Book Review: The Car Thief by Theodore Weesner

The Car Thief by Theodore Weesner was first released in 1973 to critical acclaim. It is the coming of age story of Alex Houseman, a troubled teen who finds himself in Juvenile Detention for stealing cars. Despite the alcoholic father, absent mother and stint in Juvie, there seems to be a little light within him that will get him through it all.

Weesner, I read, had a very similar childhood, growing up in Flint, Michigan which influenced this novel. It makes it feel very real, almost like a memoir, but with the narrative of a novel. It is a quiet story, a look into the life of a young boy and the people who influence him. This is what I feel YA books today are striving for. A character to cheer on, that reflects the kids that are reading it and a good piece of literature that can garner discussions. 
The beginning of the book had me a little worried. It was a bit confusing and slow moving but just as I thought I might give up on it, I couldn't put it down (or turn it off). The rerelease of The Car Thief is in eBook form exclusively, published by Astor + Blue. What a great way to get this book into the hands of new readers! It is well worth the read.
Source: Publisher for review

For more information about the book and author visit the publishers site here.

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