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    Lottery
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    Lottery
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    Lottery
    Audiobook8 hours

    Lottery

    Written by Patricia Wood

    Narrated by Paul Michael

    4/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this audiobook

    Money isn?t the same as treasure, and IQ isn?t the same as smarts?An uplifting and joyous new novel hailed by Jacqueline Mitchard as ?solid gold.?

    Perry L. Crandall knows what it?s like to be an outsider. With an IQ of 76, he?s an easy mark. Before his grandmother died, she armed Perry well with what he?d need to know: the importance of words and writing things down, and how to play the lottery. Most important, she taught him whom to trust?a crucial lesson for Perry when he wins the multimillion-dollar jackpot. As his family descends, moving in on his fortune, his fate, and his few true friends, he has a lesson for them: never, ever underestimate Perry Crandall.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherPenguin Random House Audio
    Release dateAug 2, 2007
    ISBN9781429586115
    Unavailable
    Lottery
    Author

    Patricia Wood

    Patricia Wood is a Ph.D. student at the University of Hawaii, focusing on education, disability, and diversity. Lottery is inspired by her work, as well as a number of events in her life, including her father’s winning the Washington State Lottery. She lives with her husband aboard a sailboat moored in Ko’Olina, Hawaii. This is her first novel.

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    Reviews for Lottery

    4/5

    373 ratings45 reviews

    What did you think?

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    Review must be at least 10 words

    • 3/5
      This is a rather sweet novel, about a “slow” person but doesn't sound authentic to me. The protagonist (Perry L. Crandall – the L is for Lucky) was very likable, and his friends were loyal. His relatives except Gram were not nice people, and Perry's Gram told him what is right and what is wrong. Although Perry was sometimes called simple, the book itself was too simplistic. Still, it was a feel-good, light story, and I learned one thing about lottery tickets that had never occurred to me before and made me laugh: Perry and Gram's strategy in buying lottery tickets was to get the ones with more numbers because you get more numbers for your money that way.
    • 4/5
      Really enjoyed this book even tho at first it seemed so simplistic That I could have written it. Plus it was a bit soapy in terms of the simple resolution of the bad guys not Being happy, and the good guys getting what they want. A lot of fun, tho, and I read it very quickly.
    • 4/5
      Narrated by a man who has spent his life rejecting the label "retard," this story shows above all the powerful and long-lasting effects of being raised by loving and committed people. Perry definitely faces challenges, mostly from the greed and conniving of his own mother and brothers, but eventually finds his own way to rise above it and shape a happy and meaningful life for himself.
    • 3/5
      This book is a bit of a fairy tale, but nevertheless funny and poignant. It is narrated by 32 year old Perry, who hastens to say that he is not retarded--his IQ is 76, and to be retarded your IQ must be 75 or below. Perry lives with his beloved Gram, and is pretty much ignored (or worse) by the rest of his family, including his mother.When his Gram dies and leaves him her house, his family cheats him out of his inheritance. He goes to live in an apartment over the marine supply shop where he is employed. He settles into his new life with his friends, the shop owner Gary, co-worker Keith, and Cherry, the pierced and tatooed Minimart cashier.Then Perry wins the $12 million state lottery, and the vultures descend. Perry nevertheless muddles through, and comes out on top, frequently referring to things his Gram had taught him, about how to tell friend from foe, and who to listen to and who to ignore.This is not an earth-shattering book, but it is pleasant and an excellent read. I thoroughly enjoyed it despite its somewhat over the top fairy tale ending.
    • 5/5
      Loved this book! It is the story of a mentally challenged young man who wins the lottery and how it affects his life. You really fall in love with Perry. The author is also awesome.
    • 5/5
      Lottery is a heartfelt story about a man who was shunned by his family and raised by his mecurical but loving grandmother who wins the state lottery. Well written, I could not put the book down until I found out what would happen to all his money. The characters were well developed and Patrica Wood shows you another way of seeing the world through the main character's eyes; simple. Highly recommend this for a weekend read; I laughed, I cried, and in the end felt sad that the book was over.
    • 5/5
      The Lottery makes you think about life and what is really important. I really enjoyed the novel, and the characters were likable except for Perry's family...I don't know how people could be that cruel and conniving.I read the book in a day...great story...you will love it...and as Perry says: Love is important...more important than money.
    • 5/5
      Lottery is a heartfelt story about a man who was shunned by his family and raised by his mecurical but loving grandmother who wins the state lottery. Well written, I could not put the book down until I found out what would happen to all his money. The characters were well developed and Patrica Wood shows you another way of seeing the world through the main character's eyes; simple. Highly recommend this for a weekend read; I laughed, I cried, and in the end felt sad that the book was over.
    • 5/5
      Perry L. Crandall is NOT retarded...at least that's what his Gran has told him. Raised by Gran to work hard and trust the people on his list, his Gran dies suddenly, leaving him to fend for himself. His siblings manage to gain Power of Attorney and give him $500 from the sale of the house Gran had left him. When Perry wins the lottery, his relatives descend upon him. He is left with his few friends to decipher what is important to Perry. A powerful tale told by Perry, an innocent, but wise voice.
    • 4/5
      A lucky man's story. How a 32 year old mentally challenged man who lives with his Grandmother survives her death and winning a 12 million dollar lottery. There are many laughs and some tearful scenes in this quiet tale.
    • 4/5
      Perry L. Crandall knows what it?s like to be an outsider. With an IQ of 76, he?s an easy mark. Before his grandmother died, she armed Perry well with what he?d need to know: the importance of words and writing things down, and how to play the lottery. Most important, she taught him whom to trust?a crucial lesson for Perry when he wins the multimillion-dollar jackpot. As his family descends, moving in on his fortune, his fate, and his few true friends, he has a lesson for them: never, ever underestimate Perry Crandall.
    • 4/5
      I really wanted to give it 3.5. It was enjoyable, but I felt parts were a bit predicatable. Overall, a nic e read, and it is always good to see the good guy come out on top.
    • 4/5
      A debut novel released this year (2007) it is on my Highly Recommend list. A great feel-good story, it is about a man named Perry who will tell you he is "Not retarded" because his IQ is 1 point over the mark. He lives with his Grandmother because his family doesn't want anything to do with him until his grandmother dies and he wins millions in the state lottery. This book is a quick read with an original plot and is heartfelt on how friendship is the most important possesion you can have.
    • 5/5
      The Lottery makes you think about life and what is really important. I really enjoyed the novel, and the characters were likable except for Perry's family...I don't know how people could be that cruel and conniving.I read the book in a day...great story...you will love it...and as Perry says: Love is important...more important than money.
    • 3/5
      THE LOTTERY, by Patricia Wood, is a novel about Perry, a man who is a bit mentally slow. The story is told from his point of view.
      The basic questions here are: if you want to be happy, does that include having a lot of money? If everyone deserves to have what they want, should they want money?
      Perry lives with his grandmother, who has raised him and taught him her proverbial expressions. After his grandmother dies and he wins the Washington state lottery, all sorts of people come to him asking for money. Perry is now on his own to make the right decisions for himself.
      There is a lot of humor, some sadness, and a small amount of pathos. At times Perry’s simple voice becomes tiring, but the story keeps your interest.
    • 4/5
      Perry L. Crandall has an IQ of 76. He is not retarded. In his own words, “You have to have an IQ number less than 75 to be retarded.” But, Perry is a slow learner. He lives with his Gram, who had provided him with excellent coping skills. Perry works at Holsted’s Marine Supply, and spends time with his friend Keith. All in all, it is a good life.Then Gram dies. Unsure what to do, Perry continues to follow his regular routine – including buying lottery tickets. He hits the jackpot, winning twelve million dollars in the Washington State Lottery.This is where the trouble starts. His brothers, who sold his home out from under him when Gram died, attempt to have him sign over his money. His mother, who has little to do with him, calls requesting money. Total strangers write letters addressed to “Lottery Winner” in an effort to score a few bucks.In the end, Perry manages to live his life on his own turns. His decisions may not make sense to the rest of us, but for Perry L. Crandall they make all the sense in the world.I thoroughly enjoyed the character of Perry. As a special education teacher, his actions and behaviors ring true. From his obsession with the dictionary to his insistence that he is “not retarded,” Perry is a believable and intriguing personality.The characters that surround Perry are all too real in their selfishness. Who hasn’t heard stories of ‘relatives’ coming out of the woodwork when a lottery winner’s name is announced? Although these characters get their ‘just desserts’ in the end, I waited throughout the story for someone to finally stand up to them.I was slightly disappointed in the ending. While satisfying, it seemed too neat and well-packaged. I would have liked a little more detail when dealing with the brothers’ downfall.All things considered, I found this to be a very enjoyable novel. I recommend it whole-heartedly.
    • 4/5
      Perry is a most unusual person. He is slow of intellect, but that does not make him unique. He loses loved ones through death, but then, so has everyone else. He works for a living, just like most other people. But what makes Perry special is that he knows what he wants, what would make him happy, and he is not afraid to act. The author does a superb job with character development as well as plot structure. Although I would have hoped for a slightly different ending, I can appreciate the reasons why the author wrote what she did. Sometimes winning money makes you happy; sometimes giving it away makes you happy, too. But there is more to life than money or winning the lottery, and smartness is not always measured by IQ points. This is a remarkable story about remarkable people.
    • 4/5
      Perry L. Crandall is not retarded. He'll tell you this several times as he narrates Lottery. But he is several things: wise beyond his years, kind, compassionate and darn right likeable. And he makes Patricia Wood's debut novel a joy to read.Perry lives with his Gram, works at the local marina and studies words every day. Sadly, when his grandmother dies, he's left to deal with his family - a pack of vultures that pick apart Perry's meager inheritance and send him on his way. Thankfully, Perry also has good friends at work, who take him under their wings and give him a place to stay. Perry is good with money and likes to play the lottery. And then the unthinkable happens - he wins millions from the state lottery. And here come the vultures (aka brothers and sisters-in-law) again.As you learn about Perry's plight with his family, you just want to call a lawyer for him. But as you read the story, you realize that Perry can handle this. And he does - beautifully. While he deals with his crazy family, he forms a truer bond with his friends. He's generous when he needs to be and lucrative in other places. Perry calls himself an "auditor" - a person who listens to the world around him. And because he listens a lot, he understands what people want and need.Lottery is a true blue, heart-warming novel. It's not a complex read, and the messages of friendship and love make  this book a wonderful story. I highly recommend Lottery to anyone who needs to find hope in humanity.
    • 4/5
      Really enjoyed this book even tho at first it seemed so simplistic That I could have written it. Plus it was a bit soapy in terms of the simple resolution of the bad guys not Being happy, and the good guys getting what they want. A lot of fun, tho, and I read it very quickly.
    • 4/5
      A good read. Perry may be considered mentally challenged and he admits to being "slow' but he has more common sense and awareness than those around him. Raised by his Gram, Perry is devastated by her death but is helped by his friend Keith, a Nam vet and his boss Gary who owns a boating store - just as Perry's grandfather had. When Perry wins 12 million dollars in the lottery his mother, who left him when he was born, and his old "cousin-brothers" descend on him to try and get the money. Perry know what customers want and Gary begins implementing his suggestions and the store being to really prosper. How Per handles his family, friends and what happens with his money and his job keeps the story moving. The book is well written and gives the reader many ethical situations to contemplate and to wonder at Perry's answers and reactions to the various happenings.
    • 4/5
      Perry L. Crandall has always been told by his grandmother that the "L" stands for "lucky". So even though he has a low IQ (76)--but not low enough to be "retarded". Perry may be slow but he is indeed lucky--he has a good job at the boat supply shop and good friends. His friends help him out when his grandmother dies and his family kicks him out of their house. They help him when he finds out he won the lottery and he needs a ride to pick up the check. So why does his family suddenly think they are entitled to share in his winnings?I heartily enjoyed this book, I love stories where the characters face challenges and overcome them through creativity and persistence. Perry's interpersonal relationships are fascinating as well, as he navigates the waters of friendship and love you can't help but become emotionally involved with his story. I couldn't put this down when I got near the end, it's definitely a great read!
    • 4/5
      Perry is insistent that he is not retarded, he is slow. There's slow thinking, slow talking and slow walking. Slow thinking is the worst. But his plain speaking, plain thinking Gram gives him advice to get him through whatever strange situations life has to offer. Perry works hard, studies his words daily, and lives a good moral life just as Gram has taught him. His cousin/brothers on the other hand are intelligent, well educated, upwardly mobile and without morals. Sometimes the best family is the one we make for ourselves instead of the one we are born into. Perry wins the big lottery and lord o' mercy, what will his family do to get the money? Patricia Wood's father won the Washington lottery, so she has some idea of how the whole drama plays out in real life, though can she possibly know anyone as echt as Perry? This was a good story, though very high on the anxiety scale.
    • 4/5
      Perry Crandall is a 31-year-old man with an IQ of 76, which is just above the level that defines mental retardation. Perry was raised by his grandmother and grandfather, his own parents having bailed on him for reasons that are never fully explained. Thanks to Gram's affirming parenting style and deep love for Perry, he grew into an adult capable of living independently, although complex decisions are difficult for him to make on his own. Perry's life changes permanently when Gram passes away, and shortly afterwards he wins $12M in the lottery.Perry is innocent and trusting ("suggestible," Gram would say), so his family easily convinces him to let them sell Gram's house and keep most of the proceeds. After Perry wins the lottery, he is besieged by his money-grubbing "cousin-brothers" (his mother's children by another man), and a host of organizations all hoping to benefit from his windfall. Fortunately, Perry has two people who care about him: his boss Gary, and co-worker Keith. Gary provides Perry with an apartment above his store and includes Perry in family gatherings. Keith grows from friend to protector, bringing common sense to situations where Perry lacks experience. Keith uses colorful language, drinks too much, and generally abuses his body; his earthiness is a marked but amusing contrast to Perry's naiveté. Perry's story is told in the first person, and much like the character of Jack in Emma Donoghue's Room, the narrative voice rang true for me. Seeing the world through Perry's eyes, but armed with a better knowledge of the real world, I could anticipate his brothers' shenanigans, and I knew when Perry was misinterpreting people's actions. And I also felt his ups and downs, his elation and his grief. There were some aspects of the story I wish were better explained, especially some details surrounding Perry's family. But the real story revolved and Perry and his relationships with Keith, Gary, and a young woman named Cherry, who become more like a family than his brothers could ever be. This book moved beyond a "person with a disability overcomes adversity" story, to a story of love and devotion with a surprising emotional impact.
    • 4/5
      I really liked this book about a 'slow' guy winning the lottery. Perry is a loveable character, who I really rooted for the whole book. I was just a bit disappointed in the end, because it felt a bit too neatly (though tragically) wrapped up.
    • 4/5
      This is a humorous story of a mentally slow man who wins the Washington State Lottery. His previously neglectful family members come out of the woodwork, thinking they can trick Perry out of some of his money. The humor in the book comes largely from Perry's motley crew of friends. Perry reminded me of Forrest Gump, with his simple-yet-profound perspective.
    • 4/5
      I enjoyed this book immensely. It's a great story, maybe a little predictable but well told, humorous and touching. I spent much of the time worrying about the main character, Perry, who is not retarded, just 'slow'. It's a credit to the author's writing ability that she engenders, at least for me, a concern that at times made me afraid to turn the page. Perry's world is filled with those that want to take advantage of him and I was always afraid that someone finally would 'get him.' It's up to the reader to decide if Perry is taken advantaqe of or not, but it's well worth reading the story to form your own opinion.
    • 4/5
      Perry L. Crandall is a 31-year-old man with an IQ of 76, a simple man with a simple life that makes him happy. When he wins the lottery, his life is turned upside down. While thrilled with some of the things he can buy and do with his winnings, he's also confused by the behavior of his mother and siblings who, having no time for or interest in him previously, are suddenly interested in everything he does and desperate to get their hands on his new fortune. Perry has some devoted friends who guide him and try to protect him from his family of vultures and his interactions with them are very genuine and touching. Advice given to him by his late grandmother while he was growing up also helps him make decisions.Perry is a sweet, simple man devoted to his friends, who really form his true "family". His observations about life and why he thinks people do certain things are sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, sometimes touching and almost always made me think about how so many of us overcomplicate things. This book touched me on a personal level because I have a younger sister who is deaf and mentally challenged. If she could speak and hear, I imagine her observations about others would be similar to Perry's. I can relate to the way people who didn't know Perry acted around him. I've seen it all with my own sister...the stares, the avoidance, the awkwardness. It's horrible to think that people would take advantage of someone who has mental challenges, but I'm sure it happens all the time to those who don't have someone looking out for them. Lottery brought up all kinds of emotions for me, from laughter and empathy to anger and frustration, and Perry is a character that is so easy to like and root for. It's a quick, easy read and I definitely recommend it.
    • 5/5
      A poignant, heartwarming, heart wrenching tale of a mentally challenged young man named Perry, and how he won $12 million in the Washington state lottery. His insincere, self-absorbed family members all want a piece of the pie, but Perry learned many wise things from his grandmother, or "Gran" as he called her before her death, and he remembered her warnings about how some people might try to take advantage of him throughout life. Perry has a job at a marina shop which he loves, and those people closest to him are like family to him. Once they begin to realize that Perry's family is trying to figure out a way to swindle the money by having him declared incompetent, Perry's friends try to make him understand that the family is up to no good. This story is written as narrated by Perry himself, and is a very quick read. It was so hard to put down, I finished it in two days. This story was one of the most heartwarming, beautiful and touchingly humorous books I've read in awhile. I would highly recommend this book to anyone! Five Stars!
    • 3/5
      This is the story of Perry L. Crandall, who knows two things. First, that he is not retarded because his IQ (76) is one point higher than the official definition. Second, his Gram told him the "L" stood for lucky, and that must be true because he's won $12 million in the State Lottery.This is a light read. The plot is largely unsurprising, and the characters are all either good or bad. No shades of gray, no conflicting motives. However, Perry's voice remains strong and credible brings a redeeming aspect to the book.
    • 3/5
      Patricia Wood’s novel of how a slow, but not retarded, young man winning a large lottery prize affects his family and friends is evidence that a very simple story with black and white characters can still resonate if the voices of the characters ring true. Perhaps it’s Wood’s background in education and disabilities or her father’s experience with winning the Washington State Lottery, but she manages to create a moving story despite predictability of plot and overly simplistic characterizations.