Lunch Money

Discover the transformative power of generosity in this poignant and uplifting story by New York Times bestseller J. Ryan Stradal, about a middle-aged lunch lady who receives an anonymous $15 million gift. > When the local newspaper starts a new series on “local heroes,” Peggy, to her surprise, is the first honoree. (Her next-door neighbor's grandson nominated her because she always shovels his grandmother's driveway.) What is even more surprising, however, is the anonymous $15 million gift Peggy receives several weeks after the article runs. The gift is from a former student, someone Peggy fed when their parents could not, and the request is simple: use this money to continue to help others however you see fit. And buy something for yourself as well. Set in the pre-digital, post-grunge era of the late nineties, Lunch Money reminds us that generosity is often repaid in ways we don't expect, and that it's never too late for a second act. As delightful as it is wise, it showcases J. Ryan Stradal as a writer at the top of his game.