Variable Valve Timings: Memoirs of a Car Tragic
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Brought to you by Penguin.
Tyre destruction, power slides and continuous drooling
Chris Harris has driven more cars than most people could ever dream of. His vast knowledge is legendary. He calls it ‘unhinged geekery’. But we call it infectious enthusiasm, adrenaline-fueled escapism and peerless journalistic rigour and integrity.
And then there are his famous skills at the wheel, from city cars to rally cars, F1 to vintage, not forgetting the Guinness World Record 3.4km sideways in an electric car.
And now for the first time, Harris is going all out with that unhinged geekery, and takes us down the road of his life-long adventure with the automobile – from the Scalextric track to the Nürburgring 24 Hour, via his own formative low-powered Somerset version of The Dukes of Hazard.
A highly individual, petrol-soaked life story that’s all down to variable valve timings.
James A. Keller –
Very good read for Chris Harris fans
Very easy to read book that gives you some insight on who Chris Harris is as a person. It’s written in a way that leaves you feeling as if he’s telling you the story firsthand. You can only describe his life as interesting and ever changing. As you would expect, cars are at the center of his life story, but an even more dominant theme is his resilience when encountering a stream of setbacks. There’s a lesson for us all in his spirit and attitude. If you are seriously into cars and a Chris Harris admirer, this is the book for you.
Radu Andrei –
Brilliant!
A fantastic memoir full of juicy insider stories from the car business, heartfelt personal stories, and hilarious anecdotes. I’m sure it will be just as enjoyable for the layman as it was for a car tragic and Harris fan such as myself.
Nithya S. –
loved it
A surprisingly personal recap of an interesting life with much more left to come. A lovely read for any car enthusiast
sam cosby –
The story behind the stories
Interesting tale of how the internet’s favorite car journalist got his start, and hopefully not his finish. It was a fantastic way to spend a few hours in the car
Rachel Petteys –
A fantastic read about the driftmaster, Monkey Harris, that we know and love!
If you are a fan of Chris Harris, you will love this book. It’s a great autobiography of the greatest car journalist of our generation!
Marcis –
Easy and fun read for car enthusiasts. A lot of relatable stories.
ZupanD –
I’m glad he wrote the book — it explains a lot. I loved it.
Santi Roses Mendez –
Great book from a great Bloke! Really entertaining!
Alexander –
Amazing book by the best car reviewer. Definitely worth supporting Chris, for the countless hours of entertainment.
TMF –
Being a fellow petrolhead of a similar age, a near neighbour and with mixed-race kids of my own, I pre-ordered the brand-new Chris Harris book with interest.12 hours after the Amazon delivery driver dropped it onto my soaking wet Bristol doorstep, I’ve finished reading it. Gone for a walk, and had time to reflect. My verdict. It’s a brilliant page turner, and should be a must-read for any seasoned petrolhead.This is a very well written, structured and enjoyable book. The depth, insight, emotion and passion oozing from every page underlines it has been written by the person with their name on the book cover. It is so much better for it, rather than using a ghost writer which many books of this type adopt.As with many high-profile people working in the public spotlight, you feel that you know a version of them already. But, having read the book, Harris has a depth and likeability that understandably does not come across so much in his media persona.In this era of superficial celebrity, Chris is refreshingly genuine, humble, skilled, knowledgeable, sensitive, human and, as we all are, shaped by our own upbringing. In short, authentic. And we need more people like that in this mad world….!Contrary to many others working in the supercar arena, who project a fake version of life via their social media platform, Harris represents a refreshing change. His passion for the petrol engine and cars is perhaps well known, but it is balanced by a healthy love for family and maintaining a private life. That is a great approach to life, and should be celebrated.Now, where is the car key, as it is time for a drive…….