[The Comics Journal interns Andrew Davis and Chi-Wen Lee put together a series of discussion questions about Stephen DeStefano & George Chieffet's Lucky in Love Book 1: A Poor Man's History for use in book clubs. As these questions are intended for those who have read the book, please be warned that they may contain mild spoilers. – Ed.]
Synopsis:
At age 15, the only things on Lucky's mind are women, sex, movies, and, to some degree, the war. He fantasizes about being a hero, much like in the Tex Stengler films his friends and he watch. When he does enlist, however, it appears his "heroic" adventures consist of nothing more than removing guns from warplanes and failed attempts to get a girl. But the war has still changed Lucky in some way; whether he is conscious of it or not, he becomes more aware of social and racial perceptions.
Discussion Questions:
What function does the book's disclaimer about characters' usage of racial slurs serve? Did the characters' usage of these terms affect your perception of the story?
How racially accepting is Lucky? Does he grow more fair-minded throughout the book?
In the story, has Lucky actually been "lucky" in any sense of the word?
Is Lucky ever "in love"?
Can you detect influences in Stephen DeStefano's artwork?
How is Lucky's encounter with the prostitute significant beyond being his first sexual experience?
Is Lucky a hero for serving in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II?
Why is the third chapter entitled "Lucky Triumphant"?
Since the war had ended, Lucky's life in "Lucky Triumphant" takes a different tone compared to the first two chapters. Does the third chapter continue any threads begun earlier?
Did Lucky accomplish anything during his early years (the course of this book)? Does it matter?