Rules of the Road -Joan Bauer

Winner of Los Angeles Times Book Prize, 1998

YOUNG ADULT FICTION WINNER.

 The book has won accolades and definitely a deserving one it is. I had picked this one at the Book swap. It was instantaneous decision to pick the book– had loved its title, the blurb and also the special mention about roads. I am a struggling driver these days so the adventures of road seemed inviting.  🙂 I am happy that I picked it, loved reading it absolutely. It gotta unique storyline. I would just say its different.

Jenna Boller is 16-year-old girl,someone who is here to excel in the shoe industry. 5’11 she is and ready to take on the world with her selling abilities. She can convince anyone to take in her suggestions as she knows her shoes and their feet well. A rocking saleswoman she is! She doesn’t praise much about herself except her job at Gladstone’s Shoe Store. Her mom, sister and grandmother makeup her family and she tries hard to deal with her alcoholic Dad.

Madeline Gladstone, a businesswoman of strength and vigor. She is being sidelined by her son and the reputation of her company is at stake. The corporate takeover needs to be averted but it isn’t an easy game. She is fighting for QUALITY OVER MONEY which not many people do in today’s world.She identifies Jenna for her outstanding qualities and ropes in her as the driver cum personal assistant for an adventure. A road trip that involves tracking the shoe chain stores and an important shareholders meeting. But this one turns out to be more than it.The book throws a larger picture of life, the rules of road and the ways of people in the world.

I loved the book because its about a teen, her adolescence, her winning and losing traits. She is not a very confident driver, adores her driving license and  longs to own her dream car. But when pushed into a job, she shoulders the responsibility of driving a big car-Cadillac from Chicago, Dallas to Texas and does it in a commendable manner taking charge of all her duties that spring up on the way. She narrates her story well and puts forth her inhibitions, her ugliness, her weakening thoughts and her desires. Any girl would relate to it instantly. As the book progressed, I felt glad to see Jenna become more wise, strong, mature and a lady of conviction.  🙂

The book is about women in different ages and phases of life and their struggle. Its about their power and meekness. A girl of sixteen who wants to live her dreams but knows her lessons well. Her divorced mother who works in night shifts to support the family. Her grandmother whose taught some great lessons to her granddaughters. And her boss, a lady businesswoman who fights hard with physical inabilities and wins due to her never dying winning attitude.

Thank you, Joan Bauer for this well crafted, neatly written and smartly put in book. I would say a must read for every women. And the guys should read to know about woman’s mettle.   😉