Why do I get the feeling this idea's been done before?

Super self-centered self-quoting.

That's the thing with every story: 95% of your story will already have been told by someone else. It's what you do with the other 5% and how you write, in your personal style, that makes your book worth reading.

Cool idea BTW.

There is nothing new under the sun. It is what you do with it that matters.

As everyone has said, there's nothing new under the sun, either in books or movies. The movie 'Rocky' was a cliche upon a cliche but it worked because the main character was likeable and sympathetic, people like to see underdogs win--or at least beat the living hell out of the champion--and they like to see a love story, too. It all worked.

In novels, you probably won't see too much of what might be called "new". You will see reviews saying "fresh approach" or "crisp writing style on a well-worn theme" or something along those lines. FWIW, just write the best novel you can think of in your own words with your unique, snowflake-like style, and if it's that good (and I also do wings in my novels!) then people will read it!

Best of luck!!