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by Chaya M. Milchtein (Author)
A comprehensive guide to car ownership and maintenance intended for anyone--regardless of age, gender or experience.
When did you last pick up a book about cars? Typically written for men, particularly automotive enthusiasts and mechanics, these books rarely appeal to the everyday car owner. Mechanic Shop Femme's Guide to Car Ownership is different. Automotive educator, journalist, and social media influencer Chaya M. Milchtein is a queer woman who has spent the last decade deeply entrenched in the automotive industry. In a country where economic injustices disproportionately impact marginalized people, particularly people of color and the LGBTQ+ community, a reliable car and an excellent relationship with a quality mechanic is vital to climb out of poverty. Chaya understands that a vehicle is an economic necessity that can provide access to career opportunities, financial security, and physical safety. She also understands that queer folks and women often find it daunting to buy a car and, subsequently, deal with the realities of getting it insured and repaired. In Mechanic Shop Femme's Guide to Car Ownership, Chaya speaks to readers of all identities and socio-economic backgrounds, arming them with the necessary knowledge to navigate the intimidating automotive industry. At its core, this book is an accessible and comprehensive guide that will put readers at ease by providing them with basic knowledge about car ownership and maintenance. From buying a car, to getting it insured, finding the perfect mechanic, and dealing with car emergencies, Chaya encourages her audience to make educated decisions regarding their vehicles. Mechanic Shop Femme's Guide to Car Ownership is a must-have--one that will last readers through a lifetime of car ownership.Author Biography
Chaya Milchtein is an automotive educator, influencer, and founder of Mechanic Shop Femme. She unapologetically stands out in a crowd, flaunting her fashion sense while teaching about cars, traveling the world, and breaking all kinds of norms. Chaya made it her life's mission to educate women and queer people about their cars. She's dedicated her career to educating the average car owner, not automotive enthusiasts, about their cars - a career she found and built after aging out of the foster care system. She's taught her popular car classes at libraries, universities, non-profits, and businesses, including John Jay Criminal College, BMO Bank, and Vanderbilt University. Chaya has worked with national and international automotive brands, including CarMax, TireRack, iFixit, and Jerry. She has been featured in AARP, NPR's Lifekit, Oprah Magazine, Car Talk, and The Chicago Tribune. She's written for AAA's Via Magazine, Parents Magazine, Shondaland, and PBS's Next Avenue. Chaya lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with her wife, tortoise, and black cat.
