Book Review: Ready For The World - Driver’s Education

About The Author

Charmeljun Gallardo is a former Radiologist and author. His first book is Ready for the World young adult book series. He graduated from San Francisco State University with a Creative Writing degree in 1996. He is a writer, photography enthusiast, sports fan, movie geek, stroke survivor, and an adventurous foodie. He lives in San Diego, California with his wife and son. 

About Book Ready For The World - Driver’s Education:

 All Brandon Delacruz is asking out of his young life is popularity, riches, and the girl of his dreams. But what he does have are good grades, a ten-speed bicycle, and his two lifelong friends, Josh and Ally, at his side. And together, they’ll navigate their way through the rigors of high school life.

But unlike high school, real life doesn’t come with study guides. Brandon realizes that the girl he’s always dreamed about has been there all along. And as he untangles his feelings for Ally, something tragic happens to her family that changes everything. Now, Brandon will spend the rest of the year balancing his romantic feelings for Ally and his life-long friendship with her while also dealing with tough teachers, classes, and toughest of all, meeting the Filipino parental standards.

Brandon will learn that the world moves pretty fast, whether he’s ready or not.

 My Take Away from the book:

-      Young Love: We all have been through our teenage where love meant unicorns and rainbows. Falling in love during adolescents was one of the memories; a kid can ever have in his/her lifetime. Be it falling for your best friend or a sweet next door neighbor, the feeling of being in “love” was the best. This book explores same feelings between two best friends who have been together through childhood. Brandon and Ally find love for each other in the most unexpected situation & place and that’s what marks a turning point in our protagonist (Brandon’s) life.

 The book explored the complicated and confused feelings around love during teenage, very beautifully. The entire wondering about “what next” after first kiss to figuring out balance between friendship and relationship – this book has it all.

 

-      Adolescent Period: The book basically focuses on the adolescent period where our protagonist and his two best friends slowly grow together. They share a deep bond and it is interesting to read how their bond deepens, evolves, overcomes obstacles, and grow during their adolescent period. It is a wonderful treat to read the author exploring most confused feelings in simple language, dialogues, and scenes.

Studies being an integral part of it; the author explores that part brilliantly too. The story also s quite informative about each character’s family and the peculiarities they have.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book as it refreshed my memories from my teenage. The author has done an extraordinary job by portraying feelings and conflicts simply yet effectively. I love the narration style.

I would highly recommend this book to my readers.