As a top correspondent for Vanity Fair magazine, Amy Fine Collins leads a glamorous life, a charmed whirlwind of gala parties, couture clothing, and five-star travel. In Manhattan, where she is whisked around in taxis and limousines, she has been able to disregard her long-standing fear of driving, a legacy handed down from her accident-plagued family. But when the brilliant and determined Amy finally decides to confront her driving phobia, she does not foresee how far from her elegant turf this resolution will take her. A mysterious, good-looking Turk named Attila is dispatched to her doorstep in a dual-brake Acura, and in him Amy discovers not only a superhumanly skilled instructor but also a wise, patient, and capable man who, inexplicably and irresistibly, over the course of their yearlong lessons, begins to transform and transport her. Both a compelling portrait of an elusive, charismatic hero and an inspiring adventure story, The God of Driving recounts the evolving relationship of Amy and Attila as they zoom in and out of urban interstates and country byways, as close to home as Park Avenue and as far away as Hamburg -- in muscle cars, turbocharged Bentleys, and hang-on-for-your-life motorcycles. And while Attila is completely changing her life, Amy is entirely remaking his, prompting him to uncover -- and redeem -- his shadowy past. Vibrant and funny, The God of Driving is an offbeat, romantic odyssey -- a true-life tale of unlikely soul mates who bump into each other at the crossroads of high gears and high style.

Originally published in 2004 by Toby Press.

The daughter of Quaker missionaries recounts how her religious doubts and questions led her to leave Christianity for a way of life that pushed the limits of her former beliefs, but her continued questioning led her back to faith.

How can you get through a day filled with difficult people? This practical, humorous book integrates cutting-edge psychology, case studies and healing principles to give readers realistic strategies that help them assess, cultivate and benefit from mature relationships.

With glorious photography and sharp writing, Never Stop Driving presents the case for the mental and social benefits of driving and engaging with automobiles. It also shows you—from dreaming about a car to living with it—how to jump in and get the most from your machine. There’s never been a better time to go for a drive. As a nation, we are chronically overstressed, overworked, and not sleeping enough. Worse yet, our digital devices are taking ever increasing chunks of what remaining free time we do have. Activities that force us to engage with ourselves and the environment around us are needed more than ever. Might I suggest a spin in a four-wheeled escape pod? The car—the act of driving, repairing, maintaining—drives out distraction and demands we be “present.” Making the car a pursuit invites not just the freedom of the road, but the potential to connect with thousands of like-minded individuals as well as the pleasure of simply caring for the machine. Further, there’s the thrill of commanding an object that represents a high point of human ingenuity and design. Cars invite passion. The first step is embracing the itch and acting on it. Learn how to choose your perfect weekend car, hunt for it, and make the deal. Then, find peace in the wrenches with tips on taking the plunge into maintaining your ride, including how your car can be an opportunity to tear your kids away from their screens and strengthen your bond with them. Next, explore the joy of driving, from scenic byways to taking your car to its performance limit. You’ll also tour the various highlights of the driving life, like how to become an automotive archaeologist, the possibilities for those short on cash but high for adventure, the car as a social gathering point, and what the future with autonomous cars means for those who love to drive. Never Stop Driving shines some light on why we find these machines so captivating, offering some inspiration and validation, and finally inviting those who are curious but haven’t made the leap to get in the car. Let’s roll.