Divorce Your Car!

Katie Alvord is an advocate. But unlike the issues of childhood obesity, poverty or job creation, Alvord’s cause is a bit more difficult to get the masses invested in.

Her cause is the car. She’s not fond of it.

Divorce Your Car! is Alvord’s case against relying on cars. Alvord uses compelling facts to demonstrate how automotive use harms the public through exhaust fumes, car accidents and pedestrian accidents. Because she feels very strongly that a car-dominated culture isn’t a good thing, she uses the analogy of a “car divorce” to describe getting rid of a car or making a conscious effort to rely on it less. The metaphor of “car divorce” has an interesting link to her personal life as her ex, Craig Scarborough, presents the preface. His comments are nothing but complimentary.

Divorce Your Car! by Katie Alvord is full of passion and conviction. Those interested in history will enjoy learning how America got rid of the horse-and-buggy in favor of cars and interstates. It does not explain how to easily live car-free or car-lite in places where public transit is inefficient, but for anyone interested in driving less, this book could provide the inspiration – backed by facts - to make the change.