For someone whose livelihood is based on words, I am reluctant to admit that I've never been much of a reader. Perhaps I should clarify that: I've never been a pleasure reader. As a left-brain type, I have always read to absorb information — magazines, biographies, historical documents, and other non-fiction work — but never for the sake of entertainment. Then one day, while taking a piss at Road America, I found myself staring at a flyer taped above the urinal. It was an ad that I had seen taped to numerous bathroom stalls at numerous tracks throughout the Midwest for years, and it was for the novel The Last Open Road by Burt Levy. In that awkward moment, I had an epiphany: I'm a full-fledged adult with a wife and a kid and a mortgage and tax deductions — and I write for a living — maybe it's time to take up reading for its own sake. With that sentiment fresh in my head, I walked over to the 4-Mile Merchant gift shop and bought my very own copy. That night, in my room at the Osthoff Hotel overlooking Elkhart Lake, I started reading the first book that I ever found impossible to put down.
I too, yet young, am not much of a reader. I usually just read articles that peek my interest, such as science articles or about cars, etc. only book ive really read out of enjoyment was the typical davinci code/angels and demons. I also once read a clancy book that had a women in a porsche getaway scene in it that I could not put down and luckly it was for summer reading for school years ago. I may think about picking up one of those mentioned; thanks.
I own all four and have read the first two at least twice. The first two are really fantastic. "The Fabulous Trashwagon" is really good, though "Toly's Ghost" is rather different in character to the first books- it lacks a little in the original story line that I got hooked on and leans harder on the historical side of historical fiction. It's incredibly well detailed, but because of that amazing attention to detail, Levy gets a little long-winded and the story telling feels a little fabricated. That said, I wouldn't have skipped it.
I have the added bonus of my first copies being signed by the author and by many of the real life characters who appear in the stories- such as John Fitch and Bob Grossman. They're treasures in my collection for sure!
How many times can you rebuild a complex automotive component before you have two of them?
I read a book a week, and Levy's books have always stood out in my mind as great. He has an authentic voice that's really well developed. If you like vintage sports cars and a time where nobody knew what frivolous lawsuits were, check it out.
I own all four and have read the first two at least twice. The first two are really fantastic. "The Fabulous Trashwagon" is really good, though "Toly's Ghost" is rather different in character to the first books- it lacks a little in the original story line that I got hooked on and leans harder on the historical side of historical fiction. It's incredibly well detailed, but because of that amazing attention to detail, Levy gets a little long-winded and the story telling feels a little fabricated. That said, I wouldn't have skipped it.
I agree with you on Toly's Ghost. I actually just finished reading it last week; I thought I'd never get through it. But at the same time, there was so much history in there that it was hard to skip. I really did miss that the story didn't center on the Levy's original characters in that volume.
The next one is a bit different for sure, though I'm sworn to secrecy about any real details.
And by the way, if you ever get a chance to meet Burt, he's just as funny and quick-witted in person as he comes across in his writing. We sat with him at a media dinner this past spring, and he and Wes were cracking each other up throughout a dreadfully long keynote speech.
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I agree with you on Toly's Ghost. I actually just finished reading it last week; I thought I'd never get through it. But at the same time, there was so much history in there that it was hard to skip. I really did miss that the story didn't center on the Levy's original characters in that volume.
The next one is a bit different for sure, though I'm sworn to secrecy about any real details.
And by the way, if you ever get a chance to meet Burt, he's just as funny and quick-witted in person as he comes across in his writing. We sat with him at a media dinner this past spring, and he and Wes were cracking each other up throughout a dreadfully long keynote speech.
I've had the chance to meet him on a couple of occasions and yes, he's quite the character!
He's really involved in the Vintage Racing scene and he knows my boss quite well... in fact, my boss had a cameo appearance in Toly's Ghost! When Cal bought the Morris Minor in California and it broke down, and he needed a place to get it fixed he was told to go see Kent Bain (my boss). Cal said "Is he honest?" and the reply was "He fixes cars, what do YOU think?"
How many times can you rebuild a complex automotive component before you have two of them?
That's awesome! Burt and I actually share a common boss as well. He's an Italian who ran an Alfa repair business and eventually an Alfa dealer (where I worked briefly) along with several other franchises. Tony, while not a direct reference in the books, no doubt influenced several characters in Burt's books.
MWERKS.com the online magazine for BMW Enthusiasts
I had a chance to meet Mr. Levy at a vintage race held at VIR in 2007. I had never read his books but my father; who I was a huge fan. Mr. Levy was great. We got to speak to him for a few moments and he was very nice and extremely witty. I have since read all his books. I need to buy my own copies and stop stealing them from my father.
Just last month I tried to track down any sort of historical retelling of Bernd Rosemeyer and his speed records. All I could find were coffee table picture books. Good but I really wanted a novel (autobiog or something).
Auto past: 1988 Audi 90 Quattro - 1990 Nissan 300ZX - 1999 Subaru Legacy 2.5GT - 2001 VW GTI VR6
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Leave it to TCL to find a way to b***h about a effin Taurus running 12s.
I purchased and enjoyed The Last Open Road. I really need to get around to reading the other ones. Highly recommended!
Michaelangelo - Team Post-Killing Ninja I never trust any grey-market car coming out of Florida. You could take a dead manatee, stick some wheels on it and title it at the Florida DMV." - VadGTI
Great books, I've bought several sets to read myself and give to friends. If you're into cars and/or racing and you haven't read these you have a treat coming.
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