Charlie Dunbar had big plans for the summer break, but becoming a fugitive was nowhere on the list. Even more unexpected, his partner in crime is his own ailing grandfather. Now they’re on the run, trying to make it across the country to see a special kind of doctor, while the world becomes mesmerized by their journey. They are the subject of heated debates on cable news channels. Thousands of people voice their support on Facebook fan pages. And Charlie’s own parents appear on live TV to plead for him to come home safely. But Charlie isn’t ready yet. He’s determined to get his grandfather to Seattle. The only question is, will the police stop them first? Recommended for age 13 to adult.
REVIEWS FOR THE DRIVING LESSON:
“Critics have compared Central Texan Ben Rehder to Carl Hiaasen for his darkly comic series of mysteries set in Blanco County. Now Rehder is following in Hiaasen’s footsteps once more by penning a young-adult title: The Driving Lesson. The story follows Charlie Dunbar, on a road trip-cum-getaway with his cancer-stricken grandfather. Charlie wants to get his beloved Opa to Seattle to see a specialist, but there’s just one problem: They have to elude the police. Rehder infuses Lesson with his trademark dry wit, yet there’s a sweetness at the heart of this road caper.”
—Austin American-Statesman
“The Driving Lesson is Rehder’s first young adult novel, but hopefully not his last. Rehder is best known for his comic crime novel series set in Blanco in the Hill Country and featuring a game warden as the lead character. That series could be coming to TV — stay tuned.”
—Abilene Reporter-News