Title: Drive Me Crazy
Author: Erin Soderberg Downing
First published June 2, 2009
210 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781416974840 (ISBN10: 1416974849)
Rating: 3.76
Overview
Get ready for an epic road trip with Kate and her two best friends, Sierra and Alexis. They are all set to embark on an adventure to their family lake houses in Love, Wisconsin.
Kate is excited to reunite with Lucas, the boy she shared a steamy kiss with last summer. However, things take a turn for the worse when Alexis’s annoying cousin, Jake, decides to tag along.
Kate can’t stand Jake’s sarcastic remarks and his self-absorbed attitude. All she wants is to get rid of him so she can finally be with Lucas.
But as they hit the road, Kate realizes that this trip is full of surprises and maybe Jake isn’t as bad as she thought. Will Kate be able to find love on the road to Love?
About the Author
I enjoy reading and writing books that are amusing, exciting, and touching for young readers of all ages. I’m also known to pen a few romantic comedies for grown-ups as well.
If you have any book suggestions, I’d love to hear them! I tend to gravitate towards modern, humorous romantic comedies, unique and quirky characters, and children’s books that blend humor with heart.
My latest series, THE GREAT PEACH EXPERIMENT: When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Peach Pie, is now available in stores and has been selected as a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard book.
Editoral Review
Erin Soderberg Downings Drive Me Crazy is a young adult romance novel that was first published on June 2, 2009. The book is a classic representation of the teen drama genre, with themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery woven into its pages.
Through the eyes of a popular but troubled teenager, the book explores the complexities of the high school experience, including the pressure to fit in, the quest for identity, and the emotional minefield that is teenage romance. The story follows Kate, a high school student who is popular but unhappy.
Her life seems to be crumbling around her as her best friend moves away, her boyfriend cheats on her, and her parents’ marriage begins to fall apart. In an attempt to get her mind off her problems, she signs up for the schools new driving class, where she is paired with her nemesis, a cocky and arrogant boy named Jake.
As they spend time together, their relationship evolves from mutual dislike to openness, and eventually, a surprising romance which, inevitably, becomes complicated. Downings strength lies in her ability to capture the emotional angst of teenage life.
She perfectly captures the feeling of being misunderstood and struggling to discover oneself. Her ability to relate to the experiences of her readers makes the book relatable, engaging, and an essential read for every teen struggling with these same issues.
The characters are well-developed, and the dialogue is realistic and believable. Readers will enjoy the witty and snarky banter between Kate and Jake as they navigate their way through the ups and downs of young love.
The pacing of the story is solid, with the occasional twists and turns that keep the reader invested in the story. One of the book’s limitations is that the plot might seem predictable to experienced readers in the genre.
The happy ending may not come as a surprise to experienced fiction readers. However, this should not detract from its quality as young adult literature.
Overall, Drive Me Crazy is an impressive novel that delves deeply into the psyche of teenage characters. Downing’s writing style and storytelling are top-notch, making this book an immersive and authentic experience.
If you are a fan of teen dramas, romance, and coming-of-age stories, this book is one that you will thoroughly enjoy. Rating: Four out of five stars.
