His father is an alcoholic who goes on frequent binges that has caused his son throughout the years to fend for himself. Alex is a deeply troubled teenage boy that is basically NUMB. What I don't think they understand is that is exactly what the author was trying to portray in the beginning of the story. Also, I couldn't help but notice that some of the more negative reviews were given because reviewers felt that Alex, the main character, was unrelatable and one dimensional due to his lack of showing emotion. As stated on their website, their mission is to, "help bridge the divide between Traditional Publishing and the Digital Electronic Book (ebook) Revolution." And so they have begun by giving us The Car Thief in a digital format and an eye catching new cover.īefore delving into this review, I just want to state that after doing a little research, some of the events in the story may be based on the author's life. One company that takes pride in reintroducing modern classic novels to the masses is Astor + Blue Editions. Why? How? Well, thanks to the ever growing popularity of e-books and modern technology, classic literature now can get a fresh new look. The book has been described as a modern classic and "one of the best coming of age novels of the 20th century." The book was originally published in 1972 and is making a comeback. Serena Ainesly, head publicist for Blue Dot Literary, asked me a couple months back if I would be interested in reading and reviewing The Car Thief by Theodore Weesner. I am used to getting author requests, but this is the first time I've been approached by a publicist. The whole process of reading and reviewing this book came about in a completely different way. This review and more can be read on my blog here: The Muses Circle A beautiful read, whether you're in the mood for deep literary thought, or a simple family story. The very best kind in my opinion, the kind that can touch anyone, whether they're English majors or factory workers whether they're high shool students or baby boomers. So much humanity you derive from the relationships in this story, without even consciously knowing your absorbing it. It's very rare that you find a book that rises to the level of enduring literature, yet is written in such plain, simple, honest language, that it stays true to the blue collar world that it describes so well. really, because Weesner has a way of getting you engrossed in the characters, that you care about everything they do. I thought I was going to sit down with a deep, literary tome that I'd have to struggle through. (Again, right back in high school for me) And then there's the girl that Alex is addicted to seeing, but can't bring himself to really show affection. They've both been abandoned by mother/wife and it pains them in ways they can't talk about, but obviously comes out in their daily movements. His alcoholic, blue-collar father loves him, but is just as inept. He loves his father, but can't express it. I can imagine James Dean at his best trying to play this guy's pain, but not quite capturing it. Alex Housman is a kid from Flint, Michigan who steals cars but wouldn't be able to tell you why. The Car Thief is about a teen with so much angst, it brought me straight back to high school.