Funniest Tale of Tragedy and Triumph Ever

Driving With Dead People: A Memoir by Monica Holloway is hysterically funny, tragic, and triumphant; a crisp, captivating account of a young girl growing up with two of the worst parents ever. Dad is abusive and has a hobby of filming car wrecks and grisly accidents, Mom is off in her own selfish world, and the kids must raise themselves.

Monica’s best friend gets her a job at her parent’s mortuary, literally driving dead people. When Monica goes off to college her sister emotionally crashes and burns, and Monica has to choose whether to face family secrets, or continue to hide from them. I think the title refers to more than just her adventures at the mortuary; it’s also about some of the living characters. Like her soul-dead parents, or her own struggles with suicidal impulses.

Yes, we’ve heard this story before, but Ms. Holloway is a fine writer, balancing humor and horrific events skillfully, and never slipping into the maudlin or self-pity. She is a fighter, and bravely faces her demons head-on, and one of the funniest writers I have ever read. A courageous work, well done and highly recommended.