As Luck Would Have It
by Joshua Piven
Coronet $128
What's it like to realise, in an instant, that you've suddenly become one of the richest people in America? When Steve Roberts won the lottery, he had a very brief period of elation, followed by a period of abject terror. What if the ticket got lost? What if someone kidnapped his children? Psychologists have coined the term 'affluenza' to describe the distress that results from sudden wealth. Other lucky devils include: the man who brought Pokemon to the US and sent his company's share price from US$4 in 1998 to US$53 a year later; Tommy Heath who sang the one-hit-wonder 867-5309/Jenny; a woman who survived a plane crash at sea; and the teller who was struck by lightning inside the bank. Piven concludes with tips on making your own luck: have an open mind, be well prepared and keep a positive attitude.