The Blue Car

In this thought-provoking fictional trilogy, author Frederick Bruce creatively connects the stories of three individuals and their struggles to find perfect lifetime careers.

In part one, “Lori’s Story,” the narrative focuses on a young woman who works for an insurance company. While the job is financially rewarding, Lori finds it unfulfilling and has no deep desire to remain in the field. With an innate passion for helping others, and her mother’s encouraging words, she makes the necessary lifestyle changes and trains to become a licensed massage therapist. Although she struggles along the way, she is happy to be following her dream.

“Jason’s Story” showcases a young attorney conflicted by a lifelong desire to become a history teacher. While college and law school have provided him with a lucrative career, with all its prestige and perks, he is torn between following his own rooted aspirations, and doing what others expect of him.

Finally, the third character portrait, “Sara’s Story,” features a working mother who has excelled in her position at a computer software company as she unjustly faces backlash when she reports a client’s inappropriate behavior.

Bruce has written these stories with a simple, straightforward, matter-of-fact style. His tendency is often to tell, rather than show; the emphasis is on prose over dialogue. But what makes this book truly unique is Bruce’s ability to transform simple details into storyline threads that link the three main characters. Even “The Blue Car” of the title proves a creative connector. With “pay it forward” symbolism, the stories are brought full circle with a surprise twist and gratifying ending.

At just 60 pages this is a compact read. It explores the ways people fashion their lives so that they don’t later look back in regret. For those who enjoy well-crafted short story collections that weave a positive message about following your bliss, this work should provide heartfelt satisfaction.