This is a story about a 16 year old boy growing and finding his independence.

Well told and well worth reading, Greg Mannering is a believable and courageous protagonist. In this wonderful coming of age story, Greg figures out what he really want to do - become a mechanic and participate in rallies - and goes after it.

Realising that no matter how hard he tries he isn't smart enough (or interested) in academic learning to please his parents, he knows that he's never going to be what they want from him. So he sets out to be his own man, with some help from a friendly mechanic/rally driver, his wife, Greg's Car Maintenance teacher, and schoolmates Chris and Megan. Who knows, maybe he'll even get the girl... ( )

A coming of age novel about a 16 year old boy with academically successful siblings who learns to stand up for himself. He realizes that he will never win his parents approval by trying to be the person they want him to be and fulfill their dreams for him, and has the courage to go against their wishes and be himself. This eventually leads to their change of heart and appreciation of his talents.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am not into cars or rallying, so those tags are misleading. This book is well written and grabbed me from the beginning. I was angry at the stupidity of the so-called intelligent parents who wanted their child to be just like them. They change as Greg's siblings join with him in pointing out that he is not them, but a unique individual with his own unique talents. An excellent read for all ages, not just teens.

Suggested reading age: intermediate, junior secondary. ( )