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Annette Oppenlander

A Different Truth Paperback – July 15, 2016

by Annette Oppenlander (Author)

37 ratings

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A historical coming-of-age adventure for readers of A Separate Peace and The Catcher in the Rye.

"...a powerful and thought provoking tale that allows us to think about our moral decisions." -Readers' Favorite

What would you do if your best friend were attacked? Forget about it like they want you to or find out who did it? Even if it may cost you everything. In 1968 sixteen-year old Andy Olson’s family ships him off to Palmer Military Academy. There, along with his best friend, Tom, he’s plunged into a world where rules are everything and disobedience not an option. When Tom openly supports the peace movement, Andy grows increasingly irritated. He doesn’t care about politics and the raging Vietnam War. Besides, messing with their bullying teammates is dangerous, underestimating fanatics like Officer Muller, the tormentor of plebes a mistake. It’s hard enough to make it through each day, avoid counselor Beerbelly’s spying eyes and extra marching. Andy plans to play a little football, visit Maddie, a townie with eyes like the Caribbean Sea and lie low until graduation.

But the war has a way of reaching Andy, he couldn’t have imagined. His privileged classmates with deep pockets and connections to the Dean call Tom a traitor. Maddie’s brother, a Vietnam vet confined to a wheelchair, aims to stop Andy from seeing Maddie. And there’s Sarge, a dedicated soldier turned teacher who takes an interest in Andy’s career. When Tom is attacked and the school calls it an unfortunate accident, Andy decides to make a choice that will not only threaten his future but his life.

Print length

232 pages
Language

English
Publication date

July 15, 2016
Reading age

14 - 18 years
Dimensions

6 x 0.53 x 9 inches
ISBN-10

0997780010
ISBN-13

978-0997780017
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Annette Oppenlander
972
Paperback
30 offers from $7.98

Editorial Reviews

Review

A Different Truth by Annette Oppenlander takes place in 1968, the year when the Vietnam War was at its bloodiest. Along with his best friend Tom, sixteen-year-old Andy Olson is banished to Palmer Military Academy. Oppenlander deftly weaves an insightful coming of age story in the year when the United States was commonly associated with unrest, the counterculture of the 1960s, and the never clearly explained or understood Vietnam War. The things that Andy and Tom have to endure at the boys' military prep school sheds some light onto the struggles of young men trying to adapt and survive in the authoritarian world of the military. I like the way in which Oppenlander keeps the thriller aspects of the book grounded, and I also like the way she handles the hazing scenes that some of the boys have to bear. The scenes are handled well, without too much exploitation of the victims and the perpetrators. In fact, it may even serve as another platform to generate discussions about hazing and bullying in schools. Nevertheless, some readers may prefer to be forewarned about this content. A Different Truth is a powerful and thought provoking tale that allows us to think about our moral decisions. Readers who are personally familiar with the history of the Vietnam War will be fascinated by the story of the boys at Palmer Military Academy, whereas the generation that was born after the war would be able to use it as a trajectory to discover more about this unseen but crucial part of history. -Readers' Favorite

From the Author

The setting of a boys' military prep school has always fascinated me because it is a world hidden behind closed gates. Add to that the turbulent times of the Vietnam era when the country was sharply divided and you have excellent material for a story.

The novel would not have been possible without the insights of my husband who attended a military prep school in the late 1960s. He allowed me to gain a feeling for what it means to be isolated and homesick as well as the stringent military rule teenagers endured.

While his personal experiences were invaluable for the authenticity of military life, they have nothing to do with the story itself. A Different Truth explores the country's clashing viewpoints in the late 1960s as well as deals with the themes of bullying, hazing and what it means to do the right thing among great controversy, subjects as relevant today as they were fifty years ago.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Oppenlander Enterprises LLC; Revised with New Cover, Preface and Format ed. edition (July 15, 2016)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 232 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0997780010
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0997780017
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 14 - 18 years
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.9 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.53 x 9 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #4,084,033 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,094 in Teen & Young Adult Military Historical Fiction
- #1,245 in Teen & Young Adult 20th Century United States Historical Fiction
- #1,983 in Teen & Young Adult Fiction on Boys' & Men's Issues (Books)

Customer Reviews:
37 ratings

About the author

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Annette Oppenlander

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Annette Oppenlander is an award-winning writer, literary coach and educator. As a bestselling historical novelist, Oppenlander is known for her authentic characters and stories based on true events, coming alive in well-researched settings. Having lived in Germany the first half of her life and the second half in various parts in the U.S., Oppenlander inspires readers by illuminating story questions as relevant today as they were in the past.

Oppenlander’s bestselling true WWII story, Surviving the Fatherland, has received eight awards/nominations, including the 2017 National Indie Excellence Award, the 2018 Indie B.R.A.G. and the 2020 Skoutz Award in Germany. Uniquely, Oppenlander weaves actual historical figures and events into her plots, giving readers a flavor of true history while enjoying a good story. Oppenlander shares her knowledge through writing workshops at colleges, libraries and schools. She also offers vivid presentations and author visits. The mother of fraternal twins and a son, she now lives in Germany with her husband.

“Nearly every place holds some kind of secret, something that makes history come alive. When we scrutinize people and places closely, history is no longer a date or number, it turns into a story.”

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A Different Truth

Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2017

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Andy Olson’s parents have sent him away to Palmer Military Academy. During the turbulent late 1960s, going to a military school definitely has its drawbacks. Protests and negative public opinion about the Vietnam War are at an all-time high. Andy doesn’t know much about the war, but his best friend Tom is a strong opponent and he’s not shy about voicing his opinions. This only serves to make things even more difficult for Tom and Andy at Palmer.

What a nice, unexpected surprise this book was. I enjoy reading YA books and have to say that this book will definitely appeal to adults as well. The author has written a highly engaging plot and well developed characters. I was able to connect with them easily.

Both sides of the war are presented and written into the plot intelligently. The characters help to make the controversy personal and real. I love that the author included her reasons for writing the story, as well as some important facts about the Vietnam War, at the end of the book.

There’s more to this book than the war, however. Family dynamics, friendship, teen angst and romance are also nicely woven into the story.

A Different Truth is an excellent way for young readers (and older readers) to gain better insight into the horrors of the Vietnam War and how so many lives were changed because of it. A very timely and important subject.

One person found this helpful

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LoveWords

Gripping and immersive

Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2017

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Sixteen-year-old Andy Olson is an athlete, a lackluster student, and a bit of a rebel. When he enrolls in Palmer Military Academy during the Vietnam War, he’s forced to make big changes. He must learn discipline and respect for other cadets. Above all, his teacher-mentor emphasizes the need to practice honor.

It’s a confusing time. Older Americans, still thinking of World War II, refuse to criticize any war, even one without clear purpose. The Nixon Administration conceals reports of a massacre in My Lai. When Andy’s best friend is victimized for being an anti-war sympathizer, honor seems to be missing from the school. Andy is brought face to face with the imperfect world he lives in and the possibility that honor is a word without meaning.

The story is gripping and immersive. We’re taken smoothly into Andy’s mind as he analyzes new feelings and concepts. A believable coming-of-age tale during a turbulent period of history, A Different Truth is well worth reading.

Helpful

Carol O.

revived memories of a sad and troubled time

Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2015

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I was a teen during the Vietnam war era, and can attest to the emotional upheaval felt across the country that Ms. Oppenlander has vividly brought to life. Although the story is fiction, it is rooted in reality, and for me, revived memories of a sad and troubled time. I didn’t expect the story to have such a strong impact, after all it was a time I thought I knew, since I had many friends who served and some who died in that war. But the poignancy of the characters, what they endured and how they survived, gave me a deeper understanding of what went on beneath the comfortable blanket of ignorance that covered the nation. It is a wonderful story for anyone who appreciates history, but you needn’t be from that era to enjoy the rich quilt Ms. Oppenlander has woven. Her characters and story will touch all readers and leave them wanting to know more.

9 people found this helpful

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Christi G

A different story

Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2016

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So the story here was a fairly good one. I think the author did a decent job of weaving a tale of rivalry and darkness simmering under the surface of routine and order. Some areas felt a little disjointed to me. Some of the major groundwork felt a little herky. Sometimes the pace dragged on while leaping ahead at other times. There was also a lack of character development that made it difficult to connect with the story. Also, the theme around the Vietnam war was a little shaky, too. It was there but it wasn't - and then it became the driving force at the end. Overall, it was an OK book - just not something I'll remember or even recommend.

3 people found this helpful

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Sherry Ann Hudson

A great read!

Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2015

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A great thought-provoking story of a time when the country couldn't agree about a "conflict" that went on for a decade. Our own country denied it was a war and wouldn't admit it until after we withdrew. There was such an enormous divide in our country on the right and wrong of it based on what our government told us vs what the returning soldiers told us. My classmates were some of the soldiers in that war and I'm sure they all have a unique perspective. For many, It was an awakening to the fact that we could no longer take our government's word on matters such as these. It was the beginning of the loss of faith in our government to make life and death decisions for us. It was a major failure for our nation as perceived by our people and other nations. This book covers so many of these feelings. The author really understood the movement surrounding this war and tells it well through the characters.

5 people found this helpful

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David R. Fletcher

Thought-provoking read

Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2015

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I was not aware that Ms. Oppenheimer wrote "A Different Truth" for young adults, a fact that I, and octogenarian, realized a few pages into the story. By then I had become sufficiently interested to continue reading. And I am glad I did. Not only is an excellently written story, but one of those rare books that force me to examine myself, my convictions, my belief in human decency, fairness and justice, and whether there is ever a valid reason to abandon my principles out of fear. It is the touching story of a strong and heartbreaking friendship and, no surprise here, of young, blooming love. Had I any grandchildren in their teen years I would gently but urgently insist that they, and their parents, read this book.

8 people found this helpful

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Dianne May

An excellent book about an intense time

Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2015

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A Different Truth is an excellent read about an intense time. Oppenlander has created believable characters and an exciting plot. I lived through this time, protested, and lost friends and relatives in Viet Nam. I find the world she describes very real. It's hard to put the book down once you start reading. I'd recommend it to any young adult, or any adult, who is curious about the war and what it did to people in the U.S.

5 people found this helpful

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cw63

Interesting and compelling

Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2019

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Oppenlander uses fact and historical truths to flavor her story. The Vietnam war was a tumultuous time in this countries history. Weaving it into a story about the lives of young men in a military academy at that time and creating a mystery to unfold took skill. I enjoyed the story immensely.

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Top reviews from other countries

Reader4life

A coming of age story with a difference

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 5, 2017

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The story is essentially a coming of age tale, where Tom olsen is sent to Military School to up his game and there is some nice believable romance woven in to. Set against a backdrop of the Vietnam War, it is not a extremely political story but this adds a nice element and depth. At times it is slow paced but the excellent narration and storytelling make up for it.

Raymond Mathiesen

Truth? How do we decide?

Reviewed in Australia on June 18, 2018

Verified Purchase

War is always a difficult and complex subject, and there is probably not much more contentious than the Vietnam War, when this novel is set. But what if you were a boy, not much interested in current affairs, separated from family, sent to military school and eager to make friends? This book takes a serious look at what motivates us and how we act in groups. How can we know the truth, and what can we do to find it? The author tries to stimulate the hero in all of us, but being a hero might not entail what we expect. Individualism, both its loneliness and its strength, is an important theme for Oppenlander. I cared about these characters and followed their history with interest. These are ordinary people, not perfect heroes; but perhaps that is who true heroes really are. The plot opens strongly and certainly has some 'gasp' moments. Will the story really end with justice, or will truth be swept under the covers (perhaps a reality more common than we like to admit)? Of course this story has a hint of romance (few boy's lives does not have some stirring of the heart), but that is not the main thrust of the book.

I really enjoyed this novel and am happy to rate it as 5 stars.

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