Book cover of The Spark and the Drive

Book description

By an award-winning writer of short fiction, a devastatingly powerful debut novel of hero-worship, first love, and betrayalJustin Bailey is seventeen when he arrives at the shop of legendary muscle car mechanic Nick Campbell. Anguished and out of place among the students at his rural Connecticut high school, Justin finds…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Spark and the Drive as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I was immediately taken by 17-year-old Justin Bailey because, like him, I didn’t have a strong father figure who could teach me how men were supposed to behave. So when he lands an internship at a legendary muscle car shop, it seems like a dream come true until it quickly becomes clear that his new mentor is equally vulnerable to tragedy.

As his hero falls, Justin falls right along with him—easily lost in his surroundings and eager to accept one justification after another until he succumbs to the darkest of temptations. As a protagonist, his only saving grace is understanding…

From Richard's list on bad boys we love or love to hate.

If you love The Spark and the Drive...

Ad

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Want books like The Spark and the Drive?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 92 books like The Spark and the Drive.

Browse books like The Spark and the Drive

Book cover of 13 Reasons Why
Book cover of The Outsiders
Book cover of The Catcher in the Rye

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,276

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like The Spark and the Drive, you might also like...

Book cover of My Book Boyfriend

My Book Boyfriend by Kathy Strobos,

Lily loves her community garden. Rupert wants to bulldoze it. When feelings grow, will they blossom or turn to rubble?

"It literally had everything! - Bookworm Characters - Humor - Banter - Swoon-worthy lines."  - Book Reviewer.

Book cover of Everyday Medical Miracles: True Stories from the Frontlines in Women’s Health Care

Everyday Medical Miracles by Joseph S. Sanfilippo (editor),

Frontiers of Women from the healthcare perspective. A compilation of 60 true short stories written by an extensive array of healthcare providers, physicians, and advanced practice providers.

All designed to give you, the reader, a glimpse into the day-to-day activities of all of us who provide your health care. Come…

5 book lists we think you will like!