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My Opinion – Did I like the book? Yes, I liked this book, because it was truthful and edgy. What part of this book did I like the most? I liked the entire book from start to finish. What is my least favorite part of the book? There aren’t any least favorite parts. I liked them all. Would I change any part or parts in this book? No, the book is ideal, as is. What Is My Recommendation for this Book? – Would I recommend others to read this book? Yes, I would, I always recommend books that are good and memorable. Who would be the one to enjoy this book the most? This book is designed for all those who love reading about life, especially living life, in spite of the good and the bad: The happy and the sad.
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What a trip! On the face of it, the book is a twisted, fractured, downright shocking account of the author's life, and in Lindsay's case, it's also an account of the other life he did not know he was living! Kudos to Lindsay, for having the courage and audacity, to let it all out by putting pen to paper; allowing the world to read his innermost thoughts and feelings. That alone is a reason you should read this memoir. So, on one hand, you have this incredibly sad and shocking story, but the way Lindsay tells it is just so funny! It's a modern tragedy comedy! In fact, the writing format and structure used by Lindsay is in itself quite the art form, for me, it actually became just as enthralling as the actual account of his life. He doesn't mess around, there's no complicated, stuffy use of the English language here, Lindsay, goes straight for the jugular with a writing style that is so fragmented, splintered, broken, and stripped to the proverbial bone (much like his own life). His use of + and = and other underused symbols on a keyboard add even more originality to his writing style. In all, a very bizarre, chin-dropping, highly entertaining book!!
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An entertaining and heart-wrenching memoir that hits to the depths of your soul—
What first drew me to this book was its intriguing book blurb. I thought, “This looks like an interesting mystery.”
I soon discovered that it was a memoir, a memoir mystery. With each page, I read, I was more intrigued, from the way the author decided to format his story--as if he is writing a letter to someone named Ed and telling his story to that person--to his stream-of-consciousness writing. Of note, his stream-of-consciousness style is sometimes hard to follow, but it sure is interesting to read. Even more riveting was the build-up of anticipation as he regales the reader with his experiences with drugs, alcohol, sex, and death. One begins to wonder, what could this dark family secret be, that is worse and more soul-wrenching than what he has already shared?
My mind thought this and as my mind does, it came up with all the possibilities that could be worse. I won't say if I guessed the family secret or not, but I will say, that life is stranger than fiction, as the author himself says at one point in his memoir; that's not just the name of a movie. You won't be disappointed. My reason for four stars instead of five is the amount of debauchery depicted, not because I'm a prude, but because after so much it begins to seem redundant. Get through that, however; and you have an entertaining and heart-wrenching memoir that hits to the depths of your soul. It also ends on a cliff-hanger, for the life he is living and is going to live.
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A Heartbreakingly Raw Journey—
“Driving in Reverse” by Lindsay Wincherauk is the author’s raw and beautifully tragic journey through life. You could say Lindsay was given the short end of the stick when he was dealt his family. As the youngest of seven kids, Lindsay craved the attention of his parents and siblings, but, in turn, was only handed a lack of affection and adoration. When his father became ill with cancer, Lindsay stayed at his bedside to care for him. And ironically, his mother fell victim to the same fate just a few years later. Sixteen years after the death of his parents, as Lindsay begins planning a trip to Europe with his friend, Dave, a shocking realization comes to fruition when Lindsay realizes that the people he thought were his parents, were never actually his real parents. You’d think that another frustrating blow like this would set this man back even more, but Lindsay suffers and changes in a way that truly saves his life. Through tales of drugs, alcohol, emotionless sex, heartache, and rotten luck arise compassion, kindness, and beauty. The ending offers no emancipating realizations, but even so, it wraps up a life story that many readers can relate to.
The writing style changes throughout the memoir and can be a bit jerky at times, especially at the beginning, but the details and wit that are peppered in all makeup for it if you stick with it. If you are someone struggling in life, this book is a perfect journey to remind you that something good does exist, and if you stick with it, you’ll find the light that will lead you to it.
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A refreshing escape from the same, unoriginal stories of success and—
In my opinion, this was a well-written book. Some things were a bit out-of-place or unclear, but the memoir itself was very compelling. Joined by his family and friends, readers can see Lindsay’s journey through his eyes. His story is unlike any other I’ve read. It’s full of sadness and his feelings of Guilt, paired with happiness and motivation to overcome all of the hard times. Many people I know would do well to take tips from Wincherauk, whether it be on his ability to conquer his grief or what not to do in certain situations. Like everyone else, Lindsay isn’t perfect. He’s done some bad things, but he owns up to them. He put them out there for the world to see and he wasn’t afraid to share his story, no matter how unusual it was. From experiencing loss to coping mechanisms to finding love and being accepted, this memoir covers it all. That, I feel, is what makes his memoir so exceptional and what made it such a good book to read. It wasn’t like all the others, singing their own praises and making themselves akin to saints. Those are the books that, for me, are difficult to read. They’re not realistic, nor are they interesting. Lindsay’s book was a refreshing escape from the same, unoriginal stories of success and never-ending happiness. Though it had its occasional flaw, it was filled with originality and raw emotion that separates it from all of the others.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone.
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You will laugh out loud. You will cry.
One day while driving a suicidal contractor to work, Lindsay realized that his story was important. Thus, began the long arduous journey to arrive in this book. The efforts were well worth it. This book is inspiring and occasionally hilarious. The author leaves nothing hidden. His telling of his life story is candid and transparent.
Lindsay knows loss. He worked two jobs like most people. When he thought he had gained a momentous break, he was hit with a big blow. Something that would upturn his life. A shock that would also explain a few incidences in retrospect. He survived through all of it. The end is a happy one. He is alive and well. He overcame. This is a tale of strength despite thorns pressed into the flesh.
The author’s style of writing is a bit unique. He does not follow a traditional structure. His writing pretty much mimics his thought processes, which is an interesting experience to be a part of. His writing is coloured with emotion and intricacy. Everything from the style to the structure is specific to him. His highlight of characters that might seem mundane is special, as the reader will realize the importance of this later.
You will laugh out loud. You will cry. This book will not leave you alone even after you have finished reading. It will always nag at you. You will find yourself mentally referring to the lessons therein. The fact that Lindsay Wincherauk is brave enough to share his triumph. The hard work that went into writing this book is evident in nuances and resulting literary experience.
Five Stars for ‘Driving in Reverse.’
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Upon finding this book I was unsure about what I would find. But when I began to read I was delightfully surprised! This author is witty, quirky, and best of all: ORIGINAL! I love this. I was hooked at the introduction and had so much fun reading.
Instead of penning your typical novel or bundle of short stories, this author writes letters to random individuals.... all named Ed. In these letters, "Seed," Lindsay W's pen name, approaches these people as if they were his personal diary, and an old, dear friend.
Lindsay has a natural talent for amiably forming connections with these Eds while babbling on about his personal life.
I really can't give this guy enough praise. Everything he writes is so creative, inventive, and a total pleasure to read. I am not bored for even one paragraph!
I absolutely recommend this fun book!
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This book is unusual. Let me say that I enjoyed this read, though it wasn’t for the reasons I expected.
I’ll be honest, the first few chapters had me confused. Once I got past them, I began to understand; this book is intimate. It is a raw telling of Lindsay Wincherauk’s life which made me feel as though the two of us were sitting at a bar, speaking over drinks. The way Wincherauk tells his story reminded me of the stories others would tell me. Those big stories that deserve to be told. Those stories that are engraved in that person’s mind. Driving in Reverse isn’t some over-thought memoir squeezed into a mold for the mass market. It is an emotional recollection of this man’s life told on a deep, personal level.
Wincherauk shares the same desire as the rest of us. He wants a life where he can live and be happy. Rather than having antagonists show up to make things difficult, I got the impression that life itself was his antagonist. From the moment he was born things have been incredibly challenging for Wincherauk. His is a life filled with darkness with an occasional beam of light. The author’s ability to not give in to his depression (excusing at least one failed attempt) is incredible. The challenges thrown at him would wear down most, but Lindsay endured and came out better for it.
I recommend Driving in Reverse by Lindsay Wincherauk to anyone looking for an intimate, personal story of one man’s turbulent life story. No, it isn’t perfect. Yes, it might even offend you. That’s life though. There is inspiration in every story.
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