Learning to Drive

by Mary Hays

Book Overview

Raised a Christian Scientist, Charlotte McGuffey has always been taught to solve her problems by denying their existence. But now, suffering from crippling insomnia, living with a husband she no... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1400031907
• ISBN13: 9781400031900
• Release Date: October 2004
• Publisher: Anchor Books
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.2" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Honestly lovely

Mary Hays has written a lovely book with believable characters for whom you can feel real compassion. The children are as well-written as the adults, each frayed a bit around the edges and more real for it. The main character's struggle with her faith is touching; her sister's unwaivering belief equally so. It appears that at least one review has found Hays' portrayal of Christian Science as unflattering, but I disagree. Hays shows views of the faith from various perspectives, but none mean-spirited. This is a slow-paced book, dawdling in the characters' lives in a kind, non-judging way that makes you want to care for them.

Great story and characters.

I find it hard to believe this is a first novel for the author. The way she tells the story is seamless, and she has a way of making you feel like you are in the moment with each character. I was slightly put off at first because in the beginning this book seems like a commercial for Christian Science, but it is really nothing like that. This is a wonderful book...one you will want to read many times.

Realistic characters, makes you think

This book is more than just a story. It also examines the effect of philosophy/theology on real life. Hays draws her characters with sympathy and hope. A refreshingly different work. I hope to read many more from this author1

My favorite book of the year

For me, it's not the big stories, the telling of complicated histories affected by extraordinary events, it's the stories where a profound shift takes place in regular people, that change me in some way. The characters in "Learning to Drive" are so understandable,imperfect,and brave in their circumstances, I found myself reading much slower toward the end so that the book would not be over too soon. To my delight, I found that long after finishing the book, I think of the characters often with great fondness. Amy Peberdy

An incredible first novel

I always know when I am reading a specially well-written book when I stop galloping along the story line and start dawdling among the paragraphs. "Learning to Drive" is about a woman freeing herself from her Christian Science beliefs during a move to Vermont. The characters and countryside come to life in this bright, colorful book. Ms. Hayes has a wonderful imagination, and a great, slightly wacky, sense of humor that is all the better for being a little subtle.I read this book twice and am sure I will read it again...