Little Toy Car

Little Toy Car 

Little Toy Car is the debut novel from author Gabe Oliver that I just finished reading and checked off my incredibly long to be read list. That list grows faster than I can keep up with, because I keep finding the most amazing new books and authors. 

“It was nice for a change to break the routine and explore a place that didn’t constantly remind me of my mistake, but instead allowed my mind to wander and drift to a world that I could arrange however I dreamed.” 

Gabe Oliver, Little Toy Car

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Have you read Little Toy Car yet? Come on in and let me tell you about it! 

About Little Toy Car 

Follow Gene through this psychological coming of age novel on his journey to discover the meaning of it all, while maneuvering through the unexpected trials of life. From the hardship of a broken home, through the mental struggles of a religious sect. 

The unexpected twists and turns in this book will command the attention of its readers. The highs and lows of this inspiring story will make it hard to put down. Discover the significance of the Little Toy Car.  

Thoughts on Little Toy Car 

“I felt like I had come full circle. I used to think that life in the back of that old Volvo station wagon was my punishment for stealing the little toy car. I no longer felt that way.” 

Gabe Oliver, Little Toy Car

I absolutely love an author’s debut novel. There is something incredibly special about it, and it doesn’t matter how many other novels they write and publish. The first one is always special. So needless to say, I was very excited to read Little Toy Car by Gabe Oliver. I had never heard of him before this, and knew almost nothing about the story. The description is short, and doesn’t really give much away for me. 

“It was a rush of music that pulsed through my veins, one of the best feelings I had ever felt. I felt a release. I would sing out loudly allowing all the words I had to hold back whenever I was around Jacob to flow freely without restraint. There, in that basement, my stresses and my worries. The pastor told me that Jesus would discard these things for me but He never did. Music did for me everything that Jesus never could. Music was my sanctuary.” 

Gabe Oliver, Little Toy Car

Little Toy Car started out on a really sad note, and I was worried that it would continue throughout the story, and end up being boring. Instead, the story sucked me in and kept me there through the highs and lows, much the same way that my own life, and yours, flow. 

This reminded me of Catalyst in many ways, with the theme of finding yourself along the way and the struggles that life throws at each of us. It had a memoir type feel to it and the style in which it was written. 

I went on a journey through the eyes of Gene, the main character, and all of his struggles. I found myself feeling a wide range of emotions along the way. It was beautifully written. Gabe Oliver has an impressive writing style that makes you feel so many emotions, and you can visualize everything in your head easily. It is like reading a book and watching a movie in your head at the same time. 

Final Thoughts on Little Toy Car 

“Life is full of little insignificant moments that carry no meaning or purpose at all. They are often beautiful moments. You can miss out on them when you’re constantly chasing after something else.” 

Gabe Oliver, Little Toy Car

Little Toy Car took me on a journey that I was not expecting when I opened this book, nor was I prepared for. It caused me to stop and reevaluate my own thoughts on life and the journey to where I am at. I am still struggling to coherently verbalize my thoughts on this book. But I will say that if you don’t read it, you are missing out! This is a story that will stick with me long after I’ve put it on the shelf and read other novels. 

Discussion 

Have you read Little Toy Car yet? Are you a fan? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! 

About the Author 

Gabe Oliver is an author, musician/singer songwriter and lover of the arts. He does stand up comedy in his free time and enjoys meaningful conversations.

Born in New Jersey, but grew up in Colorado. He has traveled and lived in many different countries all over the world. Many of his personal experiences in life shape and influence the content of his writing both in his books and in the lyrics of his music. Take some time to discover the works of Gabe Oliver.

Thank you for all of your support!

A little bit about “Little Toy Car” – I wrote “Little Toy Car” in Argentina after finishing a road trip from the USA to Argentina by car. After I finished the novel, I sat on it for years. I contemplated whether I should share it or not. I finally decided to publish it in September of 2022, once I had returned to Argentina. I am currently contemplating whether I should leave the story where it ends or if I should continue the story in another book. I appreciate all of your support with sharing my story! 

Purchasing Little Toy Car 

If you are interested in buying the paperback version of Little Toy Car, click here.

Click here for the Kindle version.

Click here for my favorite Kindle I currently own.

Author Interview 

I had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with Gabe Oliver and chat about Little Toy Car, life, and get to know him a bit more. I hope you enjoy learning more about him as well! 

Now that you’ve published Little Toy Car, do you have any other writing projects that you’re working on? 

People have told me that they would like me to continue the story in a second book. There are things they want to know more about. They want to see what happened to some of the characters. I have ideas to do that but I’m waiting to see how “Little Toy Car” goes first. I wrote this story in a way that if it happens to be the last book I write, then it could be a complete story on its own. If not, then I’ll be able to further develop the story. 

What inspired you to write Little Toy Car? Did you mean it to have a memoir feel to it? Does it reflect your life, someone you know, or was this a product of your imagination?  

I would share parts of the story verbally with people along my travels. Every time I would share the story people would tell me I need to make a movie. I don’t have the budget for a movie so I wrote a book instead. You could say it’s based on a true story, yes. 

Who are your favorite authors that have inspired you?  

I don’t have a favorite author but I’ve been inspired by many books that I have read. I learn something new with each story I read. 

What are your favorite hobbies to do in your spare time?  

I have written, performed and produced music my whole life. I got into recording videos and editing them for a while. I love traveling. Recently, I picked up a new hobby. Stand up comedy. 

Do you have a favorite place to travel to? A favorite type of food, or specific dish? 

I love traveling to Patagonia or southern Argentina. My favorite food shifts often but the one that has been the most consistent is Chinese food. 

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