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Driving the Bugmobile
Sometimes a pool noodle is just a pool noodle. Other times…
In two short weeks, Nick Carlin will be old enough to get his driver’s license, but there’s a catch—a huge one. His mom says he must first pass a swimming test, and Nick takes to the water as well as a flying fish pilots a jumbo jet. It’s one more challenge as the Summer From Hell comes to an August his slacker friend Miller is worried about “failing life,” and the older girl Nick’s crushing on—his robo-hottie swimming instructor—is leaving for college. But the cherry on top of the stress sundae? His mom’s low-life moocher boyfriend has just moved in, and Nick is supposed to be happy about it!
As Nick struggles to get his life in shape (and master the freestyle), he learns that the best solutions aren’t always the easiest ones. If he wants to relieve his friend’s anxiety, shield his mom from heartache, find happiness with the right girl ( not the robo-hottie), and score the keys to the Bugmobile, he’ll have to step up his game, big-time.
In two short weeks, Nick Carlin will be old enough to get his driver’s license, but there’s a catch—a huge one. His mom says he must first pass a swimming test, and Nick takes to the water as well as a flying fish pilots a jumbo jet. It’s one more challenge as the Summer From Hell comes to an August his slacker friend Miller is worried about “failing life,” and the older girl Nick’s crushing on—his robo-hottie swimming instructor—is leaving for college. But the cherry on top of the stress sundae? His mom’s low-life moocher boyfriend has just moved in, and Nick is supposed to be happy about it!
As Nick struggles to get his life in shape (and master the freestyle), he learns that the best solutions aren’t always the easiest ones. If he wants to relieve his friend’s anxiety, shield his mom from heartache, find happiness with the right girl ( not the robo-hottie), and score the keys to the Bugmobile, he’ll have to step up his game, big-time.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2025
6 people want to read
About the author
Alan Orloff
58 books148 followersBefore Alan stepped off the corporate merry-go-round, he had an eclectic (some might say disjointed) career. As an engineer, he worked on nuclear submarines, supervised assembly workers in factories, facilitated technology transfer from the Star Wars program, and learned to stack washing machines three high in a warehouse with a forklift. He even started his own recycling and waste reduction newsletter business. Now he writes fiction.
His debut mystery, DIAMONDS FOR THE DEAD, was a finalist for the Best First Novel Agatha Award. He writes the Last Laff Mystery Series: KILLER ROUTINE (#1) and DEADLY CAMPAIGN (#2), and has three e-book originals, THE TASTE (horror/thriller), FIRST TIME KILLER (thriller), and RIDE-ALONG (suspense).
He wrote the thrillers RUNNING FROM THE PAST and PRAY FOR THE INNOCENT (winner of the ITW Thriller Award for Best E-Book Original).
His novel, I KNOW WHERE YOU SLEEP was a Shamus Award finalist for Best First P.I. Novel.
His YA thriller, I PLAY ONE ON TV (Down & Out Books), won the Agatha Award and Anthony Award for Best YA Novel.
His novel, LATE CHECKOUT, is an Anthony Award Finalist for Best Paperback Original.
His short fiction has appeared in numerous publications, including JEWISH NOIR, Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, CHESAPEAKE CRIMES: STORM WARNING, Mystery Weekly, NOIR AT THE SALAD BAR, Black Cat Mystery Magazine, five consecutive issues of the BEST NEW ENGLAND CRIME STORIES, THE NIGHT OF THE FLOOD, MICKEY FINN, and MYSTERY MOST GEOGRAPHICAL.
His story, “Rule Number One” (SNOWBOUND, Level Best Books), was selected for the 2018 edition of THE BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY STORIES anthology, edited by Louise Penny.
His story, "Dying in Dokesville," won a Derringer Award, and his story "Rent Due," won an ITW Thriller Award.
Alan recently moved to South Florida. He loves cake and arugula, but not together.
For more info, please visit his website: www.alanorloff.com
Alan is sorry he wrote this bio in the third person.
His debut mystery, DIAMONDS FOR THE DEAD, was a finalist for the Best First Novel Agatha Award. He writes the Last Laff Mystery Series: KILLER ROUTINE (#1) and DEADLY CAMPAIGN (#2), and has three e-book originals, THE TASTE (horror/thriller), FIRST TIME KILLER (thriller), and RIDE-ALONG (suspense).
He wrote the thrillers RUNNING FROM THE PAST and PRAY FOR THE INNOCENT (winner of the ITW Thriller Award for Best E-Book Original).
His novel, I KNOW WHERE YOU SLEEP was a Shamus Award finalist for Best First P.I. Novel.
His YA thriller, I PLAY ONE ON TV (Down & Out Books), won the Agatha Award and Anthony Award for Best YA Novel.
His novel, LATE CHECKOUT, is an Anthony Award Finalist for Best Paperback Original.
His short fiction has appeared in numerous publications, including JEWISH NOIR, Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, CHESAPEAKE CRIMES: STORM WARNING, Mystery Weekly, NOIR AT THE SALAD BAR, Black Cat Mystery Magazine, five consecutive issues of the BEST NEW ENGLAND CRIME STORIES, THE NIGHT OF THE FLOOD, MICKEY FINN, and MYSTERY MOST GEOGRAPHICAL.
His story, “Rule Number One” (SNOWBOUND, Level Best Books), was selected for the 2018 edition of THE BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY STORIES anthology, edited by Louise Penny.
His story, "Dying in Dokesville," won a Derringer Award, and his story "Rent Due," won an ITW Thriller Award.
Alan recently moved to South Florida. He loves cake and arugula, but not together.
For more info, please visit his website: www.alanorloff.com
Alan is sorry he wrote this bio in the third person.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 11, 2025
A great read for anyone who ever had to psych themselves into trying the seemingly impossible…
Nick has been given an ultimatum by his mom. If he wants to take his test for his driver’s license, he must first pass a swimming test. Nick has struggled for years with his inability to swim, avoiding the water at all costs. He knows his mother is serious this time, and that his social life and status will be nonexistent if he has no license by summer’s end. The trouble is he just doesn’t know what to do to make it across that pool, even after he’s had coaching…
I really hope there will be a sequel, because this novel ended on a whopper of a cliffhanger! I’m going to cry foul if there isn’t a follow-up!
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
Nick has been given an ultimatum by his mom. If he wants to take his test for his driver’s license, he must first pass a swimming test. Nick has struggled for years with his inability to swim, avoiding the water at all costs. He knows his mother is serious this time, and that his social life and status will be nonexistent if he has no license by summer’s end. The trouble is he just doesn’t know what to do to make it across that pool, even after he’s had coaching…
I really hope there will be a sequel, because this novel ended on a whopper of a cliffhanger! I’m going to cry foul if there isn’t a follow-up!
*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*
May 2, 2025
Humor is the toughest genre to write, so kudos to Alan Orloff for pulling it off.
Despite this novel kicking off a bit slowly (the entire, somewhat overwritten first chapter is spent establishing that main-character Nick has a mental block against swimming) and initially feeling like a middle-grade read, it soon heats up and stays gripping right to the end. Also, with Nick (age sixteen) ever hopeful for romance and his awkward sidekick Miller ever lustful for sex (an elusive goal, of course), it soon establishes itself as a teen read.
The large cast of characters – from Nick and two guy friends to three girls offering potential romance, to Nick’s hovering mother, her dirtbag boyfriend and Nick’s over-the-top colorful grandmother – are as varied in personality as you can get. Yet all come off as believable, and provide a highly entertaining support crew to Nick and his angst.
The teen jargon and joshing is spot-on, as are the background family troubles, and the pace is fun and steady.
The title overplays one small aspect of the plot (the mother’s exterminator business and Nick’s embarrassment to be seen doing driving practice in the logoed car). It just doesn’t really seem to suit the overall story theme. Likewise, his mother’s strange hobby of filling the basement with tanks of creatures distracts more than contributes.
There’s vagueness as to why Nick takes an instant dislike to his mother’s boyfriend, and vagueness as to what the boyfriend is up to, but more specifics wouldn’t have mattered much to the plot. There are two childhood traumas with which Nick is grappling, either one of which would have been enough to mess with his goal of passing the swim test, but they serve effectively to deepen the plot. Meanwhile, minor characters (including the brat Nick tutors and the little kids who put his performance to shame at the final swim exam) add color and fun. The ending is curiously abrupt, but works.
In summary, this is a lighthearted, fun read with well-drawn, engaging characters. It’s humor and romance amidst life troubles, with special appeal to teen boys.
Despite this novel kicking off a bit slowly (the entire, somewhat overwritten first chapter is spent establishing that main-character Nick has a mental block against swimming) and initially feeling like a middle-grade read, it soon heats up and stays gripping right to the end. Also, with Nick (age sixteen) ever hopeful for romance and his awkward sidekick Miller ever lustful for sex (an elusive goal, of course), it soon establishes itself as a teen read.
The large cast of characters – from Nick and two guy friends to three girls offering potential romance, to Nick’s hovering mother, her dirtbag boyfriend and Nick’s over-the-top colorful grandmother – are as varied in personality as you can get. Yet all come off as believable, and provide a highly entertaining support crew to Nick and his angst.
The teen jargon and joshing is spot-on, as are the background family troubles, and the pace is fun and steady.
The title overplays one small aspect of the plot (the mother’s exterminator business and Nick’s embarrassment to be seen doing driving practice in the logoed car). It just doesn’t really seem to suit the overall story theme. Likewise, his mother’s strange hobby of filling the basement with tanks of creatures distracts more than contributes.
There’s vagueness as to why Nick takes an instant dislike to his mother’s boyfriend, and vagueness as to what the boyfriend is up to, but more specifics wouldn’t have mattered much to the plot. There are two childhood traumas with which Nick is grappling, either one of which would have been enough to mess with his goal of passing the swim test, but they serve effectively to deepen the plot. Meanwhile, minor characters (including the brat Nick tutors and the little kids who put his performance to shame at the final swim exam) add color and fun. The ending is curiously abrupt, but works.
In summary, this is a lighthearted, fun read with well-drawn, engaging characters. It’s humor and romance amidst life troubles, with special appeal to teen boys.
July 5, 2025
Growing up isn’t always easy.
Mr. Orloff did an excellent job of showing both the upsides and the downsides of being a teenager, from the parties to dealing with the frustration of rules that don’t quite make sense. Nick was at the age when he was almost ready for bigger responsibilities in life like getting his driver’s license, and his impatience to grow up felt realistic and relatable to me. Time often seems to pass more slowly when you’re a teenager, so the thought of waiting even a few more weeks was exasperating to him. I smiled and nodded along as I read about everything he did to prove to his mom that he was responsible enough for this next step.
I would have liked to see more attention paid to the subplot involving the budding relationship between Nick’s mom, Tiffany, and her new boyfriend. She was such an attentive and cautious parent in other areas of life that I was a bit surprised by how quickly she not only introduced Jason to Nick but also invited him into their family traditions and routines. Having more details about her thought processes here would have made this a five-star read for me.
Some of the most interesting scenes were the ones that explored why Nick had never learned how to swim despite years of lessons. His reasons made perfect sense and gave extra layers of depth of this character. I also appreciated the way this storyline explored how childhood experiences can shape someone’s personality for years to come. Yes, I know that’s a little vague, but the big reveal isn’t something anyone should have spoiled for them, and figuring out what it was made this reader even more curious to discover what happened next.
Driving the Bugmobile was an absorbing read.
Mr. Orloff did an excellent job of showing both the upsides and the downsides of being a teenager, from the parties to dealing with the frustration of rules that don’t quite make sense. Nick was at the age when he was almost ready for bigger responsibilities in life like getting his driver’s license, and his impatience to grow up felt realistic and relatable to me. Time often seems to pass more slowly when you’re a teenager, so the thought of waiting even a few more weeks was exasperating to him. I smiled and nodded along as I read about everything he did to prove to his mom that he was responsible enough for this next step.
I would have liked to see more attention paid to the subplot involving the budding relationship between Nick’s mom, Tiffany, and her new boyfriend. She was such an attentive and cautious parent in other areas of life that I was a bit surprised by how quickly she not only introduced Jason to Nick but also invited him into their family traditions and routines. Having more details about her thought processes here would have made this a five-star read for me.
Some of the most interesting scenes were the ones that explored why Nick had never learned how to swim despite years of lessons. His reasons made perfect sense and gave extra layers of depth of this character. I also appreciated the way this storyline explored how childhood experiences can shape someone’s personality for years to come. Yes, I know that’s a little vague, but the big reveal isn’t something anyone should have spoiled for them, and figuring out what it was made this reader even more curious to discover what happened next.
Driving the Bugmobile was an absorbing read.
April 19, 2025
Driving the Bugmobile by Alan Orloff
I love how Alan tells a story. He curates a beautiful premise and creates characters you cannot help but love. This story was no different.
Nick is dealing with a lot during his summer break. His mom's boyfriend moves in, and he has a lot of feelings about it. He really wants to find a girl, and while he has some ideas about who he would like to ask out, he’s nervous. He also has to finally learn to swim so he can get his driver's license. The struggle is very real.
I love the charm of this story. Nick is such a well-rounded character. Alan does a brilliant job of infusing his characters with genuine teenage angst and a lot of heart. This was such a great read.
This would be a great book for middle schoolers. The chapters are the perfect length, and the plot's flow is engaging. There is a level of authenticity mixed with the subtle softness of young adult literature.
I hope there is a second book because the ending has left me screaming. I really hope we get a conclusion that doesn’t lead to me sobbing my eyes out. Katy approved!
Publication date: May 13, 2025
Publisher: Lever Best Books- Elevate
I love how Alan tells a story. He curates a beautiful premise and creates characters you cannot help but love. This story was no different.
Nick is dealing with a lot during his summer break. His mom's boyfriend moves in, and he has a lot of feelings about it. He really wants to find a girl, and while he has some ideas about who he would like to ask out, he’s nervous. He also has to finally learn to swim so he can get his driver's license. The struggle is very real.
I love the charm of this story. Nick is such a well-rounded character. Alan does a brilliant job of infusing his characters with genuine teenage angst and a lot of heart. This was such a great read.
This would be a great book for middle schoolers. The chapters are the perfect length, and the plot's flow is engaging. There is a level of authenticity mixed with the subtle softness of young adult literature.
I hope there is a second book because the ending has left me screaming. I really hope we get a conclusion that doesn’t lead to me sobbing my eyes out. Katy approved!
Publication date: May 13, 2025
Publisher: Lever Best Books- Elevate
April 22, 2025
I read this in one sitting! Driving the Bugmobile is an emotional coming-of-age story that highlights the pain of growing up and not knowing if the person you’re becoming is who you want to be and deciding who deserves to come along for the ride.
Orloff masterfully captures what it feels like to live with anxiety but not know what’s happening inside your brain without hitting the reader of the head with it. This book reminds us how deeply trauma can affect us and how much we’re willing to fight for those we care about.
Nick’s life is messy and chaotic, but he’s loved. Bugmobile masterfully captures the sweet, horrible, exhilarating feeling of falling for your best friend and being both terrified to act on it and terrified not to.
***I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review***
Orloff masterfully captures what it feels like to live with anxiety but not know what’s happening inside your brain without hitting the reader of the head with it. This book reminds us how deeply trauma can affect us and how much we’re willing to fight for those we care about.
Nick’s life is messy and chaotic, but he’s loved. Bugmobile masterfully captures the sweet, horrible, exhilarating feeling of falling for your best friend and being both terrified to act on it and terrified not to.
***I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review***
May 17, 2025
DRIVING THE BUGMOBILE
I loved this book! . . . until I didn’t. I admired the persistence, friendship, and belief in self of these wonderful young people. Having taught high school, I “get” their very real sophomore angst and humor, grades, relationships, driver’s test, swimming (never a very strong swimmer myself). Backstory makes the fears and behaviors more understandable always. It’s very well-written as well, so why three stars?
I HATE cliffhanger endings! I want good resolution, and anything else feels like a cheat, my mood sinking at the realization of a new trauma. I promise to come back to a future book without the hook of a crisis at the end. If you don’t mind it, then pretend two more stars. If it does bother you, don’t read the last bit, don’t turn the corner — that way you can still love the rest of the book.
I loved this book! . . . until I didn’t. I admired the persistence, friendship, and belief in self of these wonderful young people. Having taught high school, I “get” their very real sophomore angst and humor, grades, relationships, driver’s test, swimming (never a very strong swimmer myself). Backstory makes the fears and behaviors more understandable always. It’s very well-written as well, so why three stars?
I HATE cliffhanger endings! I want good resolution, and anything else feels like a cheat, my mood sinking at the realization of a new trauma. I promise to come back to a future book without the hook of a crisis at the end. If you don’t mind it, then pretend two more stars. If it does bother you, don’t read the last bit, don’t turn the corner — that way you can still love the rest of the book.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews