What do you think?
Rate this book
Race from the Finish
John Powers is passionate, insightful and protective of everyone from his disabled sister to an abandoned puppy. John is also intensely driven. Since his first soapbox derby at age eleven, John has desired to break into the NASCAR circuit of the 1950's .
With support from Pop, his mentor and family friend, John cuts his chops on the emerging dirt tracks near his hometown of Pittsburgh and soon moves into the Midwest Association of Race Cars' new car circuit while barely out of high school. His personal disappointments and setbacks only make him more determined in his chase for Victory Lane .
The pursuit is costly . As he matures into one of the greatest racers of his time, he looks at those people who have helped him reach his dream and values them only for how they support his quest. Years later, elderly and dying in the hospital, no one comes to his side.
While anticipating a visit from his estranged son, the hospital calls a code John Powers has disappeared. Where he ends up provides the chance to alter his life's course... if he is willing to change history .
With support from Pop, his mentor and family friend, John cuts his chops on the emerging dirt tracks near his hometown of Pittsburgh and soon moves into the Midwest Association of Race Cars' new car circuit while barely out of high school. His personal disappointments and setbacks only make him more determined in his chase for Victory Lane .
The pursuit is costly . As he matures into one of the greatest racers of his time, he looks at those people who have helped him reach his dream and values them only for how they support his quest. Years later, elderly and dying in the hospital, no one comes to his side.
While anticipating a visit from his estranged son, the hospital calls a code John Powers has disappeared. Where he ends up provides the chance to alter his life's course... if he is willing to change history .
248 pages, Paperback
First published September 19, 2012
89 people want to read
About the author
Diane Dignan
2 books2 followersDiane Dignan’s writing crosses over several genres, from novels to poetry
to stories for children. Bartholomew’s Gift was inspired by the account of
her two-year-old nephew’s playtime discussions with his invisible friend,
Anthony, who “came down from the sky”.
Check out her recent adult novel, Race from the Finish, and visit her website at http://www.racefromthefinish.com.
to stories for children. Bartholomew’s Gift was inspired by the account of
her two-year-old nephew’s playtime discussions with his invisible friend,
Anthony, who “came down from the sky”.
Check out her recent adult novel, Race from the Finish, and visit her website at http://www.racefromthefinish.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 25, 2013
John Powerhouse Powers dream is to race cars. He lives, breathes, and sacrifices all to achieve his goal of being a race car driver. When his boss, family friend, and shop owner Pop helps him restore his first car, the dream takes life and John ignores all else to pursue it.
He's watched his patents burn out and live hard lives removed from passion and excitement and he is determined to live his life differently. He's determined to let nothing stand in his way. Responsibilities such as home, love, and family are a distant second to his dreams. Sometimes, however, winning isn't everything. The glory, the trophies, the prize money - sometimes it isn't worth what one must give up in the process.
This story is beautifully written, exciting, and heartfelt. The lessons learned and ending is truly amazing. I am so glad I read this novel.
He's watched his patents burn out and live hard lives removed from passion and excitement and he is determined to live his life differently. He's determined to let nothing stand in his way. Responsibilities such as home, love, and family are a distant second to his dreams. Sometimes, however, winning isn't everything. The glory, the trophies, the prize money - sometimes it isn't worth what one must give up in the process.
This story is beautifully written, exciting, and heartfelt. The lessons learned and ending is truly amazing. I am so glad I read this novel.
May 25, 2013
This book was excellent! I'm very happy to have won a copy on goodreads. The characters were well portrayed and interesting. John Powers struggles with balancing his love of racing and putting his own dreams first with his responsibilities to others.
John grows up in the 1950s in a small town with his mom, dad, and a sister with Downs Syndrome who he adores. He's hard working and after a long day of classes he helps out his family friend Pop at the garage fixing up cars and taking car of a rescued dog.
Somewhere along the way the desire to race infects John like a drug. He craves it, misses it, and puts it in front of those he loves.
This is a gripping novel with a intriguing story. The ending took my breath away. Excellent from start to finish!
John grows up in the 1950s in a small town with his mom, dad, and a sister with Downs Syndrome who he adores. He's hard working and after a long day of classes he helps out his family friend Pop at the garage fixing up cars and taking car of a rescued dog.
Somewhere along the way the desire to race infects John like a drug. He craves it, misses it, and puts it in front of those he loves.
This is a gripping novel with a intriguing story. The ending took my breath away. Excellent from start to finish!
June 28, 2013
John Powers knew from when he was very young that he wanted to race. This book shows his determination to achieve that goal and what he had to sacrifice to do so. It is very heart warming in some ways (a family friend named Pop helped him by making his own sacrifices and there by living a personal dream throught John that he'd never achieved) and hearbreaking (his wife did not support him). It shows how true determination can get you what you want - but there is often a price to pay... I enjoyed reading this book in jsut a day!
May 4, 2013
Race from the Finish takes you through the life of John "Powerhouse" Powers. The book starts off when Powers is a young boy and spans through his entire life. It is a gripping story all the way through with an unexpected ending that will appeal to a NASCAR fan or just anyone who loves a great book. Whether you prefer drama, action, love, or a book about life, Race from the Finish will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews