Customer Reviews

The Drive

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I am a self-proclaimed non-reader. Ironically, I work in a library. So, my standard line is, "I am a perfect candidate to work here because you'll never catch me reading in the stacks." This book is an exception. Trisha's unabashed account of her cathartic journey touched me very deeply. I could hardly believe that I, of all people, had a difficult time putting this book down. It has been said, "the eyes are the windows to the soul." Thank you, Trisha for allowing us to see who you are so clearly through your story. I greatly enjoy watching videos, which is how I perceived "The Drive". If you are ever in the Chicago area, just know you will always be welcome in my home.

The book is obviously a profoundly personal exploration, and I appreciated the courage of that. BUT the journey - she calls it the 'hero's journey' and 'our shared journey' - is universal, as her verbiage here implies. THE DRIVE is full of images, symbols, snippets of memories, feelings, longings, recriminations, ideas, hopes, insights, etc. that are utterly engaging! That's the goal of many literary endeavors, but the accomplishment of few works. Ms. Todd provides multiple points of access for ANY reader - regardless of ideology - and invites them to free-associate with the images, emotions, and ideas. Through a beautiful kind of strength and vulnerability, Ms. Todd opens herself up, and her ultimate gift to those willing to try to make that 'journey' - the literal and figurative 'DRIVE' - with her is the wonderful opportunity for self-reflection.

This book is also a prime example of a "feminine" writing style. It does not follow 'normal' protocols in terms of Western literary structure and content. THE DRIVE features a non-linear unfolding of the story but with a clear internal logic; deeply intimate explorations in terms of both subject matter and emotional content; conscious usage, deconstruction, and re-construction of symbols; no concrete 'wrapped up in a nice package' conclusion; an investigation into things female (but things that have universal applications), etc. This might be 'off-putting' for some readers, but this story could unfold no other way. Ms. Todd's intuition, her careful craftsmanship, and her chosen structure and style make this story, its insights, and its implications all the more compelling.

An excellent first endeavor, and I can't applaud it loudly enough.

what a beautifully written book. at times i cried for you and at times i cheered for you. seems you spoke to a place in my own wounded heart. i have been there and done that. artistically, it takes so much courage to put any kind of art out there. your words painted with such wonderful colors. it felt like i was in that car with you. i am a painter and as such i admire that ability. i hope your path is filled with love and happiness.

Having not thought much of the self-absorbed storyline in "Claire of the Moon" (movie or novelization, take your pick) I didn't think I'd think much of Trisha Todd's memoir which included a great deal about the behind-the-scenes elements of "Claire."

I was wrong. And glad to be.

After reading The Drive I'm convinced that what poetry there is in the movie came from Todd's undeniably poetic soul. The Drive is an invitation to journey while a woman tells you about her secrets, her soul, her ideals and her dreams. Rather than self-absorbed, her observations have more universality than anything "Claire" achieved. It's not an actress on acting or a writer on writing, or even a lesbian on what it's like being a lesbian. It's about a woman, journeying through a broad spectrum of life.
I'm glad I got in the car. I wish the journey had been longer.

It's hard to get a copy of Trisha's "drive" when you live in Holland like me. When I finally did, I jumped in the passenger seat and couldn't stop reading. I feel connected. Her honesty moves me. Reading her thoughts, experiences and feelings helps me to stay on my track. Thank you Trisha.

Rarely do you find an author who is revealing as Trisha Todd..perhaps it is something she has learned on the Drive that is that coming to terms with oneself and one's history we see ourselves more clearly and not who we dreamed or thought we were...she has an even hand describing her faults and successes...She allows the reader into her thoughts and actions freely...Her use of metaphors and analogies may be over the top for some, but her use of such things, refelecting on her literary knowledge, lets you get closer into Ms. Todd personality, through this style... you can imagine what a conversation with her might entail,...The book is honest and raw...She has driven down many roads...as perpetrator and victim, but through it all she does not ask for forgiveness or designate blame, she understands it is all part of the journey...It is a quick read, and whether you fall for the book at first read or not...it lingers

Having not thought much of the self-absorbed storyline in "Claire of the Moon" (movie or novelization, take your pick) I didn't think I'd think much of Trisha Todd's memoir which included a great deal about the behind-the-scenes elements of "Claire."

I was wrong. And glad to be.

After reading The Drive I'm convinced that what poetry there is in the movie came from Todd's undeniably poetic soul. The Drive is an invitation to journey while a woman tells you about her secrets, her soul, her ideals and her dreams. Rather than self-absorbed, her observations have more universality than anything "Claire" achieved. It's not an actress on acting or a writer on writing, or even a lesbian on what it's like being a lesbian. It's about a woman, journeying through a broad spectrum of life.

I'm glad I got in the car. I wish the journey had been longer.

The descriptions of the surroundings, the people, and everything else in the book makes you feel like you can see, smell, taste and touch them all. Trisha is truly an artist with words. Thank you for your heartfelt book. I look forward to your next book.

This book could have been about me, but without the driving. I could not stop crying as I read the last pages. I felt the author's pain as my own. Her Annie is my Michelle, and I wonder how many others like us are out there. I am numb again as the memories crash in. "The Drive" is a lament for love lost. I loved it!