created her “second act” career to “unite my avocation and my vocation”. After 20 years in high-pressure sales, Andrea retired to spend time doing what she loves best: hanging with her family and reading good books.
FAQs
What if you won a lottery? Did you ever wonder the best way to handle it? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions.
Should I tell people if I win the lottery?
Financial experts suggest you keep your win confidential at first. Consult with financial and legal advisors before sharing the news widely.
What are the options for receiving lottery winnings?
Typically, winners can choose between a one-time payout or annuity (annual payments over a period). When deciding which to choose, factors include financial goals, tax implications, investment opportunities, and personal spending habits.
How are lottery winnings taxed?
Lottery winnings are subject to federal income tax and individual states may also impose additional taxes. Consult with a tax advisor to understand your obligations.
What are some common mistakes to avoid after winning the lottery?
Don’t make hasty decisions about purchases or donations and avoid sharing too much personal information. We recommend you proceed carefully and seek professional advice.
Can I remain anonymous if I win the lottery?
Yes, in some states and countries, winners can remain anonymous. Check the rules and regulations in your location.
How can I protect my winnings from scams and fraud?
Be cautious of unsolicited contacts, requests for personal information, or offers that seem too good to be true.
Jackpot Summmer
12.99
Leslie Farin is the Publisher and Founder of 50PlusToday. She is an experienced communications and marketing professional passionate about working with older adults and their families. She works with a team of writers to provide essential and cutting-edge information related to the 50Plus community.
