The Turnaround

By: George Pelecanos

Narrated by: Dion Graham

On a hot summer afternoon in 1972, three teenagers drove into an unfamiliar neighborhood and six lives were altered forever. Thirty-five years later, one survivor of that day reaches out to another, opening a door that could lead to salvation. But another survivor is now out of prison, looking for reparation in any form he can find it.

The Turnaround takes us on a journey from the rock-and-soul streets of the '70s to the changing neighborhoods of D.C. today, from the diners and auto garages of the city to the inside of Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital, where wounded men and women have returned to the world in a time of war. A novel of fathers and sons, wives and husbands, loss, victory and violent redemption, The Turnaround is another compelling, highly charged novel from George Pelecanos, "the best crime novelist in America." -Oregonian

Great Pelecanos DC Story With Unique Flash Forward

I am a big fan of George Pelecanos’ novels, set in Washington DC from the early 1970’s forward. This one is unique in that it begins with an historical event, and the flashes forward 35 years to what the characters have become. Quite thought-provoking - on a different plane those Pelecanos’ other books. Superbly read, as usual, by Dion Graham. Highly recommended.

Good Book for a Trip

"The Turnaround" is an interesting tale about several characters whose entire lives are affected by a chance, violent and tragic incident when they were teenagers. Although I don't usually like abridged versions, I thought that this one was a perfect length for a trip, and I didn't yearn to hear more than its five hours. It was fast-paced, well-constructed, and easiily held my interest. The narration was excellent. If you're looking for something profound or literary, look elsewhere; but, if you're looking for a good story about contemporary city life, you'll enjoy "The Turnaround."