Book Review: Driving Stevie Fracasso by Barry Divola 

 

I finished this book recently and I loved it!!! It is one of my favourites of the year so far.

The story begins with 40 year-old music journalist Rick McLennan, who loses his job and breaks up with his long-term partner Jane on the same day. As a result of the break up, he also loses his apartment.
But luck turns his way when he is given the opportunity to write a book about Stevie Fracasso, former rock star and lead singer of the band Driven To Distraction, who is doing one last performance in New York, where Rick lives.
The only catch is that Stevie doesn't like to fly, so would need to be picked up and driven from his home in Austin, Texas, to New York, with Rick interviewing him for the book along the way.
But there's a problem. Rick and Stevie are brothers. And they haven't seen each other in over thirty years!
Rick doesn't want to take the job but he's fresh out of choices, so he 'borrows' Jane's 1985 Nissan Stanza and heads towards Stevie's home.
What ensues is a fun and fabulous journey as the reader begins to find out why the brothers have been estranged for so long. This story had a mix of everything - I laughed out loud in many parts, and was really moved in others. The story has a great cast of characters too, and the musical soundtrack added a great touch! 

I would highly recommend getting your hands on a copy. 

It is available from today through HarperCollins Publishers Australia, RRP $32.99