Drive Like Hell: A Novel

By Dallas Hudgens

Book Overview

Wanting desperately to be behind the wheel, Luke Fulmer counts down the days to his sixteenth birthday, when he can finally get his license. Unfortunately, the first thing he does with it is "borrow"... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0743251636
• ISBN13: 9780743251631
• Release Date: February 2005
• Publisher: Scribner
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 1.1" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Impressive and Authentic

This novel had me in laughing fits before the end of the first page. I am not an English professor, but I love to read the likes of Christopher Moore, Bill Fitzhugh, etc. Dallas Hudgens fits well with this group, the difference being that he uses the South as a backdrop instead of a punchline. I lived in Georgia for eight years, and this book has jarred loose a lot of memories for me. The comedy is nicely contrasted with raw aggression around every turn, and it is hard to put this book down. Even if you have nothing to do with the South, this is an interesting story with many suprises. The charachters are distinct and vivid, and not hard to remember. If you are from Atlanta or the surrounding area, you'll be able to smell some of the scenes from this book. I can't wait to see what this guy writes next.

An extremely well written, refreshing novel

Dallas Hudgens has pulled off quite a coup: for once we can read about a dysfunctional family with enjoyment and not depression. Because the characters are so well developed, their particular eccentricities and challenges are understandable and poignant. Luke, a 16 year old, is at the cusp of true manhood, being shaped by his mother and brother, and although his father has left the family, he has cast a long shadow of influence over Luke as well. All these forces pull Luke in different directions as he copes with one of the most important (from a teenager's perspective) events in his life -- getting his first license. Hudgens does a great job of picking an event and process (the driving test, the responsibility that comes with driving, the fear of losing the license, etc.) that mirrors the entry into adulthood. Luke is a study in contrasts, often somewhat older than his years and at other times the impetuous teenager, thinking only of the moment. Hudgens has marvelously captured the feeling of growing up. His style reminds me of Carl Hiassen, with the same quality of characterization, but without the zaniness. The prose is compelling and beautifully captures the essence and spirit of the time and place. Highly recommended.

A great read with compelling characters

I loved this book. I read it while on Spring Break with my kids and I enjoyed every minute of it. Hudgens is a great first time author with a real talent for (i) being funny, and (ii) slowly building compelling characters. There is even a little action and love interest thrown in for good measure. He also has a great ear for dialogue -- particularly Southern-inspired dialogue. However, you don't have to come from the South to enjoy it (I am from PA). I look forward to a sequel where Luke follows his dream and becomes a bail bondsman!

A smart and funny and refreshing first novel

The worst crime a coming-of-age novel can commit is to take itself too seriously, and of that charge Dallas Hudgens' "Drive Like Hell" is most definitely not guilty. In a literary landscape full of self-important teenagers dried out by their own inward-looking portentousness, Luke Fulmer is a welcome alternative. Luke's story is full of hard situations, and Hudgens never ignores or downplays the difficult truths, but this is one author whose work is as funny and entertaining as it is meaningful and wonderfully written. A career worth watching.

Driving Success!

Wow. I could not put this book down. From the first page to the last, I couldn't believe the twists, turns and fast-paced action. it's the seventies, man, in all its polyester and hardrock glory. it is more than that. this book has soul, sass and all the longing of a GREAT country music ballad. yes, it's funny but when you're laughing along with the wonderful characters you're also nodding in recognition. AS i told my friends: Buy it, Read it, Love it like hell.