Just finished reading 'The Car' and wow - what a ride! This book perfectly captures that teenage fantasy of freedom and self-discovery. Terry's journey from neglected kid to cross-country driver had me hooked from page one.

The two Vietnam vet characters are absolute gems. Their unconventional life lessons give the story so much depth. Though fair warning - some scenes might raise eyebrows (gambling dens and mentions of adult themes).

As a parent, I appreciate how the story tackles mature topics while keeping it real for teen readers. My 14-year-old reluctant reader actually finished this in record time - that never happens!

The only downside? That cliffhanger ending left me wanting more! Would kill for a sequel showing what happens next in Terry's journey.

Perfect for: Teen boys who love cars, fans of coming-of-age stories, anyone who enjoyed Paulsen's other works like Hatchet.