Customer Reviews

How I Learned to Drive (Library Edition Audio CDs)

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Every quarter, for our English class book project we have to read one or two of the titles from the list that our teacher gave us. Being strapped for time, I decided to read a play, and luckily the play that I chose was "How I Learned to Drive" by Paula Vogel. Little did I realize that in reading this amazing piece of literature I would fall in love with it. Now, instead of just spending an hour reading the play, I want to spend a few hours watching it. I want to see how the actors portray the extended metaphor ( of sexual encounters and how it relates to learning how to drive a car ) that is the whole play. Vogel does a great job of creating real life characters who help us see into the sick world of a child molester. Although we naturally hate Peck for doing what he does, Vogel does an amazing job of dropping hints as to why he hurts Li'L Bit( so if you get a chance, read it more than once ). I would definitely recommend this play to any type of person. It is an easy read but more importantly, it tastefully makes you aware of what type of people there really are in this world.

This play has been my favorite contemporary play since I first read it about four years ago. It tells the story of Lil' Bit and her relationship with her uncle Uncle Peck which begins when she is very young and continues until she is in college. Though she is clearly a victim of molestation, the story is much deeper than that of a victim and her perpetrator. Vogel lets to audience into Lil' Bit's dysfunctional family in which her grandfather is over-sexed and her grandmother is at the beckon call of his sexual urges. In addition, Lil' Bit's mother gives her advice on sex and men that is misguided due to her own failing as a wife. The only family member that Lil' Bit can turn to is her uncle who loves her as more than a niece. The two begin a relationship before Lil' Bit even reached puberty. Though Lil' Bit knows that the relationship is wrong, Uncle Peck is her only advocate and support.

The play is told through various scenes that are not chronological. Vogel chose to do this in order to question the audience about at what point does their relationship become inappropriate. She wanted the audience to view a scene and think "is this wrong" and then escalate to a more graphic scene in order to raise the question "now is it wrong". With each scene, Vogel is asking the audience when does the relationship cross the line. While there is not a great deal of action, it is one of the most thought-provoking plays. I cannot give it enough praise!!

"How I Learned to Drive" is very modern in its presentation, but enormously unnerving. Its use of a Greek chorus and minimal stage props just adds to the eeriness and vulgarity of the story. What is scary and truthful about this play is that in some families, occurrences like this may be happening. The character of Peck will give you goose bumps. I recommend.

I saw this performed through Perseverance Theatre in Anchorage, Alaska, and Paula Vogel is a great artist when it comes to making beleivable characters. In this play, the child molester, Uncle Peck, is portrayed in a way that you grow to like him. The book by itself is worth buying, and a great piece of humorous and spellbinding literature.

I just went to see my university production of this play, and so I decided to get the book, because it brought out so many emotions many of us have never felt before. This book is so moving and heart wrenching. Lil Bit takes you on an adventure that is so real and so scary, that you can't put the book down. If you get the chance, don't waste it on any other play. This is THE PLAY to read.

I saw this years ago and when I was looking for something unique and powerful to direct I ordered this script. I wasn't disappointed. Peck is one of the most fabulous roles a guy could ever hope for. Lil Bit is every bit as challenging part. The staging and approach of this play are far from standard and make for the opportunity for a theater to break from their normal run of box sets and standard play structure. A very worthwhile read.

Great Condition, got here on time, in the condition stated. Thank you for being so honest and sending the book.

I guess you could say this play is about the complexity of human-ness. If you enjoy great, complicated characters (like the real people around you) see this play or buy this recording.
Does Uncle Peck remind anyone of Bill Clinton?

the product showed up on time, in good condition. I had no problems with the transaction at all. it was perfect.