Mechanic Shop Femme’s Guide to Car Ownership

Uncomplicating Cars for All of Us

By: Chaya M. Milchtein

Narrated by: Tanis Parenteau, Chaya M. Milchtein

Length: 6 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

A comprehensive guide to car ownership and maintenance intended for anyone—regardless of age, gender or experience.

When did you last listen to a book about cars? Typically written for men, particularly automotive enthusiasts and mechanics, these books rarely appeal to the everyday car owner. Mechanic Shop Femme’s Guide to Car Ownership is different. Automotive educator, journalist, and social media influencer Chaya M. Milchtein is a queer woman who has spent the last decade deeply entrenched in the automotive industry.

In a country where economic injustices disproportionately impact marginalized people, particularly people of color and the LGBTQ+ community, a reliable car and an excellent relationship with a quality mechanic is vital to climb out of poverty. Chaya understands that a vehicle is an economic necessity that can provide access to career opportunities, financial security, and physical safety. She also understands that queer folks and women often find it daunting to buy a car and, subsequently, deal with the realities of getting it insured and repaired.

In Mechanic Shop Femme’s Guide to Car Ownership, Chaya speaks to listeners of all identities and socio-economic backgrounds, arming them with the necessary knowledge to navigate the intimidating automotive industry. At its core, this book is an accessible and comprehensive guide that will put listeners at ease by providing them with basic knowledge about car ownership and maintenance. From buying a car, to getting it insured, finding the perfect mechanic, and dealing with car emergencies, Chaya encourages her audience to make educated decisions regarding their vehicles.

Mechanic Shop Femme’s Guide to Car Ownership is a must-have—one that will last listeners through a lifetime of car ownership.

©2024 Chaya Milchtein (P)2024 Little, Brown Spark

Critic reviews

“Chaya is your friend who knows a ton about cars—the one who will teach you how to check your tires and put on jumper cables, and who will go with you to the dealership to make sure you aren’t getting scammed. Once you read this book, you’ll be that friend, too.”—Keith Barry, Automotive Journalist