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Derailed
Wendell “Stony” Stoneking is not one to worry. Everyone likes him. His girlfriend is gorgeous and very willing to please―anytime, anywhere. He is the star of his high school football team. And when he graduates, there’s a steady job in the gravel quarry waiting for him. Then he meets Robyn, a single mom with a dark past. Suddenly Stony is more bothered than he has been in a long time―not only by the violence Robyn has endured, but by the danger she could put him in. For the first time, Stony reflects on his own life, his broken family, and the dizzying notion of a wide-open future. Evocatively set in rural Iowa, Derailed is the story of what happens when you open your eyes and start to care enough to risk everything.
- GenresYoung Adult
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2006
About the author
Jon Ripslinger
18 books24 followersAfter Jon Ripslinger retired as a public high school English teacher, he began a career as an author. He has published many young adult novels and truly enjoys writing books for teens. He has also published numerous short stories in Woman’s World magazine.
Jon and his wife, Colette, live in Iowa. They are the proud parents of six children, and they have thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
When not working writing, Jon enjoys the outdoors, especially fishing. He waits patiently for the next “big one” to strike.
Jon and his wife, Colette, live in Iowa. They are the proud parents of six children, and they have thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
When not working writing, Jon enjoys the outdoors, especially fishing. He waits patiently for the next “big one” to strike.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 17, 2012
Not having an preconceived ideas about a book prior to reading is a wonderful thing.
I really like Derailed. Although there were a few points I wish the editor had spent just a little more time.
Derailed is told from the perspective of Stony. High school hot shot who’s pretty sure he know what his future holds. He’s also learned that as long as he smiles, he can convince the world that everything’s okay. At the beginning of the story, Stony has started to wonder if maybe there’s more to the world than following in his parent’s foot steps.
Stoney’s tutor is not at all what she expected. She’s cold, doesn’t care about his celebrity status, and has led a very troubled past.
My only complaint with the characters is that the relationship moved a little quickly, and felt like it was rushed in interest of plot development.
My biggest complaint with Derailed is the climax, which was just a bit far-fetched for my taste. I can only take so many stupid teen antics in dangerous situation before I’m rolling my eyes. The build up to the climax was very good, and the way the climax ended was also good. Like I said, my objection was with the stupid teen antics.
I love Riplinger’s writing style. He has a very clear writing style, and doesn’t use any extra words. He also doesn’t shy away from the harsher elements of teenage life.
I really like Derailed. Although there were a few points I wish the editor had spent just a little more time.
Derailed is told from the perspective of Stony. High school hot shot who’s pretty sure he know what his future holds. He’s also learned that as long as he smiles, he can convince the world that everything’s okay. At the beginning of the story, Stony has started to wonder if maybe there’s more to the world than following in his parent’s foot steps.
Stoney’s tutor is not at all what she expected. She’s cold, doesn’t care about his celebrity status, and has led a very troubled past.
My only complaint with the characters is that the relationship moved a little quickly, and felt like it was rushed in interest of plot development.
My biggest complaint with Derailed is the climax, which was just a bit far-fetched for my taste. I can only take so many stupid teen antics in dangerous situation before I’m rolling my eyes. The build up to the climax was very good, and the way the climax ended was also good. Like I said, my objection was with the stupid teen antics.
I love Riplinger’s writing style. He has a very clear writing style, and doesn’t use any extra words. He also doesn’t shy away from the harsher elements of teenage life.
December 30, 2018
Romantic and suspenseful. When i read this, i could not help but to connect some what with the author. This read even though it is fiction, felt like it was drawing from a perspective of the authors reality.
September 21, 2012
DERAILED is another of those books that I picked up without any expectation at all as to what it was about or whether or not I would even enjoy it. I barely glanced at the description before deciding it deserved a try, and it's definitely nice every now and then to jump into a book without any preconceived expectations whatsoever.
DERAILED is basically the story of Wendall, otherwise known to his friend and wild child girlfriend as "Stoney". Stoney lives a quiet existance in which his future is already predetermined -- he will, of course, go into the family job instead of choosing college. That's just the way his family does things.
It really doesn't matter much to Wendall anyways. He's barely passing any of his classes at school, even though he's taking at least a couple for the second time. His big concerns the Friday night football games, where he's a big man on campus, his girlfriend (who he's deciding lately just doesn't interest him as much as she did in the past), and having fun -- usually through partying.
But, Stoney's bad habits are brought to a screeching hault when it's revealed that he will be off the football team, immediately, if he can't bring up his grades. He's assigned to a tutor, Robyn, who he knows as little more than the skinny smart girl who is never seen without her all black attire -- always in long sleeves.
Robyn tells Stoney up front that she's not interested in a relationship, which is fine with him. He really doesn't go for the serious studious type. But as he gets to know Robyn more, he finds himself strangely intrigued by this mysterious girl. Not only is she a single mother, but she's in hiding from an abusive boyfriend who was recently released from prison after raping and beating her. Robyn doesn't want Stoney mixed in with her personal life or her child, but soon she may be given no choice in the matter. When the abusive ex comes back to find both Robyn and Stoney, the two may be forced to explore their unique bond as they try to keep Robyn and her son safe.
DERAILED was definitely a quick read that will appeal to readers of YA fiction that deals with the tougher subjects of life. Despite the fact that the story dealt with such a serious topic, I found myself feeling a bit of a disconnect with the characters -- as if they (and the situation) just weren't explained deeply enough. At points, the story felt rushed, as if there just weren't enough time to establish a meaningful connection between the characters and the readers....
Even so, I think this is a fairly enjoyable read for those who are looking for a heavy subject that doesn't get too bogged down with the details. I enjoyed the character of Robyn and I enjoyed the interactions between her son and Stoney. The bad-boy-turned-good definitely has his place as a compelling story and I'm sure he will especially resonate with the younger teen crowd (which was the last time I really found the "bad boy" to be an appealing match, I think).
I would give books by this author a fair chance in the future -- especially if they continue to deal with this type of subject matter
DERAILED is basically the story of Wendall, otherwise known to his friend and wild child girlfriend as "Stoney". Stoney lives a quiet existance in which his future is already predetermined -- he will, of course, go into the family job instead of choosing college. That's just the way his family does things.
It really doesn't matter much to Wendall anyways. He's barely passing any of his classes at school, even though he's taking at least a couple for the second time. His big concerns the Friday night football games, where he's a big man on campus, his girlfriend (who he's deciding lately just doesn't interest him as much as she did in the past), and having fun -- usually through partying.
But, Stoney's bad habits are brought to a screeching hault when it's revealed that he will be off the football team, immediately, if he can't bring up his grades. He's assigned to a tutor, Robyn, who he knows as little more than the skinny smart girl who is never seen without her all black attire -- always in long sleeves.
Robyn tells Stoney up front that she's not interested in a relationship, which is fine with him. He really doesn't go for the serious studious type. But as he gets to know Robyn more, he finds himself strangely intrigued by this mysterious girl. Not only is she a single mother, but she's in hiding from an abusive boyfriend who was recently released from prison after raping and beating her. Robyn doesn't want Stoney mixed in with her personal life or her child, but soon she may be given no choice in the matter. When the abusive ex comes back to find both Robyn and Stoney, the two may be forced to explore their unique bond as they try to keep Robyn and her son safe.
DERAILED was definitely a quick read that will appeal to readers of YA fiction that deals with the tougher subjects of life. Despite the fact that the story dealt with such a serious topic, I found myself feeling a bit of a disconnect with the characters -- as if they (and the situation) just weren't explained deeply enough. At points, the story felt rushed, as if there just weren't enough time to establish a meaningful connection between the characters and the readers....
Even so, I think this is a fairly enjoyable read for those who are looking for a heavy subject that doesn't get too bogged down with the details. I enjoyed the character of Robyn and I enjoyed the interactions between her son and Stoney. The bad-boy-turned-good definitely has his place as a compelling story and I'm sure he will especially resonate with the younger teen crowd (which was the last time I really found the "bad boy" to be an appealing match, I think).
I would give books by this author a fair chance in the future -- especially if they continue to deal with this type of subject matter
May 4, 2008
Reviewed by Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
Wendell "Stony" Stoneking's life is about football, his girlfriend, Mindy, and weekend parties. His future plans include marrying Mindy, having kids, and probably working at the local stone quarry like his father and his grandfather. Most of his time is spent at football practice, making out with Mindy, or helping his mother in the family bait and tackle shop. Everything seems to be moving along nicely until his American Lit grade threatens to plummet below acceptable standards for football eligibility.
Robyn is the tutor assigned to help Stony raise his Lit grade. They work together in the library during seventh hour and things begin to change. Stony finds that maybe with a little effort American Lit is not that difficult. He finds that Mindy is jealous of Robyn and ends their relationship. Stony also discovers that he wants to know more about Robyn. What little he's learned is that she lives with her sister and brother-in-law, and that she has a kid.
Life for Stony begins to get complicated. The tutoring and his improved grade in American Lit have opened up possibilities for his future. Maybe college would be an option instead of a "going nowhere" job at the stone quarry. Although he loves his mother and father, Stony realizes that the life they have is not what he wants. All of a sudden Robyn and her son, Logan, have set Stony's sights on a different horizon.
Ripslinger's riveting story draws the reader into the growing relationship between Stony and Robyn. There are more complications to Robyn's life than meet the eye, and they create a dramatic situation that draws the book to a fast-paced conclusion. This book will appeal to teen boy and girl readers alike. It's well worth checking out.
Wendell "Stony" Stoneking's life is about football, his girlfriend, Mindy, and weekend parties. His future plans include marrying Mindy, having kids, and probably working at the local stone quarry like his father and his grandfather. Most of his time is spent at football practice, making out with Mindy, or helping his mother in the family bait and tackle shop. Everything seems to be moving along nicely until his American Lit grade threatens to plummet below acceptable standards for football eligibility.
Robyn is the tutor assigned to help Stony raise his Lit grade. They work together in the library during seventh hour and things begin to change. Stony finds that maybe with a little effort American Lit is not that difficult. He finds that Mindy is jealous of Robyn and ends their relationship. Stony also discovers that he wants to know more about Robyn. What little he's learned is that she lives with her sister and brother-in-law, and that she has a kid.
Life for Stony begins to get complicated. The tutoring and his improved grade in American Lit have opened up possibilities for his future. Maybe college would be an option instead of a "going nowhere" job at the stone quarry. Although he loves his mother and father, Stony realizes that the life they have is not what he wants. All of a sudden Robyn and her son, Logan, have set Stony's sights on a different horizon.
Ripslinger's riveting story draws the reader into the growing relationship between Stony and Robyn. There are more complications to Robyn's life than meet the eye, and they create a dramatic situation that draws the book to a fast-paced conclusion. This book will appeal to teen boy and girl readers alike. It's well worth checking out.
December 3, 2011
Wendell “Stony” Stoneking is not one to worry. Everyone likes him. His girlfriend is gorgeous and very willing to please—anytime, anywhere. He is the star of his high school football team. And when he graduates, there’s a steady job in the gravel quarry waiting for him. Then he meets Robyn, a single mom with a dark past. Suddenly Stony is more bothered than he has been in a long time—not only by the violence Robyn has endured, but by the danger she could put him in. For the first time, Stony reflects on his own life, his broken family, and the dizzying notion of a wide-open future. Evocatively set in rural Iowa, Derailed is the story of what happens when you open your eyes and start to care enough to risk everything.
December 30, 2007
It's been a while since I've read a young-adult novel. (This one was written by the uncle of a woman in our book group, which is how I came across it.) While the story was often melodramatic and cheesy, I have to admit I got into it and read the whole thing in only a couple of sittings. Every time I got to a particularly ridiculous scenario (e.g. "We have to go to the 4th floor of this warehouse to save my toddler son by swapping him for me to my abusive ex-boyfriend..."), I'd roll my eyes...and realize how much my freshmen would love it. I'm buying a copy for my classroom, and I guarantee girls will argue over who gets to read it.
October 23, 2009
A pretty good book, but I can't help but feel that, despite the male main character and his love of football, this is still a "girl's book." I feel that most boys wouldn't be interested it, but a lot of girls would eat it up.
Oh well! It was still good--a simple story with some good action-y bits and a dynamic main character.
4/5 on here, 8/10 for myself
Oh well! It was still good--a simple story with some good action-y bits and a dynamic main character.
4/5 on here, 8/10 for myself
April 19, 2013
As far as student-teacher novels go, I would not count this book as one of them. Other then that it has a good flow and narrative that keeps you entertained throughout the story struggling between the past and the present life of the characters. The story was also suspsenseful in some ways, but not very many. Overall, not the best story, but still I'd give it a read.
January 4, 2010
A quick read...joins in the ranks of other English teachers who have wrote about what they know! Great for reluctant readers of both genders.
April 19, 2012
I found this book so far fetched that it was funny!
If the characters were older it could have been an almost believable story!
If the characters were older it could have been an almost believable story!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews