The Driver

"The Driver" by Garet Garrett is a book that unveils a story set in the economic hardships of the 1890s, telling the story of Coxey's Army, a group marching to Washington D.C. for economic change, led by Jacob S. Coxey and Carl Browne.. The story mixes real history with made-up parts, looking at ideas like fairness, money rules, and the troubles of forgotten Americans. It begins in Massillon, Ohio, on Easter Sunday of 1894, where everyone is excited about Coxey's Army starting their big walk to Washington D.C. to push for fixing the economy. The book shows a clear image of the different people joining the event, mixing great dreams with the marchers' simple looks and doubts. A reporter gets involved, watching why people join, showing an understanding of regular people annoyed by being jobless to those just wanting adventure. Hope and sadness mix together, setting the scene for a deeper examination of social and money problems, including what it means to be human.