This was an absolute delight to read, funny, heartwarming, emotional. The characters were so lovable, especially Maxine with her overly exaggerated mannerisms. The Prada shopping scene was pure class...think Pretty Woman soundtrack 🎶

A heartbroken Alex is on his way to Brussels, but first of all he has to pick up Max who's to be his car share partner. Meet Maxine, a ninety something on her way to Brussels to end her life. As their journey progresses, so does their friendship. The antics, escapades & banter between the new found friends was full of hilarity, charm & wit.

Many thanks to Netgalley for my ARC in return for my honest review.

𝗜 𝗴𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 5 ⭐ 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴

Maxine and Alex meet on a car share app. Alex is driving to Brussels and Maxine needs to get to Brussels. After an initial mmisunderstanding they are on their way, but each has their own agenda that changes as the journey progresses. They are only together a short time, but make a big impact on each other. When it turns out everyone thinks Max has been kidknapped by Alex, it still doesn't stop them in their quest to get to Brussels - but will they meet their final destination.

A great read - but I would have liked more of an epilogue to see what happened for Alex.

An old lady suffering from Alzheimer's , a young man suffering from depression, a shared car ride to Brussels and you are off to an epic humorous episode which entertains you on each and every page. Maxine the old lady with her panache to jumble up quotes, "You must steep things in perspective.” & "No, I would remember that. I have the memory of an alligator.”, is simply the grandmother one needs in their life.
One of the books which I just couldn't put down and one which I wished would never end. Absolutely the book to pick up to get the happy thoughts in your mind and jump start your life with positive energy. Highly recommended.

I recieved a copy of this book via Netgalley for a honest review of the book.

Oh my what can I say about The Car Share??!
It is one of the funniest books I have read. Based on a road trip which brings manic depressive Alex and a very lively, eccentric 90yr old, Maxine together - we follow their crazy trail as they try to get to Brussels.
The book reminds us that everyone has a story and the best thing we can do is share it with others as it can be life-changing. The author has built a very good rapport between our 2 characters with both of them trying to save the other ones life.
I absolutely loved this book and would highly recommend it.

#fun #life #love #laughter

I really enjoyed this story about Maxine & Alex. My mum has Alzheimer’s so it made it all the more real for me. Loved the characters. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I received an advance copy of, The Car Share, by Zoe Brisby. I loved this book. The characters are great, young and old, depressed an dementia, taking a road trip. I laughed and cried. What an engaging book!

4 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️

A joyous, uplifting and humorous read about an unlikely pair who learn that it was fated that they should meet. It is crazy to think a book can be about depression, loneliness and heartbreak and still be a fun and heartwarming read – but that is exactly what this book is.

Ninety year, old honest to a fault, Maxine, (I pictured the indomitable Betty White throughout the book) and Alex, a young man with major self-confidence issues, meet to share a car ride to Brussels. The book follows the outrageous escapades these two fall into in as they run from the police and toward a friendship built on respect and encouragement.

The friendship is unexpected, and comes at the perfect time for each of them. Alex is fleeing from an embarrassing heartbreak, while Maxine is dealing with loneliness as her life in the retirement home is depressing and her loves and most of her friends are now deceased. She has a heartbreaking line in the book that I loved, “She had opened the floodgates of her memories and didn’t know if she could close them up again. They were like precious treasures that you were afraid to take out of the cabinet for fear of breaking them.” To temper the sadness, the author does a great job at injecting humor at just the right places.

Maxine constantly mixes up common phrases and it was fun to catch them all. She is such a quirky, smart and sassy character. Her years of experience and heartbreak of her own make her the perfect person to help Alex out of his fog. I felt sad for the relationships in Alex’s life as it seemed that no one, not even his parents, ever quite believed in him until Maxine. Luckily, by the end of the book, I saw Alex with faith, knowing he would be able to lift himself up and become all that he was meant to be.

“There will always be one crisis after another, and if you don’t take the time to stop and do what really matters, life will pass you by. Maxine’s late husband, Charles, from The Car Share.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Staughton for the ARC copy of this book.

I recommend this book as a light, uplifting and very enjoyable read!

A wonderful bread with great characters a young man with depression a 90 year old woman with dementia,.A relationship that will have you turning the pages enjoying every moment.#netgalley #the carshare

Really loved all the things that Maxine brought forth from her purse. This was a really cute and fun book; it constantly brought a smile or chuckle. Loved Maxines wacky expressions. Stubborn as a mole.

I feel sorry for Alex, no wonder the poor man has been feeling depressed.

This looks to be the authors first English release. All the best!

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and the author Zoe Brisby for the opportunity to review the advance read copy of CarShare in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for accepting me to review The Car Share by Zoe Brisby.

A ninety-year-old woman with Alzheimer's and a heartbroken young man end up sharing a ride to Brussels that changes their lives forever.

This was a loveable easy read exploring the relationship that builds between 2 very different people.

I really enjoyed this book especially the way Maxine and Alex develop as characters throughout the story. Their friendship grows as the trip progresses and left me with a warm glow at the end.

Thoroughly enjoyable 🌟🌟🌟🌟

The Car Share by Zoe Brisby is released on 3rd June 2021.

Touching story where an unlikely friendship grows... Great Read 🚗

Alex has recently been diagnosed with depression, to try and help his mental state and to be cost effective, he's decided to do a car share to Brussels. Challenge one decided, to the online car share form to complete, which is another challenge in itself, what restrictions to give his potential passenger...

Max, Maxine in her 90's currently living in a care home/assisted living accommodation, wanting to do the trip to Brussels for her own reasons.

Both assuming on the christian names, the opposite gender, no connection with age. On eventually realizing that the person is not who they perceived them to be, eventually decide to commence their journey anyway.

What would appear to be an unlikely partnership for a car share, their opposites, age, gender, issues, almost complement each other. Whilst Alex may feel frustrated at times, due to his respect for Max's age, he thinks a bit more before he'd say what he was really thinking. Once Max understands Alex' depression, whilst being to the point, at times a bit too much, which she would often reflect swiftly on what was said and take on board his own worries. An opportunity to be themselves and actually share their concerns, which they've not felt able to with others, whilst taking a trip to remember.

A great read, Max has that way where she can almost get away with most things she says and does. An eccentric lady, who is game to try most things... life's too short eh. Lovely how they bond and a close friendship grows, which helps both of them. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, I've not read any by this author before, but look forward to reading more.

What do you get when you cross a pleated skirted , lavender cardigan and pearl necklace wearing nonagenarian with a twenty five year old hopelessly depressed lawyer? You get two wonderfully entertaining characters in the form of Max and Alex who are both escaping from the confines of their current circumstances in search of freedom. Max is breaking out from the prison like Pleasantstay retirement home in a preemptive strike against her declining mental health whilst young Alex is on the run from a broken heart, suffering from a most chronic and debilitating bout of unrequited love. Together, accidentally but fortuitously, they are car sharing on a trip to Brussels with Alex behind the wheel of his trusted Twingo, not your usual type of getaway vehicle by any means but barring a few mishaps one that will get them to their final destination. In a classic case of the young learning from the old, this storyline mixes laugh out loud silliness with pearls of wisdom relating to depression, loneliness, loss and heartache. Buckle up for a car journey like no other, as these two unlikely friends experience an adventure of a lifetime. Their jolly japes and dare devilish escapades will banish the blues, turn any frown upside down and possibly give you belly ache from laughing at such silly scrapes and shenanigans. So with the engine revved up and raring to go let the action begin in earnest!

The title of this sweet, humorous and hopeful novel immediately conjured up visions of Peter Kay’s TV Car Share but there the similarities end (unless you take into account some carpool karaoke that has Alex and Max belting out Gloria Gaynor’s legendary anthem I Will Survive at the top of their lungs!) Their initial impressions of one another have Max, full name Maxine, assuming Alex is some sleep deprived drug addict going by his appearance whereas Alex is taken aback that Max is actually a woman, and a deranged one at that! Certainly her constant use of malapropisms grates on his nerves like a grinding gear lever but which is really just one endearing characteristic of this pint sized granny figure. As they settle into their 500 mile trip it’s obvious Max and Alex will form a heartwarming friendship as two improbable fugitives on the run, their hijinks threatening to land them in hot water on numerous occasions. It’s fair to say Alex is definitely your glass half empty kind of character whilst Max is the complete opposite but as the car share confessions spew forth, Max just might have a few tricks up her sleeve to help convince Alex life doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. No stranger to loss and heartache herself, Max, with the aid of a multitude of random belongings in her tardis like Mary Poppins bag is determined to prove to Alex life is worth living (even if this is at odds with her own final destination!) Alex needs some chaos in his life and Max is the perfect woman for the job!

The Car Share is a welcome antidote to reality in which the subjects this storyline tackles, particularly depression, is on the rise amongst the younger generation. Instead of focusing on the serious nature of these problems, the author writes with a lighthearted touch so that much of what Max and Alex encounter is completely bonkers but utterly hilarious. I think the petrol station scene is comedy gold so all in all this feel good novel is harmless frivolous fun, shenanigans that can simply be taken with a pinch of salt. Max is definitely a wise old bird so in amongst all the riotous and raucous behaviour Alex is treated to numerous motivational speeches and inspirational quotes courtesy of her deceased psychiatrist husband Charles and Kung-Fu Panda. I often felt as if I was reading a self help manual as well as a humorous piece of fiction but in a good way! It’s impossible not to cheer these two on from the sidelines, willing them to stay one step ahead of the law despite concerted efforts of others to bring a halt to their hijinks. However I do think whilst Max is a well fleshed out lovable rogue it’s to the detriment of Alex’s character who is in need of a friendly but firm kick up the backside! I loved how the narrative is interspersed with snippets from news bulletins alerting the public to Max’s escape, each one growing more fanciful thanks to the Chinese whispers feel to the reporting of events. The assumptions made by those in authority as to who is responsible for Max’s unauthorised absence are an absolute hoot!

Will this pair make it to Brussels unscathed and if so will Max carry out her decision that first prompted her to make her getaway from the retirement home? Or will the police finally apprehend this modern day Bonnie and Clyde, flinging Alex into prison and leaving Max to die a slow lonely death, subjected to a loop of Going for Gold repeats, too many spaghetti filled Tuesdays and a general manager who is more suited to the role of a prison officer? If you fancy an exhilarating journey, from the comfort of your armchair , in the company of this formidable nonagenarian and her (hopefully less depressed by the end!) sidekick then I can highly recommend this novel. My only criticism is it does end rather abruptly with issues in Alex’s life still to be resolved compared to the lovely surprise that awaits Max. Needless to say, as this car journey is brought to a standstill both characters lives have been enhanced by their meeting with hope rather than despair on horizon. Apparently there is a final chapter involving our calamitous duo five years on from their 48 hour car share which I would absolutely love to read (hint to publisher, the online form to read this doesn’t work despite me trying a multitude of times!) My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Staughton for the ARC copy of this book.
This book is a little gem that kept me smiling and at times laughing out loud throughout the entire reading experience.
The story follows nine years old Maxine and her young car-sharer Alex, a depressed twenty-five-year-old. Maxine is a force to be reckoned with who upon seeing how sad and depressed Alex is, takes it upon herself to restore his will to live. When Alex finds out the reason behind Maxine’s trip to Brussels, he decided that he must do something and ensure she does not follow through with her euthanasia plan. Maxine suffers from Alzheimer’s and she is traveling to Brussels to commit assisted suicide while she is still in control of her faculties. In their attempt to save each other, the two unique characters develop a strong and intimate friendship that takes them to unexpected places.
This book had me laughing out loud, smiling during each chapter, and sighing at the hidden gems of wisdom dotted around. Absolutely loved it.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. How this book made me smile and laugh out loud, it was just what the doctor ordered. Great storyline and great characters, loved it

The car share by Zoe Brisby is an emotionally touching and outrageously funny read. I was in a reading slump, after having struggled with a few not-so-great books. The Car Share was the perfect breather. I laughed out loud so much while reading this book, my family thought I might need a visit to the doc!

The story set in France is about the unlikely friendship between two completely opposite strangers–Alex and Max.

Alex is a 25-year-old heart-broken man. Rejected by the ‘love of his life,’ he is lonely & moderately depressed (as diagnosed by his doctor). He decides to take a road trip to Brussels, and in order to reduce his travel costs opts to take a passenger along. His co-passenger is Max, a non-smoker who is fond of mechanics, whisky and Tour de France (according to Carshare.com profile.) Max is on an extremely important trip to Brussels to meet up with doctors.

Imagine Alex’s surprise when Max turns out to be Maxine; an almost 100-year-old purple haired lady. And Max is equally shocked, for she had assumed Alex to be a young lady.

The road trip to Brussels is full of funny and emotional moments. It is also a life-changing trip as both Alex and Max open up and share their deepest fears and secrets with each other. The story becomes thrilling when Alex is suspected of having kidnapped the old lady from the retirement home. With the cops on tow, the duo experiences an adventurous escapade. However, instead of Brussels, the trip ends up in a hospital.

I loved the way the author has sketched the characters. Max is quirky yet loveable; not perfect, but her flaws make her even more interesting. Alex is kind and considerate; yet lonely and suffering from major self-doubt.
It is human nature to fear failure, but a second chance is all we need. A second chance–be it at love, or at life. The Car Share is all about being kind and forgiving towards one’s own self, and be brave to take the second chance.

I would definitely recommend this book to all those looking for a funny yet emotionally touching read. It’s sure to make you happy!

Thank you to NetGalley Hodder & Stoughton and Zoe Brisby for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Overall this was a good book, Maxine was a fantastic character, funny, fierce and caring, Alex was a hard character to warm to, but he did hold his own against Maxine. The story was engaging and I enjoyed it. The only thing that let it down was the layout of the writing. There was no pause between the two characters, which made it at times hard to know which characters POV you were reading. Now I'm not sure if this was because it was an advanced read, maybe it will be changed before release day

With thanks to #Hodderandstoughton for an early copy in return for an honest opinion.
Firstly I would just like to say what an amazing read, its a book filled with positivity laughs a minute heartache and Compassion ❤ I truly loved the tale of Alex and Max age has no barrier,do what makes your heart sing life is for living.
Two lost souls 1 car 🚗 and an outstandingly escapade await you.

Where to begin with how much I enjoyed this book? I'd give it 5+++stars if I could.
Alex and Maxine are two strangers who meet up for a ride share to go to Brussels from somewhere in France. Alex is a depressed young man who wants to find an old crush. Maxine is a senior citizen in her 90's who wants to get to a clinic for a special treatment.

I was hooked from the first paragraph. It was hysterical. How can you not love a spunky old lady?
And while Alex wasn't the happiest person, he was witty & patient with her.

Sample quote:
"He hadn’t even been able to keep his Furby alive . . . His goldfish had died of boredom. When he was a child, his turtles had exhibited kamikaze tendencies, jumping from the small palm tree in their tank on top of the chest of drawers because life with him had seemed so unbearable. His hamsters were long gone. They escaped, and he never saw them again. If he hadn’t been able to save his own pets, how was he going to save this old lady?"

This is a translated book but there was nothing lost in the translation. And as with most translations, the English version can be a bit longer or wordier. This was not the case with this book. The chapters are short and moves at a quick pace. And just how big was Maxine's bag? It was epic Mary Poppins! I want to be on a trip w/someone carrying that bag.

One of the best long-running joke is that Maxine is charming with her zest for living life as she doesn't feel her age nor act appropriately. (ie. as a younger senior citizen instead of someone in her 90's) And the way she messes up colloquialisms.

An example quote of that:
"So I'm sensing that something has got your boat. Tell me what it is; we need to clear the bear."

"People in glass houses shouldn't throw bones."

Some of my other favorite sample quotes:
"What's going on? Why are you panicking? Where are the drugs?"
By now Alex had retained his wits a little. "What drugs?"
"We don't have time to play games. Just tell me! We need to hide them. If necessary, we can each swallow some, but I must warn you that I didn't have any prunes today, so you might not recover your merchandise right away."

"No, gay gay! Homosexual, I made a fool of myself. I lectured him about respect for others. I think I even ended with 'Long live free France."
"That does sound like you crossed the wine."

"He asked me point blank, 'Are you married?' 'No,' I replied. 'Good, then I won't have to fight a duel. I'm terrible at fencing, and it's difficult to find a musket these days. We'll be married within the year!".....Six months later, they were married.

Overall, it was sweet story with laugh out loud clever writing. Charming characters and an engaging story.

FYI: At the end of the ebook ARC, there is info to click on a link to receive an epilogue chapter. When I contacted the author, she mentioned that it will not be included in the print version of the book but it will still be available and there will be info in how to retrieve it. I encourage everyone who enjoyed the book to check out the author's website, Facebook page or if provided; the email in order to get that bonus chapter. It was well worth it!!!!

This is a completely different type of book than I usually read and I was not disappointed. What a story of unlikely friends that meet after applying to car share, completely unaware of who each other are, totally not what either of them expect each other to be and then go on a journey together. A journey in many different ways.

One of them suffering from depression, the other from Alzheimer's, they both have completely different reasons for travelling to Brussells. It will make you laugh at the situations they find themselves in together, as they get to know each other and form such an unusual friendship. It shows what generations can learn from each other if they get to know each other. One person who is really starting out on life, the other who's life is coming to an end. A story of 2 friends trying to save each other.

This is a story containing heavy topics, ie depression, Alzheimer's, loneliness and heartbreak but is written in a respectful light hearted way without taking the seriousness of it all away. If you want a different type of read from your usual Rom-Com, this is the book for you

Alex and Maxine are both suffering from loneliness and depression and now they sharing the ride to Brussels from France. Here's the thing- he's 25 and she's in her 90s. Talk about a odd couple! They do, however, as it turns out, have more in common with one another than you, or they, might think. Maxine is coping with Alzheimer's and while Brisby doesn't make light of it, she does go for the lighter side. The same is true for Alex. This is one of those reads where there are small surprises. It's obviously character driven but the fact that the chapters are short makes it feel lighter somehow. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC.

Alex and Maxine meet by agreeing to car share to Brussels, both are expecting someone completely different. This starts a book about a funny, touching story of two people at totally different times in their lives Alex struggling with depression and his place in the world and Maxine convinced she has Altizimers, wanting to end it all on her terms. Well written the book pulls you along on the strange journey of two strangers trying to save each other.

Reviewed on Facebook too

Alex advertises for a car share from Paris to Brussels and Maxine is to be his companion. He’s young, very depressed, she’s 90 something but young in her head. He’s going to Brussels to find a friend from a while ago and she’s going to end things before Alzheimer’s renders all lost. So fasten your seatbelts folks as this is like no other journey, possibly ever!

I absolutely love this book - what a mad caper as the pair cause utter mayhem which leads to a huge amount of laughter. I don’t think I have ever laughed as much during the course of a book as I have with this one, it’s joyful genius. The intrepid pair are polar opposites. Maxine is adorable, she’s incredibly creative, her wit is razor sharp and she sure thinks very calmly on her feet. She’s like no other 90, 80, 70, 60 year old .... whatever age she feels in her head, I mean she knows who David Guetta is!!!! Alex starts out so depressed, he looks shocking, in fact Maxine thinks he looks like a ‘druggie’. Their dialogue is witty, clever, and hilarious. Alex feels old in Paris whereas Maxine feels young, he sees the world in black and white while she sees it in Ultra HD despite the sadness and tragedy in her life. She’s wise and knowledgeable although she could be making stuff up, it’s entirely possible!! I love her malapropisms and somehow her expressions fit better such as Fascist- Sisters (Fashionistas. See? Way better). The car becomes a kind of confessional for both of them as she brings him back to life and he learns joy and zest for life through their mad escapades. How big is Maxine’s handbag? It must be humongous with all the amazing objects she produces for it. Especially useful is the rotating beacon which they put to excellent use in a traffic jam.

Overall, just read it! It’s fantastic and life affirming, it’s funny, a little bit sad and emotional in places but some tears are happy tears especially at the end. Maxine is a gift not just to Alex but also to us though he gives her the greatest gift of all. I love it - can you tell??!!

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Hodder and Stoughton for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

Great characters, great read, if you want to smile and laugh then this is the book for you. Well written and a real pleasure to read. 5 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC

I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving m the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. I loved this book it made me laugh out loud, the characters were great and it was also thought provoking.

Absolutly brilliant. A must read. Two great characters. I loved Maxine . She was one amazing woman and it does make you think about assisted dying. Alex was lovely. The yurt part was lovely and the pizza delivery. I won't spoil the ending but I think it was perfect

There is nothing more an adventure/mission needs than a Prada shop, an armed robbery, kareoke, Mongolian head wear and dodgem cars!! I adored Maxine and her expressions. This may be a work of fiction but Maxine gave me inspiration for my own life. I simply adored this book!!!! Thanks you to the publisher, Netgalley and of course Zoe for taking me on this car share road trip!!!

Thank you to NetGalley Zoe Brisby and Hodder & Staughton for the ARC copy of this book. This is my personal review.
Alex and Maxine are to people unlikely to ever meet in life until they share a ride to Brussels.
Alex is 25 and Maxine is in her 90’s. Nothing in common to share while on this trip and yet they have a ride that will forever change their lives.
This book has everything a person could want to read in a book. It is heartwarming, heart tugging, hilarious, and one that will stay with me forever. It sees a true friendship between Alex and Maxine grow that is wonderful.

When Alex pulls up to meet ''Max,'' he expects everythng but a ninety year old lady who has her heart set on getting to Brussels by carpool. Max (Maxine) could not be more ill at ease when settling into the seat next to the young man with bloodshot eyes. God help her if he turns out to be a drug addiict. Max is suffering from Alzheimers and wants to take matters into her own hands while she still can. Alex battles severe deresssion. A wonderful fiendship starts to form between the unlikely pair.

Aalex and Maxine are sharing a car ride from France to Brussels. He is twenty five and she is ninety. You'd think they wouldn't get on, but it soon becomes apparent that they actually ave a lot in common. We join them on thir hunorous journey. Max always manages to get her quotes mixed up. This is one of those books that make you feel good even though it deals with health issues. Alex and Max are great characters. Loved this book.

I would like to thank #NetGalley, #HodderStoughton and the author #ZoeBrisby for my ARC of #TheCarShare in exchange for an honest review.

It is a heartwarming story about two very different people having a great adventure together. With carshare you never know who you end up with as a travellling companion. Both Alex and Max had expected someone different from the person who turned up so they nearly missed each other. But soon the awkward situation begins to change and in the end they get really fond of each other.
They both are very likeable people and they have hilarious adventures on the road. Older people are often invisible in a our society. However, although Maxine is an old lady, she proves that the elderly can be just as interesting as the young and they can teach a couple of tricks to the younger generation.
I wasexcited to read in the author's note that there is an extra chapter that shows the characters five years later. I wrote to the e-mail address given and got Chapter 64 from the author -thanks again, Zoe Brisby. I loved it just like the whole story.
I can recommend this book to everyone who likes reading about the oldaer generation and quirky characters.

“The Car Share” by new to me author Zoe Brisby was a wonderful, delightful and entertaining read. On a recommendation from a friend, I was glad to be extended an opportunity to read this story.

Alex and Max both want to drive to Brussels for their underlying causes. When Alex, a 25-year-old student riddled with depression arrives in front of retirement home, little did he expect that his passenger would be 70-, 80- , oh well 90-something Max and thus the journey begins. On the carpool to Brussels to complete their self-serving missions, they become therapists for one another’s problems and wind up opening and putting all on the table…he going to find a friend and she is ending everything before Alzheimer makes her whole world at a loss. Unaware of Max’s intent, Alex finds himself on a whirlwind adventure when they are wanted by the police. He is presumed to be a druggie kidnapper who has deep depression problems out to end everything and taking with him a well to do member of society. Although this story was translated from French, it did not lose its intent or savor although I did find it quite a bit longer to read than I usually do with other books. Oh, how I loved Max and the handbag that had everything but the kitchen sink and the way she puts her own spin on quotes or phrases.

You got to love this book as it will make you laugh and make you cry. It is a story that brings two people to life and each learning to enjoy life for what its worth. So funny but heartfelt. This was a page turner for me and unfortunately, had to put down to sleep. Highly recommend the read.

Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review of this book.

What a lovely life affirming story .It is funny ,sometimes sad but oh so uplifting !.Maxine and Alex are car sharing as they both want to go to Brussels but for very different reasons ! Alex is young ,depressed an old soul and Maxine is 90 going on 50 very wise and full of energy and life .The pair of them form a very unlikely friendship and change each others lives for ever .There are escapades and fun along the way this is such a lovely sweet book .Many thanks to the Piublisher ,the Author and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest review .

Love, love, love this book - pure joy! What an epic adventure with a 25 year old depressed young man and a 90 year old escapee from a retirement home! I didn't want the book to end. Besides the pure hilarity of the situations that these two find themselves in, there is a more serious undertone about depression and how we treat the elderly in this society.

A brilliantly funny read with great characters and a madcap journey to Brussels. I loved Maxine and Alex and felt they had a wonderful chemistry between them. This is a story of unexpected friendship. As we join Alex and Maxine on the car share journey we learn more about their lives and the reasons for the trip. We learn of their hopes and flaws and see the two them open up to each other in a way neither has before. A feisty 90+year old woman and a lacking in confidence young man seem unlikely friends but end up taking you with them on a journey full of laughter and tears.

A delightful book which I found totally engaging. A good amount of humour developing slowly to be an absolute winner. Quirky characters conjured up and even bizarre situations but at the heart is a wonderful story of a developing friendship over the generations and totally heartwarming. Easy read that gathers momentum drawing the reader in as the two main characters get to know each other. I understand the book was originally written in French so I shall be looking out for more from Zoe in French or English.

4.25 super cute stars

This book has some fun characters (and a beautiful cover!) that will be sure to bring some sunshine to your life. You never quite know how things will go when you share a car for a road trip with a stranger. In this case, Alex is headed to Brussels and wants to save a bit on the expense, so he agrees to bring Max(ine) along for the ride, picking her up outside her retirement home.

You need to know that Alex is a young man struggling with depression, anxiety, and heartbreak and Max is a 90-year-old woman suffering from Alzheimer’s. Together they are quite the pair! They get into a load of trouble along the way, and I loved how Max seemed to have an amazing collection of things they would need in her handbag! This one made me laugh with how ridiculous a few situations turned out.

The two develop an offbeat friendship and turn out to be really good for each other. Max has some trouble with expressions, she says “it’s running like dock work” for example and takes pains to explain to Alex that this is so much more correct than “running like clockwork” as dockworkers need to work as a team. The two have a great banter throughout the book.

This one was a quick enjoyable read that left me uplifted at the end!

Fanciful and Farcical....in all the best ways!!

Alex is an “old soul” trapped in the body of a depressed 25 year old.

When asked for three interests on the carshare.com website, he thinks of Herbal tea, camels and American soul music. But, he can’t say that! So, he goes with Museums, traveling and literature-hoping to attract a young lady to accompany him on his trek to Brussels.

Max is age “none of your business” and enjoys mechanics, whisky and the Tour de France.

In reality, Maxine is a spry nonagenarian, who claps like a little girl when she gets excited, and who loves to make an entrance! She thinks that she has Alzheimer’s and needs to get to Brussels. Alex sounds dull, but since SHE seems to be the only one offering a Carshare to Brussels, Max accepts the offer and pays the fee.

She soon realizes that Alex isn’t a young lady, nor the “drug addict” she feared he might be, when she buckled into her seatbelt, but rather a shy lad lacking in confidence who needed to be coaxed out of his bell. (Or is it, out of his shell?) Maxine is always getting the words in common phrases confused!

You never know what might come out of her mouth, or her enormous handbag!

If you enjoyed last year’s “Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman, about a bank robbery gone wrong, you will definitely want to hitch a ride on this road trip, gone awry!!

It is just as humorous and uplifting! 🎈

Also, if you read the AUTHOR’s NOTE, at the end of the book-you will discover one more surprise! 🚗

This book was translated from the French by Kelly Ramke Lardin and will be available on March 25, 2021!

Thank You to Hodder and Stoughton, for my gifted copy, provided through NetGalley!
It was my pleasure to provide a candid review!

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was in a bit of a book slump. I had just finished reading a very depressing book and needed a lift. My good friend Jayme thought this would be just the cure, IT WAS. I haven’t laughed this hard in a while and it felt good.

Alex is a young man who has always been shy, a bit of an odd guy who never quite fit in at school. He’s an only child, his parents never even went to the few activities that he was involved in. He’s a law student but doesn’t really know what he wants to do with his life. Recently his doctor diagnosed him with depression and told him to take some time off and try to enjoy life. He decides to go to Brussels because he knows that is where a woman he once loved lives.

Here’s where the story takes off. Alex posts a notice on a car share board looking for someone to share his ride to Brussels, to help pay for gas, etc. He gets a notice from someone named Max and arranges to pick this person up on his way out of town.

Max aka Maxine is a 90 some year old woman who has decided to go to Brussels to end her life. She is tired of the stagnant life in the retirement home after having led a wonderful life. She also thinks she has Alzheimer’s even though she hasn’t seen a doctor.

What follows is a car ride, well a car escapade, that will have you laughing out loud, because Maxine is not a typical 90 year old, in her mind and heart she is young. Along the way they manage to stop a robbery in a petrol station, actually Maxine foiled the robbery. They are being pursued by the police because they think that Maxine was kidnapped and the nursing home has exaggerated the situation. Of course social media is all over this making matters crazy and over the top!!

They run out of petrol while being pursued by the police, spend a night in an authentic Mongolian “yurt”, eating some Mongolian food and dressing in some pretty amazing costumes. Alex finds that he hasn’t slept this well in months. Maxine is amazing at bolstering Alex’s view of himself and Alex has grown so fond of her that he is determined to stop her “plan” in Brussels.

As they are getting closer to Brussels Maxine spots a Fun Fair. Of course they have to stop and Maxine encourages Alex to try all sorts of food and relax and enjoy the ferris wheel. The last ride at the Fun Fair are the bumper cars which Alex is terrified of, Maxine of course wins him over.

I will leave you with some of her words of wisdom “Bumper cars are like life. To keep moving, you have to dodge the other cars. You can choose to play it safe and stay at the edge, but that’s terribly boring! To have fun, to live, you have to take risks. You have to get in the thick of it and be ready to take a blow or give one when necessary. Plus, life and bumper cars are both rides that don’t last long, so you have to enjoy them while you can.”

The ending is satisfying and I can’t wait to see what this author will come up with next. If you are tired of the pandemic, the weather or just day to day life, pick up this book and you will feel a whole lot better!!

I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley.

The Car Share by Zoe Brisby

I mostly read heavy themed books so The Car Share was a wonderful change of pace for me. Ninety year old Maxine needs a ride from her retirement facility to Brussels, where she has an appointment to be euthanized. Twenty five year old depressed Alex is fleeing the humiliation of attempting to let his crush know his feelings. Both Maxine and Alex fill out their Car Share forms in such a way that neither of them are expecting the companion that they actually get. 

Maxine is a hoot. She identifies as a twenty, thirty, maybe forty year old. She is a very young spirit in a mature body and she is overflowing with self confidence despite several heart aches in her life. She is one very smart woman even if she does spout malapropisms as if she invented the English language. And my favorite thing of all is that she carries a purse that has an inner capacity the size of the Grand Canyon. If she doesn't have what she needs in that purse, she has something that can pass for what she needs. 

Alex's parents, still very present in his life, offer him no emotional support. They are cold, demeaning, and probably a big reason he's been an old, depressed soul for most of his life. Alex is horrified when he's been matched with Maxine as a car share partner but she is just what he needs and she knows it. She knows she can fix Alex, she knows everything will be okay, and she has me believing her. As their trip of misadventures progresses, Alex starts feeling glimmers of happiness that he can't remember feeling for a very long time. 

The story is simple and silly and I smiled and laughed. I will admit I might be more like Alex than Maxine except that I covet Maxine's purse. A person will never be left in the cold if they have Maxine's purse to save the day. 

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for this ARC.

The Car Share by Zoe Brisby is the most delightful contemporary novel about living life to the full no matter how old you are.
The novel is charming and absolutely hilarious. I was literally laughing out loud at the outrageous antics of a young ninety year old lady as she definitely leads a twenty five year old man astray, whilst simultaneously opening up his life to new possibilities.
Both characters have burdens that weigh them down. As each tries to lift the other up, so their burdens become lighter. They both have hearts of gold.
The misquotes from ninety year old Maxine are gems of pure gold that make the reader smile. I love the fact that in all her years, her true wisdom is from Kung Fu Panda! “The secret to happiness is being content with what you have.”
There is pathos within the novel as Maxine believes she has Alzheimer’s. “I’m getting lost inside myself and soon I will disappear.” Having Alzheimer’s is a great fear as she has already nursed her husband through it.
Maxine is hiding a secret. It is a weighty burden that she has not only carried down the years but has also punished herself daily. She cannot forgive herself. “I didn’t learn to forgive myself… but I did learn to live with it.” The reader’s heart breaks for the young Maxine who is frozen in time. She deserves to let go, forgive herself and live free in the time she has left.
There is a wonderful rapport between the two lead characters. Their verbal volleys were a pure delight.
I absolutely adored The Car Share. It was warm, witty and fun and I cannot wait to read more from Zoe Brisby.
I will leave you with my favourite quote:
“Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous.”
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Zoe Brisby's laugh a minute novel deserves to be a rip-roaring success, the perfect antidote to the misery of our pandemic times. Although it took me a while to immerse myself in this zany comic caper, after that I was all in, as the outrageously unforgettable purple haired 90 year old, Max (Maxine) and the depressed and lonely 25 year old, Alex, embark on a gloriously vivid technicolor car share, a mad cap road trip to Brussels. Alex is fleeing an unrequited love affair that has laid him low and parents that are unsupportive and indifferent, a young man with an old person's heart. Max is escaping a controlling retirement home that treats its resident as if they are children, she has more life force in her little finger than Alex, bursting with a young person's vibrancy and heart, certain she has Alzheimer's and wanting to end things before it destroys who she is.

When they first meet, neither finds the other what they expected, with Max mistaking Alex for a druggie due to his unhealthy appearance. Despite being opposites, they start to let the other into their inner spaces, confessing and unburdening more of who they are and their lives than they ever had to another person. Max takes Alex to her heart, wanting to impart the wisdom she has picked up, relating her action packed adventurous years, her first love, Leonard, who she had lost in the war, and her joyful marriage to her late husband, Charles, a well known psychiatrist. Alex begins to respond to the juggernaut that is Max, finding himself beginning to smile and see his life through a different lens, perhaps life is worth living after all, all culminating in him singing to Gloria Gaynor's I Will Survive on the car radio. Enduring a makeover which has him wearing a Prada suit, Alex and Max come across a service station robbery, stay in a yurt, attend a funfair, have a psychic reading and are rescued by the incredible contents of Max's bag of magic and so much more.

Brisby demonstrates her sure comic touches and wit in this lighthearted and breezy novel that captivates, the highlight of which is a pensioner, Max, who can dance and sing, whilst swinging her hips like a rock star to stunned audiences, with her scream of an alter ego character in Rebecca, and her endearing malapropisms. Despite her charismatic and extrovert nature, there is an inner vulnerability, and fear and here, Alex comes into his own, able to be there for Max when she most needs him, even if she didn't know it. The two protagonists are inspired creations, each locking onto the other, finding a surprise friendship and love, on a hilarious road trip. I cannot see many readers being able to resist either Max or Alex! Highly recommended. Many thanks to Hodder and Stoughton for an ARC.

Unlikely Friendships....
A journey by car to Brussels changes some lives forever and creates unlikely friendship bonds that won’t be broken. A heartwarming, oft emotional, and engaging read with some deftly created characters and some gently amusing situations.

THE CAR SHARE – ZOE BRISBY
PUB BY – HODDER & STOUGHTON
PLOT - Maxine, a 90 year old woman with Alzheimer’s and Alex a 25nyear old heartbroken and depressed young man share a car ride to Brussels from France. Both are initially wary of the other but gradually a friendship is formed and their travel plans take and unexpected and an adventurous turn which changes both their lives forever.
MY THOUGHTS –
• It’s an endearing story which will transform both the protagonist s lives and lead to self discovery and even healing!
• The best part is the hilarious and comical scenes and encounters. Maxine and her tote bag is a world in itself and more than once helps them get out of difficult situations. ( Maxine for her age has more fun than me)
• Both the characterization is SUPERB!! Polar ends of each other!
• A beautiful uplifting story of finding unexpected love and support when one looses all hope!
So if you are looking for a good, funny, feel good, life affirming books then look no further this book is for you!!

Thank you Netgalley, author and the publishers for this e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

Fanciful, farcical, fun, and feel-good. The Car Share by Zoe Brisby is the whimsical, endearing story of the Max and Alex, two strangers at difficult times in their respective lives, who meet by chance thanks to a car share website. From wary first encounters to comical misunderstandings, Alex and Max manage to take a simple ride share encounter and make it a life changing and life affirming road trip that not only irrevocably bonds them but also teaches them both truths about themselves and each other. Maxine’s positivity and zest for new experiences is contagious. Alex not only finds the right roads along this trip—he finds himself. With deft humor and comedic situations the two lead characters take us on a journey of understanding and emotion. Of memory and experience, of empathy, of taking chances and making choices. Max’s malapropisms will make you smile and Alex’s slow emergence from his shell will too. A mismatched pair that find understanding and support in the most unexpected of places—each other.
This is a delightful read—warm, funny, endearing. Highly recommended!
4.5 stars

Thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review of this book.

Alex and Max both want to drive to Brussels, so they use an online carshare App to meet up, neither is what the other expects, there's much confusion from the beginning.
So starts an extraordinary couple of days on the road, during which they have adventures aplenty, whilst discovering who they really are.
Quirky, hilarious and very French!
Translated well although some of the humour is more French than English.
An enjoyable read, and a good laugh.
Thank you for the early read NetGalley and Hodder.

This has got to be one of the most charming books with the most charming characters I will have read this year!

Alex is a young 20-something man who is going through a deep depression. He decides to take a trip to Brussels and try to find a way towards happiness and fulfillment. He makes a profile on a Car Share website to see if anyone else is heading to Brussels. Alex will drive, and wouldn’t mind the company...or the gas money.

Maxine is a (maybe 30,40,50, 60 years old) 90-year old woman with Alzheimer’s. She is living in a retirement home that she rather despises. It feels like a prison, and that doesn’t work for this old lady who acts way younger than her wise years. She decides to go to Brussels, where it is legal to get assistance to end one’s life. She wants the final curtain to fall on her terms, and checks the Car Share website for anyone making the trip to Brussels.

And THAT is how Alex and Maxine end up on the trip of a lifetime. Despite the sad themes that weave their way throughout the plot, this book is a full dose of FUN! Alex and Maxine are opposites in every possible way, but end up bonding while getting themselves into a whole lotta trouble. One humorous shenanigan after another keeps the pace brisk as we learn more about the two characters and their backgrounds.

I had a big smile on my face the whole time I read this, and felt deeply for the Alex and Maxine. Alex is an old soul, and Maxine is way more youthful than he could ever be...but also very wise. It was such a joy to see Maxine bring Alex out of his shell, and for Alex to be a shining light in Maxine’s eyes. Their friendship was hilarious, heartfelt, and legitimate.

One funny thing that runs throughout the book is Maxine’s purse...and how much stuff she has in there. Some of the items include: wet wipes, a corkscrew, feather duster, socks, a huge medicine box, an old brick Nokia phone, an emergency car beacon light, an alarm clock, hundreds of business cards, and some other surprises I don’t want to spoil. What’s even more amusing is how many of the items come in handy on their adventure.

The Car Share is everything The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary should have and could have been. In fact, this fits perfectly in the world of O’Leary’s books when I think about charming and lovable characters who will stay with me for a long time. This was written by French writer Zoe Brisby, and translated to English with ZERO clunk! I absolute loved the brilliant writing, and will be eager for more. Balancing a wild, fun, and uplifting ride with depth has got to be difficult, but Brisby handles it with aplomb.

One last thing: It will be very advantageous for you to read the author’s note at the end. You’re welcome in advance.

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book is available now.

Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com

Two disparate people take a road trip. When depressed twenty-five year old Alex advertises for a passenger to travel with him to Brussels, he thinks he's getting a man called Max. He certainly does not expect a lively ninety year old lady called Maxine who is going to a euthanasia clinic. As they both get to know each other on the journey, each of them resolves to help the other appreciate the good things in life. With Maxine's mixed up idioms and Alex's new zest for life, this makes for a read that is sometimes touching, sometimes hilarious, especially when they make the news headlines!

This was the most entertaining book I have read in years! It is hilarious! I laughed out loud so much. More laughter came out of me reading this book than I have laughed in a year!

My heart was (and still is) so full of love for the characters that Zoe Brisby created in this book. I am drawn to stories with a character of the older population, so I was attracted to this book from the summary. Little did I know how much it would lift my spirits.

Along with the many humorous scenes, there is a lot of wisdom. Cherish every day. Support those you love and strive to help them in any way you can. Focus on the positive.

Definitely do yourself a favor and check out this book!

I want to thank NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for giving me the immense pleasure of reading the advance reader copy, with no obligation to write a review. My review is written freely as a hobby, and is totally my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC. I also purchased the ebook since I loved this story so much!

I honestly believe this book should be on everyone's shelf as it tackles issues that we all should talk about it! It tackles the beauty of resilience, new friendships, and belief. I highly recommend this book to anyone in need of a good boo. The plot is awesome, character development is awesome and I look forward to more books by Zoe. Huge thanks to the publisher for my ARC

Well, that was a delightful read!
The Car Share is a funny, poignant tale about a young man who suffers from depression, and his journey to find a travel buddy, for a long road trip to Brussels. He accepts a request from a Max and only finds out, upon picking her up, that Max is a nonagenarian, actually called Maxine, hoping to go on her own last journey, before signing into a Euthanasia clinic, ending her life with dignity, before Alzheimer's takes her life away.
Through the story that mainly unfolds over a couple of days, the unlikely couple ends up in several pickles, as well as getting themselves caught up in a kidnapping case, so find themselves as fugitives.
So much madcap fun, as well as some wonderfully touching moments within the story.
The only reason I can't give it 5 stars is that there was a lot of POV hopping within chapters which confused me a little.
Many Thanks to NetGalley and Hoder & Stoughton for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Just what I needed to read, a funny book, light-hearted, feel-good but with a serious message about human behaviour running throughout the book. Maxine is an elderly lady, with a past, who has decided to take her destiny into her own hands, Alex a young man, despondant after rejection. Both set off for Brussels in an elderly car and gain something from the interaction with each other. The humour was Ok, the underlying messages about the assumptions about age, ones parents etc were brilliant. Amazing that so much can happen within a couple of days and that such close relationships can be established , but the book does not seem at all far fetched .
I am still rooting for both Alex and Maxine now I have finished the book. I read that it was originally published in French . Some of the translation in English reads as if it is written by a non-native speaker. For me, this added to the charm
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review