There’s a moment during every momentous occasion in life where you ask yourself, “Should I still be doing this?” Usually it’s right when things are going from bad to worse, and you’re sure if you stopped no you’d be okay, but the rewards if things go right are so high that you can’t stop now…
I was reminded of this mental state when I read Jeanne DuPrau’s Car Trouble, which features 17-year old Duff Pringle who’s on the ride of his life — if he can just get there. A computer whiz looking for the Silicone Valley and his first tech job, Duff’s car breaks down only a little ways from home. Does he stop and call Dad? No! He finds a car to drive partway there. Good thinking! But then, he finds a hitchhiker… and picks him up. And then loses his wallet… and then the car they’re driving starts sounding funny… Should he still be doing this? Um… well… yes! Duff keeps on moving in a funny and lighthearted coming of age story complete with biker dives, barfing dogs, strange encounters with weird people, and a pretty girl. Good fun.
It was also nice to read a funny story from DuPrau, as she is more known for her thoughtful and deeply felt Ember series, so this was a fun departure from the norm. Check it out.
