Official Review: Driving in Reverse by Lindsay Wincherauk

[kimmyschemy06]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Driving in Reverse" by Lindsay Wincherauk.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Driving in Reverse: The Life I Almost Missed is a poignant and awe-inspiring memoir by Lindsay Wincherauk.

Lindsay was the youngest of seven children. Even as a child, he didn’t feel loved by his siblings and his parents seem too old to hang out or bond with him like the parents of his classmates and peers. In a way, Lindsay felt guilty for coming so late in his parents’ lives and causing financial strains. His guilt intensified when they fought about money.

When Lindsay’s much older siblings moved out of the house to live their own lives, Lindsay and his brother Brian were left to help care for their father until the old man died of cancer. Their mother died of the same dreaded disease a couple of years after. With the death of his mother, Lindsay totally became an outsider in his family. In 2003, as he was trying to recover from a failed relationship, Lindsay planned a trip to Europe and accidentally uncovered a painful secret about his identity. As he desperately tried to put the pieces of his shattered life together in his epic 31 Day Escape to Europe with his friend Dave, he learned about an even more painful truth.

This is a poignant memoir of a brave and courageous man who never gave up on life. Told not necessarily in chronological order but in flashbacks and flash forwards, the book is a tale of an extraordinary man who endured physical, emotional, mental and psychological ordeal which include visual impairment, several surgeries (mostly on the knee), painful break-ups and life-shattering revelations. Most painful of this, I think, is the feeling of isolation that resulted from being alienated from his family for as far as he could remember.

The story is told in lighthearted and even comical tone, probably the author’s way of ‘turning pain into laughter’ and putting levity to an otherwise cumbersome load that is reality. I’m usually not a fan of figurative language but for some reason, I find the author’s excessive use of hyperbole fascinating.

The part I like most about the book is the emphasis on family. Family is not necessarily someone related to you by blood, but someone who supports you, accepts you and loves you for what you are.

The most important part of the author’s life story, for me, is the underlying message to never give up on life. No matter how painful and how difficult things get and no matter how screwed up things are, you accept things as they are and you don’t find someone to blame.

Needless to say, I enjoyed this book a lot and I learned so much from it. However, the manner of telling (flash backs and flash forwards) may be a bit confusing to some readers. Moreover, because of the jocular manner of writing, it may be difficult for some readers to distinguish between truth and joke. Finally, there are several noticeable errors within the entire book.

I, therefore, rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. It is inspiring and encouraging. I recommend it to readers who love memoirs and to those who enjoy stories about rising above adversity. References to drugs, sex and sexual activities, however, may not be suitable for young readers.

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Driving in Reverse
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Like kimmyschemy06's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Libs_Books]

That's a lovely review of what sounds like a deeply inspiring book. I take your point about the non-chronological element - it can make a tale more interesting, but it does need expert handling to avoid confusing the reader.

[Snowhite189]

I can't relate to the story I am the youngest of the 3 children but but we were all treated right and equally i never felt any less, my life is complete with the love and support of my parents and siblings.

[Sahani Nimandra]

The review gave me a clear picture. Seems that this book has lot to offer. After all its about a harsh reality to a man who had to go through a lot in life. I love memoirs each person has something to say completely in different aspects. Thank you for clearing that up!

[kdstrack]

Wonderful review. I agree with your comment about not being to tell if a comment is truth or a joke. Still, sounds like a very intriguing read. Thanks.

[Jonida]

I am glad Linsday find a family in the support of his friend, and I wish he has found the right path after all the obstacles he has faced. Definitively want to read this book. Thank you for your clear review.

[kimchifire]

Thank you for the review. I just started reading this book and your review helps me to understand the outline of Lindsay's story of his life. So far, this book made me feel pain, love and caring. I am really excited to keep on reading and finish the journey with the author.

[revna01]

My heart goes out to anyone that spends their life feeling unloved and unwanted, efficiently when it comes to their family. The book may have its faults, but it sounds like a worthwhile read. Thanks for a great review!

[lydiasmoot21]

I like this review.

[Lu_rire]

It must have very difficult for the author being so isolated from his family. I am very close to my family and can't even imagine how lonely that must feel.

[kimmyschemy06]

That's a lovely review of what sounds like a deeply inspiring book. I take your point about the non-chronological element - it can make a tale more interesting, but it does need expert handling to avoid confusing the reader.

Thank you. Besides confusing, the non-chronological element can be irritating.

[kimmyschemy06]

I can't relate to the story I am the youngest of the 3 children but but we were all treated right and equally i never felt any less, my life is complete with the love and support of my parents and siblings.

It seems like you're one lucky person

[kimmyschemy06]

The review gave me a clear picture. Seems that this book has lot to offer. After all its about a harsh reality to a man who had to go through a lot in life. I love memoirs each person has something to say completely in different aspects. Thank you for clearing that up!

Thank you. I enjoyed writing the review.

[kimmyschemy06]

Wonderful review. I agree with your comment about not being to tell if a comment is truth or a joke. Still, sounds like a very intriguing read. Thanks.

Thank you very much. I enjoyed both the jokes and the facts

[kimmyschemy06]

I am glad Linsday find a family in the support of his friend, and I wish he has found the right path after all the obstacles he has faced. Definitively want to read this book. Thank you for your clear review.

Thank you. I hope you get a chance to read it.