This book was very enjoyable. The characters were really well written and the way that the language was written really helped me deep dive into the world of the story. Probably a really great read for those in high school.

This story… my God, this story. While it starts off slow, it gains traction and has an ending I didn’t see coming (which is unusual for me). This book touches on several topics that are pretty heavy, but I think well-executed.

The main characters are well-written, and I found myself rooting for them. I appreciated Zach and how he stood up for what he believed was right. I enjoyed watching (reading) Capri blossom into this confident young woman who chased her dreams. And while I didn’t always agree with Justin’s decisions, I understood them. In addition, the way she covers generational trauma is fantastic.

Alyse tells a story that is still all too relevant today, and it’s eye-opening. This is the kind of story I will have to sit with for a while. The grittiness of this story reminds me of “The Hate U Give,” which I absolutely loved. This will have you crying while trying to remain optimistic. You’ll feel happy, angry and frustrated. But it’s all worth it.

This book means a great deal to me because you don’t typically get the same results in real life (or other books, for that matter) as you get in this story. I don’t want to spoil the ending, but I recommend reading this book.

I really enjoyed this book. The story follows three main characters through their experiences figuring out their future in their last year of high school. It is set on the backdrop of two racially divided towns separated by train tracks. The story deals with the aftermath of the death of one of the high school students who dies on the opposite side of the tracks and was friends with one of the main characters.

There is a beautiful exploration of what it means to love your hometown but want to leave it even though everyone wants you to stay, and I found this aspect of the characters very relatable. I also personally connected with how the characters dealt with the death of one of their classmates.

This book did a fantastic job of painting people's lives on both sides of the tracks and what community means on either side. This book made me feel a host of emotions; it had me feeling happy, angry and, at times, on the verge of tears.

If you like contemporary books that offer a glimpse into the lives of diverse characters, social commentary on racial inequality in the United States and a beautiful look at how people deal with loss, you will enjoy this book. I highly recommend that everyone reads it.

Let me begin by thanking Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book! I been following Charity for a long time on Tiktok because I been so excited to read this book. And let me tell you I was not disappointed. I felt so much while reading this and not once was I bored. Charity has a way with words and overall I am just enthralled by her writing. The plot was interesting and I truly felt for these characters. I am excited to read more by her, she is now one of my fav authors!

The town of Bayside plagued with racism and the town of Hamilton held in bondage out of fear. Train tracks separate them from each other but being stuck in their ways is what keeps them apart.

Capri Collins once afraid to chase her dreams out of fear of what her grandmother would think. Justin Collins her brother with his hopes high on leaving Hamilton behind allows a careless act to cost him his future. Zach Whitman new to Bayside set out to find something that felt more like home back in Philly. Finds himself stuck in a time wrap and a full-blown war between Hamilton and Bayside.

I enjoyed reading this novel while it was a slow build it ended so powerfully. The ending took a turn I wasn’t expecting. Justice being served isn’t something seen to often in these type of situations. But the author touched on multiple themes from self-discovery, teen pregnancy, racism, segregation, family dynamics, and following your dreams.

We see firsthand what it’s like when a person’s fears or beliefs are placed upon their children. It creates an endless cycle of the same behavior, beliefs, and fears. Neither town attempted to conform with one another because of past history fueled by hatred, pain, and race. Leaving those wishing for more caught in the midst.

Favorite Quote: “We desire control over what we can’t see.”

Side note: The way everyone kept referring to the train tracks reminded me of the movie Life. When they were told if they crossed the gun line they would be killed. To me the town of Hamilton symbolized the tracks the same way. If ever crossed it would result in a death sentence.

Overall, the novel was emotional, passionate, and impactful so I definitely recommend!!!!

Thank you HOV tours for the chance to be part of the tour. Netgalley provided me an e-arc in exchange for honest review. All opinions are my own.

Capri is chasing her dreams unbeknownst to those closest to her.

Justin is trying to get out of Hamilton, to make something of himself but at the cost of what?

Zach who is doesn't belong in Bayside even though his family has roots, but not welcome in Hamilton for the color or lack thereof.

A must read especially for those who are uncomfortable with what's been going on for years. Other Side Of The Tracks by Charity Alyse realistically and heartbreakingly tells the tale of modern day segregation, racism, police brutality, and a bit of interracial romance. People can pretend that they don't see or hear racial slurs being flung. Hate and intolerance breeds more hate and more intolerance. The more things change the more they stay the same. Stereotypical portrayals still happen, but it's a joke until it's not. However toe one of the biggest themes of this book is about dreams and making them reality.

So many times while reading I had to stop to take a breathe. Yes, I smiled too. That ending though, I'm glad I was at work otherwise my composure would've fallen.

I definitely recommend this book and give it 5 stars.

“Just like Mama said, even dim stars could be wished upon.”
– Pg. 164

I feel like I learned so many lessons while reading this book. Not only did it feel like an old “Civil War” era at times where dark-skin Americans and light-skin Americans were separated, but the book felt gritty. I mean that in the best, eye-opening way. These struggles are still what children go through in communities every day.

I absolutely adored Zach throughout this book. I feel like even though he knows he came from a “rougher” part of Philly, he embraced it and took joy in it developing who he was as a person. I also love that he stands up for everything and everyone he believes in regardless of the consequences.

With Capri and Justin our siblings, I felt things for both their story arcs for different reasons. With Capri, I loved watching her grow and become more confident. Watching her and Zach together and trying to defy all odds was awe-inspiring. With Justin, his character arc sort of went the other direction, however I understood each decision he was making whether I agreed with it or not.

The only reason I knocked the book a star, was because I felt the beginning took me a little bit to get into the story. There is a lot of learning who these three characters are and where they come from. However, once all three of our MC’s stories collide… I could not put it down.

Charity absolutely crafted a story that will stay with you long after you’ve finished the pages. So many parts of this book are heartbreaking even while you root for the best to happen. It also shocks (and slightly scares me) that this type of story (situations) still happen in real life. I only hope that like in her book, we as humans grow and learn to accept everyone.

An emotional and powerful read! OTHER SIDE OF THE TRACKS is told from three different povs, each with a distinctive and compelling voice, rich with visceral detail and powerful feelings that bring the book to life. A compelling story of loss and love and confronting difficult divides while being true to yourself.

Rating:4 1/2 Stars
Usually I’m not biggest fan of contemporary fiction but, this book was just really compelling.

The story does take a little to long to progress in the beginning but I personally think that author kept it interesting enough that it didn't feel the need to skip ahead.

I really did feel connected with all the characters. I think that the readers got enough time with each character and was able to really get to know them. All In all I think book was pretty good.

Other Side of the Tracks was thrilling to read! I loved the multiple narrators and changing perspectives; each character had a distinct voice, and a unique story to tell. My favorite character was Capri; there’s a dance scene about halfway through the book that absolutely enraptured me. Beautiful writing!

There were also so many moving parts, which worked well. I appreciated how each and every struggle was given time to unravel. Plus, the chapters were short, and each cliffhanger kept me flipping.

Other Side of the Tracks reminded me of The Hate U Give, with incredibly powerful themes about the Black experience, the BLM movement, and America’s brutal past which continues to plague the country to this day. I will say that I was very much distraught at the end of the book— no spoilers here— but I have to hand it to Charity Alyse, it was realistic.

To also offer constructive critique, I felt that the beginning was slow in comparison to the last half. I do wish there had been more lead up to the conclusion; the last few chapters happened so quickly, all at once. Honestly, I saw potential for a sequel!

Overall, though, this was such a well-written, reflective novel. I’m so blessed to have been part of the street team. Can’t wait for more books from Charity Alyse!

I requested this book for review through ALA Booklist. I hadn't received the digital copy. I'd only received a copy of this link and the one on Edelweiss. I have already completed the review for them, and it should be coming soon.

I would like to say thank you ms charity and her publishing team for the opportunity to read her book it has been an honor .This book started off boring and then it got a little better but slowed down a lot for me so if your going into this book with high expectations then don’t go into the book with no expectations i feel like if she added a little more plot and changed some of her wording I would have liked this book more than I did and it would have been more enjoyable but other than that it was an very entertaining book there was so good scenes and the romance was definitely there

This book offers a look at racism that is unique, gripping, and incredibly challenging. All while giving its readers engaging characters, believable dialogue and compelling story telling. Highly recommend.

Overall, I really enjoyed it this book. The characters were very compelling, each having unique hopes and dreams and several challenges holding them back. It's easy to get invested in the lives of Justin, Zach, and Capri, who provide three strong voices in the narrative.

While it does take a little while to get into the core plot, it is definitely worth the ride through all the joy and all the heartbreak these characters endure. While the setting can almost feel like it should be historical fiction at times, there are stark reminders that the themes in Other Side of the Tracks are very current, as it deals with a lot of very hard but very real issues such as Black Lives Matter and white privilege.

Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC of Other Side Of The Tracks, by Charity Alyse. This book is beautifully written. It’s told from three POV’s. Capri’s, Justin and Zack. The story is well written, and the plot kept me invested the entire book. Charity Alyse, makes you care about her characters and the story. It’s a story that hits home because of everything that goes on in the world today. This story is one that must be told.