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The Kansal Clunker: The Car That Rebuilt Us
"An endearing and thought-provoking road odyssey." - Kirkus Reviews
"You will want to 'call shotgun' on this epic adventure . . . the teacher became the student . . . and the student became the teacher." - Scott Chesney, World-renowned motivational speaker, life coach, and consultant
At sixteen, Neil dreamed of learning to drive a manual car. His father, Ruchin, was at a crossroads, questioning his next steps in life. Neither could have imagined that a rusted, beat-up Acura Integra would become their greatest teacher. With just $5,000, no mechanical experience, and a wild idea, father and son embarked on a yearlong transformation-of the car, themselves, and their bond.
What began as a simple driving lesson turned into an epic 5,000-mile road trip to the highest paved road in the United States. Along the way, they faced unexpected challenges, breathtaking landscapes, and moments of raw connection. Through laughter, frustration, and detours, they discovered resilience, strength, and the unshakable power of family.
With every twist of the wrench and turn of the road, Neil and Ruchin learned what it truly means to rebuild-not just a car, but themselves. Buckle up-this unforgettable ride will stay with you long after the last page.
"You will want to 'call shotgun' on this epic adventure . . . the teacher became the student . . . and the student became the teacher." - Scott Chesney, World-renowned motivational speaker, life coach, and consultant
At sixteen, Neil dreamed of learning to drive a manual car. His father, Ruchin, was at a crossroads, questioning his next steps in life. Neither could have imagined that a rusted, beat-up Acura Integra would become their greatest teacher. With just $5,000, no mechanical experience, and a wild idea, father and son embarked on a yearlong transformation-of the car, themselves, and their bond.
What began as a simple driving lesson turned into an epic 5,000-mile road trip to the highest paved road in the United States. Along the way, they faced unexpected challenges, breathtaking landscapes, and moments of raw connection. Through laughter, frustration, and detours, they discovered resilience, strength, and the unshakable power of family.
With every twist of the wrench and turn of the road, Neil and Ruchin learned what it truly means to rebuild-not just a car, but themselves. Buckle up-this unforgettable ride will stay with you long after the last page.
200 pages, Hardcover
Published December 9, 2025
3 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
December 4, 2025
I received this ARC for an honest review. Overall, this was a great read.
It had heartfelt moments and thought-provoking lessons. I don’t know the first thing about cars, but the authors ensure that this information is accessible. Charming details give the book personality. My favorite was the expenditure sheet, which included the loose change they had found under the car cushions as they were cleaning it out. You can tell that this book, like the clunker, was a labor of love.
The story is first and foremost about family, and it tells that story considerably well. Neil and Ruchin take turns telling their side of things, and by the end their perspectives unite in a single chapter. Gunjan, Neil’s mother and Ruchin’s wife, had hoped throughout the book that they would grow closer by working on this project, and the shared chapter perfectly demonstrates they had. I also liked hearing from the rest of their family at the end.
To sum up, this is a journey of personal growth, a classic American roadtrip, and a fun family adventure: a winning combination to me.
It had heartfelt moments and thought-provoking lessons. I don’t know the first thing about cars, but the authors ensure that this information is accessible. Charming details give the book personality. My favorite was the expenditure sheet, which included the loose change they had found under the car cushions as they were cleaning it out. You can tell that this book, like the clunker, was a labor of love.
The story is first and foremost about family, and it tells that story considerably well. Neil and Ruchin take turns telling their side of things, and by the end their perspectives unite in a single chapter. Gunjan, Neil’s mother and Ruchin’s wife, had hoped throughout the book that they would grow closer by working on this project, and the shared chapter perfectly demonstrates they had. I also liked hearing from the rest of their family at the end.
To sum up, this is a journey of personal growth, a classic American roadtrip, and a fun family adventure: a winning combination to me.
December 7, 2025
**RECEIVED FREE ARC BUT OPINION IS HONEST**
I thought this was a really charming book– not something I would typically pick up, but I had a
good time nonetheless. One thing I thought was done well was the different “voices” for each
speaker– that is, Neil’s chapters felt different from Ruchin’s chapters etc. Additionally, the
narrative felt like an old friend was telling you a story of a crazy adventure; it was easy to follow
and super captivating. Another thing I think was well done was the explanation of different types
of cars and their lore. I, frankly, know nothing about cars but I felt like I was following along due
to the great descriptions. I also love the use of pictures in this book; it added such a charming
personal touch.
I thought this was a really charming book– not something I would typically pick up, but I had a
good time nonetheless. One thing I thought was done well was the different “voices” for each
speaker– that is, Neil’s chapters felt different from Ruchin’s chapters etc. Additionally, the
narrative felt like an old friend was telling you a story of a crazy adventure; it was easy to follow
and super captivating. Another thing I think was well done was the explanation of different types
of cars and their lore. I, frankly, know nothing about cars but I felt like I was following along due
to the great descriptions. I also love the use of pictures in this book; it added such a charming
personal touch.
September 11, 2025
The Kansal Clunker has everything!
A wonderful "plot," an inspiring and fun read, and leadership lessons without the pain.
A wonderful "plot," an inspiring and fun read, and leadership lessons without the pain.
October 8, 2025
“Not all journeys begin with a roadmap or a destination. Instead, they start as an idea, a whisper of possibility that grows louder daily, nagging at you until you can no longer ignore it.” The book starts with this quote, which can also give you an introduction to the story of the father and son, and their journey introduced as shared by Ruchin and Neil Kansal.
The book tells the story of the adventure of a father and son, restoring a beat-up 1998 Acura Integra from scratch and taking it together on a road trip. The technical details of restoring the car are interesting and funny, showing how they learnt along the way, starting with cleaning the rust and painting the interior to wrapping the car in lime-green. This car restoration helped the father and son build a stronger bond. Neil could look forward to his future in a more insightful way, and Ruchin could embrace new beginnings and a new, fresh feeling to his daily life after leaving corporate work. They navigated the obstacles together and worked as one team during the road trip.
I like how the book presents technical details of car restoration side by side to emotional reflections, so that you can still enjoy it whether you are a car enthusiast or not. The story was inspiring and can remind you that journeys are not only for reaching a destination, but also for the change we embrace, the heartfelt moments, and the bonds we build along the way.
The book tells the story of the adventure of a father and son, restoring a beat-up 1998 Acura Integra from scratch and taking it together on a road trip. The technical details of restoring the car are interesting and funny, showing how they learnt along the way, starting with cleaning the rust and painting the interior to wrapping the car in lime-green. This car restoration helped the father and son build a stronger bond. Neil could look forward to his future in a more insightful way, and Ruchin could embrace new beginnings and a new, fresh feeling to his daily life after leaving corporate work. They navigated the obstacles together and worked as one team during the road trip.
I like how the book presents technical details of car restoration side by side to emotional reflections, so that you can still enjoy it whether you are a car enthusiast or not. The story was inspiring and can remind you that journeys are not only for reaching a destination, but also for the change we embrace, the heartfelt moments, and the bonds we build along the way.
September 9, 2025
I had the opportunity to hear several Clunker stories in real time. This is more than a road trip story, it’s a meditation on transformation, family, and the unexpected lessons embedded in ordinary objects. For Neil and his father, Ruchin, that clunker became both a project and a mirror, reflecting back resilience, patience, and the quiet strength of a relationship. The highlight of the narrative is the road trip. This is classic American storytelling, adventure stitched together with hardship, breathtaking landscapes, and the laughter and arguments that make family life real. The Kansal Clunker deserves attention not just as a memoir of one family’s adventure but as a guidepost for anyone facing challenges in relationships, careers, or self-understanding. It’s proof that the most meaningful journeys are rarely smooth, and that sometimes the best teachers are found in unexpected, rusted packages. Absolutely a must read!
December 14, 2025
Received as a free ARC but this review is honest. This is a fantastic book. I loved everything about it. Non fiction books often take me a really long time to read and aren’t always my favorite genre. I finished this book so quickly. I liked that the dad and son took turns telling the story. I liked “the story”…a covid project interwoven with family history, the immigrant story, the education/career story, family past and present, family extended and nuclear, the history of the US, the description of the road trip and the amazing scenery of the different parts of the US. I have visited/lived in many of these areas of the US and the descriptions are so accurate and beautiful and compel me to want to go back. As a mom of two teenage sons I was in love with the story of the relationship between the father and son and its growth and transformation over the journey. This book is all about relationships…father/son, extended family, nuclear family, us with nature. It’s amazing. It brought me to tears.
January 13, 2026
Excellent narrative about a father, a son and their car. The journey they take on and off the road are fascinating and inspiring. Kudos to the Kansals.
September 29, 2025
This book is an honest, emotional, and sincere memoir adventure about a father and son. They decided to buy an old, rundown 1998 Acura Integra, which is referred to as the clunker. They were able to fix up the car with minimal experience and, through hard work and determination, made it an incredible car. The vehicle is the symbol of the book about their lives, their relationship, and what they went through during Covid. Neil, the son, wanted to try to drive a manual car, and his father needed a project, so that is what sparked the journey to restore the car. It wasn’t easy. They had a small budget and pretty much no experience between them, but when the project was completed, they drove it 5000 miles to Mount Evans, Colorado. The drive was an important celebration in their lives. It was the father, Ruchin’s, 50th birthday and Neil‘s high school graduation. This marked a huge milestone in both of their lives. This book shows that even though the odds are against you, you can prevail and never give up. After they did such a successful job on the first car, they took on other projects, a 1983 Alfa Romeo Spider, and they took that car on a trip together to Cape Spear, Canada. These car projects in road trips were a testament to hard work, collaboration, and never giving up. These project strengthened their father son relationship and gave them a chance to spend more time together and get to know each other on a different level. This book is part building on their newfound skills, and the other is them being able to take these travels together to new places and strengthening their bond. I found the book to be very inspirational. The language in style used a very accessible and easy for everyone to read. Someone who may not care for this book might be someone that is looking for a book in restoring cars and mechanical jargon. Those people will probably be let down by this particular book because that isn’t the main focus. But if you were looking for a book that is inspirational and takes you on a journey of a deepening father relationship. You will love this book. I highly recommend.
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November 9, 2025The Kansal Clunker: The Car That Rebuilt Us — A Journey of Roads, Relationships, and Renewal
Some books make us think. Others make us feel. The Kansal Clunker: The Car That Rebuilt Us does both, and more. It reminds us that life’s most meaningful journeys are not measured by the miles we travel, but by the hearts we touch and the lessons we gather along the way.
In this beautifully woven dual memoir, Ruchin and Neil Kansal take us across the vast landscape of America, and into the even more profound terrain of family, growth, and rediscovery. Their unlikely travel companion, a 1998 lime-green Acura Integra affectionately named “Teggy,” becomes far more than a car. She is a symbol of second chances, resilience, and the enduring power of shared dreams.
Through alternating reflections, father and son invite us into a 5,000-mile odyssey that is as humorous as it is heartfelt. Beneath the laughter, the road trip becomes a moving metaphor for life’s journey itself, complete with detours, breakdowns, breathtaking views, and the joy of simply being together. Their open, genuine conversations capture something rare: the evolution of trust, understanding, and love between generations.
What could have been a lighthearted travel tale becomes something deeper, a celebration of connection, courage, and the rediscovery of self through one another. Along the winding roads and mountain summits, we are reminded that the vehicles we rebuild often rebuild us in return.
In the end, The Kansal Clunker is not just about a car or a cross-country trip. It is about every parent and child who have ever shared a dream, faced uncertainty together, and discovered that the journey itself, not the destination, is where love finds its truest expression.
A delightful, soulful, and profoundly human story, one that will stay in your heart long after the engine cools.
Michael M. Reuter
Director Emeritus
Buccino Leadership Institute
Seton Hall University
Some books make us think. Others make us feel. The Kansal Clunker: The Car That Rebuilt Us does both, and more. It reminds us that life’s most meaningful journeys are not measured by the miles we travel, but by the hearts we touch and the lessons we gather along the way.
In this beautifully woven dual memoir, Ruchin and Neil Kansal take us across the vast landscape of America, and into the even more profound terrain of family, growth, and rediscovery. Their unlikely travel companion, a 1998 lime-green Acura Integra affectionately named “Teggy,” becomes far more than a car. She is a symbol of second chances, resilience, and the enduring power of shared dreams.
Through alternating reflections, father and son invite us into a 5,000-mile odyssey that is as humorous as it is heartfelt. Beneath the laughter, the road trip becomes a moving metaphor for life’s journey itself, complete with detours, breakdowns, breathtaking views, and the joy of simply being together. Their open, genuine conversations capture something rare: the evolution of trust, understanding, and love between generations.
What could have been a lighthearted travel tale becomes something deeper, a celebration of connection, courage, and the rediscovery of self through one another. Along the winding roads and mountain summits, we are reminded that the vehicles we rebuild often rebuild us in return.
In the end, The Kansal Clunker is not just about a car or a cross-country trip. It is about every parent and child who have ever shared a dream, faced uncertainty together, and discovered that the journey itself, not the destination, is where love finds its truest expression.
A delightful, soulful, and profoundly human story, one that will stay in your heart long after the engine cools.
Michael M. Reuter
Director Emeritus
Buccino Leadership Institute
Seton Hall University
October 1, 2025
When most families discuss COVID-19, they talk about the rush for supplies, the isolation, the fear of illness—and worse. For father and son Neil and Ruchin Kansal, 2020 was a year of shared discovery, growth, and adventure. It began when lockdowns canceled a family trip to India, where Neil had planned to master the stick shift with his grandparents. As you’ll learn, Neil tended to get his way.
Neil is an imaginative young man with a thing for cars. Most of us learn to drive stick by borrowing a work truck from an uncle or grandpa. Neil had other ideas. Enter Teggy: a 1998 Acura Integra with 169,000+ miles, a year-long rebuild, a 14,000-foot peak, and a 5,000-mile route through America. The rebuild involved over 5,000 components. Mom set a firm budget of $5,000. Are you seeing a pattern?
Along the way, we meet the extended Kansal clan—mom, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, even the dog, Roo. A delightful family who delights in one another. Neil built an entire community of car enthusiasts in his search for parts, materials, and answers to prepare Teggy for the trek.
With a firm goal in mind for his high school graduation, Neil’s senior year was exceptional. Teggy taught him things about himself and the way his mind worked that would have a lasting effect on him, his family, and his community.
After a year of prep, diploma in hand, on July 11, 2021, Neil carefully repacked their gear while Ruchin performed a final inspection. Moments later, a voice echoed through the house: “Neil, the car won’t start!”
This endearing father-son adventure and transformational journey echoes the spirit of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Shop Class as Soulcraft, and The Pursuit of Happyness. If you are worn down by the news of the day, pick up a copy of The Kansal Clunker for a refreshing look at life in America.
Neil is an imaginative young man with a thing for cars. Most of us learn to drive stick by borrowing a work truck from an uncle or grandpa. Neil had other ideas. Enter Teggy: a 1998 Acura Integra with 169,000+ miles, a year-long rebuild, a 14,000-foot peak, and a 5,000-mile route through America. The rebuild involved over 5,000 components. Mom set a firm budget of $5,000. Are you seeing a pattern?
Along the way, we meet the extended Kansal clan—mom, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, even the dog, Roo. A delightful family who delights in one another. Neil built an entire community of car enthusiasts in his search for parts, materials, and answers to prepare Teggy for the trek.
With a firm goal in mind for his high school graduation, Neil’s senior year was exceptional. Teggy taught him things about himself and the way his mind worked that would have a lasting effect on him, his family, and his community.
After a year of prep, diploma in hand, on July 11, 2021, Neil carefully repacked their gear while Ruchin performed a final inspection. Moments later, a voice echoed through the house: “Neil, the car won’t start!”
This endearing father-son adventure and transformational journey echoes the spirit of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Shop Class as Soulcraft, and The Pursuit of Happyness. If you are worn down by the news of the day, pick up a copy of The Kansal Clunker for a refreshing look at life in America.
October 20, 2025
4.5 stars
“Improvise, adapt, and overcome” (p. 14).
“What kind of journey do you want your life to be?” (p. 169).
This book can be described best with these two quotes.
A memoir of trials, growth, adventure, and struggles turned into memories and dreams, “The Kansal Clunker” by father-son duo Neil and Ruchin Kansal is a must-read.
Delving into their past, present, and future, this book follows this father and son as they turn a misfortunate situation (the COVID-19 lockdown) into a mechanical project and adventure (rebuilding an old manual car, teaching the son Neil how to drive it, take it cross country from Connecticut to Colorado).
Three things make this story stand out amid other travel literature and memoirs. Firstly, the dual (and sometimes more) POVs gave such a rich narrative to their journey, seeing through the lens of a young, growing teenager and of a wise, loving father. This piece also utilizes amazing graphics and charts to share the numerical and logistics behind the story, giving more tangible and realistic details to the reader that help bring their journey to life. My favorites include “The Best $500 Investment” and “The Odyssey.”
And lastly, what sets this memoir apart from others is its real and vulnerable narrative. Bad things happen, amazing things happen, and they aren’t in a linear, story-book timeline. This is a true story of greatness amid failure and failings, all scrambled together like life can be, and it makes all their victories not only more believable but more inspirational to an audience who can see themselves in the authors and their journey as well.
I highly recommend you give this family a chance to inspire you with their car and the story that goes along with it.
“Improvise, adapt, and overcome” (p. 14).
“What kind of journey do you want your life to be?” (p. 169).
This book can be described best with these two quotes.
A memoir of trials, growth, adventure, and struggles turned into memories and dreams, “The Kansal Clunker” by father-son duo Neil and Ruchin Kansal is a must-read.
Delving into their past, present, and future, this book follows this father and son as they turn a misfortunate situation (the COVID-19 lockdown) into a mechanical project and adventure (rebuilding an old manual car, teaching the son Neil how to drive it, take it cross country from Connecticut to Colorado).
Three things make this story stand out amid other travel literature and memoirs. Firstly, the dual (and sometimes more) POVs gave such a rich narrative to their journey, seeing through the lens of a young, growing teenager and of a wise, loving father. This piece also utilizes amazing graphics and charts to share the numerical and logistics behind the story, giving more tangible and realistic details to the reader that help bring their journey to life. My favorites include “The Best $500 Investment” and “The Odyssey.”
And lastly, what sets this memoir apart from others is its real and vulnerable narrative. Bad things happen, amazing things happen, and they aren’t in a linear, story-book timeline. This is a true story of greatness amid failure and failings, all scrambled together like life can be, and it makes all their victories not only more believable but more inspirational to an audience who can see themselves in the authors and their journey as well.
I highly recommend you give this family a chance to inspire you with their car and the story that goes along with it.
December 31, 2025
The Review
This was such a heartwarming and compelling read. The authors do an excellent job of writing in a relatable, connective way, alternating chapters and perspectives on the same situation, allowing readers to gain insight into their relationship as a whole. The authors touched on many things readers could relate to, from the troubles the COVID pandemic brought to life and how scary that time was, to the bond that forms between a parent and child when a shared passion emerges, and much more.
The book's descriptive nature made the imagery of the writing style feel vibrant and alive on the page, bringing Teggy and the road itself to life as the authors went on their journey. Yet the heart of this nonfiction book's narrative was the emotional, heartfelt connection between father and son, which the story explored. The experiences the authors had spoke to the meaningful way that shared connections and experiences can shape relationships and bonds between people overall. The authors wrote with honesty, passion, and an introspective lens that allowed readers not only to glean meaning for their own lives but also to learn from the lessons the authors learned along the way.
The Verdict
Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, authors Ruchin and Neil Kansal’s “The Kansal Clunker” is a must-read nonfiction book, memoir, and travel book. The inspiring and emotional bond readers form with the authors, the way they touch on everything from cars and family to relationships and the heart of America as a whole, and what success truly means to a person, made this book so compelling to delve into.
This was such a heartwarming and compelling read. The authors do an excellent job of writing in a relatable, connective way, alternating chapters and perspectives on the same situation, allowing readers to gain insight into their relationship as a whole. The authors touched on many things readers could relate to, from the troubles the COVID pandemic brought to life and how scary that time was, to the bond that forms between a parent and child when a shared passion emerges, and much more.
The book's descriptive nature made the imagery of the writing style feel vibrant and alive on the page, bringing Teggy and the road itself to life as the authors went on their journey. Yet the heart of this nonfiction book's narrative was the emotional, heartfelt connection between father and son, which the story explored. The experiences the authors had spoke to the meaningful way that shared connections and experiences can shape relationships and bonds between people overall. The authors wrote with honesty, passion, and an introspective lens that allowed readers not only to glean meaning for their own lives but also to learn from the lessons the authors learned along the way.
The Verdict
Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, authors Ruchin and Neil Kansal’s “The Kansal Clunker” is a must-read nonfiction book, memoir, and travel book. The inspiring and emotional bond readers form with the authors, the way they touch on everything from cars and family to relationships and the heart of America as a whole, and what success truly means to a person, made this book so compelling to delve into.
October 5, 2025
The Kansal Clunker is a heartwarming story about a father and son working together as they rebuild a car and embark on the road trip of a lifetime. It is a book about family and lessons as much as it is about cars and travel. Switching between points of view, we can see how this project meant so much to Neil and Ruchin. In fact, as you read, you'll learn how their feat inspired family and friends, and it might inspire you too.
This memoir is filled with heartfelt moments where the Kansals share their fears and frustrations during the building process and travel journey. But they also share gratitude and an appreciation for all the roadblocks and detours that have led them to find beauty in life and the lessons learned. The pictures, maps, and budget lists are a window into their journey, but also a motivator and guide for your own project.
As a reader who has yet to discover the northern states, I found their route inviting. The Kansals also share beautiful scenes from various exciting and historically significant spots they visited. While this story is about the father and son, we also learn interesting historical and cultural facts from both the US and Ruchin's life in India.
The perfect memoir for car and travel enthusiasts, but also for fans of coming-of-age memoirs and inspiring nonfiction.
This memoir is filled with heartfelt moments where the Kansals share their fears and frustrations during the building process and travel journey. But they also share gratitude and an appreciation for all the roadblocks and detours that have led them to find beauty in life and the lessons learned. The pictures, maps, and budget lists are a window into their journey, but also a motivator and guide for your own project.
As a reader who has yet to discover the northern states, I found their route inviting. The Kansals also share beautiful scenes from various exciting and historically significant spots they visited. While this story is about the father and son, we also learn interesting historical and cultural facts from both the US and Ruchin's life in India.
The perfect memoir for car and travel enthusiasts, but also for fans of coming-of-age memoirs and inspiring nonfiction.
October 6, 2025
The Kansal Clunker proved to be a compelling and heartfelt read, a passion project of a father and son. “That is when it hit us both-the true power of shared experiences and simply joys.” Above all else, this quote stood out as the essence of the book.
Ruchin and his son Neil decide to undertake the lofty task of fixing up a 1998 Acura Integra, essentially for the sole purpose of teaching Neil to drive a manual car. That simple goal soon turns into a bonding journey, filled with lessons and laughs along the way, from their home in Connecticut all the way to Mount Evans in Colorado. The description of the scenery being one of the joys of the book.
Aside from being a heartwarming story, it also proves to have a little bit of something for everyone. There is of course Teggy (the car) and her restoration, a source of interest for car enthusiasts, an appreciation for architecture throughout, a love of food, and even some aviation. Each of these act as points of connection for Ruchin and Neil, but also add interesting elements for the reader.
Ruchin and his son Neil decide to undertake the lofty task of fixing up a 1998 Acura Integra, essentially for the sole purpose of teaching Neil to drive a manual car. That simple goal soon turns into a bonding journey, filled with lessons and laughs along the way, from their home in Connecticut all the way to Mount Evans in Colorado. The description of the scenery being one of the joys of the book.
Aside from being a heartwarming story, it also proves to have a little bit of something for everyone. There is of course Teggy (the car) and her restoration, a source of interest for car enthusiasts, an appreciation for architecture throughout, a love of food, and even some aviation. Each of these act as points of connection for Ruchin and Neil, but also add interesting elements for the reader.
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October 6, 2025I loved this! I think it's a wonderful piece and loved getting to know Ruchin and his son's journey; something that seemed small and turned into an unexpected adventure that the two of them will cherish forever.
I enjoyed how they pieced everything together, the dual POV, and the way they intertwined the journey of finding Teggy, fixing her up, and the road trip itself, with flashback and memories that invoked lessons learned, new perspectives of the world, and the joy they had then and how it shaped the way they experienced the present.
I also love adventures, and reading theirs taught me a lot about places I have never been to and now want to see. We often take for granted what we have going on, or we get to bogged down with work and daily life, and this book inspired me to find meaning and joy in the little things, while getting out of my comfort zone and try new things even if we can't predict the outcome.
I enjoyed how they pieced everything together, the dual POV, and the way they intertwined the journey of finding Teggy, fixing her up, and the road trip itself, with flashback and memories that invoked lessons learned, new perspectives of the world, and the joy they had then and how it shaped the way they experienced the present.
I also love adventures, and reading theirs taught me a lot about places I have never been to and now want to see. We often take for granted what we have going on, or we get to bogged down with work and daily life, and this book inspired me to find meaning and joy in the little things, while getting out of my comfort zone and try new things even if we can't predict the outcome.
December 11, 2025
There is something much more this book has to offer and is so relatable in so many aspects of our lives . It is:
• A moving, dual-perspective memoir: you see the father’s and son’s inner worlds, their fears, hopes, and transformations.
• A road-trip story with depth — not just about travel or cars, but about rebuilding identity, relationships and hope.
• A source of inspiration — showing how grit, vulnerability, and determination can help turn something battered and broken into something meaningful.
• A reminder of what matters — in a fast world, how slowing down, taking risks, sharing vulnerability, and reconnecting with loved ones can bring real growth.
I also know Ruchin as we held respective leadership roles years ago, I am familiar with his journey over these years and he shares his perspectives that only someone with his experience can bring to this book. That’s what makes this book even more impactful for me as a reader. Simply inspiring .
• A moving, dual-perspective memoir: you see the father’s and son’s inner worlds, their fears, hopes, and transformations.
• A road-trip story with depth — not just about travel or cars, but about rebuilding identity, relationships and hope.
• A source of inspiration — showing how grit, vulnerability, and determination can help turn something battered and broken into something meaningful.
• A reminder of what matters — in a fast world, how slowing down, taking risks, sharing vulnerability, and reconnecting with loved ones can bring real growth.
I also know Ruchin as we held respective leadership roles years ago, I am familiar with his journey over these years and he shares his perspectives that only someone with his experience can bring to this book. That’s what makes this book even more impactful for me as a reader. Simply inspiring .
January 18, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. Ruchin and Neil, a father son duo, take on the impossible: a cross country trip in a refurbished -rebuilt stick shift car. The story takes the reader from day 1, searching for a car... Through rebuilding it together... Through planning the trip... Reaching the peak of Mt. Evans... And what they learned about themselves, life, and everything in between. I loved how the chapters alternate between the father son perspective. Each saw the different cities from their own perspective, and each shared memories of the past, of other travels, and insights to their thoughts and dreams.
It's more than just a book, it's a celebration of the beauty of the American Midwest seen through eyes of 1st/2nd generation immigrants, and it's a celebration of the tapestry of relationships that make each person special. Even the car, "Teggy" was more like a member of the family, than a car.
Well written, with lots of photos. Loved it, totally recommend.
It's more than just a book, it's a celebration of the beauty of the American Midwest seen through eyes of 1st/2nd generation immigrants, and it's a celebration of the tapestry of relationships that make each person special. Even the car, "Teggy" was more like a member of the family, than a car.
Well written, with lots of photos. Loved it, totally recommend.
January 22, 2026
The Kansal Clunker is a great book, very well written.
It is many things, a travelogue, a collection of many stories, a semi-autobiography, a manual on dealing with unexpected challenges, a diary, and above all, it is a beautiful love story.
It is an honest expression of love on multiple dimensions, love between a dad and son, a love for the family. Love of travelling, love of nature, love of automobiles, a love for building stuff, love for taking on challenges, and love for discovering “love that is always around us” as the father-son duo put it eloquently in one of the final chapters.
An easy read, and an inspirational story…an eminently enjoyable must read for everyone who loves a good story that is real, about real people and who welcome insights from everyday life and people around us to become a little better every day….
It is many things, a travelogue, a collection of many stories, a semi-autobiography, a manual on dealing with unexpected challenges, a diary, and above all, it is a beautiful love story.
It is an honest expression of love on multiple dimensions, love between a dad and son, a love for the family. Love of travelling, love of nature, love of automobiles, a love for building stuff, love for taking on challenges, and love for discovering “love that is always around us” as the father-son duo put it eloquently in one of the final chapters.
An easy read, and an inspirational story…an eminently enjoyable must read for everyone who loves a good story that is real, about real people and who welcome insights from everyday life and people around us to become a little better every day….
October 15, 2025
Finishing this book, I understood what the authors meant when they wrote, "The best journeys are the ones that take you places you never expected". Through the shared task of bringing an old clunker back to life and the adventure that follows, this book beautifully captures the evolving relationship between father and son, turning a simple journey into one of deep emotional transformation. There was a lot to learn from this book, but some of my favourites were " improvise, adapt, overcome", Some goals aren't just about reaching a destination they are about the journey, people who walk it with you and the lessons it quietly imparts. I really enjoyed reading this book; it was fast-paced and held my interest until the end.
November 24, 2025
In The Kansal Clunker, Neil and Ruchin Kansal prove that owning our stories is what allows us to write brave new endings. They transform a rusted vehicle into a vessel for profound human connection. Through their journey, Neil and Ruchin demonstrate that true leadership, whether in a family or a team, requires the vulnerability to say “I don’t know,” the resilience to adapt when the road gets rough, and the love to recognize beauty in imperfection.
What begins as a mechanical restoration becomes a spiritual renovation of the father–son bond. This book is a heartwarming reminder that we are all “clunkers” in our own way, waiting for the care and love needed to rebuild ourselves. A must-read on the transformative power of shared adventure!
What begins as a mechanical restoration becomes a spiritual renovation of the father–son bond. This book is a heartwarming reminder that we are all “clunkers” in our own way, waiting for the care and love needed to rebuild ourselves. A must-read on the transformative power of shared adventure!
December 9, 2025
This father-son memoir hit harder than expected. What starts as fixing a beat-up Acura to teach a teenager stick shift becomes something way bigger. I loved how honest they are about the mess. The frustrations, the wrong turns, those moments where you can't tell if you're fixing the car or if the car is fixing you. The 5,000-mile road trip is the perfect backdrop for their transformation: uphill, challenging, absolutely worth it. At 202 pages it doesn't waste a word. The writing feels like someone telling you their story over coffee, not trying to impress you.
If you've ever rebuilt anything or you're thinking about taking that first step toward something hard, read this. It'll stick with you.
Perfect for: Anyone who's ever taken the long way home on purpose.
If you've ever rebuilt anything or you're thinking about taking that first step toward something hard, read this. It'll stick with you.
Perfect for: Anyone who's ever taken the long way home on purpose.
October 8, 2025
⭐️ “More than just a car story.”
A real gem! What starts as a car rebuild becomes a journey of the heart. The Kansal Clunker beautifully captures what it means to mend— with time, patience, and understanding. Neil and Ruchin’s story reminded me that the most meaningful repairs in life are from listening, forgiving, and showing up even when it’s hard. I could almost smell the oil, hear the laughter echoing through the garage, and feel the quiet pride between a father and son who learn to rebuild more than a car—they rebuild each other. It’s the kind of story that lingers long after the last page, leaving you grateful for every shared moment in your own life.
A real gem! What starts as a car rebuild becomes a journey of the heart. The Kansal Clunker beautifully captures what it means to mend— with time, patience, and understanding. Neil and Ruchin’s story reminded me that the most meaningful repairs in life are from listening, forgiving, and showing up even when it’s hard. I could almost smell the oil, hear the laughter echoing through the garage, and feel the quiet pride between a father and son who learn to rebuild more than a car—they rebuild each other. It’s the kind of story that lingers long after the last page, leaving you grateful for every shared moment in your own life.
October 31, 2025
I was not prepared for the life lessons I would learn in this book. What started as following a fun journey between a father and son quickly
turned into an awe inspiring tale of triumphs and tragedy. While I do believe the title is perfect for the story, Teggy is far from a clunker and has made a lasting impact on me, and how I will view challenges in the future. I deeply admire the sense of family, perseverance, individuality, and support depicted throughout the book. I have no doubt that I will think back to Ruchin and Gunjan’s parenting style when I need a reminder of how important it is to nurture and support my son’s interests and dreams.
turned into an awe inspiring tale of triumphs and tragedy. While I do believe the title is perfect for the story, Teggy is far from a clunker and has made a lasting impact on me, and how I will view challenges in the future. I deeply admire the sense of family, perseverance, individuality, and support depicted throughout the book. I have no doubt that I will think back to Ruchin and Gunjan’s parenting style when I need a reminder of how important it is to nurture and support my son’s interests and dreams.
November 28, 2025
Prepare to be thoroughly entertained by Neil Kansal and his father, Ruchin. Sharing perspectives on a singular adventure, they have written a charming book about driving across the country in what they call the Kansal Clunker, a rebuilt 1998 Acura Integra with 159,068 miles. What started as a desire to learn how to drive a car with a manual transmission in 2020 turned into an epic road trip. Stopping at interesting sights along the way filled out an adventure of a lifetime. From Connecticut to Colorado, this was a chance for sixteen year old Neil to get to know his father as a person and vise versa.
I thought the maps, memories, photographs, and family comments were a nice touch.
I thought the maps, memories, photographs, and family comments were a nice touch.
November 29, 2025
This is a warm and heartfelt story about a father and son rebuilding more than just a car. I loved the layers of connection woven throughout—between the two of them, with extended family, old friends, their dog, the car itself, and the many places they visited. The descriptions of each landmark were vivid and nostalgic, and I would imagine with all the places they visited, each reader might have their own personal memories of at least one of these landmarks. I wish it would have included more about one of the author's crossroads moments, but at its core, the book beautifully highlights our universal longing for meaningful time and shared passions with the people we love.
September 16, 2025
Neil and Ruchin Kansal have written a beautiful, poignant memoir that documents their experiences rebuilding their "Kansal Clunker", Teggy, and their subsequent 5000+ mile driving and sightseeing adventures with the car. They share with the reader their loving father-and-son bonding experience, reunions with extended family members and old friends, the overcoming of frustrations and unexpected challenges, and a near-tragedy. The authors' journey of self-discovery and growth is heartwarming, and the book is very well written. Truly a treasured reading experience!
October 16, 2025
The Kansal Clunker is a beautifully written story about a father and son who decided to find an old broken down, dusty manual car and rebuilt it . In the process they built something even more meaningful: their bond.
Once the car is ready they went on a scenic road trip in the U S A .
More than just a travel or car story Kansal Clunker is a touching story of father son bonding.
A must read for anyone who loves road trips,vintage cars and adventures .
Once the car is ready they went on a scenic road trip in the U S A .
More than just a travel or car story Kansal Clunker is a touching story of father son bonding.
A must read for anyone who loves road trips,vintage cars and adventures .
November 27, 2025
As someone who works at the intersection of technology, empathy, and social impact, I was truly moved by The Kansal Clunker. This father–son journey captures the power of building something together — not just a car, but connection, resilience, and purpose. It’s heartfelt, deeply human, and a beautiful reminder that real transformation often begins with a simple act of curiosity and courage. A wonderful and inspiring read.”
— Andoni Serrano, Spain
— Andoni Serrano, Spain
November 30, 2025
This is such feel-good reading. You can feel traveling with them all the way. Besides that, the partnership between son and father that we can appreciate is just beautiful. I think that is a relationship we all wanted with our fathers or our sons. A book full of positivity and lovely adventures. The only moment I felt a little lost in the reading was with the car's mechanical issues, but that was maybe because I don't know anything about cars. But overall, it is an easy, feel-good read!
September 3, 2025
This book was attention-grabbing from the start. As I read it, the storyline continued and it was very intimate and somehow exciting at the same time. A father-son duo fixing up a car and taking it around the US turns into something much more than that in this amazing book, and I'm so glad I had the chance to read this. I adore this book.
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