This was an interesting collection of short stories that follows the main character, Felma. The book started off strong and held my interest, but then it seemed to slow in the middle, and then it picked back up again towards the end. I love that the stories were connected, and each one seemed to focus on a specific theme, such as hope, grief, and love. There is mention of mental health and identity. The ending broke my heart and made me want to reread the entire book.

This collection had some really thoughtful and heartfelt moments. I liked the variety of stories and how they explored different experiences with sensitivity.

That said, a few stories didn’t quite land for me, and overall it felt a bit uneven in tone and impact. Still, it’s a solid read if you enjoy diverse voices and quiet, character-driven stories.

This book is heartbreaking on so many levels. That an 11-yr old starts smoking drugs, leaves home in 9th grade to have a baby, and doesn't come home after getting in trouble with the law, all that is a very sad story, but that the author was born in prison in real life? Wow. Jiang-Stein's ability to incorporate humor, wonder, and artistry to such a bleak plot line is elevating. Having spent considerable time in many of the settings covered in these stories, Seattle, Minneapolis, Japan, I appreciate all the little recognizable descriptive details. Apart from geographics, there are elements in these stories that anyone can relate to, if they've ever noticed someone homeless or otherwise unstable, or even if they've ever fantasized about doing gymnastics on public transport in Tokyo, or yearned for a loved one, or a stranger, or both.

Esther Levin, Felma, Toby, Ruby, there are so many intertwined characters here who are hurt, may their origins and stories raise consciousness. I hated that Ruby and Fran had a candlelit dinner in the midst of fire season; I loved the list identified in the Afterward.

A gorgeous collection of short stories! Whilst I enjoyed the writing style and how all the stories were connected to Felma, I felt some of the stories were too short to feel any real connection to the characters. I personally would have loved the book to explore more of Felma and her daughters story but wonder if this is close to Jiang-Stein's own story and Prison Baby (which is now high up on my want to read list!).

This is a collection of short stories by Deborah Jiang-Stein. The main reason why I just gave the overall collection 5 stars was that although it took me a bit to get used to how she curated this collection, it started to resonate with me after a while. We follow a "main" character so to speak, but some of the other stories were so short that I didn't always understand what point she was trying to convey. There are some connections between some of the stories and some characters pop up again, but you have to be on the watch for it. For me that was the fun part. I liked how things got revealed to me slowly.

The author also leaves a note about writing stories about people whom others don't see. I think that is the thread that ultimately ties everyone, just people going about their day to day that you don't see or even think of at all. Here's my review of each story.

"Everywhere at Once" (5 stars)-An unnamed main character talks about how her cousin is doing her best to lure her away from Seattle and her flower selling there. We find out why though she stays in Seattle. This is one of the longer stories in the collection. We do eventually figure out her name is Felma, or so she says.

"Stiff Licorice" (3.5 stars)-This one started out and ended weird. It just kind of turned into four really Christian people finding themselves at a restaurant and hanging out later.

"Except for the Sea" (4 stars)-A man arrives in Minnesota and is drawn to the water there and meets a mysterious woman.

"The Big Wave" (4 stars)-I think this is one of the few stories where someone is named. In this one, a man named Ramon is the world champion of big wave body surfing. He gives a bouquet of flowers to the goddess of the ocean to ask for safe passage and I think that was one of the stories that I found linked back to the first one and the character in there.

"Aimless, Forgetting" (5 stars)-Same character from story 1, Felma, we follow her as she walks and walks. She tells her more about her life and how she still is searching for someone. You also get the impression for the first time, she may be suffering from mental illness.

"Devoured" (4.5 stars)-This one jumps to Tokyo, Japan and we follow a young girl whose life seems tied to her family's candy stand.

"No Regrets" (2 stars)-This was really short. An unnamed person is living in Tokyo. I didn't get much from this fairly short story which is why I only gave it 2 stars.

"The Bottle Duster" (3.5 stars)-still in Tokyo and we get a story about a woman who is a bottle duster and her life that definitely seems lonely.

"Fountain of Redemption" (3.5 stars)-A man is taken to someplace away in his mind while sitting on a subway in Tokyo. This was okay, again fairly short so didn't really get whatever deeper meaning I was supposed to from it.

"French Opera, Chocolate, and Statues" (4 stars)-Follows a young boy and his family as they fly from the Philippines (layover in Tokyo) with their final destination being Detroit. I like how it describes the houses nearby what will eventually be their family home.

"I Figure a Flower" (5 stars)-Felma from story 1 and story and "Aimless..." She talks about how people walk by her and don't see her or when they do stop, they ask her what's on her mind. Now after the first story and the other featuring her, do we think this is true? I found myself questioning everything she was laying out. I loved how an opera song touched her so much she kept playing it one day and a really darker twist to a children's classic. This one goes on a bit longer, like the other stories. It always reads as mini-stories in one story featuring this character that the author obviously wants us to know.

"Moment of Truth" (5 stars)-A character visits an aunt in Chicago to see the Midwest Bonsai Flower Show and deals with her aunt's neighbor who can't take a hint. I liked how this one went a bit longer and honestly it really digs in on nosy people who don't ask questions just because they are asking, but because they want to wound with their questions. I loved the slow reveal of this character, her aunt, and her mother.

"Destined for Fame" (5 stars)-Follows a woman named Anne who is in prison and her writing.

"Finders" (5 stars)-Again we follow Anne from the prior story and it lists what her life is like in jail in more detail along with the connections she makes. This story needs a trigger warning for rape.

"Esther Levin, Undefeated" (5 stars)-A woman just going through her own thoughts during the night. This is a longer short story and it definitely showcases the kind of thoughts one gets when we can't sleep or are afraid to.

"The Chosen One" (5 stars)- Rev Aurora who appears as a side character in "Finders" is out of jail and we definitely see her slide out of her recovery from alcohol.

"Edwin in the Ring" (5 stars)-Rev Aurora recounts how her big brother got her into preaching. It also shows the loneliness of preaching (at least it did to me) and how Aurora used it to be left alone, though preaching to me always seemed to be about the people you were preaching to.

"The Last Haircut" (5 stars)- Rev Aurora again, and the story this time is about her former housemate. We also get some more glimpses into Aurora's life.

"Ester Levin, Undefeated" (5 stars)-Esther again and we get more clues about where she really is.

"Bone" (5 stars)-Follows a widow named Etta who disappears after the death of her husband.

"Welded Zipper" (5 stars)-Etta again, we have her now in a different sort of life from the one she had when she was younger.

"Bees and Honey" (5 stars)-A woman provides detail about her aunt who use to preach...who do we think this is about? I loved the details we get here. There is also some ties to the prior story, you may miss it if you don't read closely though. I love the little Easter eggs we get in this collection.

"The List" (5 stars)-Back to the flower cart seller again.

"Might Tip Over" (5 stars)-Following Felma some more. And again I wonder about something that I am going to keep to myself. We get even more revealed here about her and her times spent away.

"Inventive and Meant to Be" (5 stars)-Following Felma's cousin who set up in Minneapolis. And we get some details about how unfair it is to be a woman. I liked this little interlude we get.

"Dreams and High Hopes Wrapped in an Old Trench Coat" (5 stars)-Is this young girl tied to someone that we have read about before? Probably. Maybe.

"Esther Levin, Undefeated" (5 stars)-We follow Ester again, talking about where she is and if she deserves to be there. And the loneliness of the place she is at.

"Dear Baby Girl" (5 stars)-One of the saddest stories in the collection, well heck a lot of them are sad, but this one just leaves you longing. It's tied to one of the characters we have been introduced to. I am being careful to not reveal to much to potential readers out there. But if you read some of the earlier stories, you are going to know who this is about.

"Number Four" (5 stars)-A cab driver (who we can guess at) telling her passenger she reminds her of someone. This passenger we know has a connection to someone else in this collection.

"Always There" (5 stars)-We follow Felma again and again you get glimpses into the reality and what she perceives to be.

"Edge of the Pond" (5 stars)-A woman moving in with her aunt on Vashon Island. This island and woman are referred to here and there throughout the collection.

"Spiritual Torments" (5 stars)-I think this story resolves a lot of questions readers may have about the drip and drabs we have been getting. It just solidified who the younger woman is and the aunt too.

"Ashes to Ashes" (5 stars)-Some questions answered and just another lost in the end.

I really liked the general idea behind the book. I liked giving a voice to the overlooked. However, the seperate stories as well as the writing style just did not capture me. I did not feel much while reading.

I loved the book. It gives a subtle lesson about life. It shows us despite hardships and difficulties life is beautiful .

I didn't know what to really expect from this collection of stories beyond the synopsis, but found myself pleasantly surprised by them. I read through the entire book in about an hour and a half, as the stories themselves aren't too long, and was curious about these characters, their lives, and the struggles that led them to this point. Sometimes short story collections can feel a little too diluted, but these were interconnected enough that it felt like it had a solid foundation overall.

This book was super different to me for sure. I felt kind of lost throughout the whole book and with all the stories, places and metaphors.
This was definitely out of my type of reading but I wanted to give it a try.
The book description had my interest and I'm glad I went out of my typical genre.

I am thankful for NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy.

Much love and support to the author. Congratulations on the new book.

A very inspiring collection of stories that deal with the notion of resilience inherent in the human spirit

Lucky Tomorrow is a book of short stories about people who want something better in their lives. The writer, Deborah Jiang-Stein tells about people who feel lost or don't quite fit in.

The best part is the people in the stories. You meet various people at various stages of life and circumstances, making it interesting. Each story makes you feel like you know these people and understand what they're going through. The writer is good at showing their sad times and their hopes. The places in the book also felt real, like you are there with the characters.

But sometimes, the stories feel like they are just showing a moment in someone's life, not a whole story with a clear ending. Some readers might want more to happen, I know I had wanted to know more about some stories. Also, many of the stories are sad and about people having a hard time. This can make the book feel a bit heavy to read all at once.

Overall, Lucky Tomorrow is a good book that makes you think about people who are struggling but still hoping. The writer shows that even when life is hard, people keep trying to find happiness and connect with others and that to me is one of the goals of my life.

Lucky Tomorrow is a moving debut story collection that pulses with empathy, grit, and hope. Deborah Jiang-Stein brings together a chorus of unforgettable voices—outsiders, dreamers, and survivors—each tethered by longing and the search for belonging. This is a quietly fierce and beautifully human collection.

Unfortunately, this just did not work for me. I read other reviews to see what I was missing, and it felt like I read another book than the others. The stories are pointless, non-sensical thoughts that did not invoke any emotion in me. The book was empty, and as hard as I searched, I couldn't find anything praiseworthy. Stylistically, the writing was fine, but the stories just didn't resonate with me.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Contemporary + Short Stories

This is an intriguing book that centers on Felma, a woman who works in a flower shop and seeks her daughter after she was taken from her while serving time in prison. The world surrounding Felma and each of her customers also has their own story. There is a connection among these stories as well.

The book contains over thirty stories, each one of them focusing on different individuals with their own problems, challenges, and obstacles. These stories explore themes such as hope, grief, mental health, and identity. As a reader, you may find yourself liking some stories more than others, depending on your tastes and preferences.

One of the main strengths of this collection is the author’s writing style. It is indeed flowery, which enhances the themes being explored, particularly since flowers are a recurring motif in nearly all the stories. Additionally, I appreciated the vivid descriptions of the various locations depicted throughout the narratives. I believe the author excelled in this aspect.

Although it’s a well-written book with a very interesting structure, I believe the number of stories was excessive compared to the number of pages. The stories were short, which doesn’t provide enough opportunity to connect with the characters and their challenges. Perhaps having eight or ten stories within the same structure would have made a significant difference. This is my personal opinion, and your experience may differ, so give the book a chance if you think it’s something you might find interesting.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.

This book was different for sure. I felt kind of lost with all the metaphors. The story was interesting with all the different places the stories take place in.

This was definitely a different read.

I want to thank NetGalley and University of Minnesota for this advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.

A Deeply Personal Collection of Short Stories With the Author at Heart

Set among others in prison cells, on a bee farm, busy street corners and a lonely beach, this collection of short stories is Deborah Jiang-Stein's newest, maybe most tender and intimate work. All 33 stories are connected, some through theme, others because they are successive episodes a character experiences. The author herself was born while her mother was in prison and has devoted herself to work with prisoners and people discarded by society. Lucky Tomorrow showcases these people and their beautiful, heartbreaking stories.

The collection is very diverse, set across the globe in cities such as Seattle, Tokyo and Chicago and Jiang-Stein's beautiful prose allows each narrator to have a distinct voice. Structurally I would say this collection is innovative, weaving the vignettes and episodes into a narrative tapestry that beautifully draws together at the end.

Deborah Jiang-Stein addresses themes of religion, spirituality, queerness, the prison system, drug abuse and children taken from incarcerated mothers. While I think many vignettes are a little short, the overall structure of the novel incorporates the varied length of chapters well.

Overall, a deeply personal story collection with the author at its heart!

This was a hopeful lil book about mental health and a good reminder that we are all connected. Some of the stories were difficult to follow and I had to go back. Otherwise it would’ve been a quick read!

** I was given an ARC of this book from NetGalley**


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7329803695

Pub Date: May 20, 2025
Genre: General Adult Fiction, Short Stories, Literary Fiction

I really enjoyed this book. The stories were beautifully written and thought provoking. The stories tackle mental health, hope, and the desire to belong in a world that casts out those who are different. A few of the stories felt like they ended quickly and I would have liked them continue longer. This was the perfect, quick read I was craving today. Also the cover is beautiful !!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting this ARC!

“Lucky Tomorrow” by Deborah Jiang-Stein is an eclectic collection of short stories, that are both emotional and thought-provoking.

The outcast and the forgotten are neither forgotten nor do they go unnoticed in these stories. The tackling of issues like mental health, longing, hope and despair is realistic as well as engaging.

On a side note, some of stories came to an abrupt ending- or so I felt, and I would’ve liked them to go on a little longer.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the e-ARC of this book.

This book consists of a variety of short stories from various perspectives, offering a unique and eye-opening collection that explores topics such as identity, belonging, grief, mental health and more. I enjoyed reading different perspectives and realising the similarity in feelings and experiences despite the various backgrounds of the characters. However I felt that some stories were too short which in turn made them feel abrupt and incomplete.

Overall this was an enjoyabnle and thought provoking read, it really embodies complex feelings and struggles surrounding mental health.