Learning to Drive
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Book Overview
Raised a Christian Scientist, Charlotte McGuffey has always been taught to solve her problems by denying their existence. But now, suffering from crippling insomnia, living with a husband she no... This description may be from another edition of this product.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:1400047803
ISBN13:9781400047802
Release Date:September 2003
Publisher:Shaye Areheart Books
Length:308 Pages
Weight:1.25 lbs.
Dimensions:1.1" x 6.4" x 9.5"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Honestly lovely
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
Mary Hays has written a lovely book with believable characters for whom you can feel real compassion. The children are as well-written as the adults, each frayed a bit around the edges and more real for it. The main character's struggle with her faith is touching; her sister's unwaivering belief equally so. It appears that at least one review has found Hays' portrayal of Christian Science as unflattering, but I disagree. Hays shows views of the faith from various perspectives, but none mean-spirited. This is a slow-paced book, dawdling in the characters' lives in a kind, non-judging way that makes you want to care for them.
Great story and characters.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
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.
Realistic characters, makes you think
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
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
My favorite book of the year
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
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
An incredible first novel
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
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...
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