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A Different Truth
In 1968, with the Vietnam War at its bloodiest, sixteen-year old Andy Olson is banished to Palmer Military Academy. Along with his best friend, Tom, he is plunged into a world where rules are everything and disobedience is not an option. Andy doesn't care about politics and grows increasingly irritated when Tom openly supports the peace movement. Contradicting the establishment and provoking their bullying classmates is dangerous.
But when Tom is attacked and the school calls it an unfortunate accident, Andy must make a choice that will not only threaten his future but his very life.
But when Tom is attacked and the school calls it an unfortunate accident, Andy must make a choice that will not only threaten his future but his very life.
368 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2015
58 people are currently reading
626 people want to read
About the author
Annette Oppenlander
35Ìýbooks313ÌýfollowersAnnette 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, was elected to IWIC’s Hall of Fame and won the 2017 National Indie Excellence Award. Her historical time-travel trilogy, Escape from the Past, takes readers to the German Middle Ages and the Wild West. 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 recently returned to her home, Solingen, Germany where she lives with her husband and old mutt, Mocha.
"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."
"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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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 5, 2017
A Different Truth
Author: Annette Oppenlander
In 1968, Andy Olson and his best friend, Tom, are sent to a military boarding school, Palmer Military Academy. As they try to assimilate into life at the academy, they face authoritarian control, hazing and bullying. Set in the vietnam era, this coming-of-age story also touches on the cultural upheaval of the time while it also delves into greed, class-structure, and love.
I enjoyed this book. The story-line really wasn't anything new....there have been many similar stories. But, Oppenlander did a great job of writing and creating characters that readers will identify with and feel sympathy for. As a mother, I had a bit of a hard time reading some of the hazing scenes and other content, but none of it was overly graphic or inappropriate. Just rough, as a parent, to read about boys being abused by their peers at a boarding school. Despite those few rough patches that were a bit too realistic for me to read easily, the story pulled me in from the start and kept me reading. I was right there with the boys sharing their experiences and emotions. All in all, an excellent coming-of-age story!
Annette Oppenlander is also the author of the Escape from the Past series. To learn more about the author and her books, check out her website at
**I won a copy of this book in a giveaway on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.**
Author: Annette Oppenlander
In 1968, Andy Olson and his best friend, Tom, are sent to a military boarding school, Palmer Military Academy. As they try to assimilate into life at the academy, they face authoritarian control, hazing and bullying. Set in the vietnam era, this coming-of-age story also touches on the cultural upheaval of the time while it also delves into greed, class-structure, and love.
I enjoyed this book. The story-line really wasn't anything new....there have been many similar stories. But, Oppenlander did a great job of writing and creating characters that readers will identify with and feel sympathy for. As a mother, I had a bit of a hard time reading some of the hazing scenes and other content, but none of it was overly graphic or inappropriate. Just rough, as a parent, to read about boys being abused by their peers at a boarding school. Despite those few rough patches that were a bit too realistic for me to read easily, the story pulled me in from the start and kept me reading. I was right there with the boys sharing their experiences and emotions. All in all, an excellent coming-of-age story!
Annette Oppenlander is also the author of the Escape from the Past series. To learn more about the author and her books, check out her website at
**I won a copy of this book in a giveaway on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.**
August 12, 2016
Readers' Favorite - Five Stars
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.
- Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers's Favorite
Author Note
I was inspired to write "A Different Truth" after hearing my husband's stories about his time at a military boarding school. I've always wondered what actually goes on behind the walls of such a school. So when I learned about some of the adventures, but also the ugliness of ridicule, hazing and bullying, I knew I had the makings of a story.
I found it particularly interesting to use the setting of the Vietnam War era and our country's total division between peace and war movements. While the fictitious school is somewhat removed from the actual world of the late 1960s, what happens inside is a parallel to what's happening in the country.
I was especially excited to add a sweet romance between the protagonist, Andy Olson, and Maddie, a "townie" girl. They not only overcome their differences, but learn to understand their opposing worlds.
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.
- Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers's Favorite
Author Note
I was inspired to write "A Different Truth" after hearing my husband's stories about his time at a military boarding school. I've always wondered what actually goes on behind the walls of such a school. So when I learned about some of the adventures, but also the ugliness of ridicule, hazing and bullying, I knew I had the makings of a story.
I found it particularly interesting to use the setting of the Vietnam War era and our country's total division between peace and war movements. While the fictitious school is somewhat removed from the actual world of the late 1960s, what happens inside is a parallel to what's happening in the country.
I was especially excited to add a sweet romance between the protagonist, Andy Olson, and Maddie, a "townie" girl. They not only overcome their differences, but learn to understand their opposing worlds.
June 18, 2018
Truth? How do we decide?
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.
June 20, 2017
As a young man I too was sent to a boarding school for high school. Not a military school but one run by Benedictine monks in Colorado. I was from New Mexico. I experienced many of the same things that were described in this book. Also as a 100% service-connected disabled Vietnam veteran there were many things that resonated with me. The characters were well developed and the conversations were realistic. However, there were a few editorial misses and this was really more of a YA book.
September 15, 2024
Den var god, bedre end jeg troede den var.
Hun har en virkelig god måde at skrive på som virkelig fangede mig. Synes det er en sød og realistisk fortælling mellem ham og maddie, men jeg må indrømme mit yndlings forhold i bogen er det han danner med Sarge, og selvfølgelig tom.
Det er sjovt at læse fra en drengs perspektiv og hun gjorde sig umage med at få den her drengede tankegang i spil.
Synes dog det gik lidt stærkt tilsidst og følte at jeg blev distanceret lidt fra Andy.
Hun har en virkelig god måde at skrive på som virkelig fangede mig. Synes det er en sød og realistisk fortælling mellem ham og maddie, men jeg må indrømme mit yndlings forhold i bogen er det han danner med Sarge, og selvfølgelig tom.
Det er sjovt at læse fra en drengs perspektiv og hun gjorde sig umage med at få den her drengede tankegang i spil.
Synes dog det gik lidt stærkt tilsidst og følte at jeg blev distanceret lidt fra Andy.
February 6, 2017
As a child of the 1970s, the controversies and upheaval of the Vietnam war era always fascinated me. I wasn’t part of it, being too young to understand what was going on at the time, but my mother and uncle were embroiled in the protests and misinformation abounding at the time.
This story is a fairly typical coming of age tale for Andy and his best friend, Tom. The scenes of hazing and bullying brought to mind some of my own experiences, and might be somewhat distressing to some, but felt true-to-life for all that. The author did a good job of bringing to light sympathetic characters, with full emotions. While the political backdrop is ever-present, it doesn’t intrude overly into the personal lives of the story. It does give the characters a reason to think upon the events and their own reactions to it.
It’s a powerful story, with even a bit of romance mixed in. Every adolescent struggles to find their place in the world around them, and this book gives a good account of one who does.
This story is a fairly typical coming of age tale for Andy and his best friend, Tom. The scenes of hazing and bullying brought to mind some of my own experiences, and might be somewhat distressing to some, but felt true-to-life for all that. The author did a good job of bringing to light sympathetic characters, with full emotions. While the political backdrop is ever-present, it doesn’t intrude overly into the personal lives of the story. It does give the characters a reason to think upon the events and their own reactions to it.
It’s a powerful story, with even a bit of romance mixed in. Every adolescent struggles to find their place in the world around them, and this book gives a good account of one who does.
September 13, 2016
Loved it.
Great read. Tells it like it is. Cover ups..special treatment...greed and on and on. Money talks but not all the time. Really enjoyable
Great read. Tells it like it is. Cover ups..special treatment...greed and on and on. Money talks but not all the time. Really enjoyable
May 19, 2015
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.
July 16, 2015
Really enjoyed this book and the main character, Andy, as we follow his story through a strict military school.
It's well written because every time I worried it was getting a bit slow, another event or twist occurred and I couldn't put the book down until I knew what happened.
Emotions run high with brotherhood (or not so much) and although we follow young men there is an undercurrent of some romance, which is a nice addition to the book. Although it deals with war and politics, you don't get lost in that, but rather it entices you more to know what happens to Andy and his best friend.
This was a refreshing welcome as I've been reading a lot of crime and thrillers - I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it.
I thank the author and TBConFB for giving me this book to read in return for an honest review.
It's well written because every time I worried it was getting a bit slow, another event or twist occurred and I couldn't put the book down until I knew what happened.
Emotions run high with brotherhood (or not so much) and although we follow young men there is an undercurrent of some romance, which is a nice addition to the book. Although it deals with war and politics, you don't get lost in that, but rather it entices you more to know what happens to Andy and his best friend.
This was a refreshing welcome as I've been reading a lot of crime and thrillers - I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it.
I thank the author and TBConFB for giving me this book to read in return for an honest review.
November 8, 2016
I really liked this read. Taking place in a military academy in 1968, in the midst of the Vietnam War, it deals with the diverse views of students. Andy is a compelling Character. Like many teenagers, not thrilled with the reasons he was forced to attend. It was a threatening place with aggressive gun-ho upper class men . It was very hard to fit in and his view on the war was unpopular. With his best friend, Andy tries to find a means of survival. Later he connects with townies and especially a girl who's brother was so damaged mentally and physically during his stint as a soldier. Soon upper class men are so driven by fervor that a life is lost. It is a powerful story of adolescence, love and ends in a thrilling tale of heroism and a struggle of life and death. I strongly recommend this book for young adults and any of us Boomers who lived through the Vietnam war.
May 23, 2015
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.
July 18, 2016
A different story
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.
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.
May 19, 2015
I really liked this book. It's a well-written coming of age story that follows a young man into an authoritarian world of difficult choices and dangerous consequences. It takes place at a military academy in 1968 and illustrates the growing conflicting views about the Viet Nam War. The main character struggles with the strict military life and harassing classmates, but finds comfort in a romance with a girl in the nearby town. As the story develops the main character and his best friend are confronted with rising intolerance, treacherous bullying, and increasing personal danger.
July 17, 2015
I have been an avid reader since I was a child but have been struggling this year to get in to any book I've tried to read. A Different Truth pulled me in to the point where I could visualise the characters and the scene, I was feeling the emotions these characters were feeling, the happiness, anger, fear and sorrow. And apart from a few editing errors I felt this was very well written and look forward to reading more from Annette Oppenlander.
June 16, 2015
This is an intense book about an intense time. Feelings ran high both against the war and against those who protested. The author brings all this back. The characters feel real, and I couldn't put the book down once I started it. I'm going to recommend it both for people my age who remember it all and for teens who haven't a clue about what happened. A good read.
August 25, 2016
My Review of A Different Truth by Annette Oppenlander
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I liked this story very much, but the sentence structure was choppy. It didn't have a smooth flow to it, though it kept me wondering what was going to happen next. The characters were well fleshed out, as if I actually knew them. Overall, I give this story four stars.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I liked this story very much, but the sentence structure was choppy. It didn't have a smooth flow to it, though it kept me wondering what was going to happen next. The characters were well fleshed out, as if I actually knew them. Overall, I give this story four stars.
January 5, 2017
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.
July 15, 2015
this book is an amazing read which s h ows passion as well as justice. the main characters are well designed and are well written.
I was very impressed by the book and seeing the ending I was saddened as the book was over.
I hope this author has other books as it is truly gifted
I was very impressed by the book and seeing the ending I was saddened as the book was over.
I hope this author has other books as it is truly gifted
January 30, 2017
Overall, this was a pretty predictable story. Andy's behavior irritated me at times, but I suppose overall it was in keeping with his character. A quick, easy, somewhat interesting read -- but I felt like I had seen the movie!
September 5, 2016
In the vein of A Separate Peace, this is perhaps the most important fiction book about the Vietnam Era a young adult could read.
March 28, 2017
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.
5 of 5 Stars, Susan Barton,
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.
5 of 5 Stars, Susan Barton,
April 2, 2017
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.
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.
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