Found: The Lives of Interesting Cars & How They Were Discovered. A Novel.

Like cars? Then read FOUND. Actually, I would go as far as to say that FOUND is required reading for anyone with an appreciation for cars, new or old. Why? Because author Greg(ory) Long successfully incorporates many of the inherent attributes of the car genre. And what are those, pray tell? They are aplenty but namely; design, engineering, innovation, business, entrepreneurship, human interest and searching for that diamond in the rough (the latter of which transcends cars alone and is infinitely exciting). The plot has an interesting and unique cadence as many of the stories are seemingly disjointed and disconnected, but eventually thread into a web of relevance. The book FOUND is to automobiles as the film “The Red Violin” is to, uh, violins. Long’s deep-seated knowledge of automobiles is apparent so it will please the discerning car geek, but it is not too over the top so as to loose the novice. Actually, I have been a classic car buff since I was 9 years old and found myself reaching for a search engine to look up certain, uh engines and historical themes referenced. I got to the point where I was often sidetracked away from the pages of the book to pages online to reference obscure car models as well as unfamiliar moments in history. Engaging with the book on this level was a huge amount of fun for me and certainly strengthened my working knowledge of cars or manufactures I was familiar with as well as exposing me to cars I only knew a little about. The author offers an “online afterward” of sorts to address questions and further define some of the details mentioned throughout the book. I found myself pouring over that material after I had finished the book to appease my curiosity about many of the stories in FOUND.Ok, so why would I recommend this book to anyone interested in cars? FOUND comes at pivotal time in the classic car hobby, being that motoring as we know it is just over a 100 years old or so, we will probably never see the sort of risks taken by manufactures of the 20th century again. So much of modern automotive design has been homogenized do to the financial risk of a manufacture taking a chance on untested innovations. Also, the differing safety standards from country to country will make it nearly impossible for us to ever see an icon car like the 2cv or the Beetle again. So, since all of the cars of the 20th century have been built is up to us to FOUND and preserve them.

There were some moments in this book that I enjoyed; however, some of the stories left the reader hanging while some other stories not so interesting. Although the lack of story end or closure was likely intentional, this may not always be well received by the reader that needs closure or wants to see the end to the story. Not recommended to anyone less than a total car-nut.

I loved this book!I'm not necessarily a big car guy - more of a hands on, practical fixer upper of an old car (not to be confused with a classic, antique, vintage or any other designation that would ascribe more "value" to it than it actually has). However, much like the many subjects in Found, my vehicle holds many cherished memories: road trips, camping adventures, kids play dates, sports tournaments, school drop offs, dog beach outings, etc. It's as old as my oldest child, and older than my youngest. It's outlived our first Labrador, Molly, who rode it to the beach on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, and now both of our mutts love to ride in the back, as they head for a Lake Michigan swim.I recommend this book to anyone - and not necessarily just "car folks". The people stories surrounding these cars are compelling and engaging. And while I certainly don't own a fancy car, my humble vehicle and I (and my family) also have a tale or two - everyone has a story. Thank you for reminding me of that.I look forward to Mr. Long's next novel.jca

I met Greg at the Greenwood Car Show this year. We talked about his book and I ordered it when I got home. As I read the first part of the book, I felt teased because he would mention a car and tell a little, not really wrapping up the story at the end. I was perplexed, yet intrigued. I was rewarded in spades. It all comes together. The story is told in dialogue and I was completely sucked in. It all came together in a fantasy trip through the meeting of two men of different generations and their strong common interest... the love of cars and the people around them.I highly recommend this very affordable read.David DickinsonEditor/PublisherEvancourt Press

Fun read, read it on a flight. I liked the local aspect since I too am from the northwest. Would love to meet the author, I have an idea for an epilogue.

The storytelling technique and subject matter came together in a very tidy, nice fashion. This was a fun read and a page-turner. Glad I ran across it.

I couldn’t stop reading. Where is it going.. the trivia is outstanding, the story gives itself away slowly. I thought I had automotive knowledge, now I realize I am just a babe in the woods.

I loved the entire book and found myself wanting to know more about the cars and their owners. I was captivated by the level of detail the author put into the descriptions all the way down to the actual color names used to describe them. I loved the way the story builds on the relationship of the two main characters as their adventures unfold. I have to learn more about the Citroen DS after reading the book. I knew it was an innovative car but not to the extent it really is.

good book

I was hoping it would be more on north American cars---but was a good story & well put together