The Car Thief Paperback – April 21, 2020

The was by far the best book I have ever read. Definitely worth reading.

I had tears in my eyes many times while reading as I remembered kids and teens that I used to know. Some of them had good outcomes and some of them became prostitutes, long term felons, drug addicts, or dead.It is a sad commentary on society and the juvenile non-justice systems that are ill-equipped to treat juveniles as kids.Read this book.

The Car Thief is undoubtedly one of the best books I’ve ever read and I’ve read thousands of books. No I’m not exaggerating.Kelly, the subject of the book, is a child who encounters tragedy as a toddler then even worse trauma when only eleven.His life becomes a roller coaster ride that mostly travels down. The character is endearing as most young people are if they are allowed to be.He wants what he’s lost but painfully discovers it cannot come back but maybe he can move on if he just gets a chance. Fortunately, he encounters people who care about juveniles with complex issues and broken hearts.I encourage anyone who cares about the struggles children and youths face when they are trapped in a system that only wants to process their paperwork then pass them off to someone else, to read this book.

I just finished reading this extraordinary book. My eyes are moist and I’m a bit angry. The book’s coverdenotes that it was written by V. Reed. What the hell? The author is Vicki Reed and she needs to step forward and claim her prize. Like the intrepid horses she muses about, who garner prestigious yellow ribbons – this book is a winner!In The Car Thief, Reed creates the character of a young boy, Kelly, and chronicles his eventual and ominous journey through the juvenile justice system. Early on, I was struck by the clarity and realism of her prose. She didn’t make this kid up – he’s too real, as well as his host of supporting and non-supporting characters. In fact, I’ve decided to suspend lucid thought and have chosen to believe that Kelly, and the people who profoundly touched his life, do actually exist in some cosmic world suspended around us. I want to meet Sam someday, the grizzled correctional officer with a heart of gold and beguiling wit. I know he’s out there. He has to be! Then again, maybe he is. Maybe he’s in all of us who care passionately about kids and, in particular, those who have suffered the ravages of trauma. I thank God, and I’m not that religious, for astounding books like this that bring the Kellys and Sams to life and pound us over the head with the simple truth that life is all about meaningful and dare I say it: loving relationships. Please, read this book.

I loved and hated this book. My heart broke for Kelly and I know there are real kids out there in similar circumstances. This book made me sad because not many throwaway kids get a Sam, Bonnie, or Henry. I'm a sucker for a happy ending though. Do yourself a favor and read this but make sure to keep a box of tissues handy.

This book really opens you eyes to the juvenile justice systems and how it effects so many youths in a negative way. They need to make a movie from this one!

Loved this book! This is one of my top 3 reads for this year. V. Reed tells a story that pulls you in with her characters and the unfortunate circumstances that build the background. I fell in love with Kelly from the beginning, and became so emotionally vested in his well-being that I couldn’t stop thinking about him when I wasn’t reading. I recognized the settings which are local to me, because V. Reed’s descriptive writing was so detailed and accurate. Within this story you are encouraged by good people working in a broken justice system. You see how easily a person can be sent down a road of destruction vs. redemption just by a single decision by a judge. V. Reed writes a compelling story that reflects her career working in the juvenile justice system. I’m sure she was one of the “good people” who made a difference for those whose lives were in jeopardy. You will not soon forget Kelly’s story in “The Car Thief”.

This is an outstanding book. Not only is the story compelling and the writing incisive, but the book includes valuable information about the juvenile justice system. A great place to start is the authors note in which Reed details her actual experiences that inform the story (warning, however, there may be a few spoilers here). The book will grab you from the start and you won't want to put it down until you find out where the boy in the story lands.As someone who typically reads studies and theoretical articles about the legal system, I have found reading a narrative with a great story a uniquely helpful way to provide an introduction to the problems and struggles of that system. This article deserves a wide audience and should have a much greater impact on the problems than dry statistical or theoretical studies. I'm a big fan.Chris FrostEverett H. Metcalf, Jr. Professor of LawUniversity of KentuckyCollege of Law

This book was surprisingly good - apart from the rather smultzy ending.Unfortunately it wasn't representative of the majority of youths who fall foul of the law through no fault of their own. Most youngsters who are taken into care are not as lucky as the main character in this book - and he didn't always have it easy!Well written, good grammar and very few typos.

A really good book.my parents died when I was six,there was 5 of us.i know it's a bit different scenario but a lot of similarities,orphanages,residential schools that were a bit like Borsal. And just like Kelly there were a few good people that put me right..I really recommend this book.

This is a fictional book based on the Authors many years in the Child Justice System in the U.S. Excellent story, well written....could not put it down. It made me weep, and laugh. Highly recommend.