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There is a carefree audacity to the way in which Wincherauk writes and in throwing away the rule book he delivers something that is genuinely extraordinary. Eschewing a traditional memoir structure, it’s admirably adventurous as we see Wincherauk’s life through an ever-widening lens and with many meaningful reflections strewn throughout we are left in little doubt as to the calibre of the mind behind the pen. Very few writers are so adept at capturing their emotions or communicating them with such unabashed honesty and on this level Wincherauk’s overarching theme is that of loss and discovery through which style and memoir find alternative expression as he delivers a complete, absorbing and above all cleverly nuanced account that rebukes mechanical writing.
Paying due deference to the intricacies of his experiences and the eclectic characters he has met he invites us to peer closely at them. To know them as pivotal, as opposed to bit players, in his intriguing life story with each chapter conveying something tangible and notable.
A truly original memoir that makes for a highly entertaining and thought-provoking read Driving in Reverse - the life I almost missed is recommended without reservation.
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Mesmerizing, maddening, funny and true!
Get ready, folks. Lindsay Wincherauk’s writing style is in your face. His prose is spot on when capturing how people relate to each other, especially when discussing dating, sex, difficult family issues, his blindness in one eye, use of drugs, trips to sandy beaches with a war waging on, as well as his perpetual visits to operating rooms (his knees are toast).
This book is packed with exciting stuff … plus a bombshell concerning his family. There are hints of a Holden Caulfield here, which this reader welcomed.
Wincherauk makes friends easily, some of them caring, others, not so much. He seems to trust what all people say, but the truth is he’s just hoping they aren’t lying. He cried for 64 days, straight, due to losing his unfaithful lover. Yes, you want to scream, “Enough, snap out of it!” And it’s right at that point when the author, given his deprecating humour and true love of humanity does snap out of it, if only for a brief respite … Then, you turn the page and he’s off to a drug room maligning him for going to a drug room. It is his glaring humanness, open and bloody at times that reels you back in.
This Canadian-born memoirist is especially adept at describing visitations with some random people, like a fellow he befriended on a park bench who was a better listener and more caring than people he’d known most of his life. There is goodness out there. Right outside your door. Life is like that. You just know somehow that Wincherauk will find his way. Hold onto your seat.
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A unique and compelling, intensely personal and exceptionally candid memoir, "Driving in Reverse - The Life I Almost Missed" is an extraordinary account of an extraordinary life. Deftly written, complex, thoughtful and thought-provoking, “Driving in Reverse - The Life I Almost Missed” will linger in the mind and memory long after the book itself has been finished and set back upon the shelf.
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Lindsay's memoir draws you in from the beginning. The intro puts it all into perspective, where he is coming from, the struggle to publish and sticking to his guns about the style necessary to express his life in a way that gives it an authentic voice. Those with a bit more Avant Gard or creative flair would enjoy the very different format it is written in. It took a while to adjust, especially with the beginning letter. But as you get to know Lindsay, you understand why he does it. Whether it's the alcohol, the drugs or depression. his fragmented voice adds to the story. You do feel like you know him, and I found my mind reeling from his stories - from childhood and his heartbreaks. Seeking love, Lindsay doesn't give up and I found myself cheering for him throughout. His story is a testament to how having a good support system is necessary, whether it is family, friends or lovers. You move through the story and long for his happiness. Lindsay is sarcastic and honest, sometimes a bit too honest and the characters in his life at times seem larger than life. That a person can look back years and really reflect on their life to the extent that he has is impressive. I wish I had read this in paperback as the photos on Kindle were hard to see, as they wouldn't enlarge when touched. I've recommended this book to friends who struggle with depression, to remind them that they aren't alone, there are others with similar experiences and that it is possible to fight for yourself to heal.
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Lindsay Wincherauk's book is real, raw and emotional. The first few chapters of the book are chaotic and confusing, but I think that was a reflection of Lindsay's own life. Very incoherent. The story is about the life of a young boy growing up in Canada. All his experiences, chronologically expressing all the good and bad times. The youngest of his siblings. His story is so relatable. The inferiority complex he felt as a child, disdain, that I personally interpreted as jealousy from his older brothers. The sad and gut-wrenching experience of watching his parents literally waste away from illness. Still knowing that they are going to die does not prepare him for the loss. The reckless of mind, spirit, and body as grief takes over and pushes him into depression. It was a remarkable read for me. Very emotional as I have experienced a little bit of that in my life. Lindsay takes us all the way down to drunkenness and drugs, self-destructive behavior and then back up to the moment that he begins to heal—for all the pain and make peace with his life and experience. I will recommend this book to anyone having a hard time or struggling with depression. You are not alone and there is light at the end of the tunnel.
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Lindsay Wincherauk's book, Driving in Reverse, really made me stop and ponder life. Sure, Driving is entertaining, as it is filled with cynical fun, literal highs, and so many self-described poor choices; but it is also deeply marked with pain, heartache, and death. Although written in a stream of consciousness style, this intriguing memoir is well-organized and easy to follow. Lindsay uses such openness and vulnerability as he writes that I feel comfortable calling him by his first name. This creatively woven story plays with the timeline in an entrancing manner. Different scenes pause and crisscross, although the reader, is not abandoned or left confused. Lindsay takes the time to provide the dateline and offer a brief catch-up/check-in, for reference, which surprisingly lacks any and all redundancy. As a reader I felt involved and valued. Reading reveals a man who has a knack for inviting people into sharing with raw honesty. His life roams through multiple employers and international experiences and always seems to include friends, girls, drugs, alcohol, death, and adventure. Ultimately this book is about a soul seeking to discover his true identity as a simple rip in a page leads to family revelation. The family secret is continually mentioned as a carrot hung in front of your little beady reading eyes. Don't worry, the answer eventually appears, and you'll not find boredom in the journey along the way. Lindsay is very forthright in his descriptions regarding his life lived while seeking stability and kindness, so I would recommend this book for an adult audience only.
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…and one that should be taken with great patience. You can almost feel the frustration and… While at first, it felt as though the authors thoughts came about in a disjointed manner, I found the insight to his manner of reflection rather interesting. The first couple chapters had been a flurry of chaos in which it was difficult to really understand what was going on because it kept switching time frames. Once he started talking directly about his family, his parents in fact, his thoughts became much clearer. It was obvious that his upbringing was littered with tumultuous events and nightly fights between his mother and father, leaving him basically alone. His college adventure made me really feel for him. Not only dealing with Cancer knocking on his door as it ate away his father's life... but to live in the shadow of his brother and be treated as though he were going to be making the same mistakes. When his mother passed on, his life seemed to go in a downward spiral. You almost think he's going to climb out of it, but even that breaks. Then, to top it off he accidentally finds out that he's adopted. Now you get taken on a journey of finding his real parents. (He finds his father). It's a hell of a ride, and one that should be taken with great patience. You can almost feel the frustration and grief through the words the author shared. The pensiveness over meeting his father. The silence that followed. It's a good read that I'd recommend.
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Driving in Reverse: The Life I Almost Missed Author: Lindsay Wincherauk Publication Date: December 5, 2017 Book Length: 452 pages A Close Look at the Plot/Story – The premise of Driving in Reverse: The Life I Almost Missed is one that is original and honest in approach. The best kinds of reads are those books that offer insight and encouragement to all who can come into contact with them. What this autobiography does very successfully is to tell the story of someone who has a one-of-a-kind life story that is monumental. The narrative is spot-on and delivers too. Who is the main character or goal in this book? The main character is no other than Lindsay Wincherauk. Lindsay Wincherauk is an interesting person in his way. The author invites readers into his life. He can face the darkest aspects of his own life with grit and determination. Truth is stranger than fiction with this book. Driving in reverse can get you back to going straight in life. What is the primary objective of this book? The objective of the book is simple. Lindsay Wincherauk fights his pain and madness with strength and endurance that would inspire many. He can move forward and do it with lightning speed. The objective of this book is to offer valuable encouragement and understanding to all those who are in similar situations in life. Don’t give up on you. You can survive anything and make it through. Resilience is possible. My Personal Experiences – Can I relate to the characters or goal in this book? Yes, I can relate to the character in this book, because I’ve suffered many painful experiences in my life. Lindsay Wincherauk is made stronger from his.
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My Opinion – Did I like the book? Yes, I liked this book, because it was truthful and edgy. What part of this book did I like the most? I liked the entire book from start to finish. What is my least favorite part of the book? There aren’t any least favorite parts. I liked them all. Would I change any part or parts in this book? No, the book is ideal, as is. What Is My Recommendation for this Book? – Would I recommend others to read this book? Yes, I would, I always recommend books that are good and memorable. Who would be the one to enjoy this book the most? This book is designed for all those who love reading about life, especially living life, in spite of the good and the bad: The happy and the sad.
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What a trip! On the face of it, the book is a twisted, fractured, downright shocking account of the author's life, and in Lindsay's case, it's also an account of the other life he did not know he was living! Kudos to Lindsay, for having the courage and audacity, to let it all out by putting pen to paper; allowing the world to read his innermost thoughts and feelings. That alone is a reason you should read this memoir. So, on one hand, you have this incredibly sad and shocking story, but the way Lindsay tells it is just so funny! It's a modern tragedy comedy! In fact, the writing format and structure used by Lindsay is in itself quite the art form, for me, it actually became just as enthralling as the actual account of his life. He doesn't mess around, there's no complicated, stuffy use of the English language here, Lindsay, goes straight for the jugular with a writing style that is so fragmented, splintered, broken, and stripped to the proverbial bone (much like his own life). His use of + and = and other underused symbols on a keyboard add even more originality to his writing style. In all, a very bizarre, chin-dropping, highly entertaining book!!
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An entertaining and heart-wrenching memoir that hits to the depths of your soul—
What first drew me to this book was its intriguing book blurb. I thought, “This looks like an interesting mystery.”
I soon discovered that it was a memoir, a memoir mystery. With each page, I read, I was more intrigued, from the way the author decided to format his story--as if he is writing a letter to someone named Ed and telling his story to that person--to his stream-of-consciousness writing. Of note, his stream-of-consciousness style is sometimes hard to follow, but it sure is interesting to read. Even more riveting was the build-up of anticipation as he regales the reader with his experiences with drugs, alcohol, sex, and death. One begins to wonder, what could this dark family secret be, that is worse and more soul-wrenching than what he has already shared?
My mind thought this and as my mind does, it came up with all the possibilities that could be worse. I won't say if I guessed the family secret or not, but I will say, that life is stranger than fiction, as the author himself says at one point in his memoir; that's not just the name of a movie. You won't be disappointed. My reason for four stars instead of five is the amount of debauchery depicted, not because I'm a prude, but because after so much it begins to seem redundant. Get through that, however; and you have an entertaining and heart-wrenching memoir that hits to the depths of your soul. It also ends on a cliff-hanger, for the life he is living and is going to live.
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A Heartbreakingly Raw Journey—
“Driving in Reverse” by Lindsay Wincherauk is the author’s raw and beautifully tragic journey through life. You could say Lindsay was given the short end of the stick when he was dealt his family. As the youngest of seven kids, Lindsay craved the attention of his parents and siblings, but, in turn, was only handed a lack of affection and adoration. When his father became ill with cancer, Lindsay stayed at his bedside to care for him. And ironically, his mother fell victim to the same fate just a few years later. Sixteen years after the death of his parents, as Lindsay begins planning a trip to Europe with his friend, Dave, a shocking realization comes to fruition when Lindsay realizes that the people he thought were his parents, were never actually his real parents. You’d think that another frustrating blow like this would set this man back even more, but Lindsay suffers and changes in a way that truly saves his life. Through tales of drugs, alcohol, emotionless sex, heartache, and rotten luck arise compassion, kindness, and beauty. The ending offers no emancipating realizations, but even so, it wraps up a life story that many readers can relate to.
The writing style changes throughout the memoir and can be a bit jerky at times, especially at the beginning, but the details and wit that are peppered in all makeup for it if you stick with it. If you are someone struggling in life, this book is a perfect journey to remind you that something good does exist, and if you stick with it, you’ll find the light that will lead you to it.
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A refreshing escape from the same, unoriginal stories of success and—
In my opinion, this was a well-written book. Some things were a bit out-of-place or unclear, but the memoir itself was very compelling. Joined by his family and friends, readers can see Lindsay’s journey through his eyes. His story is unlike any other I’ve read. It’s full of sadness and his feelings of Guilt, paired with happiness and motivation to overcome all of the hard times. Many people I know would do well to take tips from Wincherauk, whether it be on his ability to conquer his grief or what not to do in certain situations. Like everyone else, Lindsay isn’t perfect. He’s done some bad things, but he owns up to them. He put them out there for the world to see and he wasn’t afraid to share his story, no matter how unusual it was. From experiencing loss to coping mechanisms to finding love and being accepted, this memoir covers it all. That, I feel, is what makes his memoir so exceptional and what made it such a good book to read. It wasn’t like all the others, singing their own praises and making themselves akin to saints. Those are the books that, for me, are difficult to read. They’re not realistic, nor are they interesting. Lindsay’s book was a refreshing escape from the same, unoriginal stories of success and never-ending happiness. Though it had its occasional flaw, it was filled with originality and raw emotion that separates it from all of the others.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone.
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You will laugh out loud. You will cry.
One day while driving a suicidal contractor to work, Lindsay realized that his story was important. Thus, began the long arduous journey to arrive in this book. The efforts were well worth it. This book is inspiring and occasionally hilarious. The author leaves nothing hidden. His telling of his life story is candid and transparent.
Lindsay knows loss. He worked two jobs like most people. When he thought he had gained a momentous break, he was hit with a big blow. Something that would upturn his life. A shock that would also explain a few incidences in retrospect. He survived through all of it. The end is a happy one. He is alive and well. He overcame. This is a tale of strength despite thorns pressed into the flesh.
The author’s style of writing is a bit unique. He does not follow a traditional structure. His writing pretty much mimics his thought processes, which is an interesting experience to be a part of. His writing is coloured with emotion and intricacy. Everything from the style to the structure is specific to him. His highlight of characters that might seem mundane is special, as the reader will realize the importance of this later.
You will laugh out loud. You will cry. This book will not leave you alone even after you have finished reading. It will always nag at you. You will find yourself mentally referring to the lessons therein. The fact that Lindsay Wincherauk is brave enough to share his triumph. The hard work that went into writing this book is evident in nuances and resulting literary experience.
Five Stars for ‘Driving in Reverse.’
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Upon finding this book I was unsure about what I would find. But when I began to read I was delightfully surprised! This author is witty, quirky, and best of all: ORIGINAL! I love this. I was hooked at the introduction and had so much fun reading.
Instead of penning your typical novel or bundle of short stories, this author writes letters to random individuals.... all named Ed. In these letters, "Seed," Lindsay W's pen name, approaches these people as if they were his personal diary, and an old, dear friend.
Lindsay has a natural talent for amiably forming connections with these Eds while babbling on about his personal life.
I really can't give this guy enough praise. Everything he writes is so creative, inventive, and a total pleasure to read. I am not bored for even one paragraph!
I absolutely recommend this fun book!
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This book is unusual. Let me say that I enjoyed this read, though it wasn’t for the reasons I expected.
I’ll be honest, the first few chapters had me confused. Once I got past them, I began to understand; this book is intimate. It is a raw telling of Lindsay Wincherauk’s life which made me feel as though the two of us were sitting at a bar, speaking over drinks. The way Wincherauk tells his story reminded me of the stories others would tell me. Those big stories that deserve to be told. Those stories that are engraved in that person’s mind. Driving in Reverse isn’t some over-thought memoir squeezed into a mold for the mass market. It is an emotional recollection of this man’s life told on a deep, personal level.
Wincherauk shares the same desire as the rest of us. He wants a life where he can live and be happy. Rather than having antagonists show up to make things difficult, I got the impression that life itself was his antagonist. From the moment he was born things have been incredibly challenging for Wincherauk. His is a life filled with darkness with an occasional beam of light. The author’s ability to not give in to his depression (excusing at least one failed attempt) is incredible. The challenges thrown at him would wear down most, but Lindsay endured and came out better for it.
I recommend Driving in Reverse by Lindsay Wincherauk to anyone looking for an intimate, personal story of one man’s turbulent life story. No, it isn’t perfect. Yes, it might even offend you. That’s life though. There is inspiration in every story.
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Wincherauk takes us on one wild ride in his memoir “Driving in Reverse: The Life I Almost Missed.” Thankfully the reader is prepped during the introduction for the dark, difficult, enlightening journey ahead. This memoir does not read like the well-known, novel-esque memoir you’ll likely find on your local bookstore shelf. Rather, Wincherauk prides himself on having worked with an editor who encouraged his artistic, stylized story. For example, we actually start off in chapter 1 reading letters that Wincherauk wrote to the fictional “Ed,” who is a collection of people named Ed from across the country. This first chapter is a wonderful insight into how Wincherauk’s mind works, and his ability to creatively take a hold of his life (for better or for worse).
That being said, you should be warned: if you’re a die-hard fan of chronological pieces, this won’t be the memoir for you. The book skips around in time, pieces together different stories, information and thoughts. If you love thought-provoking, somewhat mind-twisting reads, then I highly recommend this book to you! I have no doubt that you’ll find, by the end and through the twists, that you are satisfied having listened to Wincherauk’s story.
Although dark at times, Wincherauk maintains a humorous, self-aware tone throughout the novel. Whether I was laughing, scoffing or holding back tears, I was consistently turning the pages to get to know Wincherauk better. In the end, I feel as though I’ve read a memoir that will stick with me. I would argue that I have connected with Wincherauk through his words and am incredibly thankful for the work that he put into this enthralling book!
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This is a wonderfully sarcastic view of life!
“Driving in Reverse: The Life I Almost Missed” by author Lindsay Wincherauk is just an amazing story. It is strongly sarcastic, but in a way that is outlandishly comical. Wincherauk’s sharp wit is great; his storyline is sad but honest. I loved this combination.
The book is, in my opinion, a brilliant metaphysical trip into the past, into ‘the life he almost missed.’ I found similarities to my own, somewhat emotionally tortured childhood, and feel that many will identify with Wincherauk’s comments. Most of us just don’t have the ability to express them as does he. I could relate to the author’s feelings and emotions and love the way he writes.
The topics discussed in the book are very ‘adult’ and should be accepted as such. He discusses what life really is, not what we wish it would be. He often got really bad deals, or had bad luck, and doesn’t mind relating those things to the reader.
The book is a true example of ultimate perseverance in life. Things don’t always work out perfectly, but life is still good and worth working for.
I am happy with my purchase of Mr. Wincherauk’s book and hope to read more of his work in the near future. I recommend “Driving in Reverse-” to any adult reader with a desire to experience a written example of truth and a spirit of determination.
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A unique read!
I am in awe of the style of writing this book takes on...with its fast-paced change of scenery and intense wisdom from a life-changing event. It is truly a read that will make you rethink your life; as I did many times throughout the story. The story can be somewhat hard to follow as it is formatted in such a way that it seems he is writing his story out in a letter and then switches quite abruptly to consciousness writing. Overall though, the format of the story is very interesting and unique, making this book a must read for anyone looking to be captivated by a wild story.
I loved this story because it covers great self-discovery topics such as love, family, adoption, and finding strength through sharing your story with others. The descriptive writing makes it ridiculously easy to submerge yourself in the author's life story starting from early childhood. This book is full of wonderful characters who are well-rounded. If you are looking to read a life memoir that takes you on a fast-paced journey that will leave you increasingly curious and surprised as the events unfold then this story is the one for you. A truly wisdom-filled read with the only issue being it can be hard to grasp the writing style at times.
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Driving in Reverse: The Life I Almost Missed is a thought-provoking book. I did notice some formatting errors, but it was not a big deal to me. One of my favorite things about this book is how it is written differently than many other books in the same genre. The author does a good job of writing in a way that makes the reader feel without following the typical rules of writing a memoir. Honestly, this book was not what I expected, but it was still inspiring to read. There were a few moments in the book that I felt a little lost regarding what was going on, but I do get the overall picture and point of the book. Those moments felt like I was in the middle of chaos in the mind, but it is a different writing style that is authentic. I really didn't like the pictures in the book. I felt like they were sized wrong and slightly distracting. Some sections of the book were highly entertaining. You could feel like you were apart of this crazy journey even with the unique format. I felt the emotion behind some of the characters like the part of him searching for his birth father. I found myself really hoping for the best for him when he endured so much.
Overall, this is one of the most unique books that have interesting layers that tell a one-of-a-kind story.
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Lindsay Wincherauk has a very unique writing style and a distinct voice in his storytelling. While sharing the ups and downs in his life, Wincherauk writes like he's on a roller coaster: fast and chaotic, then slows to a contemplative tone. Throughout the book, there was never any doubt that this came directly from Lindsay himself. This is a very good read (4 stars) if you think you can handle getting into the mind of this writer.
This is the memoir of a man who has never really had his life together but finds a way for it to fall apart. Lindsay Wincherauk tells his life story, but most of it is about his drug and alcohol abuse and his dysfunctional (at best) sexual relationships. At times, he comes off as an arrogant jerk, other times a helpless loser. Yet I still found him likeable, and I was truly rooting for him. When he shows his vulnerability, his fear, his pain, he is so real. And even though his life story is uncommon, he is very relatable.
Wincherauk has a wicked sense of humour, combined with a dirty mind, so this book is not for everyone. When you mix in his habit of floating between reality, fantasy, and his drug-induced mind tricks, it is very easy to get lost in this book, not knowing what really just happened. He had some very funny lines, even during the darker scenes. It can catch you off guard. However, Wincherauk was at his best when writing from the heart. He bares his soul, and when he does, it is poetic.
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Radio host from QMFM - Afternoon Show
I finished the book. I enjoyed it!
You've had some challenges... I hope the road is a bit smoother for you these days. Your sensitivity, tender and sharp wit come through in the writing.
I hope you'll keep trying to connect with folks in the literary world and find the right people to help focus and channel your talent.
I wish you loads of happiness and inner peace.
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