Riding in Cars with Boys: Confessions of a Bad Girl Who Makes Good [Beverly Donofrio] on leondumoulin.nl *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Denied college .
Table of contents
Bev discovers she is pregnant. She tells Ray, initially turns down his offer to get married , then placates her shocked parents by agreeing to a hasty wedding. At the reception, everyone is avoiding Bev, so Fay publicly announce that she is also pregnant. Fay confides to Bev that her father wanted her to put the baby up for adoption , but she and Bobby will be getting married instead. The two girls eventually celebrate the fact they will be mothers together.
Over the next few months, the girls bemoan missing out on three things: Bev gives birth to son Jason, while Fay has daughter Amelia. Bev continues to pursue her education. When Jason is three, she wins the chance for a college scholarship. Unfortunately, Bev's interview goes badly when she is forced to take Jason along.
Although the interviewer praises Bev's writings, he states that she has too many distractions. Later, Fay reveals that she and Bobby are getting divorced , because he met someone while stationed in Hawaii. Bev tells Fay that she's not sure if she loves Jason, because his birth has cost her so much. When Jason almost drowns in Fay's pool , Bev vows to be more attentive. On Jason's seventh birthday, several people from Bev's high school show up to his party: He suggests that Bev move her family to California and pursue her education there, since the state offers financial aid.
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Ray agrees to the plan, but on the day they are supposed to leave, he confesses that he is a heroin addict and spent their savings on drugs. Bev helps him detox, but Ray sneaks out to get more drugs. When he tells Bev that it's impossible for him to quit, she tells him he should leave instead.
Ray agrees, but young Jason chases after him in tears, then tells Bev that he hates her for making Ray leave. Two years later, Bev still yearns for California.
She and Fay help Lizard one of Ray's old friends dry weed in Bev's oven. Jason, still bitter, tells Grandpa Leonard, who arrests the mothers Lizard had left. Fay's brother bails them out, using up their savings, on the condition that Fay and Amelia move away with him and cut off contact with Bev. Bev harshly tells the smug Jason that he ruined their lives. She claims that it's his fault Amelia moved away. Now , Bev and Jason are driving to see Ray. She managed to get her college degree and has written her memoir , but needs Ray to sign a waiver or else her book will not be published.
While driving, Jason tells Bev that he wants to transfer from NYU to Indiana University , but Bev refuses, saying that he is getting the education that she never could. Jason calls his now-girlfriend Amelia with the bad news. Amelia is dejected but assures him that she is not angry. Arrive at Ray's trailer, Bev explains why they are there. Jason follows her and calls her selfish for only caring about her book when he finally got to see his father again. He accuses her of being a bad mother and she storms off. Ray comes outside and talks with Jason, stating that leaving was the best thing he could have done for Jason and he believes it's the only reason Jason turned out so well.
He sneaks the signed papers to Jason. Jason finds Bev, who insists that she was a great mother who sacrificed everything for him. Jason reveals that he will transfer in order to be with Amelia and apologizes to Bev for ruining her life. Bev softens and tells Jason that she is proud of him and thinks of him as the best thing in her life.
She also tells him that she holds herself responsible for her various mistakes and poor choices and she never meant to blame Jason for them. She gives him her car to drive to Indiana. Beverly is forced to call Leonard for a ride. I'll spoil that one for you right now, it was not funny. Not even a little. The best thing it has going for it is that it's short. She keeps reminding us over and over how much her entire life sucks because she got pregnant in high school and she's so dramatic about it " Frankly, there are entire towns of teenage mothers that have gone on to be productive citizens without begging for sympathy from anyone that will listen.
We get it, it's hard, there is no one that will contradict that. The whiny tone that the book is written in feels like she's trying to elicit all of this understanding from the reader about her neglect of her son she mentions that after her mother points out how dirty her kid is, she realizes she can't even remember the last time she bathed him.
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Feel sorry for me, it's hard to be a teenage mother and I don't really want my son and she's still complaining about this fact when she's more than a decade passed being a teenage mother. She also occasionally reminds how sometimes she likes to be mean to her kid, because it's funny. It goes on like this and you keep waiting for the part where she realizes that she's the most self-absorbed person on Earth and decides to make a change not to mention, I'm waiting for the part that makes me so much as crack a smile and it never comes.
The audio book comes with a special interview with the author done 10 years after the book came out and she still doesn't get it.
Riding in Cars with Boys by Beverly Donofrio | leondumoulin.nl
In her 40's still acting though she's the only one on Earth that matters. I'm glad I didn't pay for this book, why would I want to reward someone financially for committing to paper that she's a neglectful and sometimes abusive mother. You don't get a pass card because you admit it. View all 4 comments. Aug 10, Kristi rated it liked it. As part of a grad school psychology class, I was required to analyze a movie from one of a variety of topics. The movie version of this book was the option I chose. I actually felt that the characters, as portrayed in the movie, were somewhat sympathetic.
It felt, in the movies, like Beverly was struggling but doing the best she could while seemingly stuck in adolescence. There was some growth in the character The book was, sadly, not as compelling as the movie. Yes, many of the stories were t As part of a grad school psychology class, I was required to analyze a movie from one of a variety of topics. Yes, many of the stories were the same, but those that were left out of the movie gave a MUCH different feel for Beverly.
In the movie, her involvement with drugs was through her ex-husband's use, her occasional experimentation, and her attempts to make money to help raise her son - foolish, yes, but using adolescent reasoning, it wasn't unforgivable. In the book, one could see that this wasn't the extent of it at all. In all honesty, she wasn't struggling against things beyond her control due to a mistake - she continually created those problems.
I give it 3 stars because of the brutal honesty though I wonder how much she edited out to make herself look better - and the thought that this is the "better" makes me shudder! I didn't see much growth in her character even at the end. I feel bad saying this because it is her life's story, but it feels more like a repeated telling of how she used and manipulated those around her, including her child, to get where she is.
Perhaps if I wasn't expecting something more inspirational of this book, I would have liked it more. But as a parent, I just can't say that this is inspirational. May 02, Amy rated it really liked it Shelves: I adored the movie adaptation of this book, it made me roar with laughter and even made me cry which is a rarity.
In this memoir we follow Bev's journey as she becomes a teen mum and wife. She battles with her hate as she sees everyone around her moving on while she is stuck dreaming of having an education and a better life; without her son. I feel a connection to Beverley, I'm not exactly sure why but I I adored the movie adaptation of this book, it made me roar with laughter and even made me cry which is a rarity.
I feel a connection to Beverley, I'm not exactly sure why but I related to her thought processes entirely and sympathized with how her life turned out. I've seen a lot of reviews that hate on Beverly's behaviour while she and her son were growing up because the drugs and sex clearly affected her son in a negative way. However, I just found it incredibly real and honest as well as eye opening because it just goes to show life is not perfect.
I love that Beverly is described as a hippie and we get to see more of what she stood for as a woman. I liked that she wanted to be independent without a husband because at the time this was mostly unheard of. We see more about her life in College while looking after a baby and her struggle with balancing all her responsibility. I'm suprised that Ray, Beverly's ex husband did not have a bigger part in this memoir and I do think that the screen adaptation showed his story in a much more shocking way.
Compared to the movie the book is quite different but not necessarily in a good way. The story isn't as structured and there is a lot of abrupt time jumps. When Beverly gives birth the details are written quite graphically, I'll definitely be reading this again if my future partner ever tries to convince me to have children just so I know to say no, haha. However, while Beverly is in hospital I didn't find it very funny which was a let down compared to the movie as I remember having to pause it just because I was laughing so hard. The book just fell a little flat for me and we don't really get much of a connection or feel for the characters like I hoped.
The ending was a let down because there isn't much closure and I didn't find it as touching as the film adaptation. Don't get me wrong this is a outstanding story with such a poignant message but I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the film. Apr 25, Dana rated it did not like it Shelves: I was looking forward to reading this because it came so highly recommended, but I was so sorry I wasted my time on this book.
Beverly, the main character gets pregnant as a teenager by a loser who she barely knew. What comes next is a series of time periods in her life where you are convinced that at any moment, Beverly will grow up, quit whining and do what she must to raise her son, now on her own. But with each passing year in her book, my realization grew stronger that Beverly was a selfish I was looking forward to reading this because it came so highly recommended, but I was so sorry I wasted my time on this book. But with each passing year in her book, my realization grew stronger that Beverly was a selfish baby who should have done the right thing by her son and put him up for adoption and let responsible adults raise this child.
KIRKUS REVIEW
I was incredibly disappointed in this book and instead of sympathizing with Beverly and her situation, I wound up despising her and felt incredibly sorry for her poor son who had Beverly as his mother. Feb 28, S. I read this book because I was a so-so fan of the film. I wanted to read the actual memoir. Bev is an self-centered woman who regrets the conception, birth, and life of her son. She only cares about herself, and there were moments where she seemed to glory in her child's misery. The scene that really stands out to me is when she tells Jason that Ray is gone and she seems to say how they'll be without money or food over and over until Jason breaks down, scared and unhappy.
What sort of mother does I read this book because I was a so-so fan of the film. What sort of mother does that? Her heavy drug use, her use of men while having a young child in the house, the drinking, everything led me to asking why did no one take her child from her? She was a danger to herself and her son, though she didn't care.
Though I hope that Jason grew up to be a lovely, well-adjusted young man, I can't help but think he'll carry scars that will bleed over into his own child rearing. I read the book quickly, but I was angry throughout most of it. Most of what I read, I couldn't believe anyone would openly admit to, and I felt sorry for Jason. This book immediately went into my 'resell on Amazon' pile once I finished it, and I cannot recommend it to anyone. It's just an awful, self-indulgent vomit session of a selfish, narrow-sighted woman.
May 23, Hristina rated it really liked it Shelves: This book was a wild ride pun intended. I enjoyed it a bunch. I must admit I did read the book because it had a movie to go along with it, but as usual, I liked the book better than the movie. As a pregnant teenager, she deals with the hardships of having to grow up too quickly and trying to balance her own life with caring for her child.
Beverly is absolutely crazy, but she is inspiring in her own right. Actually, her insanity is legitimately proven when she visits the division of vocational rehabilitation. They send her to community college, but she has to find her own transportation and childcare for Jason.
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Beverly is a captivating author. She knows it, too, and tries to make the best of her life. I liked this book. It was interesting and fast paced. The only thing about this book that irks me is the end. Suddenly the book jumps from Bev and Jason finally moving to New York, with Jason being only about 7 years old, to him attending college. I really would like to hear more about their time in the city and how Bev grows from still being a kid herself to finally becoming the mother that she needs to be. I generally like books where at least on main character is more than a little crazy and end up idolizing them a bit more than they might deserve, but Bev, although crazy, is a good person and a good role model.
Dec 01, Heather rated it it was amazing Shelves: I truly enjoyed this book. I also really like the movie that is based on the novel, and I have seen many reviews claiming the movie is better than the book. I truly feel both are special in their own ways. One of the things the book adds that is missing from the movie is how remarkably honest Donofrio is about herself. The movie paints her character as someone who means well, but is a victim of misfortune. Donofrio doesn't hold back in exploring her selfish, self-destructive tendencies.
Many rev I truly enjoyed this book. Many reviews have also claimed this as a reason to pass on the book. Without a doubt, it was my favorite part. Because Donofrio goes to a place that is true and real and fully reflects the experience of a working-class teen mother trying to grow up with a burden she never wanted and struggles to truly love.
I also felt like this book really helped me to fully understand my own mother and childhood more. My mother shares little with Donofrio's experience outside of being a very young mother, but in those sentences I felt a flash of recognition. I am having a hard time really explaining myself, which tells me this book will be one I will be thinking about and pondering for days to come. That 4 stars may just turn in to a 5 star over the next few days.
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Truly, a thought-provoking, harsh, honest and beautiful book. Sep 22, Ami Nicholson rated it really liked it. This is a great story. I saw the movie years ago, and I am glad that the novel is absolutely nothing like it. I almost wish the film directors hadn't taken such liberties with the story, because I would love to see a movie of this as written. What I loved most about this book was the raw honesty of Beverly Donofrio.
We automatically assume that all women have some sort of maternal capacity, and that attitude is a disservice to women everywhere. Some of what she put her son through was shocking, This is a great story. Some of what she put her son through was shocking, but she owned her imperfections. This story was about her struggle with her own inadequacies, and how she rose above all of the things in her nature that kept her down. Most people try to put a positive spin on their past, but she laid her sins bare for her readers, and I applaud her for it. I wish it had been a bit longer, but it was a great memoir.
It's a light read and very punchy. Two enthusiastic thumbs up. Jan 07, Amy rated it really liked it Shelves: Talk about brutal honesty! Donofrio doesn't hold back. But with it all, the book is fresh and engaging. Such a different take on life from mine, even though we're not too far apart in years. But she drew me right in and kept me engaged through-out her story. I loved one description, especially--she's just gotten some news- some very good news, and writes: I felt like Hester Prynne must've felt in the next chapter, the one that never got written, the one where she's in the woods on her way to the rest of her life andfinally rips off that ridiculous A and throws it in the camp fire.
I created a new tag just because of this book -- "Yikes" May 08, Arianna Connal rated it it was ok. It was an honest account of a selfish kid who had a child and kind of raised it, but she never seemed to grow up herself. Not even as she was writing this stuff did she seem to have any remorse She seems to be proud of what she did, even though, by her own account, she was a selfish, crappy mom.
I think I would have enjoyed it more if it were one of those books with the person saying, "Look, I'm not happy with what I did, but this is how it was. Oh, yeah, by the way, I have a son that I really didn't want until he was old enough to take care of himself, but I'm proud of how he turned out. Because of me, of course. This only gets 3-stars because the back story from the movie was embedded in my head. If I had never seen the movie, this book would've come across completely flat. This is a rare instance where I would say that the movie is way, way better than the book; including all of the story plots that were changed for the movie.
Not to mention, that Penguin books did a terrible job converting this book to an eBook edition. Spacing was mid-word "im matterialy", "Si mone", etc and every single time the word This only gets 3-stars because the back story from the movie was embedded in my head. Spacing was mid-word "im matterialy", "Si mone", etc and every single time the word "corner" was in the book it was written as "comer". This would be a book I'd say isn't really worth reading if you've seen the movie or even if you haven't.
It only makes half-sense unless you have all the life and characters pumped in from the movie.. Jan 16, Rebecca McNutt rated it really liked it Shelves: This book too a few pages to get into before it started to get interesting, but as it goes on, it becomes a memoir fueled by a rebellious main character who dreams of a better life, and by events that allow her to get there.