DRIVING THE BUGMOBILE

I loved this book! . . . until I didn’t. I admired the persistence, friendship, and belief in self of these wonderful young people. Having taught high school, I “get” their very real sophomore angst and humor, grades, relationships, driver’s test, swimming (never a very strong swimmer myself). Backstory makes the fears and behaviors more understandable always. It’s very well-written as well, so why three stars?
I HATE cliffhanger endings! I want good resolution, and anything else feels like a cheat, my mood sinking at the realization of a new trauma. I promise to come back to a future book without the hook of a crisis at the end. If you don’t mind it, then pretend two more stars. If it does bother you, don’t read the last bit, don’t turn the corner — that way you can still love the rest of the book.

A great read for anyone who ever had to psych themselves into trying the seemingly impossible…
Nick has been given an ultimatum by his mom. If he wants to take his test for his driver’s license, he must first pass a swimming test. Nick has struggled for years with his inability to swim, avoiding the water at all costs. He knows his mother is serious this time, and that his social life and status will be nonexistent if he has no license by summer’s end. The trouble is he just doesn’t know what to do to make it across that pool, even after he’s had coaching…

I really hope there will be a sequel, because this novel ended on a whopper of a cliffhanger! I’m going to cry foul if there isn’t a follow-up!

*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

This story started strong, with interesting characters who I wanted to get to know. Unfortunately for me, it lost its pacing around halfway through and felt too slow, especially for the age range this is targeted at. I feel like younger readers will lose interest with this one, eventhough the characters are interesting the story is lacking.

Driving the Bugmobile by Alan Orloff
I love how Alan tells a story. He curates a beautiful premise and creates characters you cannot help but love. This story was no different.

Nick is dealing with a lot during his summer break. His mom's boyfriend moves in, and he has a lot of feelings about it. He really wants to find a girl, and while he has some ideas about who he would like to ask out, he’s nervous. He also has to finally learn to swim so he can get his driver's license. The struggle is very real.

I love the charm of this story. Nick is such a well-rounded character. Alan does a brilliant job of infusing his characters with genuine teenage angst and a lot of heart. This was such a great read.

This would be a great book for middle schoolers. The chapters are the perfect length, and the plot's flow is engaging. There is a level of authenticity mixed with the subtle softness of young adult literature.

I hope there is a second book because the ending has left me screaming. I really hope we get a conclusion that doesn’t lead to me sobbing my eyes out. Katy approved!

Publication date: May 13, 2025
Publisher: Lever Best Books- Elevate