Joyride

Power can be subtle! And this is true for Joyride. This book takes the reader on a journey from racial bias and segregated elitism to open and completely unaffected acceptance.The story deals with the experience of an upper-class Caucasian youth who -- due to his arrogant prank on the fields of a working farm -- must now work for the farmer and with the migrant Hispanics who are employed there.Slowly and with great subtlety, the youth's belief structure crumbles. His racial superiority evaporates in the mists of morning as he labors in tandem with his Hispanic co-workers.Gretchen Olson captures teen spirit most evocatively. The dialogue between Jeff, his new friends, and the farmer's daughter is not only crisp, it is real. Teens don't wax poetic. They manage to cram deep meaning into short sentences. As we read, we know when they are shy, smile with them as they display their particular brand of wit, and empathize when they are troubled. And, most importantly, the reader is taught, inescapably, not only the destructiveness of racism, but the beauty of unconditional acceptance.With acceptance, comes mutual support, productive cooperation and clean friendship. As Jeff evolves from sheltered, suburban brat, he begins to confront not only his own bias, but also his family's. His values change. He becomes strong and, yes, loving. (There's a bit of romance thrown in, just for good measure. And, as with the rest of the book, its power is subtle.)Those who don't need to learn the message will read this book for pure enjoyment. And all potential ... should read it to learn how much greater they can be than what they think they need to be.

Joyride is a fast paced uplifting look into interweaving daily events and interpersonal relationships of family, close friends, acquaintances, sometimes enemies, and working people from different cultures with insight into resolving, and sometimes not resolving, differences in attitudes, ethics, honesty, respect and character. Plenty of action to keep the pages turning. You follow the changing of a young man's values over a short time of summer work and the development of a close boy-girl friendship that will certainly continue on to a serious relationship in years to follow. (Surely there will be a sequel to this great story!) The setting in rural farmland in the Willamette Valley of Oregon with detailed and vivid descriptions of surroundings and working operations, as well as country club and championship tennis events, bring pictures to mind that place the reader right in the story where one belongs. This is a must read for young folks and adults as well.

Awesome! Realistic characters, informative storyline about strawberry farms, and fast paced plot and problems, all add up for a good summer read. I especially liked how the author was able to pull me into the story as if the characters' problems were my problems too. Joyride was of interest to me because I am familiar with Oregon's Willamette Valley, the setting for the story. Joyride provides adventure, romance, and mystery. I'm 14 years old and I would recommend this book.