Girls in Trucks, by Katie Crouch, is an odd book. It is something between a novel and a collection of linked stories, all about Sarah Walters, a lapsed debutante from Charleston, South Carolina. The book follows Sarah's misadventures with men, starting with her high school crush and moving on to her her dysfunctional post-college NY boyfriend, a number of one night stands (some more memorable than others), and a couple of nice guys to whom Sarah could not commit.
What's good in Girls in Trucks: Crouch is a witty, incisive reader who nails what it's like to be the woman in any number of relationships (the passionless, the forbidden, the toxic). Her writing is spare, but it packs a punch. One short chapter, narrated by a recently deceased friend of Sarah's, is particularly devastating. I enjoyed reading this book, evidenced by my very late finish last night.
Also good: depictions of Charleston debutante society and the desperation of a bad breakup.
What's not as good: Sarah's destructive habits never die, and she isn't at at all redeemed or changed at the end of the book. I don't need a happy ending, but it's satisfying when the main character at least learns something over the course of 250 pages. Otherwise, what's the point?
Also not as good: no real purpose or direction here, other than the flitting from one relationship to the next. Sarah's relationships with her sister and father are not explored to their full potential, and the certainty with which she embraced motherhood in the end was unconvincing.
So this one was a mixed bag for me, but in the end I am glad I read it. It had been in my TBR pile for a few years (relax, Mr. FTC - I bought this one at the famed Powell's bookstore in Portland, and the receipt is still in the book) and I am happy to move it to the permanent collection.
I am sure there are readers who either loved or hated or loved/hated Girls in Trucks - weigh in!
Crouch had me with the cover. I enjoyed Girls in Trucjks as well as Crouch's other book Men..((at 6:30am I can't recall it, brain not quite functioning yet). I look at them as light fun reads. I enjoy the Charleston setting. I look forward to Crouch's next book and hope she maintains the same type of covers and story.
Posted by: Elisabeth | April 01, 2011 at 06:37 AM
I haven't read this one yet, but I want to since I enjoyed Men and Dogs by the same author.
Posted by: bermudaonion (Kathy) | April 01, 2011 at 08:32 AM
I enjoyed it, but agree with your assessment that it is sort of odd. I found the second half to be a bit disjointed, lots of jumping around and no real resolution. But I agree with Elisabeth - the cover is fantastic.
Posted by: Lisa | April 01, 2011 at 12:00 PM
I totally agree with your review. I was disappointed that Sarah never changed!
Posted by: S. Krishna | April 02, 2011 at 04:50 PM