Boy racer novel by Rototai-raised writer David Jubermann
Former Golden Bay resident, author David Jubermann. Photo: Supplied.
A self-published first book by David Jubermann, who grew up in Rototai and attended both Takaka Primary and GBHS, is attracting widespread national attention for its road-safety message.
The 298-page fiction novel, called Shiftlight, is set in Christchurch and weaves its fast-paced storyline around a group of typical young Kiwi lads who love their cars and love modifying them. When their illegal racing activities get out of control and a tragic accident occurs, they realise that cars and racing are not just the pure thrills and exhilaration they had thought.
David says Shiftlight is based on his personal experiences and those of his friends. As teenagers, they were all fascinated by cars and the idea of driving fast. However, while David was still at Golden Bay High School, reality hit when two of his peers lost their lives in car accidents, and two prominent, much-loved members of the Golden Bay community were killed by a young, reckless driver in another incident.
“It was the utter frustration and waste of that second crash that prompted me to write the first words, which, more than three years later, evolved into this book. New Zealand’s road toll continues to be very high and fast cars are only becoming cheaper and more accessible to young drivers. Here’s hoping that addressing these issues in the form of a book can perhaps help to raise the awareness of young New Zealanders and increase their respect and overall attitude to cars and driving.”
The book is now in the libraries of some 300 high schools throughout New Zealand.
Born in Germany, David immigrated to New Zealand with his parents (Anna Klekottka and Josef Blessing) when he was eight, and lived at Rototai. Upon finishing school in 1999, he completed a degree in computer science at Canterbury University, then lived and worked in Christchurch until late 2008 before moving to Auckland. He recently completed the as yet unnamed sequel to Shiftlight, which deals with the boy racer practice of “drifting” (intentional oversteering causing loss of traction while maintaining control and speed). David hopes to publish it next year.
In view of the disastrous earthquake that hit Christchurch in September, David is now supporting the Red Cross Earthquake Appeal with a $5 donation from every book purchased directly via his website.
Shiftlight retails at $29.95. For more details and to see reviews/comments visit <www.shiftlight.co.nz>.
Gerard Hindmarsh
