The Limited Edition Bicentennial Cadillac Convertible Joy Ride

by Michael Jai Grant

Eve is a frustrated sixteen-year-old who uncovers a dark family secret. Muriel is trapped in managed care by the son who stole her fortune. Taking advantage of a twisted moment, this unlikely pair embark on a murky mission to rectify their wrongs. Together they confront Muriel's wavering cognition, Eve's emotional wounds, and sometimes each other. They're on the road to salvation-unless their families catch them first! Michael Jai Grant's new novel explores people's inclination to do the wrong things for the right reasons. He writes a provocative and spirited journey that challenges our notions of dementia and elder care, sexuality, the difference between religion and spirituality, and the complex world of Teenagedom. At its core, it delves into themes of friendship, family, liberation, and the circuitous routes we all take to finding our way home.

472 pages, Hardcover

Published November 16, 2023

About the author

Michael Jai Grant is an American fiction writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, he hails from a lineage of attorneys, teachers, and scientists who profoundly influenced his perception of justice and reason. He subtly interweaves semi-autobiographical elements into narratives of heightened significance. Michael pursued his education at Syracuse and Boston Universities, where he distinguished himself as an Eastman Kodak Scholar. An ardent traveler and a devoted friend to all dogs, he currently resides in North Stamford, Connecticut, with his husband, the artist Jon Galt.

Reviews

[Stace · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘The Limited Edition Bicentennial Cadillac Convertible Joy Ride’ is an unconventional novel from the pen of Connecticut-based author, Michael Jai Grant. The long title suggests it’s going to be a quirky read and I can safely say it’s the first book I’ve ever read narrated by a car, although the idea is not unique.

We meet teenage Eve who works part-time as a hairdressing assistant at a salon in The Deerwood; a Broward County assisted living facility. She is at college and is attracted to Liam who is a year older. She’s frustrated that he hasn’t asked her to the homecoming event. Through the use of repetition, we also discover Eve has issues with her mother and we gradually discover why they are at loggerheads. Our other main protagonist is Muriel, owner of the Cadillac Convertible and reluctant resident at The Deerwood as a result of a dementia diagnosis. They recognise in one another a kindred spirit and when unforeseen circumstances dictate that they are thrown together, Eve takes Muriel on an epic road journey.

Leaving aside the moral and practical implications of kidnapping an elderly semi-incontinent lady with impaired mental function and the panic caused to both families, we travel with them from the Florida heat to up-state New York, where they plan to set about righting wrongs caused through duplicity. They must negotiate several difficult situations before they reach their destination.

The author explores the dynamics of family relationships and we witness lots of contrasting emotions. Good use is made of metaphors and the balance between description and dialogue is reasonable. I was distracted by the head-hopping as this inevitably affects the structure. However, there are some engaging empathic passages, making parts of this book touching and poignant with some gentle bitter sweet moments between Eve and Muriel.

At 472 pages, readers may need a degree of determination to reach the end as the plot intermittently seems to get lost in the foils’ lengthy backstories. I also wonder if introducing a character without anchoring her into the story is a good idea, particularly when her past adventures crop up in detail at intervals throughout the book. I can appreciate that the author wants to keep her identity a mystery until near the end but some might find it difficult to invest in a person when they have no idea of her connection.

Whilst layering is a valuable literary technique, the intriguing story of Eve and Muriel at times gets buried in the minutiae of the lives of others and I would have liked them to have been given more freedom to shine.

I wish the author success with this work as it is most definitely a labour of love and I also hope it appeals to more than a niche audience. Objectively, I award 3.5 stars.

[Kressel Housman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author of this book was in my writing group, and he's the first among us to get a book published. The best, funniest, and most original part of this novel is that the Cadillac in the title is the narrator. The other two protagonists are just as compelling: teenage Eve and octogenarian Muriel, taking the joy ride. Th twists and turns with the minor characters sometimes confused me, but ultimately, it's a story about family dynamics, functional and not. The section in which Muriel describes Alzheimer's was especially moving. My Mom has it, and I think anyone whose life has been touched by this disease will relate. But the car as narrator - that makes the whole experience so unique!

[Sally A · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters in this book all feel like real people. You get inside their heads and understand their motivations, even when they're being devious, which is a testament to the author's writing and his understanding of human nature. There are real unexpected twists and I kept starting the next chapter (even when I was tired) because I had to know what happened next! The ending followed suit--it doesn't go where I thought, but I thought it was very satisfying. It's a great read and I HIGHLY recommend this book!

[Robin Hanssen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful story with richly developed characters and a plot that was adventurous as the ride described in novel. I was especially moved by the descriptive language for places, people and the interactions between them - making me feel as though I was truly a participant in the story. Extremely impressive for a first-time novelist, and I hope there are more tantalizing tales from Michael Jai Grant to read in the future!
Robin Hanssen

[Michael Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi! I'm the author and I hope you'll read my book! I promise you won't be bored by this spirited journey, narrated by the CAR. Read the first chapter on my website for free and you'll see...

MichaelJaiGrant.com

Books thrive by reviews and word-of-mouth, so please share your impressions wherever you can. Post it, talk about it, put it on your Book Clubs list and I'll Zoom in when you meet to answer all your questions!

All my best,
Michael

The Limited Edition Bicentennial Cadillac Convertible Joy Ride

[Leah Evert-Burks · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you looked at the construction of this novel, you may find yourself initially getting caught up in a “you shouldn’t do that” critique. Namely where Grant moves through different POVs and narrators within the same chapters and many times within the same paragraph-but surprisingly it works and works beautifully. There is never a fall from the “continuous dream” due to such clever, mixed-narration that includes the Cadillac. Grant is a masterful storyteller and deals with the difficult subject of Alzheimer’s with insight and most importantly respect. Beautiful cover to boot! Bravo!