Driving in LA

Driving in LA is the story of the narrator's first two years of moving to and surviving in Los Angeles in the early 1980s. Beginning with her ambition to become a professional actress, her story takes us through harrowing sexual assaults, cocaine addiction, and even prostitution, all while trying to keep her spirit and dreams alive.

©2016 Brenda Bakke (P)2019 Mark Miller

funny and thoughtful

I loved Brenda's narrative voice and where she was genuinely warm and perfectly emotional whilst still being able to share her story. I didn't know now deep her emotions ran and what her perspective was so many years past these episodes in her life,but i am so grateful to know that thru it all she was still able to love and to forgive me. Thank you,Brenda,for writing just a small bit of your story and allowing all of us to be privy to it! I am left wanting to hear more and what life has given you all the way up to now. I hope you write that story soon!!! I love you without measure my most beautiful best friend. ....."Nikki" ...

What a crazy, wild time!

Driving in LA by Brenda Bakke wasn't my typical listen. I thought it might have been by the summary, but once I started listening, I realized that it wasn't. This is a memoir that jumps around a bit with each chapter. It does ultimately flow together nicely. At first, I didn't really care for this book, but it grew on me. First off, DANG! Has she ever had a crazy, wild life! Lots of poor choices were made during this time, but hopefully, her life has settled down since. This memoir was more along the lines of Daisy Jones and the Six, which I'm partially through, but can't seem to get into and don't love, though I have a friend that raved about it. So if you like that book, I bet you'll love this story. That being said, just because this book isn't MY favorite doesn't mean that you won't love it. I think it's well written, but just not for me. As mentioned, there are mentions of rape, drugs, prostitution, etc. so if these are triggers for you, be aware.

Now, Ms. Bakke's narration was fantastic. It sounded natural and I would absolutely love to listen to more performances of hers. I could totally picture her narrating Daisy Jones and the Six. I have to say that the narration was the high point of this book for me. She was so easy to listen to! I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher for an honest review.

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A Great Memoir

Powerful audiobook with great narration. Brenda Bakke's story in LA is a stark reminder of the harshness of life from a woman's point of view. Her stories touch on some sensitive topics, but Bakke tells them tastefully and emotionally. For about 3 hours long this is a great audiobook filled with powerful imagery and themes. Highly recommended.

A Real, Authentic story

A nice, honest story about what really happens to a woman in LA beyond the rose tinted glasses.