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Wheelboys
Chad Gibbons and his best friend, Gary Lee Dillanger, have worked their way through the ranks of competitive go-karting with the legendary Kilgore racing family. Monroe Kilgore and his wife Uma see their racing world very differently, and Uma is haunted by it. Chad is pursuing the opportunity of his lifetime to become a professional auto racer, but the fast and luxurious world of racing is not as it appears. Tragedy strikes, and Chad is left to find his own way. Elle Dillanger struggles with criminal charges against her son, Gary Lee, and the truth about his tragic accident unfolds as the detectives investigate.
More than a coming-of-age story, this book challenges society’s complacency with the exploitation of youth and questions adult and corporate responsibilities. The journeys faced by these three families are universal and resonate for any reader: overcoming grief, finding one’s path, and discovering love.
More than a coming-of-age story, this book challenges society’s complacency with the exploitation of youth and questions adult and corporate responsibilities. The journeys faced by these three families are universal and resonate for any reader: overcoming grief, finding one’s path, and discovering love.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 26, 2019
23 people are currently reading
663 people want to read
About the author
Dd Jaseron
1 book9 followersDd Jaseron lives on the beachside of Central Florida with her husband, her son, and her Standard Poodle, Isabelle. After many years of writing experience, Wheelboys is her first fiction novel. Dd grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she fell in love with writing at the young age of seven. Her poems and short stories were often published in the Cambridge Chronicle, and she went on to study Creative Writing at the University of Massachusetts. She added to her education with Paralegal studies at the University of San Diego and her Masters education at the School of Family Studies at the University of California San Diego.
In her book, Wheelboys, Jaseron has constructed a complex look at the racing scene and how it affects the lives of those struggling to ascend to the top. The novel is a modern parable for young adults and older readers as well, reminding us that speeding – whether on the track or off – is a dangerous toy to play with.
In her book, Wheelboys, Jaseron has constructed a complex look at the racing scene and how it affects the lives of those struggling to ascend to the top. The novel is a modern parable for young adults and older readers as well, reminding us that speeding – whether on the track or off – is a dangerous toy to play with.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 24, 2020
3 1/2 stars
A fun read!
Dd Jaseron's novel is mainly about two friends and Gary Lee, two very young racers who reached the top in their sport. On the human side I truly dislikes how uber rich men exploited these boys by trapping them into 5-year contracts just so the youth could experience their very dangerous dream.
Prior to their high school graduation, a fatal car accident turns their lives upside down.
The characters are very well developed and written where the story unveils from different perspectivs.
I must admit that I knew very little about youth racing and am appalled that a 12 year old car race at 80 mph.
In the end, I found this coming-of-age book difficult to follow at times overall fun.
A mild recommendation.
A fun read!
Dd Jaseron's novel is mainly about two friends and Gary Lee, two very young racers who reached the top in their sport. On the human side I truly dislikes how uber rich men exploited these boys by trapping them into 5-year contracts just so the youth could experience their very dangerous dream.
Prior to their high school graduation, a fatal car accident turns their lives upside down.
The characters are very well developed and written where the story unveils from different perspectivs.
I must admit that I knew very little about youth racing and am appalled that a 12 year old car race at 80 mph.
In the end, I found this coming-of-age book difficult to follow at times overall fun.
A mild recommendation.
November 9, 2019
Wheelboys
Dd Jaseron
Review by Barbara Bamberger Scott
“Winning is everything.” That’s the prevailing philosophy in the kart racing world, the racing world in general, and forms the basis for an emotional, action-packed look at what can happen to young people when they become addicted to speed, competition and the need to succeed.
Gary Lee Dillanger’s dad was all for his participating in racing, starting him off at age eight with a kart once raced by a kid from the storied Kilgore family. The Kilgore men – Monroe, Sonny and now young Mackie – are racing icons. They drive as fast as they like with impunity almost everywhere, but especially around their Alabama home where they are revered. Gary Lee, now about to graduate from high school, has ambitions to become Kilgore’s new star, until a dark night on a back road, where a car gets the best of him. He winds up in the ER, comatose, not knowing if he is responsible for the crash that threatens his life and has killed his girlfriend Gillian. The accident destroys what was left of his parents’ marriage as his mother Elle fully owns her fear and hatred of the racing game. Meanwhile, as other very young people are sustaining horrific injuries from playing grown-up games with karts, Monroe Kilgore’s wife Uma cannot ignore her racing magnate husband’s continual scramble for more money and greater fame, no matter the cost in life and limb. Gary Lee’s best friend Chad Gibbons looks on, confused and mournful about Gary Lee’s injuries and Gillian’s death, but still holding on to ambition for his own success as a driver, maybe even the chance to win a Kilgore “scholarship” – a sure path, he believes, to the big time. But when he meets a Jessica – his age, and a driver – his trajectory begins to change.
Debut author Jaseron has carefully constructed this complex look at the racing scene and how it affects, and may destroy, lives while tainting the morality of those who manage to ascend to the top echelons. Her writing is strong, with a special gift for dialog. She presents a vivid portrait of the Kilgore men’s childish antics and chronic infidelities, and their pride in their roomful of trophies – bookshelves with no books. The police, doggedly doing their duty in the face of a possible felony, offer a legal view of life in the fast lane. The appropriately named financial schemer – Butkis – spurs the Kilgore men to ever higher levels of greed, envisioning a huge theme park to be used as an arena to exploit the driving passions of even more young people. As painted by Jaseron, the gradual chipping away at the Kilgores’ dynastic domination feels well deserved, while the innate moral sensibilities of a few of the central players like Elle give the story needed balance.
Jaseron’s gripping novel is a modern parable for young adults and older readers as well, reminding us that speeding – whether in an automobile or racing vehicle - is more often than not illegal and very dangerous. Should an eight-year-old be trained to drive too fast? How many tragedies will occur before this sport is thoughtfully questioned? Jaseron’s book offers impetus for others concerned about the consequences of child racing to dig deeper and pool the results of their investigations, as the author has done.
Dd Jaseron
Review by Barbara Bamberger Scott
“Winning is everything.” That’s the prevailing philosophy in the kart racing world, the racing world in general, and forms the basis for an emotional, action-packed look at what can happen to young people when they become addicted to speed, competition and the need to succeed.
Gary Lee Dillanger’s dad was all for his participating in racing, starting him off at age eight with a kart once raced by a kid from the storied Kilgore family. The Kilgore men – Monroe, Sonny and now young Mackie – are racing icons. They drive as fast as they like with impunity almost everywhere, but especially around their Alabama home where they are revered. Gary Lee, now about to graduate from high school, has ambitions to become Kilgore’s new star, until a dark night on a back road, where a car gets the best of him. He winds up in the ER, comatose, not knowing if he is responsible for the crash that threatens his life and has killed his girlfriend Gillian. The accident destroys what was left of his parents’ marriage as his mother Elle fully owns her fear and hatred of the racing game. Meanwhile, as other very young people are sustaining horrific injuries from playing grown-up games with karts, Monroe Kilgore’s wife Uma cannot ignore her racing magnate husband’s continual scramble for more money and greater fame, no matter the cost in life and limb. Gary Lee’s best friend Chad Gibbons looks on, confused and mournful about Gary Lee’s injuries and Gillian’s death, but still holding on to ambition for his own success as a driver, maybe even the chance to win a Kilgore “scholarship” – a sure path, he believes, to the big time. But when he meets a Jessica – his age, and a driver – his trajectory begins to change.
Debut author Jaseron has carefully constructed this complex look at the racing scene and how it affects, and may destroy, lives while tainting the morality of those who manage to ascend to the top echelons. Her writing is strong, with a special gift for dialog. She presents a vivid portrait of the Kilgore men’s childish antics and chronic infidelities, and their pride in their roomful of trophies – bookshelves with no books. The police, doggedly doing their duty in the face of a possible felony, offer a legal view of life in the fast lane. The appropriately named financial schemer – Butkis – spurs the Kilgore men to ever higher levels of greed, envisioning a huge theme park to be used as an arena to exploit the driving passions of even more young people. As painted by Jaseron, the gradual chipping away at the Kilgores’ dynastic domination feels well deserved, while the innate moral sensibilities of a few of the central players like Elle give the story needed balance.
Jaseron’s gripping novel is a modern parable for young adults and older readers as well, reminding us that speeding – whether in an automobile or racing vehicle - is more often than not illegal and very dangerous. Should an eight-year-old be trained to drive too fast? How many tragedies will occur before this sport is thoughtfully questioned? Jaseron’s book offers impetus for others concerned about the consequences of child racing to dig deeper and pool the results of their investigations, as the author has done.
January 23, 2020
I found myself very immersed in this book and could not put it down. There are several different character arcs, and although it is predominantly a coming-of-age story for Chad, we also see things from Elle’s perspective (a mid-life professional and mother) and from the Kilgores’ perspective (the racing family). The book starts with a tragic car accident that seems to alter the trajectory of these characters and takes place over the course of a summer in their Alabama town. As the story unfolds, the realities of their lives are revealed, and you see that there were other influences shaping the events and consequences.
I found myself rooting for Chad, but he is painfully naïve and oblivious to the exploitations of the racing business. In the middle of the book, he meets Jessica, another competitive kart racer who seems way ahead of Chad emotionally and in her life perspective. With her comes our hope that Chad will make a leap forward and overcome his obstacles.
There is great action in the book, although there’s more racing in the later half. You certainly get the excitement for racing fans, and an inside view of high-speed competitive karting. Some of the racing personalities are portrayed cartoonish, which is entertaining. The Kilgore men and friends are extreme in their lust for wealth and fame, and the problems they suffer feel well deserved. There is a ghost which makes brief appearances, like a Jacob Marley for the story – loved it.
The book exposes the outrageous notion of teaching young people to drive very fast. This message is not a lecture, but something you experience through the struggles of the characters and their sufferings. I liked the ending – it has some surprising twists and leaves the reader with sense of hopefulness.
I found myself rooting for Chad, but he is painfully naïve and oblivious to the exploitations of the racing business. In the middle of the book, he meets Jessica, another competitive kart racer who seems way ahead of Chad emotionally and in her life perspective. With her comes our hope that Chad will make a leap forward and overcome his obstacles.
There is great action in the book, although there’s more racing in the later half. You certainly get the excitement for racing fans, and an inside view of high-speed competitive karting. Some of the racing personalities are portrayed cartoonish, which is entertaining. The Kilgore men and friends are extreme in their lust for wealth and fame, and the problems they suffer feel well deserved. There is a ghost which makes brief appearances, like a Jacob Marley for the story – loved it.
The book exposes the outrageous notion of teaching young people to drive very fast. This message is not a lecture, but something you experience through the struggles of the characters and their sufferings. I liked the ending – it has some surprising twists and leaves the reader with sense of hopefulness.
Read
November 18, 2021WHEELBOYS is an exceptional novel that will be of particular interest to readers who love a propulsive, exciting story that also delivers a deeper message. The intrigue and excitement of the world of karting is a great initial hook that speaks to universal themes of youth, resilience and ambition.
Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/11/15/small...
Read our full review here:
https://booktrib.com/2021/11/15/small...
October 5, 2021
Gary Lee Dillanger (# 8, Elle’s son, Chad’s BMF) & Chad Gibbons (# 7) grew up go karting for competition.
Babylon Karting Track in Blue Springs was an old facility just west of town.
The Kilgores rebuilt it & began to develop their kart racing program.
The Florida Springs Motor Resort & Country Club, we’ll have a grand opening.
Babylon Karting Track was hosting races.
Later Gabrielle “Elle” Dillanger (wife/mother, Rhode Island School of Design) & Drew Dillanger (husband/father, Northeastern U; MS, Brown U; architecture) got a divorce.
Auburn, AL. Methodist Hospital. Gabrielle “Elle” Dillanger (ex-wife/mother) & Drew Dillanger (ex-husband/father) rushed through the ER ICU room 121 to see Gary Lee Dillanger (son, Chad’s BMF).
Gary might have TBI.
Radiology then surgery Dr. Anderson told the parents.
Gillian Mason (Gary’s HS GF) is dead. They were in a serious car accident going to U of Auburn open house.
Leeds, AL. Chad Gibbons (18, son) was driving with Annie (GF), in his truck, when Elle called him on his cell.
Evan Waitts (Elle’s BMF, Rhode Island School of Design) showed up also.
Dr. Kramer (f, orthopedic surgeon) helped in the operation.
Gary was moved from the ICU to the Critical Care Unit.
Detective Lowry came to see Elle & Drew.
Gillian Mason’s funeral was held, the eulogy was read, followed by the interment & dinner. Everyone gave their condolences to the Collen Mason & Remy Mason.
John Bernstein (attorney) came to meet with the Dillanger family.
Detective Lowery had some bizarre news for the Dillanger family.
Chad drove from AL-TX, to enter the Rodeo-Kart at the Larsens’ Cottonwood karting park in Longview, TX.
Dillanger-Gibbons Racing would never be a reality.
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written coming-of-age adventure book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great coming-of-age adventure movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini-TV series. It wasn’t s exciting as I hoped so I will only rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Jaseron Publishing; 1st edition; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; Amazon Digital Services LLC. Kindle Mobi; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Babylon Karting Track in Blue Springs was an old facility just west of town.
The Kilgores rebuilt it & began to develop their kart racing program.
The Florida Springs Motor Resort & Country Club, we’ll have a grand opening.
Babylon Karting Track was hosting races.
Later Gabrielle “Elle” Dillanger (wife/mother, Rhode Island School of Design) & Drew Dillanger (husband/father, Northeastern U; MS, Brown U; architecture) got a divorce.
Auburn, AL. Methodist Hospital. Gabrielle “Elle” Dillanger (ex-wife/mother) & Drew Dillanger (ex-husband/father) rushed through the ER ICU room 121 to see Gary Lee Dillanger (son, Chad’s BMF).
Gary might have TBI.
Radiology then surgery Dr. Anderson told the parents.
Gillian Mason (Gary’s HS GF) is dead. They were in a serious car accident going to U of Auburn open house.
Leeds, AL. Chad Gibbons (18, son) was driving with Annie (GF), in his truck, when Elle called him on his cell.
Evan Waitts (Elle’s BMF, Rhode Island School of Design) showed up also.
Dr. Kramer (f, orthopedic surgeon) helped in the operation.
Gary was moved from the ICU to the Critical Care Unit.
Detective Lowry came to see Elle & Drew.
Gillian Mason’s funeral was held, the eulogy was read, followed by the interment & dinner. Everyone gave their condolences to the Collen Mason & Remy Mason.
John Bernstein (attorney) came to meet with the Dillanger family.
Detective Lowery had some bizarre news for the Dillanger family.
Chad drove from AL-TX, to enter the Rodeo-Kart at the Larsens’ Cottonwood karting park in Longview, TX.
Dillanger-Gibbons Racing would never be a reality.
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very professionally written coming-of-age adventure book. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge description list of unique characters, settings, facts etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great coming-of-age adventure movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini-TV series. It wasn’t s exciting as I hoped so I will only rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; Jaseron Publishing; 1st edition; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; Amazon Digital Services LLC. Kindle Mobi; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
January 25, 2020
Author Dd Jaseron tells the story of friends Chad Gibbons and Gary Lee Dillanger, two go-kart racers who have worked their way up to the top ranks in this sport. Thanks to their hard work, they have become popular racers and race with some of the best go-karters in the world. However, right before their high school graduation, tragedy strikes which causes the two young racers to go down paths they never thought they would have to.
Jaseron has written a compelling story that is filled with emotion. The author writes this book in different perspectives which allows the reader to get a unique view of the story from each character’s thought process. In addition to this, Jaseron writes with a great style that will make putting this coming-of-age book down difficult to do. The book might be a little long for some (it’s 334 pages), but it’s definitely worth taking the time to read.
Jaseron has written a compelling story that is filled with emotion. The author writes this book in different perspectives which allows the reader to get a unique view of the story from each character’s thought process. In addition to this, Jaseron writes with a great style that will make putting this coming-of-age book down difficult to do. The book might be a little long for some (it’s 334 pages), but it’s definitely worth taking the time to read.
May 25, 2020
Go-kart racing dreams
Really rich men were exploiting the dreams of little boys by trapping them into 5-year contracts to be allowed the priviledge of racing. Two young boys dreamed of being part of the team. Strongly encouraged by their fathers' dreams they could think of little else, despite their mother's concerns. One weekend away showed him a new way of life. His best friend was almost killed and blamed for the death of his girlfriend. This story was well-written and unusual, with the exception of the paranormal occult ghostly figue in a white suit and the small of burning rubber and flowers. Recommended.
Really rich men were exploiting the dreams of little boys by trapping them into 5-year contracts to be allowed the priviledge of racing. Two young boys dreamed of being part of the team. Strongly encouraged by their fathers' dreams they could think of little else, despite their mother's concerns. One weekend away showed him a new way of life. His best friend was almost killed and blamed for the death of his girlfriend. This story was well-written and unusual, with the exception of the paranormal occult ghostly figue in a white suit and the small of burning rubber and flowers. Recommended.
September 23, 2022
not sure
Story line was good. I’m glad the accident was resolved early. Way to much detail on racing shenanigans ( I zoned out) but…..I did like the book and cheered at smart people and good decisions when they popped up.
Story line was good. I’m glad the accident was resolved early. Way to much detail on racing shenanigans ( I zoned out) but…..I did like the book and cheered at smart people and good decisions when they popped up.
August 24, 2025
Good book.
This was a great story. Started very strong and held my interest through out. I kind of liked the guiding ghost in the story. Winning is everything.
This was a great story. Started very strong and held my interest through out. I kind of liked the guiding ghost in the story. Winning is everything.
September 8, 2021
I found the first half of the book pretty boring. At one point I was really contemplating giving up on it when I realized I was already halfway done, so decided to stick with it. The 2nd half of the book is much better.
A few problems with the book is that it needed a proofreader/editor. Noticed a couple times that parts of sentences were repeated or last name of a character was wrong.
Other problem is that I don’t know of a single shifter kart that has seatbelts. You don’t have a roll cage, so you don’t want seatbelts. If you pretend their is a cage on the kart (like a champ kart or quarter midget), then that makes the big wreck at the end kinda impossible.
Overall it was still a decent read. Nothing remarkable but also nothing that is horrendous either. Felt like the end was rushed. Could have really used a finally epilogue a few years into the future. No clue what happened to Gary Lee or even his family and their business.
A few problems with the book is that it needed a proofreader/editor. Noticed a couple times that parts of sentences were repeated or last name of a character was wrong.
Other problem is that I don’t know of a single shifter kart that has seatbelts. You don’t have a roll cage, so you don’t want seatbelts. If you pretend their is a cage on the kart (like a champ kart or quarter midget), then that makes the big wreck at the end kinda impossible.
Overall it was still a decent read. Nothing remarkable but also nothing that is horrendous either. Felt like the end was rushed. Could have really used a finally epilogue a few years into the future. No clue what happened to Gary Lee or even his family and their business.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews