This review originally posted at More Than Just Magic 
 The Good Luck of Right Now is the newest novel from superstar author, Matthew Quick. Like his other novels it is both funny and thoughtful, quirky and beautiful. 
 This novel is told in the form of letters. Specifically letters from regular guy, Bartholomew Neil to super star actor and activist, Richard Gere. I really enjoyed the letter format. In this format Bartholomew is able to be at his most honest and shares details with Richard Gere that he may not share with someone he knows and has to see on a daily basis. It gives us real insight into Bartholomew's character while simultaneously making some very interesting points about the power of celebrity and their influence over us. 
 The humour in this book was spot on. It often caused me to erupt into giggles in the middle of a crowded subway. From Bartholomew's observations of the world around him to Max's colourful language this book will have you in stitches. But there are also some brilliant bits of wisdom woven into that humour. I often found myself reading passages twice - once to laugh and the second time to appreciate how beautiful the sentiment was. 
 Another element I really appreciated was the way religion was presented. Primarily because it wasn't presented as an oppressive, negative force. I think The Good Luck of Right Now shows all the different ways people find comfort in their faith - from the traditional to the bizarre. I also liked that there was an intersection of religions - specifically Catholicism and Buddhism. Both have doctrines and philosophies that Bartholomew draws on throughout the course of the novel and I liked that Quick didn't present it as an either-or situation. Bartholomew wasn't less Catholic because he chose to embody some Buddhist teachings. If anything the two religions enhanced one another and I think that could lead to some really interesting discussions. 
 And perhaps best of all Canada makes an appearance! (Ok not best of all but still pretty awesome). As the novel progresses Bartholomew makes a number of friends - a defrocked priest, an extreme cat lover and a girl who has been abducted by aliens. So naturally the four of them go on a road trip! A trip to Montreal and Ottawa to be precise. I love road trips in novels - especially the way the characters interact with one another as time goes by. 
 The Good Luck of Right Now is a beautiful and insightful novel about faith, grief, and learning to find the little things in life that make you happy - whether they be cats, having a beer with an age-appropriate friend or Richard Gere movies. Ultimately I think Quick's previous novel, Silver Linings Playbook, is a stronger book but I would still highly recommend The Good Luck of Right Now - especially for fans of The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion and The Universe vs Alex Woods by Gavin Extence.