The South Pasadena Public Library and The Friends of the South Pasadena Public Library proudly present acclaimed author Kevin Nelson for an Author Night event on Thursday, December 3 at 7:00 p.m. His latest book, Wheels of Change: From Zero to 600 m.p.h.: The Amazing Story of California and the Automobile has just been released. It brings to life the dynamic personalities that have shaped California’s illustrious automobile story. These range from engineering wizards to race car drivers to rebels without a cause. Nelson’s book spans the early days of horseless carriages all the way through early ‘60s, during the glory years of hot rods, customs, drag racing, and imported sports cars.

The book also reveals the movie industry’s influence on cars, including the off-screen racing exploits of Gary Cooper, Clark Gable, James Dean, and Steve McQueen. As a special treat, a legendary clip from the McQueen movie Bullitt, showcasing the greatest car chase ever filmed, will be screened during the Author Night.

California also produced so many other automotive advancements, everything from the design of the Corvette to the Cadillac tail fin. A land of limitless possibilities, California continues to provide fertile ground for imaginations –and the automobile—to flourish.

Kevin Nelson is the author of 18 books. His Operation Bullpen: The Inside Story of the Biggest Forgery Scam in American History is under development as a motion picture. Another highly praised book of his, The Golden Game: The Story of California Baseball, was named one of the Top 10 Books of the Year by the San Francisco Chronicle. Nelson devoted 3 years to writing Wheels of Change, driving thousands of miles around California to car shows, car museums, car clubs, racetracks, the El Mirage dry lakes area, and other significant spots in the state’s colorful automotive history

The program will open with a live set of car and road songs performed by Cottage Industry, a four-piece band featuring three South Pasadenans. They like to play “the good stuff on your iPod,” the songs that have served you well as part of the “soundtrack to your life.” For this special appearance they will be playing “Route 66,” “Mercury Blues,” Hit the Road, Jack” and several others, including Kevin Nelson’s favorite car song.

 The free, fun event for all ages will be presented in the Library Community Room at 1115 El Centro Street (doors open at 6:30 p.m.).  No tickets or reservations are necessary. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends. Owners of vintage cars are encouraged to drive them to the show.