The God of Driving: How I Overcame Fear and Put Myself in the Driver's Seat

by Amy Fine Collins

A style journalist for Vanity Fair recounts her decision to overcome a long-time phobia of driving, describing how she took lessons from an exotic Turkish instructor who harbored a mysterious past and an obsession with all things automotive. 50,000 first printing.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

352 pages, Hardcover

First published April 18, 2004

Reviews

[Stacie · Rating 2 out of 5]

After 24 years of never learning to drive, I finally overcame my fear of driving (although outwardly I denied that’s what it was) a few years ago. I had a patient and wonderful teacher and am now on the verge of purchasing my first car. It was my own experience with the fear of driving that piqued my interest in Amy Fine Collins’ The God of Driving. I’ve always enjoyed her articles in Vanity Fair, so I thought I’d give her memoir a shot. Turned out to not be such a good idea after all, outside of the fact that I finally get to write a review about a book I don’t like. Switch things up a bit.

The God of Driving is the story of how Collins overcame her fear of driving through the assistance of a Turkish driving instructor. Over the course of her driving lessons, a friendship and infatuation developed between the two. Collins became fascinated with this man, Attila, and his dramatic history. He has lived everywhere and experienced everything. He speaks several different languages, is well-traveled, and has worked a variety of jobs at varying levels of success. For some unexplainable reason, Attila is able to help his driving students overcome their fears – not only of driving but in other aspects of their lives as well. He has a 98 percent success rate when it comes to his students passing their driving tests.

This is all fine and dandy, and granted there might be a story here somewhere, but after finishing this book I got the feeling that there is no way any Joe Schmoe off the street could present this story to an editor and have them bite. The only reason this story was published was because Collins wrote it. It is presented so poorly that I found myself frustrated the entire way through. Attila comes across as arrogant and self righteous rather than this gentle, intriguing creature that Collins intended. Collins herself appeared to be the puppy dog lapping up anything Attila said or did, constantly flopping against his heels.

Collins’ normally sharp wit and attention to detail fell short as well. It’s essential to include details of fashion and appearance in a book to set the stage for the reader. But it became beyond annoying when the only two designers this fashion/society writer mentioned in the entire novel were Geoffrey Beene and Manolo Blahnik. Give me a fucking break! I know Beene’s your close friend, but you have been writing about fashion for years. He couldn’t have designed your entire wardrobe. And you must have more shoes in your collection than Blahnik’s, honey.

But this is a relatively small point compared to the larger one: This book is one big “gush” with some facts sprinkled in about ridiculously expensive cars. I should have known what to expect by just reading the subhead. How I Overcame Fear and Put Myself in the Driver’s Seat with the Help of a Good and Mysterious Man. Again, give me a fucking break. I do believe Collins could have told an incredible story here. Attila does have an intriguing history and a way with people. But due to Collins’ exaggerations of his attributes she completely misses the mark.

[GLV · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! I learned about this book, while coincidentally, out for a drive, with a friend. The God of Driving, is a poignant story. It describes the paths of two people that cross, the instant connection made; and their friendship, that blossoms into a mutually rewarding, satisfying, and at times, challenging relationship. It's beautifully written, and leaves you wanting more! It screams out for a sequel, following Attila, and the profound impact he has on his students lives, both in, and out of the car. Everyone should be fortunate enough to have people like, Attila, and Amy, in their lives, to help them see things clearer, and provide them with the knowledge, skills, motivation, and self confidence, to conquer their fears, and follow their dreams.

[Leo Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly awesome. Makes me want to take driving lessions!!!❤️

[Cindy May]

Like the author, I have my own fears of certain roads and could probably benefit from having an instructor like the one she had which gave her the necessary confidence to get from Manhatten to Connecticut (or wherever it was she was going).