I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Authors Neil and Ruchin Kansal share the journey that began as a car driving lesson and became a bonding experience on a road trip across America in the book “The Kansal Clunker.”
The Synopsis
At sixteen, Neil dreamed of learning to drive a manual car. His father, Ruchin, was at a crossroads, questioning his next steps in life. Neither could have imagined that a rusted, beat-up Acura Integra would become their greatest teacher. With just $5,000, no mechanical experience, and a wild idea, father and son embarked on a yearlong transformation-of the car, themselves, and their bond.
What began as a simple driving lesson turned into an epic 5,000-mile road trip to the highest paved road in the United States. Along the way, they faced unexpected challenges, breathtaking landscapes, and moments of raw connection. Through laughter, frustration, and detours, they discovered resilience, strength, and the unshakable power of family.
With every twist of the wrench and turn of the road, Neil and Ruchin learned what it truly means to rebuild-not just a car, but themselves. Buckle up-this unforgettable ride will stay with you long after the last page.
In India, the book will appear as: “Where the Highway Ends: A Father, a Son, and a Car that Rebuilt Them.
The Review
This was such a heartwarming and compelling read. The authors do an excellent job of writing in a relatable, connective way, alternating chapters and perspectives on the same situation, allowing readers to gain insight into their relationship as a whole. The authors touched on many things readers could relate to, from the troubles the COVID pandemic brought to life and how scary that time was, to the bond that forms between a parent and child when a shared passion emerges, and much more.
The book’s descriptive nature made the imagery of the writing style feel vibrant and alive on the page, bringing Teggy and the road itself to life as the authors went on their journey. Yet the heart of this nonfiction book’s narrative was the emotional, heartfelt connection between father and son, which the story explored. The experiences the authors had spoke to the meaningful way that shared connections and experiences can shape relationships and bonds between people overall. The authors wrote with honesty, passion, and an introspective lens that allowed readers not only to glean meaning for their own lives but also to learn from the lessons the authors learned along the way.
The Verdict
Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, authors Ruchin and Neil Kansal’s “The Kansal Clunker” is a must-read nonfiction book, memoir, and travel book. The inspiring and emotional bond readers form with the authors, the way they touch on everything from cars and family to relationships and the heart of America as a whole, and what success truly means to a person, made this book so compelling to delve into. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Authors
Ruchin Kansal is a leadership educator, advisor, and author dedicated to helping people and organizations embrace transformation. A professor at Seton Hall and Brown, he wrote Redefining Innovation and has held senior executive roles in strategy and innovation at EY, Deloitte, BoehringerIngelheim, and Siemens Healthineers. Beyond the boardroomand classroom, he shares a lifelong passion for building,cars, and travel, and inspires others to reimagine the future with vision,creativity, and courage.
Neil Kansal is a dreamer who turns bold ideas into action. A graduate of Washington & Lee, he studied biology and data science while co-founding W&L Remote Area Medical, an award-winning program delivering free clinical services. He also led as principal cellist and mentor. A certified EMT and lifelong car enthusiast, he rebuilt his first clunker at sixteen and drove it to the highest motorable road in America. He now brings that same grit and curiosity to Deloitte.
https://www.thekansalclunker.com/
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-kansal-clunker-neil-kansal/1148120497?ean=9798888249260
