There are two sides to every story.The surface reality that’s presented to the world¿And then there’s the other side.The real one.The one that matters.Seventeen-year-old, self-proclaimed asshole, Toby Page, is alone.No friends.No family.He trades maintenance work in exchange for room and board.Every day he fights demons no one else can see.Every day he wants to give up.But he can’t.Not yet.When … yet.When Alice Eliot moves in downstairs,she offers Toby some light in his dark world.At a crossroads and barely hanging on, it’s hard to have perspective.It’s difficult to see your own worth when you’re the villain in your story.Luckily for Toby, Alice brings things out in him that no one else ever has.As the two sides of Toby’s story are revealed,and the full reality comes into view,truth is gained,unlikely heroes emerge,and improbable alliances prove that kindness is fundamentally human.The question is, Will it all be enough to save him?
more
One of the most important and well-written books I’ve ever held in my hands. It’s a must for our young readers. And our older readers. And all of us.
I wish I believed I was competent enough to come up with the appropriate string of words to aptly express how much this story moved me. I’ve come across Kim Holden’s name and her past work on both Goodreads and e-retailers, but her writing was something I had never experienced myself…until a couple of days ago. The Other Side is a standalone young adult (YA) novel and it’s the latest published work from Holden, and it is, without a doubt, one of the most compelling reads of any genre that I’ve had the distinct privilege of reading in recent memory. The author doesn’t try to push her main character down the reader’s throat, insisting that this individual should be equally pitied and adored. Instead she introduces him to us in the manner in which he wishes, and then, as the current events in his life play out and we glimpse snippets of his past, we get to know both the boy and the young man behind the mask he shows the world. It isn’t pity that I felt for seventeen-year-old Toby Page; it was empathy and understanding, and that the realization that the introduction of eighteen-year-old Alice Eliot is a game changer.
The storyteller here is mainly Toby. (There’s another first-person viewpoint in the book, but I’ll let you “meet” them for yourselves when you read the book–and you should read it as soon as humanly possible.) From the moment we meet him, he makes it known that he’s an asshole, but his actions belie throughout belie that label he’s slapped on himself. I wouldn’t exactly say that he’s misunderstood; after all, he presents a certain version of himself to people, valiantly–and usually successfully so–hoping that they’ll want to keep their distance from him. He can’t afford attachments, and that makes him even more of a curious character. He was sharing his story–the good, the bad, and the ugly–and I couldn’t help but root for him. I’m pretty sure he would have scoffed at the idea, but I’d like to think that there was the hidden part of him that craved even a modicum of positive attention and affection. Again, he’d probably deny it. Toby’s easily become one of the most unforgettable main characters I’ve come across and the cast of peripheral characters surrounding him were wonderfully notable, too. Well, minus his mother; you’ll see why when you read the book. Kim Holden’s writing is intoxicating, and even though Toby’s tale was fraught with heartbreak, its foundation was one of honesty and hope. The Other Side gets five-plus stars times ten.
If you haven’t read The Other Side by Kim Holden, you NEED to. I had to stop and put this book down at times, because I needed a minute to breathe. It is honestly such an important book. It is a reminder that we all matter, even when you may not believe it. Holden’s beautiful words have taken a dark subject and bringing it to the forefront beautifully. She writes in a way that speaks to the soul and makes you want to look inside yourself and become a better human. The Other Side is EVERYTHING!
I sincerely encourage each and every person to read this book!
This is a book that every person should read. The Other Side is a thought-provoking, raw and emotional story – one that I will remember for the rest of my days.
As always, I went into this story blind and I should have known simply because Kim Holden is the author that it would be a phenomenal read. I didn’t know anything about the storyline, but I do feel that The Other Side exceeded any expectations that I may have had before I started reading.
I’m certain that depression has touched every one of us in some way, and this story, which raises awareness of many hard to discuss topics such as depression and suicide was penned brilliantly by the author. I’ll hold my hand up and admit that I was a little lost during certain parts of the book, BUT as the story unfolded everything became very clear. This is definitely a story that I will reread time and time again.
I found The Other Side to be a unique story and so much more than Toby’s journey through life. The messages I will take away from this narrative will hopefully make me a better person from now on. Future rereads will keep reminding me of the person I wish to be.
I regret not reading this book before now, however I am so pleased to have rectified this. You’re going to need tissues for this one, and possibly lots of them! There is so much more to Toby Page and his story than I ever would have imagined. I highly recommend that you read The Other Side today.
Dan’s Tavern is a place I like to escape to. I bury my problems in a pint of beer, sitting at the bar with my back against the wall. I watch other patrons gauging their mood for the evening. Some come to celebrate while others come to decompress from the day.
From the point he lost everything important. Toby limited his interactions with people avoiding contact and communication. He didn’t like sharing his feelings. He pushed people away giving him the “ahole “ title. Toby lives in an apartment complex where he works as the maintenance person.
Alice is the downstairs tenant. She’s the same age as Toby. Toby is attracted to her and something about her makes him want to open up.
He’s a broken boy with broken wings who gifts others with his talents while hiding behind in the shadows. For Toby life was a succession of moments, living one minute at a time. This was his life. He chose to live it this way.
Kim’s back with her emotional words. Words that break my heart and heal my heart all at the same time. You might cry or like me you might not. Even though I didn’t cry I still felt the emotions.
Kim Holden is at her best when she writes stories that are thought provoking playing into the readers emotions. While this is a fictional story it very well could be true. It’s that real, unique, and good. These characters didn’t feel like characters they felt like individuals that walk amongst us on the sidewalks. If you really stop to listen or observe those around you you will find that the characters you read about are actual people. Authors take what they see and hear and formulate a plot based on those snippets of details. One significant idea becomes the backbone for a brilliant and relevant topic.
It amazes me the talent of Kim Holden’s words. She incorporated many heavy issues without bogging down the story. In fact, the supporting cast of characters had issues that blended well with the theme.
Kim broke this into three parts. I loved the delivery of this book. Part develops Toby and Alice’s characters as well as the supporting cast of characters. Part two is the other side of the story. Part three is the healing.
I felt like I stepped back into a time warp, back in my senior year of high school. Kim picked the same year I graduated from high school to reference Toby’s character. In doing so she brought back all my favorite music artists from the 80s. If you’ve read any of Kim Holden’s books you’ll quickly learn that she incorporates music into each of them. Music is fundamental in her books and the growth of her characters.
Anybody who grew up in this era will understand every detail in this story from the term latchkey kid to vinyl record. Kim didn’t leave anything out.
This was a thought provoking story. I loved reminiscing about the past.
This book was simply beautiful! Kim Holden has the power to bring you to your knees and really let you feel the depths of her characters and their struggles.
My heart ached for Toby the entire read. His character was so broken and distraught. He was just getting by, not living. His story, despite being set a little over 30 years ago, was still so relevant and current.
I absolutely adored all of the side characters and what they brought to not only the tale but to Toby’s life. They were all completely flawed but absolutely real.
Parts 2 and 3 were so eye opening and profound. I am so pleased that the author chose to write the story this way and take the reader on such an incredible emotional journey.
The ending of this book had me crying happy tears. There was nothing grand or spectacular about it, but it was exactly what you needed to finish this book feeling like everything was going to be okay.
This book was heavy! It touched on so many issues that plague those we love and care about. It was a fitting read for Mental Health Awareness Month!
OMG…This book was unforgettable. Its a tale about the effects we can have on people’s life even though we don”t know it. Its a tale that shows us that we have to listen and pay attention to those around us to hear what they’re not saying and see what they’re not showing us. This story was thought provoking and eye opening as it tackles difficult topics including depression, mental health, alcoholism, drug use, suicide, single parenthood and so much more. The story was heart-wrenching and will evoke so many emotions as the tale is told and it all unfolds. It will touch your heart in more ways than one and you will feel it all. This was 17 year old Toby’s story and it was a realistic, raw and heavy story with some unexpected twists and turns. I was unable to put this book down. I loved it and would highly recommend it to everyone.
I listened to the audiobook version of this novel which was narrated by Michael Crouch, Natasha Soudek, Bahni Turpin, Kirby Hayborne, Adenrele Ojo, Graydon Long, Erin Spencer, Vikas Adams and Kim Holden. Each voice added a different personality to the characters. Michael Crouch as Toby was amazing. He embodied the character, perfectly capturing the emotions felt by Toby. The rest of the cast did a great job and together they all brought the story to life. This story was phenomenal and it was an absolute pleasure listening to these narrators.
This book is thought-provoking and eye-opening. Not only does it tackle difficult topics, but it also shows how much we can affect other people’s lives without even knowing it.
The narrators did a great job. I especially liked that it was the author herself was the one who narrated the author’s notes.
The Other Side is a young adult romance written in multiple first-person POV. It’s a standalone that deals with sensitive subjects some may find triggering and ends with an HEA. No cliffhanger.
I received this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Reviewed: 15-05-20
This isn’t an easy book to review, I don’t want to spoil anything. You should go to this blind because it’s better! This one really touched me, triggered me even, but it’s an emotional and truly heart breaking story. I don’t think I will be ok after reading this for quite a while.
The Other Side is raw, realistic and heavy on a number of levels.
It’s a must read and I’m sure once you read it you will think about it for days!
The Other Side was jam-packed with real issues and beautiful writing; it will make you think and it will make you cry. If you’re interested in learning more about depression and trauma, I’d suggest this one.
A complimentary copy of the audio version of this book was provided to me for review. I volunteered to leave an unbiased review.
Triggers depression and bipolar disorder, suicide, death and grief, drug abuse, alcoholism, PTSD, domestic violence, cancer, unplanned pregnancy, rape, statutory rape, child abuse, gun violence, blindness, AIDS, Alzheimers
******* AUDIOBOOK REVIEW *******
The Other Side is emotionally-charged… like it vibrates with emotions, with pain. This story hurts the heart like I haven’t experienced in a while. Kim Holden has a raw talent for cutting right to the heart of problems that people face when struggling with mental illness. The story is about 17-year-old Toby that is struggling in life and this story peruses his daemons, his problems. Every once and a while it’s good go get an emotional story that will leave your heart feeling as through the author rung it out. Kim Holden declares war on the heart, heck, on tissues! I obliterated them! The last 25% of this audiobook I sobbed like someone stole my cat!
This cast of narration was one the best I have ever listened too. I think I saw somewhere that the narration was referred to as an audiobook play. I can totally see that. This story was developed in such a way that they characters work together so fluidly. It’s an emotional and gritty story and when these voices all join in, this easily becomes an impactful story
This was my first Kim Holden’s book. The Other Side is such an emotional, heartbreaking, realistic, and intense story. So much that I had to listen to it little by little. Maybe this wasn’t the right time to listen to it for me. No doubt this wasn’t an easy subject to write about it, and the author did it with respect, empathy, and understanding. The audio cast did an outstanding job with the narration.
The Other Side
By: Kim Holden
Narrated by: Michael Crouch, Natasha Soudek, Bahni Turpin, Kirby Heyborne, Adenrele Ojo, Graydon Long, Erin Spencer, Vikas Adam, Kim Holden
Something has to be said for an author taking on such realistic issues and creating a story that is so encompassing that it’s hard to even put into words. Kim Holden has taken the life of Toby and let us see from different angles and views. Seeing the perspective of his life through his eyes has so many emotional pulls. It’s depressing with so many realistic problems and it brings the heart wrenching grief. I found it difficult to connect with him at times, but my heart was heavy! Then part two seeing the different viewpoints of others is such a powerful listen. It is incredible the way way things are perceived and it gives a truthfulness to Toby’s story that is so dynamic.Then add part three, which is reality and the story truly begins to hit home. Holden takes on the issues people don’t want to talk about. Depression, drug and alcohol addiction, teenage pregnancy, and so many more and delves into lives so we can experience,understand and feel everything. I don’t think many books have touched me the same way, and I know I will be looking for more of Kim Holden.
This narration team of Michael Crouch, Natasha Soudek, Bahni Turpin, Kirby Heyborne, Adenrele Ojo, Graydon Long, Erin Spencer, Vikas Adam, Kim Holden is incredible. Each voice adds a layer to the story with an inflection, an emotion, or a personality, It makes the story so real, and creates a feeling like it’s actually happening to the listener. It was an amazing listen.
https://adbl.co/2yCHnxG
*audio review*
Where do I even start?
I’m absolutely bloody stunned.
I thought I was going to have an anxiety attack from how tortured Toby was…. I didn’t. I cried.
The story was absolutely heartbreakingly beautiful.
The narration was even better.
Amazing Story & Narration Riveting & Heart-Rending!
The Other Side
By: Kim Holden
Narrated by: Michael Crouch, Natasha Soudek, Bahni Turpin, Kirby Heyborne, Adenrele Ojo, Graydon Long, Erin Spencer, Vikas Adam, Kim Holden
Kim Holden completely wowed me with this book, the story is realistic and grabs both your attention and your heart. It is a beautifully written story that is moving beyond words. The characters are realistic and easy to relate to, I felt like I knew Toby and what he was feeling and what he was going thru. I wanted to pull him out of the book, open his eyes show him he does not have to feel the way he did. Toby was beaten down in life that he got to the point of living for one thing, to prove he is smart to the one person who failed him, when he completed that goal he was ready to fulfill his next one. I love how this story was told, the majority of the first part “One Side of the Story” comes from Toby’s point of view, the majority spent in the present, occasionally flipping back to the past, 2 years earlier getting his view as Nina’s protector and we get some of Johnny’s view in the present as well. The second part “There are two sides to every story. This is the Other Side of Toby’s. The side that lends perspective. And changes everything” This part is brilliant, it brings in different points of views from people Toby met along the way, including Chantal, Cliff, which I loved and thought was brilliant. The third part, “When The Other Side is introduced to reality, lives change” brings us back to present day and what becomes of everyone, truths are reveals and lives are forever changed. I adored the secondary characters in this book, they played major support roles especially Alice, whom I admired, her brother was pretty awesome too. This is the type of story that will stay with me for a really long time, it is moving like no other and it shows you there is beauty everywhere you just have to look for it and if you can’t find it do not hesitate to reach out and get the help you need to find it. Kim Holden, thank you for another amazing book and the great notes you left in the book.
I listened to the Audible edition, Michael Crouch, Natasha Soudek, Bahni Turpin, Kirby Heyborne, Adenrele Ojo, Graydon Long, Erin Spencer and Vikas Adam are wonderful narrators and voice artists, loved Kim Holden’s appearance and message as well. Michael Crouch’s portrayal of Toby was spot on, he captured Toby’s despair, hopelessness and anguish as he battled with his inner demons he also captured how much of a caring heart Toby had. The rest of the cast did a fine jobs covering their parts as well and delivered great performances. Thank you for this amazing listen.
This book was a continual surprise every step of the way. The characters were so well-developed, original and heart-wrenching. I was invested in every single one of them. I highly recommend The Other Side, although the story will drag you in, twist you up, repeatedly change your perspective, crack your heart in half and finally, finally let you enjoy a deep breath at the end.
This book might say one of my favorite for the 2019. I will not disclose any information or plot regarding this book, it’s best you go blindly with this just like me, so that you can feel all the emotions and struggles, between our characters especially Toby.
And I’m so glad that Kim Holden created this book this is such a book eye opener to everyone who’s feeling the helplessness and giving up.
Brutal. Beautiful. And in true Kim Holden fashion, gut-wrenchingly amazing. Very few will make you feel like Kim Holden does. (Review by Terrie “Jane”)
I’m always amazed by author Kim Holden’s writing. Her stories resonate and on this book, she’s handed us her heart. It’s beautiful, harsh–romantic. The love story is beautiful and sweet, and I also loved the story structure with flashbacks and–oh, it’s just great. How you go to the ‘other side’ literally–how it keeps you turning pages, it all really moved me. Without typing spoilers, I’d say there’s a love story like I said, a tough girl who’s going blind, and a boy who’s so depressed he wants to die in this book and so many side characters for you to also fall for, which is also Kim Holden’s specialty in all of her books. For the past four years our family has been hovering around our dear son who has been battling depression as well. He has danced too closely with the idea of suicide, and so for us this story felt, often, like it was too close to home–because as the author explored the voice of the boy in this book, then we had to also hear the voice of our son. The voice of depression, which makes all involved feel helpless, because at the end of the day, it is the depressed person’s journey–for them to decide what they will do or not. In the case of our son, much different from the book, he has very supportive parents and much love around him, so he seems to be choosing ‘not’ which is a huge relief for us, but because of that topic, it took me longer to finish this book than usual, because I was afraid. And because the main character’s pain, Toby–it’s so visceral, and written so well, and the author’s knowledge of the subject (as she also suffered depression as a teen) hit to the heart and, her language her imagery and her art was so raw inside of this book it humbled me. I recommend this book all the way to the stars and back… it’s as lovely as those stars and as the person who wrote it. Def read Kim Holden.
Another book that has Kim Holden written all over it. When I want to read something emotional and that tackles the real and hard parts of life I know Kim is my girl. The Other Side was a perfect example of this.
Kim knows how to write a character and their growths like no other. The characters and their struggles in this book were perfect and drove the plot so well. The different POV’s and the different parts of this story were well balanced and very necessary to carry out this story.
This story was a perfect example of an author taking their time with taking a hard subject and making it very relatable to every single person that reads it. I love authors who do this and they always end up being some of my favorite stories to read. Well done Kim.
You cant read this story and escape unscathed, it leaves it’s markings on your soul. You can’t simply review it because it’s not just a story…it’s a life lesson
Kim has the most kindest of hearts and her aura shines like a halo around her. Her openness to embrace everyone, literally and figuratively, gives a sense of safety. To open up, talk, vent out your inner feelings.
“People aren’t perfect. It’s not about loving them when it’s easy and convenient; it’s about loving them even more when it’s hard.”
So it’s no surprise her books have a very soft sentimentality to them
Her mantra of Be Kind, Be Gentle…Talk to people, Listen to them…initiate conversation with strangers, compliment them..it just inspires me so much to be a better human being EVERY.DAY!
All thanks to a stranger who will never know what his words helped me find.
This is exactly how she molds Alice Eliot, a gentle & compassionate girl who comes to live in Toby Page’s building. He being the super, helps her in her repairs and they soon find comfort and solace in each others company.
The “The girl who sees the stars despite the clouds taught me to do the same. And it changed everything.”
I was amazed by the tenacity of Alice’s spirit and her strength to overcome hurdles in her life. SHE gives Toby a shoulder to lean on…how ironical is that!
The story is soft as a whisper yet sends a very loud message. Of compassion, of insurmountable grief, latent hostilities and anchoring in the sea of hopelessness. All theses are bridges for Alice and Toby to connect on
“depression isn’t about weakness, it’s about battling and wanting to deaden the pain, not the person.”
She has enough courage for her and Toby to navigate around speed bumps in their lives.
She projects strength and dignity into Toby’s life when he needs it the most.
I remember Kate Stewart wrote a line, ” you saved my life by literally walking into my apartment” That fits so right in here
Poignancy level is at its highest, I was floored by the immense strength of the emotions. The anti-climax knocked me out completely and it took me a while to get my bearings together and keep going
These are the kinds of stories which are life changing and world changing. If every person who reads it, gets inspired to implement one gesture of gratitude, one random act of kindness, the world will change.
So thankful I got to read her words, meet her, hug her hard.
5 Brilliant stars for Making it to The Other Side