Learning to Drive : A Novel

Rating:
Summary: My favorite book of the year
Review: For me, it's not the big stories, the telling of complicated histories affected by extraordinary events, it's the stories where a profound shift takes place in regular people, that change me in some way. The characters in "Learning to Drive" are so understandable,imperfect,and brave in their circumstances, I found myself reading much slower toward the end so that the book would not be over too soon. To my delight, I found that long after finishing the book, I think of the characters often with great fondness. Amy Peberdy

Rating:
Summary: An incredible first novel
Review: I always know when I am reading a specially well-written book when I stop galloping along the story line and start dawdling among the paragraphs. "Learning to Drive" is about a woman freeing herself from her Christian Science beliefs during a move to Vermont. The characters and countryside come to life in this bright, colorful book. Ms. Hayes has a wonderful imagination, and a great, slightly wacky, sense of humor that is all the better for being a little subtle.
I read this book twice and am sure I will read it again...

Rating:
Summary: Great story and characters.
Review: I find it hard to believe this is a first novel for the author. The way she tells the story is seamless, and she has a way of making you feel like you are in the moment with each character. I was slightly put off at first because in the beginning this book seems like a commercial for Christian Science, but it is really nothing like that. This is a wonderful book...one you will want to read many times.

Rating:
Summary: Great story and characters.
Review: I find it hard to believe this is a first novel for the author. The way she tells the story is seamless, and she has a way of making you feel like you are in the moment with each character. I was slightly put off at first because in the beginning this book seems like a commercial for Christian Science, but it is really nothing like that. This is a wonderful book...one you will want to read many times.

Rating:
Summary: Realistic characters, makes you think
Review: This book is more than just a story. It also examines the effect of philosophy/theology on real life. Hays draws her characters with sympathy and hope. A refreshingly different work. I hope to read many more from this author1

Rating:
Summary: Realistic characters, makes you think
Review: This book is more than just a story. It also examines the effect of philosophy/theology on real life. Hays draws her characters with sympathy and hope. A refreshingly different work. I hope to read many more from this author1