Working Parts by Lucy Jane Bledsoe

Working Parts examines the life of a smart, funny, accomplished woman who finally faces the hard truth that, at the age of 27, she cannot read. Lori Taylor makes a pact with her best friend, fellow bike mechanic Miguel, that she will learn to read if he, a virgin, learns to kiss. This book follows these best buddies, a lesbian and a straight man, as they confront then try to overcome their secret shames. Lucy Jane Bledsoe creates believable, lovable, well-rounded characters while examining important social issues of literacy, race, age, class, physical appearance, and bicycle maintenance.