California Dreaming: A Smooth-Running, Low-Mileage, Cut-Price American Adventure

by Lawrence Donegan (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  2002

  $6.58

  Lawrence Donegan is in California in pursuit of the new American Dream - hi-tech success and fortune. But after one miserable day in front of a computer screen, he asks himself if this is really it - a walk-on part in The Revenge of the Nerds ? Searching for salvation, he winds up at Orchard Boulevard Pre-Owned Autos - home of the world's biggest used-car lot. Seven thousand cars on offer every day, forty-five thousand satisfied customers every year, all on one street! California Dreaming is the story of Donegan's life as a used-car salesman and his pursuit of the used-car industry's Oscar - the Salesman of the Month Award. It is also the story of men and their dreams: Frankie the Rock, Tony the Tank, Mickey the Legend. Who are they? What drew them to the world's most maligned profession? Is there nothing they won't do to sell a car? Honest, insightful and funny, California Dreaming tells you everything you need to know about modern America. It may change the way you feel about used-car salesmen. Then again, it may not.

• Used

  Paperback
  2001

  $3.74

  Drawn by the lure of a six-figure salary in computing and fond memories of a low-rent rock-and-roll tour, Lawrence Donegan lands in California to pursue his own American dream. Somehere along the way he takes a wrong turn and ends up employed on Steven's Creek Boulevard, San Jose, home of the world's biggest car lot. Seven thousand cars on sale every day, 45,000 satisfied customers every year - on one street! Donegan quickly picks up a nickname, Hey Scotty , and a reputation - You're the worst salesman I've seeen in 20 years . But with mentors such as Mickey The Legend McDonald, Tony The Tank Tognazzini and Frankie The Rock Reames it isn't long before Donegan acquires the brass balls and low cunning he needs to sell his first car. California Dreaming is part personal journey, part American adventure. It charts Donegan's career as an asphalt warrior, from the multiple rejections - Get away from me, sleazeball! - to his pursuit of the Oscar of the used-car business, the Salesman of the Month Award. Its a brutally honest and brilliantly funny account of modern American and its most maligned tribute. It will change the way people think about used-car salesmen. Then again, it may not.