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No Right Turn
Three years after his father's suicide, Jordan is a self-described zombie. With no friends and no interests, Jordan has made sure he is invisible and alone because it's easier to get by that way. But then salvation comes in the most unlikely form. It's gorgeous, and it's sexy—a 1976 Corvette! Drawn by this beautiful car and the doors it opens for him, Jordan realizes that maybe he can start living. But on the path to recovery, Jordan starts taking risky chances that mean he might just lose everything all over again.
In this forceful novel, Michael L. Printz Honor author Terry Trueman powerfully explores the fragile and resilient spirit of a boy desperate for a lifeline to hold on to.
Ages 14+
In this forceful novel, Michael L. Printz Honor author Terry Trueman powerfully explores the fragile and resilient spirit of a boy desperate for a lifeline to hold on to.
Ages 14+
176 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2006
22 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
September 1, 2016
This is a really sad and heartbreaking book.I think everybody will like this book.
June 5, 2011
Another one I hand to my non-reading boys.
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May 7, 2018I thought this was a good book. This book is about how Jordans dad kills himself and how his life is not good and when his mom starts dating this guy named don who has a corvette he lets Jordan drive it and the next day he steals it from don and keeps doing that every week until the cops catch him. This book is similar to car trouble. I would suggest it to anyone who likes action books or knows any thing about car's.
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January 15, 2021PERSONAL RESPONSE:
I really like No Right Turn by Terry Trueman. Jordan reminds me a lot of myself back when I was younger. I can relate to sneaking vehicles out without anyone knowing and not being questioned, because I looked old enough to drive. The book has great detail throughout and really tells a good story. There are a few spots that get a little boring or confusing for me, and I kind of fade away. For the majority of the book, it is very well written.
PLOT:
No Right Turn is about a kid named Jordan who has spent most of middle school and high school trying to be the invisible kid. After his dad’s suicide, he became very quiet and distant from everyone, including his mother. As the story continues, Jordan begins to open up after he finds out his mom’s new boyfriend has a 1976 Corvette. He ends up telling people that the Corvette is his car and takes it out on his own. Later, Jordan meets a girl named Becka and they start to date. He lies to her about the car being his to impress her. Soon after this, Becka tells Jordan that she does not like lies. Jordan is afraid that if Becka finds out she will break up with him. He goes most of the story without his mom finding out, but towards the end he gets pulled over and Don sees. Don covers for him and doesn’t even get mad, even though Jordan has been stealing his car multiple times. Jordan finally decides that his mother should know. He tells her and she puts him on house arrest for a few months.
CHARACTERIZATION:
Jordan is the main character who is the protagonist of the story. He overcomes his emotions and becomes more open with people. He starts off emotionally scarred from his dad commiting suicide. Jordan never tries to talk about his feelings with anyone and pushes his pain deeper. When he meets Becka, he becomes more open about his feelings.
In my eyes, either his dad or the Corvette could be the antagonist. What his dad did in the past affects Jordan for many years. The Corvette could also be because every time Jordan thinks about the car he gets bad ideas and wants to drive it.
His mom and her boyfriend are also some main characters. The girl he meets, Becka, also has a big part in Jordan sneaking the car out. She partially could be seen as an antagonist. In the end I see her as a protagonist, because she helps Jordan through a rough time and becomes his girlfriend.
SETTING:
The time is based from modern day and mostly takes place at his house in the suburbs. Jordan spends a lot of time driving around in his mom's boyfriend's 1976 Corvette. There are a few times throughout the story where he will jump back to a memory and talk about his past. Occasionally, Jordan is in a school setting, but otherwise this story mostly takes place in the car or at his house.
THEMATIC CONNECTION:
For the theme I am choosing Desire to Escape. He tries being invisible to everyone for a few years and finally decides to steal the Corvette and live in the moment. He takes the car out to feel free and have fun. Jordan also wants to get out of his head so much and not think about his dad all the time.
RECOMMENDATION:
I recommend this book to males around the age of 16 or older. The story involves the boy starting to drive and talk to girls which is very relatable to boys just getting their license. Anyone who enjoys cars might like this book also. He goes to car shows and talks about other types of cars which was interesting to me. If the reader is really into cars, then this book might interest them.
I really like No Right Turn by Terry Trueman. Jordan reminds me a lot of myself back when I was younger. I can relate to sneaking vehicles out without anyone knowing and not being questioned, because I looked old enough to drive. The book has great detail throughout and really tells a good story. There are a few spots that get a little boring or confusing for me, and I kind of fade away. For the majority of the book, it is very well written.
PLOT:
No Right Turn is about a kid named Jordan who has spent most of middle school and high school trying to be the invisible kid. After his dad’s suicide, he became very quiet and distant from everyone, including his mother. As the story continues, Jordan begins to open up after he finds out his mom’s new boyfriend has a 1976 Corvette. He ends up telling people that the Corvette is his car and takes it out on his own. Later, Jordan meets a girl named Becka and they start to date. He lies to her about the car being his to impress her. Soon after this, Becka tells Jordan that she does not like lies. Jordan is afraid that if Becka finds out she will break up with him. He goes most of the story without his mom finding out, but towards the end he gets pulled over and Don sees. Don covers for him and doesn’t even get mad, even though Jordan has been stealing his car multiple times. Jordan finally decides that his mother should know. He tells her and she puts him on house arrest for a few months.
CHARACTERIZATION:
Jordan is the main character who is the protagonist of the story. He overcomes his emotions and becomes more open with people. He starts off emotionally scarred from his dad commiting suicide. Jordan never tries to talk about his feelings with anyone and pushes his pain deeper. When he meets Becka, he becomes more open about his feelings.
In my eyes, either his dad or the Corvette could be the antagonist. What his dad did in the past affects Jordan for many years. The Corvette could also be because every time Jordan thinks about the car he gets bad ideas and wants to drive it.
His mom and her boyfriend are also some main characters. The girl he meets, Becka, also has a big part in Jordan sneaking the car out. She partially could be seen as an antagonist. In the end I see her as a protagonist, because she helps Jordan through a rough time and becomes his girlfriend.
SETTING:
The time is based from modern day and mostly takes place at his house in the suburbs. Jordan spends a lot of time driving around in his mom's boyfriend's 1976 Corvette. There are a few times throughout the story where he will jump back to a memory and talk about his past. Occasionally, Jordan is in a school setting, but otherwise this story mostly takes place in the car or at his house.
THEMATIC CONNECTION:
For the theme I am choosing Desire to Escape. He tries being invisible to everyone for a few years and finally decides to steal the Corvette and live in the moment. He takes the car out to feel free and have fun. Jordan also wants to get out of his head so much and not think about his dad all the time.
RECOMMENDATION:
I recommend this book to males around the age of 16 or older. The story involves the boy starting to drive and talk to girls which is very relatable to boys just getting their license. Anyone who enjoys cars might like this book also. He goes to car shows and talks about other types of cars which was interesting to me. If the reader is really into cars, then this book might interest them.
November 9, 2011
I would recommend the book No Right Turn by Terry Trueman to any audience. It is truly a great story about a boy named Jordan and how he manages to turn his life around three years after his dad’s suicide. This book is definitely a “page turner”. I would rate this book a solid 4 out of 5 stars. One main reason I didn’t give it a 5 out of 5 stars is because it uses many swear words constantly. It is mainly conversations between teenagers so it uses words like “sh*t” and “a*s” a lot and I didn’t like that. One main reason I did give it a 4 out of 5 is because I always wanted to know what Jordan was going to do next! Jordan was dumb and did many stupid things that could have gotten him into a lot of serious trouble. First off Jordan steals his mom’s boyfriend’s Corvette right out of his garage when they were on a date. Jordan knows he shouldn’t have stolen the car, any of the times he did it. Right before he stole it the first time and actually drove it around, he said this to himself: “Getting the car away from the house is much less stressful the second time. Thoughts of arrest, conviction, embarrassment, and totally screwing over Don barely enter my mind as I clear the car out of the garage again and head down Cedar Road.” (52). When Jordan said that I really wanted to know where he was going with the Corvette and why didn’t all those things even cross his mind when he stole the car, which is Car Theft and he could have gone to jail for! Another thing Jordan started doing was lying, and getting into a horrible habit of lying. He told this girl Becka that the Corvette was his and that he would take her on a date in it sometime. He said to her “Hi, Becka, this is Jordan, the Corvette guy-“(65). I think that Jordan got way “head over heels” with this whole lying thing because in school he told everyone he owns the car when he really does not; he is just stealing it from his mom’s boyfriend Don. A last bad thing that Jordan did that really made me want to read on is when he tried to run from the cops. Jordan was taking Becka out for a ride in the Corvette in a 45 mile per hour zone, and he was speeding at about 130 miles an hour when a cop sees him! ‘”What are you doing?” Becka yells. “I’m gonna lose him.” “No!” she says. “Don’t”’ (132). Jordan tried to out run the cop, but Becka was trying to make him do the right thing by making him stop. He later got caught, but Don helped him out. Don says to Jordan the next day “Terrible things happen in life sometimes-things we can’t control. Good things happen, too, but really bad things sometimes. When your dad killed himself- your mom told me how you tried to save him” (147). When Don said this to Jordan I interpreted it as if Don didn’t mind that Jordan was stealing his car or getting in trouble because he knows what Jordan went through and he knows what Jordan was feeling. I truly can’t imagine how this book became a “Banned Book” when it was such a good story. I truly would recommend this book to any audience, it is a great book overall.
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November 19, 2012I read the book No Right Turn By Terry Trueman. I would recommend this book to a peer because of the action. There is not any dead parts throughout the book. A part in this novel that supports my claim is when Jordan is going to steal Don's car. “I dress in dark clothes and walk quietly from my house over to Don's place.... I punch in the code and the garage door opens up and a light automatically turns on. I just freeze and stand there like an idiot, I suddenly realize and hide in the garage. Once the light turns off I quickly scramble th the car and open the door.”[37] When Jordan was sneaking into Don's garage a motion censored light turns on. Jordan just freezes in a moment of panic thinking to himself. What will happen? Will the neighbors see him and wonder why the light is on and come see why?
Another example of excitement is when Jordan goes out for a joy ride and runs into a little trouble. “I hit the gas and we shoot up to seventy... Suddenly I see headlights ahead, so I ease off the gas a bit but we are still going over seventy when we pass a county Sheriff's car.”[132] This a very important part in the novel because Jordan is not only being chased by the police, but by the county sheriff. If the sheriff catches him he will not only be fined for speeding, but also for stealing the car.
Finally there was a happy ending and Jordan left behind his juvenile ways. “ When I'm done explaining about stealing the corvette and how Don saved my *ss from the cops, I pause and let her react.”[153]Jordan explains the situation to his mom. He knows it was wrong. He was very courageous to do this.
I can understand why someone would challenge this book, for the foul language or or juvenile action. But if you over look those aspects the book shows how you can over come things if you try.
That concludes my novel No Right Turn by Terry Trueman is a good novel, and is action filled with a good moral. If you don't think this novel will be good then you should stick to television.
Another example of excitement is when Jordan goes out for a joy ride and runs into a little trouble. “I hit the gas and we shoot up to seventy... Suddenly I see headlights ahead, so I ease off the gas a bit but we are still going over seventy when we pass a county Sheriff's car.”[132] This a very important part in the novel because Jordan is not only being chased by the police, but by the county sheriff. If the sheriff catches him he will not only be fined for speeding, but also for stealing the car.
Finally there was a happy ending and Jordan left behind his juvenile ways. “ When I'm done explaining about stealing the corvette and how Don saved my *ss from the cops, I pause and let her react.”[153]Jordan explains the situation to his mom. He knows it was wrong. He was very courageous to do this.
I can understand why someone would challenge this book, for the foul language or or juvenile action. But if you over look those aspects the book shows how you can over come things if you try.
That concludes my novel No Right Turn by Terry Trueman is a good novel, and is action filled with a good moral. If you don't think this novel will be good then you should stick to television.
December 16, 2013
NO RIGHT TURN
BY: Terry Trueman
In the book “no right turn by Terry Trueman there is action, sorrow, and humor the action comes into play when Jordan go’s for a ride in Dons stingray and go’s 110mph! The book has a lot of sorrow when Jordan’s father kills himself and finally the book is very humorous.
The book “ no right turn” has action around every corner, when Don ( Jordan’s neighbor asks Jordan’s mother out on a date 3 years after her husband’s death, of course she says yes. Jordan first meets Don when he comes to pick up Jordan’s mother out on their date, that is when Jordan first falls in love with Don’s Stingray, While Don and Jordan are talking Don offers Jordan a ride in his Stingray next week. When Jordan is walking home from school he finds Don polishing and cleaning his Stingray, Don brings up the ride and of course Jordan accepts! Once they reach the end of the street the turn onto the main road and Don guns’ it going 110 mph!
The book has sorrow when you find out that Jordan’s father killed himself when Jordan was at the young tender age of 13, he killed himself at his desk in the den when Jordan got home from school, Jordan says he didn’t care enough about his own son to consider whether he was home or not. This is one of the lowest points of the book for Jordan.
This book can also be very humorous the character Wally (Jordan’s best friend) is often used as comic relief, Wally and Jordan gat along so well because much like Jordan Wally also has a shady past.
In closing I highly recommend the book “No right turn” because it is action packed, suspenseful, and humorous.
BY: Terry Trueman
In the book “no right turn by Terry Trueman there is action, sorrow, and humor the action comes into play when Jordan go’s for a ride in Dons stingray and go’s 110mph! The book has a lot of sorrow when Jordan’s father kills himself and finally the book is very humorous.
The book “ no right turn” has action around every corner, when Don ( Jordan’s neighbor asks Jordan’s mother out on a date 3 years after her husband’s death, of course she says yes. Jordan first meets Don when he comes to pick up Jordan’s mother out on their date, that is when Jordan first falls in love with Don’s Stingray, While Don and Jordan are talking Don offers Jordan a ride in his Stingray next week. When Jordan is walking home from school he finds Don polishing and cleaning his Stingray, Don brings up the ride and of course Jordan accepts! Once they reach the end of the street the turn onto the main road and Don guns’ it going 110 mph!
The book has sorrow when you find out that Jordan’s father killed himself when Jordan was at the young tender age of 13, he killed himself at his desk in the den when Jordan got home from school, Jordan says he didn’t care enough about his own son to consider whether he was home or not. This is one of the lowest points of the book for Jordan.
This book can also be very humorous the character Wally (Jordan’s best friend) is often used as comic relief, Wally and Jordan gat along so well because much like Jordan Wally also has a shady past.
In closing I highly recommend the book “No right turn” because it is action packed, suspenseful, and humorous.
October 25, 2016
Personal response.I liked this book because there was a lot of suspense, like when Jordan always stole the car, he always did something that could easily have many conciquenses. The one that had the most suspense was when he stole the car and ran from the cops, he also used nitrous.
Plot summary.This book was good. In the beginning he talks about his dad and how he killed himself while only Jordan was home and he tried to save him. then it moved to three years later in school, he is a noby after his dad died he became a zombie. At this point his mom is dating a guy that just moved to town, he has a Corvette! So her boyfriend takes Jordan for a ride and he feels alive again, so he decides to steal it. At first he takes it once every 2 weeks then it gradually got more often. He meets the hottest girl in school and she likes him but he tells her the car is his. She gets mad about the lie and then they go on a make up ride and he runs from the cops and he gets back to his house and the cops are there and so is don, her mom's boyfriend, and he lets him of the hook then gets back with his girlfriend.
recommendation.I would recommend this book to age 12-16 and all genders for the suspense. The story line is also very good, there is a lot of action. That is why i would recommend it for that specific age because of the language.
Plot summary.This book was good. In the beginning he talks about his dad and how he killed himself while only Jordan was home and he tried to save him. then it moved to three years later in school, he is a noby after his dad died he became a zombie. At this point his mom is dating a guy that just moved to town, he has a Corvette! So her boyfriend takes Jordan for a ride and he feels alive again, so he decides to steal it. At first he takes it once every 2 weeks then it gradually got more often. He meets the hottest girl in school and she likes him but he tells her the car is his. She gets mad about the lie and then they go on a make up ride and he runs from the cops and he gets back to his house and the cops are there and so is don, her mom's boyfriend, and he lets him of the hook then gets back with his girlfriend.
recommendation.I would recommend this book to age 12-16 and all genders for the suspense. The story line is also very good, there is a lot of action. That is why i would recommend it for that specific age because of the language.
October 23, 2018
This book is a very interesting book because there is some stuff that is unexpected stuff in the beginning because the book has some sad moments about the connection of the character and his father in the past.Although the book is very good because I have some connections with the character because some of the stuff the character does I would do too also I felt his pain in the beginning of the story.Through out the book It get´s very hype because It´s about a classic car and that´s my kinda thing is but this is spoilers It´s his moms bf´s car and he is not very interested until...his moms bf ask if he wants to take a ride after they take a ride the character falls in love with the car the character won´t stop thinking about the car like he is having withdraws.My whole review about the whole book is that It has things I love in it,thing´s I have in common with the character,and the things that has a turning point to it love those but overall book is amazing.
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January 20, 2011it was awesome book, and worth reading. there were good details in it the book. i was very eager when i was reading this book and i dont read books often. but not in the beggining when the boys father shot himself. he was going threw alot, he only had one friend, that he told everything to. he was very discipline after his dad died, he thought it was all his fault. but everything got better once his mom got a new boyfriend. his mom and new boyfriend would go on dates and the boy would take the corvette and cruise. he got the girl of his dreams and the hottest girl around at his school. because of the sexy car but he thought that was the only reason why she was talking to him.he also got to ride in a car like everyday and it was a pretty sexy car. everything just worked out for him in the end and was better then when his dad was alive.
December 11, 2021
A simple story about a guy who's three-years-out from his father's suicide. Mom's new boyfriend has a cool car; guy steals the car for joyrides, meets a girl. What could go wrong? It all turns out OK in the end in this book that would probably work in middle schools as well as high schools.
This is an older title, and I'm surprise how much as shifted since its 2005 publication. Do teens EVER talk on the telephone anymore? Could a kid be fairly anonymous at school, given the ubiquity of social media? Would a teen languish for three years without any counseling after a parent's death by suicide? Do they still use 'retard' casually, even as they defend people with cognitive disabilities?
I will be offering this to HS students who love cars and don't have a decent track record with reading. Fans of Slide or Die may take this one on.
This is an older title, and I'm surprise how much as shifted since its 2005 publication. Do teens EVER talk on the telephone anymore? Could a kid be fairly anonymous at school, given the ubiquity of social media? Would a teen languish for three years without any counseling after a parent's death by suicide? Do they still use 'retard' casually, even as they defend people with cognitive disabilities?
I will be offering this to HS students who love cars and don't have a decent track record with reading. Fans of Slide or Die may take this one on.
March 28, 2018
I gave this book four stars because I enjoyed it. I enjoyed this because it seemed like the events in the book could actually happen in real life. I also enjoyed it because it was a shorter book so I read it way faster than if it had a bunch of pages. The book was a page turner and for once I actually just read it to read which never happens. There really is not anything I didn't like about the book.
September 28, 2017
No Right Turn was a decent book. It was well planned out with some thrills, and I enjoy how the plot comes together at the end. However, I feel like the book just got boring too many times in the book. Too many times was the main character doing the same thing over and over and over again. It also didn't use any new or tough vocab, and was a really quick read.
January 20, 2024
4/4: Terry Trueman made me fall in love with reading all over again in my teenage years - this classic is such a perfect story for any teenager that feels alone or misunderstood, or can't understand life themselves.
June 14, 2019
ii liked this book because it has the same common likings as my self
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October 12, 2016 Imagine losing your dad to suicide. Would you turn to be a human zombie and not associate with any other living human being like Jordan does? Would you just not say a word and live your live in sorrow and sadness? Or would you take the second road to recovery?
In the book No Right Turn, There is a sorrowed child named Jordan. His dad just killed himself and Jordan doesn't know how to take it. Especially when his mom gets a new man. What is so good about this guy? The only thing im gonna say is he has a smoking hot Chevy corvette. Riding in it with don the owner might just be to much for Jordan to handle. Will Jordan break the laws and steal it? Or is he going to keep it cool and play by the rules.
Told in the first person, Jordan’s web of lies about the car leads to a rather scary climax and some tentative resolution about cars, girlfriends and life and death. Readers will be taken with Jordan’s matter of factness about his sorrow and isolation, and how he locks himself up in lies. I you love action and scary situated books, read this book.
This is a great book in my opinion. My reasons for saying that. One because it is action packed with great escapes and life lessons. Two it is a book that I think most people can relate to. Whether it is someone loved passing away, or just getting the thrill of sharp adrenaline. Last but not least, my favorite reason, personally I love anything to do with cars and this book has everything to do with them.
This book is an easy five stars. I recommend it to anybody in their teens and up to twenties. Would be a good book for anyone to read but it has some swear words and gory content.
In the book No Right Turn, There is a sorrowed child named Jordan. His dad just killed himself and Jordan doesn't know how to take it. Especially when his mom gets a new man. What is so good about this guy? The only thing im gonna say is he has a smoking hot Chevy corvette. Riding in it with don the owner might just be to much for Jordan to handle. Will Jordan break the laws and steal it? Or is he going to keep it cool and play by the rules.
Told in the first person, Jordan’s web of lies about the car leads to a rather scary climax and some tentative resolution about cars, girlfriends and life and death. Readers will be taken with Jordan’s matter of factness about his sorrow and isolation, and how he locks himself up in lies. I you love action and scary situated books, read this book.
This is a great book in my opinion. My reasons for saying that. One because it is action packed with great escapes and life lessons. Two it is a book that I think most people can relate to. Whether it is someone loved passing away, or just getting the thrill of sharp adrenaline. Last but not least, my favorite reason, personally I love anything to do with cars and this book has everything to do with them.
This book is an easy five stars. I recommend it to anybody in their teens and up to twenties. Would be a good book for anyone to read but it has some swear words and gory content.
June 10, 2019
I think this book was interesting and i liked the book and it kinda obvious what was going to happen next
July 26, 2012
Jordan was the only one home when his father killed himself. Jordan was the one who ran into his office and found him with a gun in his hand, a little red and black hole in his temple, and a cloud of smoke overhead. Jordan is the one who had to call 911 and attempt CPR until the paramedics arrived. And Jordan has always believed this meant that he was a loser… his father waited to kill himself until they were alone because he hated him. That’s more than enough to really mess a person up. So, for three years, Jordan has made himself invisible; he has cut himself off from his friends, quit sports, and become mute during school. Jordan and his mom were existing in their own kind of “normal” until she got asked out by Don Lugar, a neighbor from down the street. Jordan didn’t like the guy from the get-go… but then he saw his car. A 1976 Corvette Stingray… white on top and aqua on bottom. Chromed out and shiny. The first time Don took him for a ride, the speed, the power, the roar of the engine made Jordan feel alive for the first time in years. Then, Don let Jordan drive and he was hooked. He knew he would be taking the Stingray for a drive again, but Don would never give him permission. Then, Jordan finds out that Don is out of town every Wednesday until late… his mom works until midnight… it’s not really stealing if you’re going to bring it back. Right?
I think Terry Trueman intended for this to be a really powerful book about a young boy struggling to cope with the death of his father. I think we were supposed to be taken on a journey of acceptance and rebirth with Jordan. I wasn’t moved. I mean, the character’s thoughts and feelings were believable, but I think because of the brevity of Trueman’s books, he is forced to focus on storyline at the expense of character development. However, I still liked this book. For me, what was so captivating was the danger… the thrill and the risk of taking something that isn’t yours. We all know it’s not a matter of if you’ll get caught, but when. And that’s what kept me flying through pages. When was Jordan going to be caught? How? Jordan was taking HUGE risks (racing, using the nitrous oxide system, outrunning cops)… it seemed inevitable that things would not end well. I just HAD TO know what was going to happen next. So, sorry Terry, if you intended for this to be an emotionally gripping story, I didn’t get it. However, I completely got an adrenaline rush from the plot!
Good book for girls? Only if they’re huge Terry Trueman fans. Good book for boys. Absolutely! It’s fast-paced, action-packed, realistic, and short. It’s got hot cars and danger. Totally a boy book. The best thing I’ve read this summer? No. But, a good read, nonetheless. And on a side note, I just found out Trueman has a sequel to “Stuck in Neutral” coming out in August. Guess we all know what happened that night between Shawn and his dad. I’m a little hesitant, though. I’m not sure anything will ever live up to “Stuck in Neutral.” Additionally, the power of “Stuck in Neutral” comes from the ending… the not knowing. Now that this book is out, some of the impact is going to be lessened for future readers. Oh well. I’m buying the book, regardless. Got to know where it goes!
I think Terry Trueman intended for this to be a really powerful book about a young boy struggling to cope with the death of his father. I think we were supposed to be taken on a journey of acceptance and rebirth with Jordan. I wasn’t moved. I mean, the character’s thoughts and feelings were believable, but I think because of the brevity of Trueman’s books, he is forced to focus on storyline at the expense of character development. However, I still liked this book. For me, what was so captivating was the danger… the thrill and the risk of taking something that isn’t yours. We all know it’s not a matter of if you’ll get caught, but when. And that’s what kept me flying through pages. When was Jordan going to be caught? How? Jordan was taking HUGE risks (racing, using the nitrous oxide system, outrunning cops)… it seemed inevitable that things would not end well. I just HAD TO know what was going to happen next. So, sorry Terry, if you intended for this to be an emotionally gripping story, I didn’t get it. However, I completely got an adrenaline rush from the plot!
Good book for girls? Only if they’re huge Terry Trueman fans. Good book for boys. Absolutely! It’s fast-paced, action-packed, realistic, and short. It’s got hot cars and danger. Totally a boy book. The best thing I’ve read this summer? No. But, a good read, nonetheless. And on a side note, I just found out Trueman has a sequel to “Stuck in Neutral” coming out in August. Guess we all know what happened that night between Shawn and his dad. I’m a little hesitant, though. I’m not sure anything will ever live up to “Stuck in Neutral.” Additionally, the power of “Stuck in Neutral” comes from the ending… the not knowing. Now that this book is out, some of the impact is going to be lessened for future readers. Oh well. I’m buying the book, regardless. Got to know where it goes!
May 11, 2008
Reviewed by Me for TeensReadToo.com
Anyone who knows me knows how much I love Terry Trueman's books, so I won't waste time praising his virtues. Although come to think of it, he might appreciate that. Still, the story of sixteen-year old Jordan, the main character of NO RIGHT TURN, should hopefully be praise enough.
Suicide is never pretty. But when you're a teen, and the last thing your father says to you before he shoots himself is "it's all such bullshit," suicide becomes something bigger than a simple death. It's the thing you think about all the time, and yet never talk about. You wonder, almost constantly, why your father would apologize, then take himself out of your life forever. You wonder which part of life was bullshit--the fact that he was married to your mother?; that he had you as a son?; that his life was boring and predictable with a job and bills and a family to weigh him down?
Several years later, Jordan still doesn't have any answers. All he knows is that his dad is dead, and by his own hand, and that there's no joy in his life. Actually, Jordan doesn't have much of a life at all. All of that changes, though, when his mom starts dating Don Lugar, a guy who owns something that Jordan suddenly can't live without--a 1976 Corvette, a Stingray with a custom paint job, tinted windows, big tires, and a cool canister of nitrous that will really make that baby go.
The first time he goes for a ride in the 'Vette with Don, Jordan realizes that going 110 mph in that car is the first time in a very long while that he can remember feeling alive. The first time, in fact, that he doesn't feel like a walking zombie. So Jordan comes up with the brilliant idea of taking the 'Vette for a drive--by himself--one Wednesday night when Don is out of town. Just one time, one drive by himself, is all he needs to recapture that feeling of being part of the world.
But one time isn't enough, of course, and it doesn't help matters when he meets cheerleader Becka Thorson, one of the most popular girls in school, during one of his clandestine drives. Now the girl of his dreams thinks he's some cool guy with a custom 'Vette, and Jordan's desperate to keep up the image he's created. Once wasn't enough with the car, and he doesn't know what will have to happen to come clean to Becka--and to Don and his mother.
NO RIGHT TURN is another winer from Terry Trueman. Heartfelt, emotional, and full of true-to-life characters, this is a story for anyone who has ever felt like their world has been turned upside down--and for those who don't know how to put it back right-side-up. Definitely a recommended read.
Anyone who knows me knows how much I love Terry Trueman's books, so I won't waste time praising his virtues. Although come to think of it, he might appreciate that. Still, the story of sixteen-year old Jordan, the main character of NO RIGHT TURN, should hopefully be praise enough.
Suicide is never pretty. But when you're a teen, and the last thing your father says to you before he shoots himself is "it's all such bullshit," suicide becomes something bigger than a simple death. It's the thing you think about all the time, and yet never talk about. You wonder, almost constantly, why your father would apologize, then take himself out of your life forever. You wonder which part of life was bullshit--the fact that he was married to your mother?; that he had you as a son?; that his life was boring and predictable with a job and bills and a family to weigh him down?
Several years later, Jordan still doesn't have any answers. All he knows is that his dad is dead, and by his own hand, and that there's no joy in his life. Actually, Jordan doesn't have much of a life at all. All of that changes, though, when his mom starts dating Don Lugar, a guy who owns something that Jordan suddenly can't live without--a 1976 Corvette, a Stingray with a custom paint job, tinted windows, big tires, and a cool canister of nitrous that will really make that baby go.
The first time he goes for a ride in the 'Vette with Don, Jordan realizes that going 110 mph in that car is the first time in a very long while that he can remember feeling alive. The first time, in fact, that he doesn't feel like a walking zombie. So Jordan comes up with the brilliant idea of taking the 'Vette for a drive--by himself--one Wednesday night when Don is out of town. Just one time, one drive by himself, is all he needs to recapture that feeling of being part of the world.
But one time isn't enough, of course, and it doesn't help matters when he meets cheerleader Becka Thorson, one of the most popular girls in school, during one of his clandestine drives. Now the girl of his dreams thinks he's some cool guy with a custom 'Vette, and Jordan's desperate to keep up the image he's created. Once wasn't enough with the car, and he doesn't know what will have to happen to come clean to Becka--and to Don and his mother.
NO RIGHT TURN is another winer from Terry Trueman. Heartfelt, emotional, and full of true-to-life characters, this is a story for anyone who has ever felt like their world has been turned upside down--and for those who don't know how to put it back right-side-up. Definitely a recommended read.
November 26, 2012
No Right Turn Sean McHale
By: Terry Trueman
I read the book No Right Turn Terry Trueman and I would recommend this book to my friends because it has a lot of suspense, irony, and action.
This book is ironic because Wally (Jordan’s best friend) says to Jordan “Dude there is no way you could even get a girl to talk to you” (76). This is ironic because at the time Wally says this he didn’t know that Jordan had a girlfriend that very moment. Also Wally says that a girl wouldn’t even talk to him but ironically Jordan has a beautiful, funny, and smart girlfriend who is the most popular girl in school and is captain of the cheer squad. In addition to Jordan having a girlfriend; Wally doesn’t even have the right to say something like this to Jordan because he couldn’t even get a girl to talk to him. Wally is sort of a loser at their high school.
The way this author has captured suspense is like no other book I have read. One suspenseful part was in the beginning of the book and Jordan and his father where home alone; his father in the den and jordan in the living room. And all the sudden Jordan heres a BANG! As he runs to the den to see what has happens. His father shot himself and Jordan was there to find him. At age seven. The reason this part was so suspenseful is because when Jordan found his dad dying on the floor he ran over and started to give him C.P.R but it didn’t work. Jordan tried for hours but nothing worked. Also The worst part is that Jordan’s father had the nerve to kill himself while Jordan was there with him.
This book has a lot of action and exciting high speed moments in it that make the book interesting. Some action took place on page (143) when Jordan and his girlfriend happen to get into a car chase with the police. The reason this part is exciting is because not only is it illegal to run from the police, Jordan is also under-age and has another kid in the car who is also under-age. Plus the car is technically stolen from Don Lugar .
Some people might think that all the illegal Things that go on in No Right Turn are a bad influence for young teens and children. Although there are many illegal things that go on in No Right Turn those things make the book interesting for teens who understand whats going on.
Some people think that all the swearing and sexual profanity should not be in the book because it influences children and young teens to do the same thing. But in the real world people talk like this, people act like this, and people do stuff like this but just because people do bad stuff doesn’t mean its going to influence children and young adults.
By: Terry Trueman
I read the book No Right Turn Terry Trueman and I would recommend this book to my friends because it has a lot of suspense, irony, and action.
This book is ironic because Wally (Jordan’s best friend) says to Jordan “Dude there is no way you could even get a girl to talk to you” (76). This is ironic because at the time Wally says this he didn’t know that Jordan had a girlfriend that very moment. Also Wally says that a girl wouldn’t even talk to him but ironically Jordan has a beautiful, funny, and smart girlfriend who is the most popular girl in school and is captain of the cheer squad. In addition to Jordan having a girlfriend; Wally doesn’t even have the right to say something like this to Jordan because he couldn’t even get a girl to talk to him. Wally is sort of a loser at their high school.
The way this author has captured suspense is like no other book I have read. One suspenseful part was in the beginning of the book and Jordan and his father where home alone; his father in the den and jordan in the living room. And all the sudden Jordan heres a BANG! As he runs to the den to see what has happens. His father shot himself and Jordan was there to find him. At age seven. The reason this part was so suspenseful is because when Jordan found his dad dying on the floor he ran over and started to give him C.P.R but it didn’t work. Jordan tried for hours but nothing worked. Also The worst part is that Jordan’s father had the nerve to kill himself while Jordan was there with him.
This book has a lot of action and exciting high speed moments in it that make the book interesting. Some action took place on page (143) when Jordan and his girlfriend happen to get into a car chase with the police. The reason this part is exciting is because not only is it illegal to run from the police, Jordan is also under-age and has another kid in the car who is also under-age. Plus the car is technically stolen from Don Lugar .
Some people might think that all the illegal Things that go on in No Right Turn are a bad influence for young teens and children. Although there are many illegal things that go on in No Right Turn those things make the book interesting for teens who understand whats going on.
Some people think that all the swearing and sexual profanity should not be in the book because it influences children and young teens to do the same thing. But in the real world people talk like this, people act like this, and people do stuff like this but just because people do bad stuff doesn’t mean its going to influence children and young adults.
March 16, 2017
This book is good. I like this book because it was kinda dramatic. I prefer this book if you like reading about a person being able to get his life back. I kinda dislike that the dad died in the begging of the book.
November 1, 2012
I really enjoy this book for a lot of reasons. One of the biggest reasons that I liked it is all the suspense in the book that just wants to keep you flipping the page. For example, when Jordan is in Don Lugar’s corvette and he’s speeding at 100 miles per hour in a 35 mile per hour zone, you wonder if he’s going to crash or get pulled over by a cop. Or at the end of the book when he is flying down the street in Don’s corvette again, a cop drives past him and turns around. Jordan notices it and he starts to go even faster. The whole time he is driving your just thinking, will he get caught? The cop starts gaining on him and that’s where things get really crazy, Jordan turns on the nitrous and floors it. In less than 10 seconds, the cop is out of sight. Then Jordan drops his girlfriend, Becka, off at her house before leaving to Don’s to drop off the corvette. When he turns onto his and Don’s street, it finally hits Jordan and the reader. The cop is in Don’s driveway and is standing outside with Don. This is my favorite part of the book. When Jordan gets out of the car, Don cuts off Jordan and says I thought I told you not to speed when driving the corvette right in front of the cop. Don is Jordan’s mom’s boyfriend. They have known each other for a few months, and Don didn’t actually know that Jordan was out with his precious corvette. That is why this book really gets me thinking. Why would he save Jordan from being arrested if he was stealing his corvette? Don and Jordan talk about it the next morning and Don just tells Jordan that he’s disappointed in him and says that he’s a good kid that deserves a second chance and that’s why he saved him. I gave this book a four out of five stars because I believe it needed one thing. It should have had a couple more crazy scenarios like the one I just explained above.
July 10, 2016
After reading (and loving) both Terry Trueman's books, Stuck in Neutral and Inside Out I was happy to see a copy of this at my local thrift store. I was a bit troubled to see that it was an uncorrected proof copy that was never meant to have been circulating but I figured that as it had most likely been distributed for review and I'd be reviewing it that moral dilemma was a small one. That said...
Jordan is devastated when his dad commits suicide and quickly becomes a friendless, troubled teen. Three years pass and while his mother has started to heal, Jordan has not. He's become a self described zombie. But the boyfriend's classic 1976 Corvette Sting-Ray may be the key to Jordan's turning the corner. Jordan finds himself drawn to the car and to some risky behavior.
Trueman is great with the young adolescent male POV and his first person present tense narrative works really well with young men who generally live in the moment and aren't prone to retrospection.
The novel is a quick engaging read if not quite as powerful as the two earlier works I cited. But then I'm not a "car guy" and as Jordan's romantic interest so aptly says "Guys and Cars... Good Lord!"
Read it and judge for yourself.
Jordan is devastated when his dad commits suicide and quickly becomes a friendless, troubled teen. Three years pass and while his mother has started to heal, Jordan has not. He's become a self described zombie. But the boyfriend's classic 1976 Corvette Sting-Ray may be the key to Jordan's turning the corner. Jordan finds himself drawn to the car and to some risky behavior.
Trueman is great with the young adolescent male POV and his first person present tense narrative works really well with young men who generally live in the moment and aren't prone to retrospection.
The novel is a quick engaging read if not quite as powerful as the two earlier works I cited. But then I'm not a "car guy" and as Jordan's romantic interest so aptly says "Guys and Cars... Good Lord!"
Read it and judge for yourself.
October 21, 2014
I think this book was a great book. I read it within a few days. I couldn't stop. This book is about a boy who heard his dad kill himself and he was the only one there. His mom is at work. After that, he quit football and he was the star wide-receiver of the team. The team asked for him to come back but he said no. After that, he became really quite like a zombie. He met wally. He was a new kid and he was quite to. A few years later after the death of his dad, his mom finally decided to go out with another man for the first time since the suicide. This guy lived down the block and he owned a Corvette Stingray from 1972. He kept it in mint condition and loved the car. He put a lot of money into it and more was to come. One day after school, the kid asked questions about the "vette" and he offered him a ride in it. They whipped around at very fast speeds and the owner asked if the kid wanted to drive and he said sure! After that, he had to drive it more and more and more so he took it out on wednesday while the owner was out on a business trip like he always was on that day every week. One time while taking it out he meant a girl. The most popular cheerleader at the high school and after awhile of hanging like a few weeks, they started to date but then stuff went wrong and they broke up. He needed to talk to her so he called and asked if they could talk and she said yes. He picked her up in the vette and drove around. When he was going really fast, a cop started to chase them. He hit the NOS in the car and if you wanna figure out the rest, you could read the book!
January 25, 2009
At age 13, Jordan James is home alone with his father when he hears a gunshot. Right away, he knows what's happened. And although his following actions are brave beyond belief, that's not how they stick in his mind. His rendition of events leads him to slowly become invisible. He pushes away all his friends, discontinues dealings with anyone who wants to talk about, or knows about, his father, and by Junior year, is essentially anonymous.
That year, his mother begins dating again. Don, who lives down the street from Jordan and his mom, is the proud owner of a '76 Corvette Stingray. After one ride in the car, Jordan is hooked. He begins regularly stopping by to help Don work on the 'Vette after school. And once he learns the keys are always in it, begins to sneak out at night to borrow it.
One such night, out for a joyride, he comes upon Becka Thorson on the side of the road, needing help. Becka is a "cheerleader goddess," and Jordan can't believe his luck. The minor details that he's lied to her about who he is, and about owning the car, don't seem to matter in contrast to the fact that she likes him. But the lies quickly pile up and things begin to spin out of Jordan's control.
As has to happen, his luck eventually runs out, and he gets caught. But this doesn't turn out to be the disaster he foresaw. And in the end, it's this climax of events that leads Jordan to do what he never could before. Open up, let go, and begin to heal.
That year, his mother begins dating again. Don, who lives down the street from Jordan and his mom, is the proud owner of a '76 Corvette Stingray. After one ride in the car, Jordan is hooked. He begins regularly stopping by to help Don work on the 'Vette after school. And once he learns the keys are always in it, begins to sneak out at night to borrow it.
One such night, out for a joyride, he comes upon Becka Thorson on the side of the road, needing help. Becka is a "cheerleader goddess," and Jordan can't believe his luck. The minor details that he's lied to her about who he is, and about owning the car, don't seem to matter in contrast to the fact that she likes him. But the lies quickly pile up and things begin to spin out of Jordan's control.
As has to happen, his luck eventually runs out, and he gets caught. But this doesn't turn out to be the disaster he foresaw. And in the end, it's this climax of events that leads Jordan to do what he never could before. Open up, let go, and begin to heal.
June 13, 2012
Since his fathers suicide, Jordan's been in misery, thinking that he was the reason his father had killed himself. Don Lugar, the man that his mother had been seeing, owns a '76 Corvette. Jordan wants nothing to do with him, but he seems to be drawn to his 'Vette. Many days after school, he'd strike up a conversation with Don on his driveway. Once Jordan gets a taste of the rush of driving the 'Vette, he keeps coming back, taking the 'Vette out without permission. Becka Thorson, the most popular girl in school, suddenly takes notice of him. Jordan takes the car a couple more times, sometimes to take Becka out, until he gets caught. Don doesn't punish him, but instead offers him a deal; in three months time, Jordan could use the car, but obviously with some conditions. After all this time, Jordan finally realizes that life goes on when bad things happen.
I picked this book because the blurb on the back cover interested me. The title caught my attention, but I don't fully understand why the book was named 'No Right Turn'.
I finished this book because I wondered if Jordan would ruin the car somehow so that Don would eventually have to find out he'd been taking it.
I recommend this book to people who like reading teen fiction.
I picked this book because the blurb on the back cover interested me. The title caught my attention, but I don't fully understand why the book was named 'No Right Turn'.
I finished this book because I wondered if Jordan would ruin the car somehow so that Don would eventually have to find out he'd been taking it.
I recommend this book to people who like reading teen fiction.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2014
Jordan had just came home from school. Then randomly, his dad just started apologizing.. Why? Jordan didn't know. He just knew his dad had just shot his self and even why attempting to save him, it didn't work. So since then, Jordan is a loner until he gets involved with this car but a stolen one.
What I like about this story is that he doesn't just forget his dad's death. He still didn't know what his father was apologizing for at all. So Jordan was just so lost in the world. I also liked that there was a lot of foreshadowing in the story and a lot of clues of maybe why his father killed himself. Pay close attention if you ever read it.
What I didn't like about this story was the fact that the father didn't tell what was the problem. You're just going to leave your son numb and dumb in this world without knowing what the hell was going on? I also didn't like that he was a thief in the story cause he didn't know how to control his self. His father probably didn't raise him right so thats probably why he did it.
I recommend this book to any teen who has gone through death dealing with family members and anybody who just like hearing stories about teen problems.
What I like about this story is that he doesn't just forget his dad's death. He still didn't know what his father was apologizing for at all. So Jordan was just so lost in the world. I also liked that there was a lot of foreshadowing in the story and a lot of clues of maybe why his father killed himself. Pay close attention if you ever read it.
What I didn't like about this story was the fact that the father didn't tell what was the problem. You're just going to leave your son numb and dumb in this world without knowing what the hell was going on? I also didn't like that he was a thief in the story cause he didn't know how to control his self. His father probably didn't raise him right so thats probably why he did it.
I recommend this book to any teen who has gone through death dealing with family members and anybody who just like hearing stories about teen problems.
November 9, 2011
No Right Turn By: Terry Trueman was a great book and i would recomend it to anyone. The book is suspense filed. One part that had me bitting my fingernails is the first time that Jordan ever stole the 'Vette.' Another part that had me turning pages is when Jordan raced against Adam Scott in a parking lot. A final part that had me on the edge om my seet is when Jordan was at the corvette show and Becka showed up. No Right Turn is an exciting, interesting, and suspenseful. I found myself reading this book everyday. I really enjoyed it and it fitted my style of reading perfectly. If you ever want to rea a realife/ drama book that will keep you turning pages then you should read this book!
November 7, 2012
This is an very interesting book. It starts off very boring but as you keep reading, you get caught in and want to know what happens next. It seems like after he father's death, he isolates himself but after a while he starts to find a "new" side of himself. He becomes more curious about the things around for example his mom's new friends car. He decides to take it for a drive and loves the feeling so he says that he is going to do it again. The book builds the suspense to the next climax and i like it cause it describes the story of some kids that go through tough times in high school so that makes it more interesting to maybe know what some of my friends may be going through and what they are thinking.
April 15, 2015
I loved Terry Trueman's book, "Stuck in Neutral", so I was pleased to discover "No Right Turn" was just as good. Jordan is a high school student who is suffering from guilt because of his father's suicide three years before. He describes himself as an invisible zombie who just goes through the motions of life. When Jordan's mom begins dating Don, their neighbor down the street, Jordan does not approve. It is not until Jordan sees Don's stingray corvette that his life begins to change. Without Don's knowledge, Jordan begins taking the corvette out on Wednesday night joy rides around the town. The book sends a powerful message about depression and coping with the loss of a loved one. A great book recommendation for apprehensive readers because of the shorter length and lower Lexile.
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