Book Beginnings & Friday 56: Driven

Book Beginnings on Fridays is a meme hosted by Rose City Reader.  The object is to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires.

Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice - Turn to page 56, pick a sentence, and post it.  Simple as that!!!

Driven by Lisa Nowak
Publisher: Webfoot Publishing
Publication Date:  May 2, 2012
ASIN:  B007ZW06ZK
Genre: YA Contemporary

Synopsis:  The last thing on 16-year-old Jess DeLand’s wish list is a boyfriend. She’d have to be crazy to think any guy would look twice at her. Besides, there are more important things to hope for, like a job working on cars and an end to her mom’s drinking. Foster care is a constant threat, and Jess is willing to sacrifice anything to stay out of the system. When luck hands her the chance to work on a race car, she finds herself rushing full throttle into a world of opportunities—including a boy who doesn’t mind the grease under her fingernails. The question is, can a girl who keeps herself locked up tighter than Richard Petty’s racing secrets open up enough to risk friendship and her first romance?

The Beginning:

If it hadn't been for Teri Sue Cline's Southern drawl, I'd probably been still sitting in the stands at Eugene Speedway, wishing I had the nerve to talk to one of the drivers.

My first impression:

I could totally relate!  I love watching NASCAR races - even the dirt track races here across the highway!!  However, I'd be so nervous - or "star struck" if I were to meet a NASCAR driver!!  The southern drawl comment reminds me of the strong southern drawl of Bill Elliott.....  I loved the first two books in the Full Throttle series!!!  This one is starting off just as wonderful!!

Friday 56

Cody slid out of his car and strolled into the barn, moisture slicking his leather jacket. Today his T-shirt read, I’m the person your mother warned you about, but he wore the same black Converse high tops and the same outlaw grin. I was beginning to wonder if he slept with that smirk on his face.