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Driving in Reverse: The Life I Almost Missed
Author Lindsay Wincherauk is down on his luck and headed for midlife collapse. Working two dismal jobs to pay his trendy Yaletown rent, grieving the sudden loss of two friends and family members, and dumped by the love of his life – Lindsay looks for the nearest exit. He decides on a whim to escape to Europe with his buddy Dave. By a twist of fate, his life turns completely upside down when he attempts to renew his passport and discovers he’s the main character in a dark family secret.
Reeling from the shock, Lindsay grabs his bags and blasts through 11 countries in 31 days. Wincherauk’s story moves at breakneck speed as the author describes his flight through pain and madness, spinning into surreal side trips where he meets an inferno of wild characters.
Back in Vancouver, while driving a suicidal man to work, a light goes on and Lindsay knows what he must do: write his story. He’s come precariously close to self-destructing and knows that until the hidden pieces of his life are uncovered, something would be missing. Writing his way through the dark chapters, with wit and candour, he breaks through to the other side – “reborn”.
Reeling from the shock, Lindsay grabs his bags and blasts through 11 countries in 31 days. Wincherauk’s story moves at breakneck speed as the author describes his flight through pain and madness, spinning into surreal side trips where he meets an inferno of wild characters.
Back in Vancouver, while driving a suicidal man to work, a light goes on and Lindsay knows what he must do: write his story. He’s come precariously close to self-destructing and knows that until the hidden pieces of his life are uncovered, something would be missing. Writing his way through the dark chapters, with wit and candour, he breaks through to the other side – “reborn”.
- GenresMemoir
451 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2017
9 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 22, 2018
It’s true, you’ll never really know what someone has been through if you’ve never walked a mile in their shoes. People go through so many ups and downs in life that sometimes it’s hard to keep score. Would we have more empathy for individuals if we had at least a glimpse into their life? We may never know but at least we can witness per se and learn about how someone came to be the person they are today. In “Driving in Reverse,” author Lindsey Wincherauk invites his readers into his life as he tells his story from day one. Already into the first couple of pages, you’re greeted by an adventurous person that is both serious and kind.
Since birth he’s experienced being looked down upon by his older siblings, the guilt from putting his parents through struggles in their golden years and you can only feel sorrow through his tale. I have sympathy for growing Lindsey because all he wanted to do was be given the amount of love and care without feeling as if he’s a burden to someone. The friendships he experienced did lighten his mood at times, distracting him from his home life by having fun, but when the fun was over he returned to his sadness. I would say that he suffered from some form of depression because in the beginning chapters he has mentioned a marathon of crying. This made me want to reach through the book, hug him tightly, and let him know that it’s not his fault things are happening in his life that isn’t full of happiness at the moment and it will get better. Time is no one’s friend, something we feel we have lots of yet no one knows how much we actually possess. Based on his well-written descriptions of his travels, the experiences he had, and the journey leading him to manhood, although life was tough he did the very best he could to make it meaningful.
I enjoyed learning about the author’s life growing up. It has definitely been a rocky journey and he embraced it the only way he could. I recommend others to consider reading about this man’s life, some moments might be more relatable than you think.
Since birth he’s experienced being looked down upon by his older siblings, the guilt from putting his parents through struggles in their golden years and you can only feel sorrow through his tale. I have sympathy for growing Lindsey because all he wanted to do was be given the amount of love and care without feeling as if he’s a burden to someone. The friendships he experienced did lighten his mood at times, distracting him from his home life by having fun, but when the fun was over he returned to his sadness. I would say that he suffered from some form of depression because in the beginning chapters he has mentioned a marathon of crying. This made me want to reach through the book, hug him tightly, and let him know that it’s not his fault things are happening in his life that isn’t full of happiness at the moment and it will get better. Time is no one’s friend, something we feel we have lots of yet no one knows how much we actually possess. Based on his well-written descriptions of his travels, the experiences he had, and the journey leading him to manhood, although life was tough he did the very best he could to make it meaningful.
I enjoyed learning about the author’s life growing up. It has definitely been a rocky journey and he embraced it the only way he could. I recommend others to consider reading about this man’s life, some moments might be more relatable than you think.
August 29, 2018
What first drew me to this book was its intriguing book blurb. I thought, "This looks like an interesting mystery." I soon discovered that it was a memoir, a memoir mystery. With each page I read I was more intrigued, from the way the author decided to format his story--as if he is writing a letter to someone named Ed and telling his story to that person--to his stream of consciousness writing. Of note, his stream of consciousness style is sometimes hard to follow, but it sure is interesting to read. Even more riveting was the build-up of anticipation as he regales the reader with his experiences with drugs, alcohol, sex, and death. One begins to wonder, what could this dark family secret be, that is worse and more soul wrenching than what he has already shared? My mind thought this and as my mind does, it came up with all the possibilities that could be worse. I won't say if I guessed the family secret or not, but I will say that life is stranger than fiction, as the author himself says at one point in his memoir; that's not just the name of a movie. You won't be disappointed. My reason for four stars instead of five is the amount of debauchery depicted, not because I'm a prude, but because after so much it begins to see redundant. Get through that, however, and you have an entertaining and heart wrenching memoir that hits to the depths of your soul. It also ends on a cliffhanger, for the life he is living and is going to live.
January 6, 2018
Full of sarcastic whit and tagged with the unbelievable storyline that the author buried his parents only to find they came back to life sixteen years later, Driving Reverse by Lindsay Wincherauk is a self described metaphysical memoir. The book takes a look at Wincherauk’s unique life starting in his childhood and going through the time of publication for the book. This work includes discussions about drugs, alcohol, sex, love, adoption, and healing through writing. It is a strong work for anyone who has had to deal with pain in their life, which would be most of us, and how to accept the difficult things that have been dumped into our laps and move on as well as grow from them. While there’s no profound religious or psychological break through at the end of this story, it is a real and honest look at how one man dealt with the really crummy set of cards life handed him and survived.
This book shouldn’t work. I almost put it down several times reading through the first few chapters. The whole letter thing at the beginning is completely unnecessary and I didn’t care for it. Time in memoir is a hard thing to nail and books have been written on how to accomplish this feat of putting spliced memories, memories that don’t add to the story but without them could destroy the chronology of the work, and how to deal with the work if it ends up being more topical than chronological. I didn’t think this book was going to pull it off. But for whatever reason, honestly let me specify the reason…the author is a tremendous writer, this works. It is a mix of in the moment thoughts, recounting of a story, and lots and lots of over the top sarcasm that left me laughing out loud. I’ve never seen a format like this before and I’m not sure it work with anyone else but here it is just fantastic! The editing is overall clean. The style the author has is phenomenal. His sense of humor is what really contributes to making the story and makes it successful. The story is touching and difficult, but what impresses me most is his ability to sort through his emotions and make decisions that benefit him. No, life wasn’t perfect; he was affected by what happened to him and the life experiences he has, but this writing is cathartic and his attitude is profound in sorting through the mess he was dealt. While I can’t identify with a lot of life choices Wincherauk made, I can identify with how he got there. Congratulations to you on this writing; it is a huge contribution to others out there suffering and hopefully to you in your healing journey. I hope self doubt takes a hike for you!
Lose the whole letters to Ed thing; you don’t need it and I would hate someone to throw down this book because of something so unexpected that it’s hard to read through till you get the flow of the story.
If you’ve ever been depressed in life, pick this up. I think you’ll identify with it and even if you don’t, so long as you enjoy sarcasm, you’ll be laughing by the end of it!
This book shouldn’t work. I almost put it down several times reading through the first few chapters. The whole letter thing at the beginning is completely unnecessary and I didn’t care for it. Time in memoir is a hard thing to nail and books have been written on how to accomplish this feat of putting spliced memories, memories that don’t add to the story but without them could destroy the chronology of the work, and how to deal with the work if it ends up being more topical than chronological. I didn’t think this book was going to pull it off. But for whatever reason, honestly let me specify the reason…the author is a tremendous writer, this works. It is a mix of in the moment thoughts, recounting of a story, and lots and lots of over the top sarcasm that left me laughing out loud. I’ve never seen a format like this before and I’m not sure it work with anyone else but here it is just fantastic! The editing is overall clean. The style the author has is phenomenal. His sense of humor is what really contributes to making the story and makes it successful. The story is touching and difficult, but what impresses me most is his ability to sort through his emotions and make decisions that benefit him. No, life wasn’t perfect; he was affected by what happened to him and the life experiences he has, but this writing is cathartic and his attitude is profound in sorting through the mess he was dealt. While I can’t identify with a lot of life choices Wincherauk made, I can identify with how he got there. Congratulations to you on this writing; it is a huge contribution to others out there suffering and hopefully to you in your healing journey. I hope self doubt takes a hike for you!
Lose the whole letters to Ed thing; you don’t need it and I would hate someone to throw down this book because of something so unexpected that it’s hard to read through till you get the flow of the story.
If you’ve ever been depressed in life, pick this up. I think you’ll identify with it and even if you don’t, so long as you enjoy sarcasm, you’ll be laughing by the end of it!
January 4, 2018
‘To live a life that’s true to who you are takes courage.'
Canadian author Lindsay Wincherauk is also a journalist in Vancouver, and one-time bartender; he loves writing about the world as he sees it. He was a contributing writer to 24 Hours Vancouver. In 2004 he co-authored a book titled: SEED'S SKETCHY RELATIONSHIP THEORIES - A GUIDE TO THE PERILS OF DATING (HOW NOT TO BECOME A BAR REGULAR). According to his bio, Lindsay quarterbacked high school, junior, and university football teams, winning city, provincial, and national championships. He holds the record for the longest touchdown pass in Canadian junior football league history, 108 yards. Amazingly, he's blind in one eye. Of note, his biographical data includes that Lindsay Wincherauk watched both of his parents die. He was the youngest of seven. After the death of his mother (1987)—he became an outsider in his own family. In 2003 he found out, by accident, he was a secret baby born in a secret place—a shame to the family. A secret never meant to be uncovered.
To fully appreciate Lindsay’s talent as a writer, a humorist, and observer of the human condition and as a memoirist this reader would recommend reading SEED’S SKETCHY RELATIONSHIP THEORIES first and then bask thorough the pages of DRIVING IN REVERSE slowing, allowing ample time for the full range of emotions. In a book that will affect each reader in varying degrees of audience to the content, the synopsis offered is an outline of the journey.
Driving in Reverse – The Life I Almost Missed ‘is the story of a little boy (Lindsay) and his struggles to fit into the family portrait. Little did he know: everything in his life was not as it seemed. Lindsay weaves his way through the years, living the only life he knew—unaware of the foundation rocking news he would one-day stumble upon by accident. During his journey, he excels at athletics, crosses paths with Manuel Noriega, David Duchovny, and Michael Chiklis. Lindsay crashes a motorcycle in Jamaica. And, he brushes past the Dali Lama in a shopping mall food-court, one early fall evening. His story is about kindness. It’s about coming to terms with who you’ve become. It’s about turning pain into laughter. And, it’s a story about belonging. At the end of this volume of life, Lindsay crawls out the other end of the book and begins to embrace the man he has become! We all fit in—we all matter. We all belong in the picture!’
It is a road trip, a book of becoming, a coming of age story, but most importantly this is an awakening to each o our individual place in the universe. Slow down, give this book some time to seep in, and the rewards are plentiful. Highly recommended.
Canadian author Lindsay Wincherauk is also a journalist in Vancouver, and one-time bartender; he loves writing about the world as he sees it. He was a contributing writer to 24 Hours Vancouver. In 2004 he co-authored a book titled: SEED'S SKETCHY RELATIONSHIP THEORIES - A GUIDE TO THE PERILS OF DATING (HOW NOT TO BECOME A BAR REGULAR). According to his bio, Lindsay quarterbacked high school, junior, and university football teams, winning city, provincial, and national championships. He holds the record for the longest touchdown pass in Canadian junior football league history, 108 yards. Amazingly, he's blind in one eye. Of note, his biographical data includes that Lindsay Wincherauk watched both of his parents die. He was the youngest of seven. After the death of his mother (1987)—he became an outsider in his own family. In 2003 he found out, by accident, he was a secret baby born in a secret place—a shame to the family. A secret never meant to be uncovered.
To fully appreciate Lindsay’s talent as a writer, a humorist, and observer of the human condition and as a memoirist this reader would recommend reading SEED’S SKETCHY RELATIONSHIP THEORIES first and then bask thorough the pages of DRIVING IN REVERSE slowing, allowing ample time for the full range of emotions. In a book that will affect each reader in varying degrees of audience to the content, the synopsis offered is an outline of the journey.
Driving in Reverse – The Life I Almost Missed ‘is the story of a little boy (Lindsay) and his struggles to fit into the family portrait. Little did he know: everything in his life was not as it seemed. Lindsay weaves his way through the years, living the only life he knew—unaware of the foundation rocking news he would one-day stumble upon by accident. During his journey, he excels at athletics, crosses paths with Manuel Noriega, David Duchovny, and Michael Chiklis. Lindsay crashes a motorcycle in Jamaica. And, he brushes past the Dali Lama in a shopping mall food-court, one early fall evening. His story is about kindness. It’s about coming to terms with who you’ve become. It’s about turning pain into laughter. And, it’s a story about belonging. At the end of this volume of life, Lindsay crawls out the other end of the book and begins to embrace the man he has become! We all fit in—we all matter. We all belong in the picture!’
It is a road trip, a book of becoming, a coming of age story, but most importantly this is an awakening to each o our individual place in the universe. Slow down, give this book some time to seep in, and the rewards are plentiful. Highly recommended.
July 20, 2018
Author Lindsey Wincherauk is down on his luck and headed for a midlife collapse. Working two dismal jobs to play his trendy Yorktown rent, grieving the sudden loss of two friends and family members, and his dumped by the love of his life, Lindsey looks for the buddy Dave. By a twist of fate. his life turns completely upside down when he attempts to renew his passport and discovers he is the main character in a dark family secret. Reeling from the shock, Lindsay grabs his bags and blasts through 11 countries in 31 days.
Wincherauk's story moves at breakneck speed as the author describes his flight through pain and madness spinning into surreal side trips, where he meets an inferno of wild characters. He comes precariously close to self-destruction and knows that until the hidden pieces of his life are uncovered something would be missing.
I was blown away by his story. If you are looking for a traditional biography you will be disappointed. He is far from a traditional biography writer, he writes from his soul which bring you closer not just to his characters but himself, which takes you on a range of emotional ups and downs from his sad childhood to his heartbreaks of adulthood. I found his unique story resonated with me, I may not walk his path but the depth of his sorrow throughout his life when dealing with the Big C, family lies, and deaths. This is one biography that should not be missed.
Wincherauk's story moves at breakneck speed as the author describes his flight through pain and madness spinning into surreal side trips, where he meets an inferno of wild characters. He comes precariously close to self-destruction and knows that until the hidden pieces of his life are uncovered something would be missing.
I was blown away by his story. If you are looking for a traditional biography you will be disappointed. He is far from a traditional biography writer, he writes from his soul which bring you closer not just to his characters but himself, which takes you on a range of emotional ups and downs from his sad childhood to his heartbreaks of adulthood. I found his unique story resonated with me, I may not walk his path but the depth of his sorrow throughout his life when dealing with the Big C, family lies, and deaths. This is one biography that should not be missed.
June 2, 2018
Witty, sarcastic and funny
I know Lindsay. Well, I thought I knew him.
His story, as told in this book, took place before we met (in a bar of all places haha).
He's a good man. How he managed to stay that way considering what he'been though... Well, I have an inkling - laughter and humour (trust me, it works).
Although a serious story, "Seed" sells it with wit, sarcasm and humour.
I could not put it down once I got into it (to the determent of my own writing time).
You should read this unique story; it is definitely a one of a kind story. You won't be sorry you picked up this read.
I know Lindsay. Well, I thought I knew him.
His story, as told in this book, took place before we met (in a bar of all places haha).
He's a good man. How he managed to stay that way considering what he'been though... Well, I have an inkling - laughter and humour (trust me, it works).
Although a serious story, "Seed" sells it with wit, sarcasm and humour.
I could not put it down once I got into it (to the determent of my own writing time).
You should read this unique story; it is definitely a one of a kind story. You won't be sorry you picked up this read.
December 23, 2019
Gritty but full of surprises
This is a twisty, turny, but eventually enlightening trip through the authors past as he experienced it. The journaling style of his story can feel chaotic and confusing, but his basic honesty shines through.
If you're trying to make some sense out of your life journey, Seed's search for meaning will resonate with you. He's frantically trying to figure out what the reasons are for his very odd family dynamics, and trying to find his purpose and place in the world.
He's always felt like he didn't fit in, and that his family treated him differently than the rest of his siblings. When he finally finds out why, he's understandably shocked, then equally dismayed. As he starts to explore the lies and omissions that his family has told him over his entire life, he questions everything his family has ever told him.
What a disorienting experience! But after trying to erase the pain and confusion with drugs, alcohol, sex and a good plain run away from everything familiar, he begins to face reality.
My favorite quote is toward the end of the story: "Our reality gets skewed daily by the media...Finding one's way among the noise is a formidable task. But if we listen inwardly the clatter will lead to silence. In the calm of this new found peace we can begin to value people more than stuff."
Mr. Wincherauk reminds the reader at the end, too, of something equally important.
You, reader, are also in fact a beautiful and unique human being!
This is a twisty, turny, but eventually enlightening trip through the authors past as he experienced it. The journaling style of his story can feel chaotic and confusing, but his basic honesty shines through.
If you're trying to make some sense out of your life journey, Seed's search for meaning will resonate with you. He's frantically trying to figure out what the reasons are for his very odd family dynamics, and trying to find his purpose and place in the world.
He's always felt like he didn't fit in, and that his family treated him differently than the rest of his siblings. When he finally finds out why, he's understandably shocked, then equally dismayed. As he starts to explore the lies and omissions that his family has told him over his entire life, he questions everything his family has ever told him.
What a disorienting experience! But after trying to erase the pain and confusion with drugs, alcohol, sex and a good plain run away from everything familiar, he begins to face reality.
My favorite quote is toward the end of the story: "Our reality gets skewed daily by the media...Finding one's way among the noise is a formidable task. But if we listen inwardly the clatter will lead to silence. In the calm of this new found peace we can begin to value people more than stuff."
Mr. Wincherauk reminds the reader at the end, too, of something equally important.
You, reader, are also in fact a beautiful and unique human being!
September 17, 2021
One day while driving a suicidal contractor to work, Lindsay realized that his story was important. Thus, began the long arduous journey to arrive to this book. The efforts were well worth it. This book is inspiring and occasionally hilarious. The author leaves nothing hidden. His telling of his life story is candid and transparent.
Lindsay knows loss. He worked two jobs like most people. When he thought he had gained a momentous break, he was hit with a big blow. Something that would upturn his life. A shock that would also explain a few incidences in retrospect. He survived through all of it. The end is a happy one. He is alive and well. He overcame. This is a tale of strength despite thorns pressed into the flesh.
The author’s style of writing is a bit unique. He does not follow a traditional structure. His writing pretty much mimics his thought processes, which is an interesting experience to be a part of. His writing is colored with emotion and intricacy. Everything from the style to the structure are specific to him. His highlight of characters that might seem mundane is special, as the reader will realize the importance of this later.
You will laugh out loud. You will cry. This book will not leave you alone even after you have finished reading. It will always nag at you. You will find yourself mentally referring to the lessons therein. The fact that Lindsay Wincherauk is brave enough to share is triumph. The hard work that went into writing this book is evident in nuances and resulting literary experience. Five stars for ‘Driving in Reverse’.
Lindsay knows loss. He worked two jobs like most people. When he thought he had gained a momentous break, he was hit with a big blow. Something that would upturn his life. A shock that would also explain a few incidences in retrospect. He survived through all of it. The end is a happy one. He is alive and well. He overcame. This is a tale of strength despite thorns pressed into the flesh.
The author’s style of writing is a bit unique. He does not follow a traditional structure. His writing pretty much mimics his thought processes, which is an interesting experience to be a part of. His writing is colored with emotion and intricacy. Everything from the style to the structure are specific to him. His highlight of characters that might seem mundane is special, as the reader will realize the importance of this later.
You will laugh out loud. You will cry. This book will not leave you alone even after you have finished reading. It will always nag at you. You will find yourself mentally referring to the lessons therein. The fact that Lindsay Wincherauk is brave enough to share is triumph. The hard work that went into writing this book is evident in nuances and resulting literary experience. Five stars for ‘Driving in Reverse’.
February 6, 2018
Lindsay Wincherauk's autobiography tells the story of somebody with a monumental one-of-a-kind life story, with a whiplash narrative. Starting with his childhood struggles to find a place in life. Later the writing evolves wit his story as a Vancouver journalist and one-time bartender whose fondness for gonzo-style personal experiences make the reader into a fly-on-the-wall observer. Discussions break out and are ranging from drugs, alcohol, sex, adoption, and healing himself despite his everything through the power of writing.
As you're reading it the perspective almost weaves, going in and out of the stories about his travels and who he has met along the way.
Ultimately it is a strong work for anyone who has had to deal with pain in their life, there is no 'hallmark moment' no profound religious or psychological break through at the end of this story, it is a real and honest look at how one man dealt with a bad set cards life handed him and came out on top for it.
As you're reading it the perspective almost weaves, going in and out of the stories about his travels and who he has met along the way.
Ultimately it is a strong work for anyone who has had to deal with pain in their life, there is no 'hallmark moment' no profound religious or psychological break through at the end of this story, it is a real and honest look at how one man dealt with a bad set cards life handed him and came out on top for it.
December 17, 2018
This is a big book that is so unique! Loved it! Such an honest look into the authors life that will keep you up reading late into the night. This memoir is funny, entertaining, and takes you on a wild ride! Its really amazing what someone can endure and still come out of it with love and a positive outlook on life. Great read!
July 9, 2018
This is a powerful and intense memoir. By all rights it deserves 5 stars, it's someone's life-story after all. It was riveting and I definitely wanted to find out what happened. Written in an Hunter S. Thompson - Gonzo-style, be prepared, for the reader goes along for the ride. I think the book might find more readers if it weren't so big like a text book, but for those who take the plunge, will be amazed by what the author endured.
March 31, 2021
An inventive journey through coping
Driving in Reverse: The Life I almost Missed is a one of a kind book with a unique tone and style of writing. The author describes the book as a “meta memoir”, in that it is a memoir of his own personal struggles and journey through them, told in a strange style. The author states early one that his manuscript was described as playful, edgy, and disruptive and I have to agree. The tone of the book is very self deprecating and sarcastic. The author describes his experiences in a very in the moment way and tends to jump around in the timeline, not in a confusing way. The narrative stays in control but the unconventional timeline presentation keeps things interesting and makes sure the reader is paying attention. Other than the style of the book, which is honestly enough to recommend on its own due to the inherent humor and the nice change of pace it provides, the story itself has a lot of meat to it. It is a bold move to put your life out there for the world to see and Wincherauk went the extra mile and got his published. He brings the reader along his quirky and disjointed journey through the loss of family members, old secrets revealed, and a journey of coping and self discovery. Wincherauk doesn’t pull any punches when presenting the issues and struggles he went through and despite the book having a satisfying conclusion, he does not present any profound or life changing wisdom that is the secret to future trials. He is simply human and that is the beauty of his memoir; everyone struggles, this is just his if you would like to take a look.
Driving in Reverse: The Life I almost Missed is a one of a kind book with a unique tone and style of writing. The author describes the book as a “meta memoir”, in that it is a memoir of his own personal struggles and journey through them, told in a strange style. The author states early one that his manuscript was described as playful, edgy, and disruptive and I have to agree. The tone of the book is very self deprecating and sarcastic. The author describes his experiences in a very in the moment way and tends to jump around in the timeline, not in a confusing way. The narrative stays in control but the unconventional timeline presentation keeps things interesting and makes sure the reader is paying attention. Other than the style of the book, which is honestly enough to recommend on its own due to the inherent humor and the nice change of pace it provides, the story itself has a lot of meat to it. It is a bold move to put your life out there for the world to see and Wincherauk went the extra mile and got his published. He brings the reader along his quirky and disjointed journey through the loss of family members, old secrets revealed, and a journey of coping and self discovery. Wincherauk doesn’t pull any punches when presenting the issues and struggles he went through and despite the book having a satisfying conclusion, he does not present any profound or life changing wisdom that is the secret to future trials. He is simply human and that is the beauty of his memoir; everyone struggles, this is just his if you would like to take a look.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews