Jim KokorisThe Rich Part of Life: A Novel

"The Rich Part of Life" depicts the good, the bad and the ugly that befalls the Pappas family after winning the lottery for $190mm. Theo, the family patriarch hits it big playing his deceased wife's lottery numbers. Upon revealing that he is the holder of the winning ticket, Theo is bombarded by request for financial assistance from strangers, neighbors and family. Socially introverted and emotionally reclusive, Theo is faced with the challenge of managing the celebrity of his new found wealth in the midst of the resurrection of a long forgotten adversary whose demands of Theo threatens to destroy the Pappas family."The Rich Part of Life" is filled with genuinely likeable and detestable characters portrayed in clean, crisp language that uniquely sets them apart. The only character disappointment for this reader was the unimaginative portrayal, usage really, of the Maurice character. Although I never discounted his importance to the novel, I wanted to know more about him than was broadly revealed by the author. Ultimately, the novel is successful in its exploration of the dynamics of chance. What are the odds of winning the lotto? What wonderful or dreadful situations await us when the stars are perfectly aligned or the comets collide? What's likelihood of a middle aged recluse starting a family with a young dancer? This is an excellent debut novel that reconfirmed for me that it's not money, but people that's at the root of all evil. Enjoy!

I really enjoyed this book. Interesting, and sometimes rather bizarre characters. This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed both. However, I purchased the Kindle version and be warned — it’s LOADED with typos and mistakes. Someone really needs to re-edit it.

Flowed smoothly throughout and was an interesting read with great descriptions of what certain characters were feeling as well as being comical in many places, by just a sentence spoken or thought by one of the characters.The only thing I didn't care for was several typos...a little distracting at times.I would recommend this book!

Funny,sad,touching,inspirational---what more could a reader want in a book! And I recommend It's Nice Outside for the same reasons. Jim Kokonis is a wonderful author,and his books are a delightful,easy read.

Random and bizarre typos and incorrect usages aside (this could use a good proofing), I loved this book! After stranding it in my wish list for over two years, I finally made the purchase and I'm so glad I did. I often throw book I'm considering into my wish list, only to delete them later, but long after I had forgotten the plot of this book the title kept me from exiling it. After all, isn't "the rich part of life" what we as readers are after? And isn't it ultimately where engaging literature will lead us? This book doesn't disappoint.We join the story as eleven-year-old Teddy is struggling with the recent death of his mother and just as his father wins an inconceivable amount of money on a single lottery ticket. Against this seemingly implausible background, a small group of remarkably lonely people join to form a loving family.Even though Teddy seems to be consumed with making lists of ways he thinks his father should spend his newfound wealth, he's really seeking his father's love and acceptance; however, since his acceptance by his father is so complete, there is no contrast against which he can view that love, so he feels overwhelmed by his insecurities. As various characters join the story and circumstances escalate, Teddy begins to understand that his socially inept, Civil-war-focused father is and always has been there for him.Though we are often admonished in fiction--whether it be literature or film--to "follow the money" and we'll uncover the motive, this book reminds its readers to follow our hearts and we'll discover the "rich part of life."

Loved the characters. Somewhat predictable ending, but "feel good" nonetheless.

I really enjoyed this book and love the writer. However, some editing is required...many spelling errors and other annoying mistakes.

Read this after reading Its. Nice. Outside. Now reading Sister North. I like Kokoris's writing style. Smooth and some dry humor.

I was almost ten years looking for this book, the book is perfect, its not new and i remember saying it was not used, however the status of the book is great.