Drive » (Reprint)

This emotionally sophisticated story features two teenage boys, the Friesen brothers, who, not surprisingly at their stage of life, share a love-hate relationship. They have different personalities and different interests. Eighteen-year-old Jens is a big man on campus, the star receiver on the football team, and a top fundraiser. His younger brother Daniel is introverted, musical, and in trouble: he owes $5,000 to a sleazy record producer and has no way of repaying it. It seems like everyone is relying on Jens. When the boys’ father suffers a heart attack, Jens leaves school and takes a job to contribute to the family’s income. When Daniel asks Jens for help, the older brother not only offers advice but also accompanies Daniel when he confronts his enemies. In a shiny new pickup truck packed with camping gear and guitars, the brothers set out on an unusual road trip. This unforgettable weekend teaches them the priceless value of friendship and family loyalty.

KLIATT

Drive tells the story of two teenage brothers living in rural Manitoba, trying to "make it" in the world. The older brother, Jens, is an unsuccessful car salesman in a big town away from home, putting up a front of confidence and happiness to his family. Daniel, the younger brother, is a gifted blues guitarist with a $5,000 debt to a producer who promised to make him big. Together the brothers go on the road, hoping to promote Daniel's guitar playing and sell enough of his tapes to pay off the sleazy producer. Jens practices his sales ability in country towns and VFW halls, and Daniel plays his guitar and tries to make a name for himself. The story of their struggle to get along with one another and to earn the money so that their parents will never know the truth is engaging and realistic. The characters are stark contrasts, in personalities and talents, and the family dynamics they try to negotiate show an honesty not always seen in YA fiction. The setting of the story may seem far away to some teen readers, but the desire to pursue a dream, become famous and live off one's passions will ring true with many. I especially appreciated the undercurrent in the story of the importance and difficulty of family. Jens and Daniel, in their efforts to hide truth and disappointment from their parents, end up becoming closer to their parents and to each other. A great read that will hold the reader's attention right up until the end. KLIATT Codes: JS—Recommended for junior and senior high school students. 1998, Groundwood Books, dist. by Publishers Group West, 245p. 18cm., $5.95. Ages 13 to 18. Reviewer: Sarah Applegate; Libn., River Ridge H.S., Lacey, WA , July 2001 (Vol. 35, No.4)