TRUE

A Novel

By: Karl Taro Greenfeld

Narrated by: Siiri Scott

A deft and unflinching coming-of-age story about an angry teenage girl and her discovery of the nature of the biggest game of all, and what it really means to be a team player, a sister, a daughter, and a born survivor—from the acclaimed author of Triburbia and Boy Alone.

“It’s a dark and thrilling exploration of changing relationships and rivalries and times the desires of your heart don’t necessarily line up with the expectations of real life.”—Marie Claire

True has a singular path: to be the greatest soccer player of her generation. But to realize her dream, she’ll need to make the Under-17 National Team, then the Residency Program, and the ultimate: the US Women’s National Team. Otherwise she can say goodbye to the Women’s World Cup. And True will do whatever it takes to be the top girl on the field.

True has to stay focused because her family is crumbling. With the loss of her mother, True is forced to take care of her autistic younger sister while her grieving father wastes his time gambling. And high school isn’t much better. While True’s teammates are getting taller and growing up, she’s hardening around the edges, at a loss for what it means to be a typical teen girl. But when she’s in the game, the anxieties of family and fitting in just fade away. True—with her soft feet and deft first touch—can knock anyone off the ball. And more importantly, she can throw an elbow harder than anybody else. On the pitch, she’s a soccer player first, a sister second. On the pitch, she’s free.

©2018 Karl Taro Greenfeld (P)2018 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Greenfeld’s dynamic writing is infectious; his deeply flawed heroine is as compelling as she is damaged.”—Booklist

“An emotionally raw but engaging story of a woman who recognizes that her gift can help her escape.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Greenfeld’s writing gives off a vibe of a YA sports story full of off-the-field conflicts, including questionable decisions about sex. Trudy is a conflicted protagonist who will draw sympathy from readers, but others may find her someone they love to hate.”—Library Journal

The survivor’s journey

This is the story of the victim’s journey of survival rather than the hero’s quest to overcome the challenges of life and prevail.
As the reader, I was left feeling the defeat of every character in this book. There was no redemption for any of the characters .. glimpses of high moments only to be brought back down by victim consciousness, lack of self awareness and the inability to overcome tragedy, trauma and life’s set backs.
I kept hoping for the right of passage moment but it never came for any of the characters.

A Girl & Her Soccer Ball

Been about 50 years since I played goalie during high school Phys Ed gym class. Found the book interesting & the characters interesting...did want to slap the father in the story a few times, felt sympathy for the sister.