Finding Drake

by Jeffrey Scott

Fifteen-year-old Drake can’t stand his Grandpa. Abandoned years ago by his alcoholic mother, Drake is forced to care for this crazy old man suffering from Alzheimer’s, a disease he doesn’t understand. And his resentment worsens when Grandpa commits a common Alzheimer’s offense: he wanders and disappears.

This sparks a desperate missing person search – desperate because Grandpa is lost in a Minnesota winter – and Drake suddenly finds himself thrust in the middle of a media frenzy. The national spotlight draws out some of Grandpa’s old Vietnam War buddies, and their stories reveal a hero much different than the confused old man Drake has always known. His resentment melts, and this adds to his desperation – he must find the old man and tell him he’s sorry before it’s too late.

In this incredible story of forgiveness Drake’s pursuit of Grandpa turns into a pursuit of something much grander that will ultimately change his life.

Genres: Young Adult

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 14, 2012

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel bad for giving this book only 3 stars. I was looking forward to reading this book because Alzheimer's runs in my husband's side of the family. But I'm not a religious person so the ending kind of turned me off.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding drake

Finding Drake: The Desperate Search for Mr. Anderson by Jeffrey Scott was an excellent read. The author handled the subject of Alzheimer's in a sensitive and caring way...

[Uvi Poznansky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is story of a boy and his grandfather, a Vietnam war vet who by now is inflicted by Alzheimer's. The boy, Drake (named after the old man) resents the task of having to look after him, a burden too heavy for a fifteen years old, and becoming impossibly heavier, as the illness manifests itself in new and increasingly annoying ways. But as the story unravels, he is undergoing a profound change of heart, not only in terms of his relationship to his grandfather, but to his entire family. We see him grow before our eyes.

Written in simple, direct sentences in first-person narrative, the story is aimed at a young audience, young teenagers who--like Drake--are faced with living with family members suffering from this terrible disease. The author, Jeff Peterson takes this task with a commendable conviction, and a willingness to share a story that feels utterly personal.

Finding Drake, on its surface, is a quest to find the old man, who lost his way on a cold, snowy winter night. But on a deeper level, it is a quest, a religious quest by the boy to come to terms with his own angst and anger, and to learn to ask and receive forgiveness.

[Leslie Mesmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drake is 15 years old and visits his grandfather to help make sure he is ok. He doesn't understand why his grandfather is so forgetful and confused. He resents his grandfather and his family. Then his grandfather disappears on a cold winter evening.
While the days pass while a massive search is on Drake starts to learn about his grandfather.he also starts thinking of things other than himself. It also makes him question things.
I really enjoyed this book up until the end. I just felt the ending was to simplistic and really didn't like the "miracle" ending. I did enjoy the spiritual aspect of the story but just couldn't get past the last portion of the story. Also felt after the big buildup the ending was rushed and a disappointment.

[Louisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not at all what I expected, I expected a book about a boy learning to understand his grandfather, as his grandfather fights a losing battle with Alzheimer's. I did not see the religion part coming at me until it was too late, not that I have anything against religion, I just do not enjoy reading religious books. The book description should include something about this being a spiritual story (not to mention a tad far fetched with the blizzard riding motor cycle gang). One third of the way through the book I felt as if I was railroaded.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm 14 years old and my grandpa has Alzheimer's so I was really able to connect with this book. Just like Drake I never knew my grandpa when he was healthy. In other words the story in this book relates to what many people are going through. Even if I didn't have all of these connections I would have still loved this book just because of the quality of the writing.

[Beth Oldrich · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story of Alzheimer's from a teenager's perspective. Drake's grandson learns that his grandfather has a heroic past before he began to forget everything and everyone. It's a lot to take on as a teenager to take care of an ailing grandfather and the loss of an alcoholic mother. It's a great book with a strong message.

[R.J. Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books you want to keep on your bookshelf and recommend to friends. Truly inspired by the Spirit, it is a beautifully-woven masterpiece. Even if you are unfamiliar with Alzheimer’s Disease, this book will grip you with its depth of characters and situation. I stayed up late and woke up early to find out how it ended.

[Michelle [Helen Geek]]

Free on Amazon 03/29/2012.

[Vicky Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Love Love this book!! I felt I was there. I could hear the engines. Felt the cold, frustration, pain, guilt. Would love to read more from this author

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a sweet story of love and forgiveness. Drake and his grandfather have a beautiful relationship and it shows throughout the book.

[Stvoight · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story, even liked the biker angels, and the end was heartwarming.

[Heather Hartling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it.