Customer Reviews

Rolling Thunder Stock Car Racing: White Lightning (Rolling Thunder Stock Car Racing)

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

 

 

As a relative newcomer to stock car racing, I picked up this book because I thought I might better be able to enjoy watching races if I had a sense of the history of the sport, and if I could get some idea of what it is like for the racers. This book did a fantastic job of both. I don't know what it's really like, driving in a stock car race, but I can't imagine it feels much different from the way these authors describe it.

When I read the Rolling Thunder books, I find myself getting really caught up in the emotions of the race. I root for Jodell to win, and find myself getting upset when he loses the lead or it looks like he might get in an accident. I also can't wait to see what happens next in the characters' personal lives. That wouldn't happen if the authors didn't do such a great job of creating likeable, three-dimensional characters.

The Rolling Thunder series might not ever be remembered in the annals of great literature, but they provide a good, solid couple of hours of entertainment. As I can attest, you don't have to be a racing fan to enjoy the books, though after reading one you just might find yourself wanting to watch a real race. For me, these books are like potato chips: they're quick and easy to devour, and as soon as you're finished, you want another one.

HAVING ATTENDED RACES FOR 34 YEARS IN THE SOUTHEAST STARTING AT AGE 12, THIS BOOK IS VERY REALISTIC. PURCHASED THREE ADDITIONAL COPIES FOR FRIENDS IN THE RACING COMMUNITY. LOOKING FORWARD TO READING THE ENTIRE SERIES.

Found this to be a good lunch time read. Light and enjoyable for anyone who has ever been around a southern or midwest dirt track. Have just ordered number 2 and anticipate another good time.

I just finished White Lightning, and I couldn't put it down.

It's a great book about the early roots of stock car racing.

It's also a book I can let my kids read without reservation.

I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series.

Kent and Keith have written a wonderful book that treats the characters like real people and yet gives us a relistic look at NASCAR racing. And a rarity today, I can give my copy to my fourteen year old son and twelve year old daughter now that I'm finished! This has to be the way it was when NASCAR got started. And it has to be the way it is to be inside one of those cars if I ever had the chance. Some of the racing scenes took my breath away. Five stars!

a great ride in the early days of stock car racing. this is a pleasant read if you are a race fan. this is racing excitement at its best. i really enjoyed "white lightning".

No surprises here. Everything is rather predictable. This is NASCAR's answer to Harlequin Romance novels. Just as women like Harlequin Romance novels despite poor writing, stock car fans will like this book.

Characters are rather one dimensional and very very predictable (gee, is Bubba going for food again?). The dialog is extremely stilted. Names of real race car drivers are thrown in for fun (wonder if royalties are paid?) but you will know the outcome before you reach that page. Considering the early days of the sport, it would have been interesting if the promoter screwed Jodell Lee out of his winnings. At least that would have been a plot twist (albeit the first and only plot twist).

Still a fun read for at the beach or when your mind is in neutral (or perhaps reverse).

I loved White Lighting in the series Rolling Thunder Stock Car Racing, by Don Keith and Kent Wright. It is the 1950's and Jodell Lee is living with his grandparents. His grandpa has a farm and sells moonshine for extra money. Jodell enjoys the 'shine runs, but has a burning desire in him to race. His grandparents do not like the idea of life outside of the farm, and want Jodell to be a chip off the old block. One day Jodell decided he would go race with his cousin, Joe, and his friend, Bubba, as his pit crew. His grandparents did not like that at all, and were upset. One day his grandpa died, with moonshine being the main source of income, and his grandpa the only one knowing the recipe, racing was all they had left. They start regularly racing and do very well. Time to get serious. Read the next book to find out what happens next.

I have read the entire series thus far (#7) and have enjoyed the story line and the realism of NASCAR racing. These books won't win any prizes, but they do a good job of relaying the excitement of NASCAR. The story is somewhat predictable at times, but it is still good and moves along nicely. I think what I enjoyed the most is the history that has been added to the stories. The history is basically all factual (with the exception of the fictional characters), from the roots of stock car racing to the Young Guns of today. I only wish the history would have continued through the 70's and 80's instead of skipping from '69 to the late 90's. Overall though I kept waiting for the next one to arrive to find out what was next.