This book is great!! My older brother gave it to me after he read it (he bought it new in late 60s through scholastic book program in school)This was the first book I ever read cover to cover as I use to not like at all to read.This book helped me realize the joy of reading.I am just past 40 and still have this book. I suppose what Im trying to say is this book, the way the story unfolded, details and drama would not let me put it down. I highly recommend this book to anyone as a great read whether they like cars or not. I am a car guy always have been,will always be, but I gave this to my daughter to read one summer when she was "out of books" and she and her friends enjoyed it as well