Review of Riding in the Backseat with my Brother

Simeon Amana · Post by **Simeon Amana** » 17 Mar 2022, 18:41

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Riding in the Backseat with my Brother" by Judi Blaze.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Judy is from a family of Irish Travelers, otherwise called Gypsies, known for their transitory lifestyle. From a tender age, she grows accustomed to not having a place to call home. She spends a significant portion of her life riding in the backseat with her brother, Gary, as her family wanders from place to place in search of greener pastures. Before they establish a stable lifestyle in each new city, Judy’s parents develop itchy feet, and off they go riding to another destination. Their lives are characterized by leaving things behind: houses, pets, friends, schools, and even their brother, Dougie, who was given away in infancy due to their mother’s mental instability.

As Judy and Gary grow older, and with the birth of Linda (their sister), the Hudson becomes more cramped and less comfortable. With a father who is always away at work, a mentally disturbed mother, and their ever-changing lifestyle, Judy and her siblings learn to navigate through untold hardships on their own. Soon they grow weary of their parents’ wanderlust and crave normalcy. Will Judy and her siblings ever find stability? What price will they pay to have a stable lifestyle?

Riding in the Backseat with my Brother by Judi Blaze is a story based on the events in the author’s life. This book contains themes of wanderlust, hardships, infidelity, instability, juvenile delinquency, bravery, parent-child conflict, abuse, and neglect. This book is divided into an untitled prologue and twenty-seven chapters. The author narrates this story using first-person and third-person narrative techniques. The prologue was written using the third-person narrative, while the chapters were written from Judy’s point of view.

I like this book because it gave me an insight into the lifestyle, challenges, and peculiarities of the Gypsies. I have read books and watched movies with Gypsy characters, but none is as eye-opening as this. As adventurous as their lives may seem, it is not devoid of hardships. I like how Gary and Judy always found positivity in difficulties. I connected with the characters’ emotions; I particularly feared for Judy’s safety during her trip with Biff to sell rocks. And I was saddened by Linda’s tumultuous relationship with Alice, their mother. However, I didn’t like that nothing else was said about Dougie after his visit. Although the end wasn’t quite conclusive, in my opinion, reading this book was a voyage of discovery.

Riding in the Backseat with my Brother by Judy Blaze is a professionally edited book as I only found a few errors in it. I recommend this book to lovers of non-fiction and those interested in Gypsy stories. Although this book contains sexual abuse, it was not explicitly narrated, and I did not find it disturbing. In the light of the above, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.

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Riding in the Backseat with my Brother
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Peace Chux · Post by **Peace Chux** » 23 Mar 2022, 02:14

I think I like the fact that the book gives insight into the life of gypsies and has helped me learn a ton about it. Wonderful review!

Immaculate K 6 · Post by **Immaculate K 6** » 23 Mar 2022, 03:14

This book is an interesting book about the life of gypsies. The ever changing lifestyle and the hardship of Judy and her siblings is a sad one but I like the fact that Judy and Gary always found positivity in their difficulties. Great review.

TheGayOne12 · Post by **TheGayOne12** » 23 Mar 2022, 04:10

I'm Gypsy, so I would love to check this book out. I'm sure the author has done a fabulous job. Thank you for the review!

Precious_Nzeakor · Post by **Precious_Nzeakor** » 23 Mar 2022, 07:37

This is the first time I'm coming across the concept of gypsies. As fascinating as it sounds, and as much as I want to read this book, I'm tired of seeing books based on the writer's personal experiences—nonetheless, great review.

Patty Allread · Post by **Patty Allread** » 23 Mar 2022, 11:20

I like this book because it gave me an insight into the lifestyle, challenges, and peculiarities of the Gypsies. I have read books and watched movies with Gypsy characters, but none is as eye-opening as this.

This draws me to the book, too, especially since it is not fiction but based on the author's life. Your review was excellent!

Boohoo31 · Post by **Boohoo31** » 24 Mar 2022, 00:55

This is my first coming across a book on gypsies, the plot is amazing and intriguing. The movement of the parents from one place to another is sure to give the kids insecurities. I wonder how they will go through their hardships.

Aisha Yakub · Post by **Aisha Yakub** » 24 Mar 2022, 05:06

Curious to know if Judy and her siblings ever found normalcy and stability. Great review.

Edit_or · Post by **Edit_or** » 24 Mar 2022, 14:53

What a lifestyle! I hope Judy and siblings would be able to pay the price for normalcy. Thank you for the review.

Simeon Amana · Post by **Simeon Amana** » 28 Mar 2022, 21:31

Peace Chux wrote: ↑23 Mar 2022, 02:14 I think I like the fact that the book gives insight into the life of gypsies and has helped me learn a ton about it. Wonderful review!

Exactly what I like about this book. Thanks a lot for commenting.

Simeon Amana · Post by **Simeon Amana** » 28 Mar 2022, 21:32

Immaculate K 6 wrote: ↑23 Mar 2022, 03:14 This book is an interesting book about the life of gypsies. The ever changing lifestyle and the hardship of Judy and her siblings is a sad one but I like the fact that Judy and Gary always found positivity in their difficulties. Great review.

Indeed, it inspires me to always see good in whatever situation I find myself. Thanks for your comment.

Simeon Amana · Post by **Simeon Amana** » 28 Mar 2022, 21:34

TheGayOne12 wrote: ↑23 Mar 2022, 04:10 I'm Gypsy, so I would love to check this book out. I'm sure the author has done a fabulous job. Thank you for the review!

Interesting! It’s great to know you are a Gypsy. I wish I could hear stories about your life as well. Perhaps you could consider writing about it like Judi Blaze. Thanks for stopping by.

Simeon Amana · Post by **Simeon Amana** » 28 Mar 2022, 21:35

Amzes17 wrote: ↑23 Mar 2022, 07:37 This is the first time I'm coming across the concept of gypsies. As fascinating as it sounds, and as much as I want to read this book, I'm tired of seeing books based on the writer's personal experiences—nonetheless, great review.

I understand the feeling. Thanks for your compliment and for stopping by.

Simeon Amana · Post by **Simeon Amana** » 28 Mar 2022, 21:36

Patty Allread wrote: ↑23 Mar 2022, 11:20
I like this book because it gave me an insight into the lifestyle, challenges, and peculiarities of the Gypsies. I have read books and watched movies with Gypsy characters, but none is as eye-opening as this.
This draws me to the book, too, especially since it is not fiction but based on the author's life. Your review was excellent!

Thanks a lot. I bet you would find this book interesting. Thanks for stopping by.

Simeon Amana · Post by **Simeon Amana** » 28 Mar 2022, 21:38

Boohoo31 wrote: ↑24 Mar 2022, 00:55 This is my first coming across a book on gypsies, the plot is amazing and intriguing. The movement of the parents from one place to another is sure to give the kids insecurities. I wonder how they will go through their hardships.

Indeed, the unending movement had a toll on the lives of the children. Thanks for commenting.