10 Must-Read Car Books for Your Vacation

Okay, so this one isn't actually about cars, but David McCullough's narrative of the Brooklyn Bridge's construction is hard to put down. At the time of its construction, the bridge was the world's longest suspension bridge, and the politics surrounding the plan to link Brooklyn and Manhattan then is as interesting as the engineering it took to build it. 

This is a classic from auto-industry legend Bob Lutz, an old war story about how he battled General Motors' cost-cutting accountants in an attempt to revive the public's interest in well-designed and well-executed cars and trucks. As behind-the-curtain stories about the car business go, this one should be considered required reading.

This thriller will please auto enthusiasts who also love sci-fi and horror stories. Stephen King, prolific horror writer and author of Christine, is responsible for this story about a 1953 Buick Roadmaster that is not all it seems. 

Veteran car-sales professional Lisa Copeland shares her experience and perspective on new-car buying in this quick-read softcover. Although it's aimed at female car buyers, the advice and buying tips she provides will help anyone who's in the market for a car who wants to ensure they don't fall victim to typical dealership shenanigans.

This one is entertaining and uplifting even as it breaks your heart. Told from the perspective of a dog named Enzo, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a story about a man and his dog who share a love of racing and Ferraris, but also about their shared experiences over the years dealing with love and loss.

This funny and touching novel follows a Hawaiian valet, his misfit co-workers, and their life in the service industry, which is thrown into chaos when they discover a young boy in the trunk of a deserted car. Instead of turning the boy over to authorities, the motley crew decides to keep him, which results in an entertaining tale about the transformative nature of raising a child. Plus, the author's use of Hawaiian Pidgin English at key points in the narrative gives the reader a more authentic look at life in Hawaii. Don't worry, there's a short glossary on page 303.

Toyota's "lean manufacturing" philosophy never gets old. It can be applied to just about any industry, even those outside of manufacturing. This book details exactly how to do it by teaching the reader the 14 management principles that Toyota leaders use to help reduce expense and maximize productivity. 

Former GM research and development chief and Google self-driving-car team advisor Lawrence D. Burns, with his writing partner Christopher Shulgan, provide a comprehensive look at the state of autonomous-driving technology and the development of future driverless vehicles in this intriguing book. The narrative covers the technology and explores the potential cultural and economic impact of driverless cars.