Terpin

I liked this book. It has merit for older more mature readers that will get the concept of being honest and true. But I liked the author's book "TOES" a LOT better. I'm a school librarian and recommend this book for grades 5 and up.

Terpin Taft (what a great name) learns that lying has grave consequences and that telling the truth is not always easy. Tor Seidler effectively illustrates for young adults why stating your opinion and being honest is always the best policy in the long run. As the result of a lie Terpin causes the death (or believes that he is responsible) of an old man on the train. In order to avoid such tragic events in the future Terpin decides to only tell the truth. His brutal honesty is hard for family, friends, and teachers to take. When his girlfriend asks for his opinion on a paper, he tells her it is boring. He encourages a friend who is a pitiful football player, to concentrate on piano playing instead, and he tells the mayor of the town that her new project is destroying the environment. While the immediate consequences are negative - his friends and classmates bury him in snow and pelt him with snow balls - the reader learns at the end of the book that he has become the youngest Supreme Court Justice ever and is honored by everyone in his town. Terpin is well written and would be especially enjoyable for skiers (Terpin often ditches athletic practice to head off and ski). Socrates also plays an important role - Terpin comes to consider him a great friend. Terpin is a great book for young adults in a classroom setting, or a great book to share with your child.

How important is honesty? The main character in the book Terpin, a young boy by the name of Terpin Taft, wrestles with this question. What transpires afterward is a truly impressive study of the effects of honesty, frankness, and brutal honesty. While a short read, I must say that Terpin is one of the most significant and important books I have ever read. I have loaned it to many friends and relatives, and it always leads to interesting and poignant conversations. Sadly it seems that not many copies of Terpin currently exist. If you ever have the occasion to read this book I would strongly recommend you do so. It does something that all truly good books do. It makes one think.