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
This is my first Kim Holden ARC. I’ve read the blurb and immediately assumed the story was more or less the same to Bright Side… but it’s not.
I was putting it off because I felt like I was not emotionally ready for something this heavy. I ugly-cried when I read Bright Side, and as sure as the sun rose in the east, this one made me cry as well.
To be honest, it was a very slow start for me. There were times when I thought about not finishing at all because at that time I didn’t feel any connection to the characters and what went on in story. Don’t get me wrong, it was all intelligently written but it took me a while to warm up to the characters. It wasn’t until I got to about 40% that I started to really relate. And I did relate. The despair, the perpetual sadness, the longing, resentment… everything.
I even questioned myself whether it was a good idea to go on reading when I myself am having the same thoughts—just thoughts.
I don’t have any exact plans like Toby did but I understood him. Sometimes people don’t understand why you are the way you are even when you try to explain it as clearly and as simply as you could. This is why I read more and why I write and indulge myself in desserts and making silly videos because it helps me keep my mind off of things.
This is definitely not an easy read. It touches on sensitive topics such as mental illness like suicide and ptsd. There’s also verbal and physical abuse, rape etc.
This book made me realize that I’m not alone in feeling what I’m feeling. That it only takes a strand of hope to hold on. That I just have to open my eyes and look around that there is still so much to be thankful for in this life… that I don’t have to have all the answers all at once.
It’s an angsty and emotional read and in Kim Holden fashion, you should keep your tissues within reach.
Off the charts stars!
“Sometimes a photo captures emotion so palpable that it can still be felt every time you look at it.”
Replace the word photo with The Other Side and you understand the experience of Kim Holden’s writing. Feelings are palpable. I can’t think about this book without feeling the vast emotional swing, one she delivers in spades. I’m not sure how I finished this book. My eyes were clouded by tears for the last 40% of this book. The Other Side is just that. The story of alternate realities, a much-needed level set at how life choices and secret sharing, and listening, impact the spirit and change outcomes.
Centered on teenager Toby Page in 1987, Holden examines the darkness of depression, abuse ( physical, mental and substance), and suicide. But Toby’s story is nothing without the inhabitants of a Victorian house on Clarkson St in Denver, CO, and connections forged out of necessity until a certain Alice Eliot makes her way into his head and heart. But being in Toby’s head is HARD. It hurts and it weighed my spirit down. As we make our way through the months leading up to 18th birthday and his high-school graduation, we’re exposed to the hard truth of this tortured soul’s life. When the story switches to Part 2 – I experienced so much grief as the wonder that is Toby is explored as his truths are revealed. It was absolutely devastating and liberating at the same time.
Holden has brilliantly woven a profound work of fiction and serves as a reminder that even in the darkest moments there is hope. Toby’s story is one for the masses. Everyone can relate to any one of the characters in one way or another making this a #mustread!
4 “You’re Worth Fighting For” Stars!
Toby Page is a 17 yr. old high school student living in 1987 in Denver, Colorado. He’s never had a real home, and works doing some light maintenance in exchange for a roof over his head. Tortured by memories and nightmares of moments that forever altered his life, Toby is held hostage by his depression. He’s a loner who is broken, and barely existing. He keeps to himself, and works daily to manage his pain, and fight his demons.
Then a beautiful new tenant moves in downstairs. He feels an instant, undeniable attraction, and is drawn to her. Alice Eliot is his opposite in every way, but something ignites inside him whenever she’s near. Where he’s dark, she’s light and sunshine. Where he’s a jerk and guarded, she’s kind and vulnerable. Before he realizes it, he suddenly has a friend. When she’s around, he hurts a little less. She has her own struggles, but smiles anyway. Toby is showing one face to the world around him, while he’s slowly drowning and dying inside. Will Alice be the one to peel back all Toby’s layers, and help him realize his own worth?
The Other Side by Kim Holden is a deeply emotional, moving story that will touch your heart and stay with you. It’s heavy, dark, real, and heartbreaking. To me it’s about grabbing hold of those willing to fight for you, and also fighting for yourself. It’s about finding comfort and beauty in unique special connections, and navigating your way through secrets, guilt, sadness, suffering, and love. This was my first book by Kim Holden, and it was fantastic! I look forward to reading more by this amazing author!
This book is a hard one to review, I really liked it when I finished. It is an emotional journey that is quite hard to describe and as rough as it gets when you hear the other side of the story you have so many more feels. This one brought be to tears.
Amazing, touching story. Very real.
Another exceptional novel from Kim Holden that you do not want to miss.
I dare say, there is not a person alive that cannot in some way relate to this book. And that’s why this novel is so good. It’s deep, it’s raw, and it’s real. Kim wrote one story intertwined with many stories and seamlessly wove it all together. She challenges our perceptions of the world, of people, of what we think we know about life.
I fell in love with our hero who carried so much pain, yet did his best to show kindness to others. I loved each of the quirky secondary characters that in many ways reminded me of people I actually know in real life.
We’ve waited a long time for a new release from Kim Holden and now I know why. This book has so much feeling and depth, it’s easy to see how much heart went into it. It’s more than a story–it’s life.
Overall: 5/5 stars
Steam: kiss only
~REVIEW~
The Quick and Dirty: Unputdownable. The book takes you on a journey through tragedy, guilt, self-loathing and mental illness. One that will leave you with a mountain of tissues from ugly crying. There is redemption in the end fortunately, one that involves a love interest, but it also involves the protagonist putting in the work, which I loved. Total book hangover material. Be warned. It’s THAT good.
Toby feels guilt. Lots of it. Along with self-hatred and a slew of other emotions that have him counting down the days to what he feels is an inevitable and deserving end. Things change when he meets Alice, who opens his eyes to new possibilities and feelings. People assume a lot about Toby since he puts up an asshole facade, but Alice sees through all of it and together with a support network he didn’t know he had, Toby gets a second chance to save himself.
Kim Holden is my go-to author when I need a story with some depth and emotion. Her characters are always compelling and multi-dimensional, with narratives that shatter your heart into a bajillion pieces, then painstakingly sew them back together, but leave their mark too. You’ll be thinking about this book long after you’re done reading. Can’t wait for the next masterpiece!
Side note: If you need more Kim Holden after you’re done with this book, check out the Bright Side series!
** I was generously provided an ARC in return for a voluntary and honest review. *
~QD STORY DETAILS~
Tear jerker: Yes 4/5
Paranormal/Fantasy: No
Location: Denver, Colorado
Character age range: late teens
Lead: Toby Page
Love interest(s): Alice
HEA: Yes
~QD BOOK INFO~
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Audible: No
Series: Stand alone
~QD ~
Sex/kink type: Kissing only
Possible triggers: abandonment by a parent, suicide, abuse, discrimination, alcoholism, mention of drug abuse, mental illness, self-loathing, guilt
A raw, hard honest look at depression, told through the eyes of a male high schooler. I don’t think there’s another book out there quite like this one. The honesty of what depression is really like may surprise those who have never experienced it. That is probably a good thing. Perhaps if lots of people read this book the world will be less dark and less sad for those struggling in life. Maybe just maybe Kim Holden can inspire kindness in everyone who reads this book.
Toby Page claims he’s an ass hole. But is he really, or is he just a struggling teen trying to make it through each day? He works as a handyman in an apartment building in exchange for a roof over his head. One day his job takes him to meet the new tenant downstairs Alice Eliott. Alice is a bright light in his dark world. There’s another side to Toby’s story that gets revealed, one I didn’t predict.
Kim Holden manages to punch me right in the chest. Every. Single. Time. Her writing is straight forward, simple almost, but so dang powerful. All facets of Toby’s story were deep and compelling and, while at hard times to stomach, were so real that I couldn’t look away.
My heart bled for this boy who had such a good heart. Who had seen too much in his short life. Who tried so hard for everyone but himself. Who hid his pain and fear behind good deeds and brood. Who stood up for those who needed it, even when it wouldn’t do him any favors. He was so loved and just couldn’t see it. But Alice saw it. She knew he was worth fighting for even when the voices in his head said he wasn’t.
The Other Side was a very real, heart wrenching look at depression. How it affects not just the one suffering but all those around you. Toby had no clue how big his wake was. The positive impact he had on everyone in his life. He was a natural caretaker, but no one took care of him and what he needed. Until it was almost too late.
Toby’s story was devastatingly beautiful. There was more than one jaw dropping, heart stopping moment. It wrecked my heart but when I was done reading it, I had the biggest smile on my face, and a touch of peace in my soul. That is the Kim Holden magic. I don’t know how she does it and I don’t really care. She doesn’t write romance novels, she writes life books. Books that challenge what you think and believe. That make you want to be better, grasp your potential. Be enough. Just be. And when Toby broke out on the other side of all that pain, it was everything.
The Other Side is not an easy read. I wanted to look away. Hide behind a cushion. Deny the inevitability of the plot. But I couldn’t do any of those things because I felt like Toby needed me to hear him out. I needed to be there for him.
You know when you read a really, really powerful book and the characters feel so true to life that you know them? That is this book. I so badly wanted to take hold of Toby’s hand and never let it go so he knew someone was on his side.
I don’t want to give away any plot spoilers but the way Kim Holden structured The Other Side is brilliant. It works so well. Jaw dropping. Spine tingling. Goosebump inducing.
It’s an impactful book with a message that touches everyone. I’m so glad to have read it.
Kim Holden has created literary magic with her words. Do not make the mistake of presuming this is just a typical novel. From the prologue to the very last sentence Holden holds the reader captive by the tenacity of her words. She is fearless in her writing and delivers a level of emotion far exceeding that of any of her previous work. Fantastic. 5 stars.
I had to take a few days to deal with my thoughts before I could sit down and write this review. I really feel that this book should have TRIGGER WARNINGS!!
I should start off by saying that I was in a depressing mood when starting this book – that certainly did not help me. I felt like I was drowning right along with Toby. I thought Toby and I were the same person. I had to put the book down for a few days to get my thoughts and feelings back in check before picking it back up again.
With that being said —This book blew me away! This was such a great reminder that there are really two sides to every story and that we should take some time out of day to smile at someone, say hello to a stranger. We all need to be a little more caring.
Ms. Holden will rip your heart out in Part 1, then slowly piece it together in Part 2, and mends it completely in Part 3. You will feel every emotion that Toby and Alice go through. This is a book that you need to read for yourself to feel all the love and compassion, heart break and pain. A must read for everyone!
My most favorite quote ever is:
” To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may just be the world.” This book certainly hit the nail on the head with this one! Listen to your friends….you just might be there world.
Wow. This book was absolutely amazing! I had no idea the direction it was going to take but the further you progress, the more it all makes sense.
Toby feels useless, keeping everyone at arms length. He feels guilt over the past and he hears the voices that beat him down so harshly when he was younger.
But as they always say, there are two sides to every story. I really can’t explain further without giving more away. Go and pick this book up and enjoy the heart rendering story.
This was a heavy book; which I think was the point. The characters were flawed but absolutely endearing at the same time. I really like how Kim did the three parts to the story. Such an authentic story on depression, so accurate and so haunting.
This book just wowed me. I was apprehensive about reading as Brightside broke me.
This is a very dark book, touching on some very important issues, mainly mental illness. It’s well written with raw honesty.
This is Toby’s amazing life journey, which is ugly at times. He is such a beautiful soul, yet this mind has another opinion of him.
We meet several characters along the way, all with their own issues. All how have an impact on Toby’s life , and visa versa.
This is a very open and honest account of how times can get very very dark and ugly, but that also light can sometimes shine through and guide you where you need to go, not always! but sometimes.
It was well worth the wait for this one, thank you Kim you are amazing
Kim Holden is one of the few authors that I will read their books not knowing (or caring) what they are about because I know they will be amazing, awe inspiring, and life changing.
The Other Side is no different. Toby has made me realize that yes, life is easy for some, it’s hard for some, but for others, it’s fatal. I’m so inspired by Toby, that I can’t wait to see how my life changes now that I’ve read Kim’s amazing words.
Thank you Kim, you will never know how much Toby has done for me, and many others. You, my friend, are inspirational.
I have just finished reading this most wonderful heart wrenching read …
Kim Holden doesn’t just write a story she writes truth and this book is of a truth that happens .
Kim’s writing is mesmerizing .
This book is a must read as Kim brings in feelings that some people can’t talk about .
This book is about hope and love to give to everyone as Toby gave …
Toby! Oh Toby , beautiful, kind, full of love Toby .
I had to stop many times to process my thoughts , dry my eyes , and just think ..
Then the smiles…
Kim always writes books that hurt but are real and extremely thought provoking .
We must talk me , ask more , and always be kind.
This book will be with me in my heart.
5 Cranky Stars
I firmly believe Kim Holden is some sort of mindreading magical fairy who puts out books exactly when we need to hear the words the most. Bright Side came out during a difficult time in my life when I was struggling to accept my illness and now The Other Side came out when I was struggling with my darkness. The Other Side gave you hope it was a steady reminder that you are enough.
Toby drowned in the darkness. The voices in his head told him everyday he wasn’t good enough. His upbringing was horrible and when someone repeatedly tells you something you start to believe it’s true. It’s human nature. He lives in a tiny pantry of a room in his landlord’s house and just exists day to day. No friendships, no eye contact and heck he doesn’t even talk to people unless he has to. Why right? It’s not until he meets Alice that he thinks maybe I am enough. Alice is hope personified. She is hope and happiness in human form. Granted her life isn’t easy but she still sees the good in everything and everyone. This is Toby’s story and how his life will play out and all the people who are touched by this boy with a gruff exterior but a kind gentle heart.
I read this book in small bursts. I knew Kim Holden would touch on feelings that I don’t want to talk about. It touched on so many subjects I have been witness to in the past and the current feeling in me. I don’t want to give too much away but grab Kleenex. Like go to Costco and get a pallet of them. If you in any small way relate to Toby please know you are enough. You are loved and please find your one person your anchor that you can talk to. You will start to see the light again just hang on. Please.
“That’s you, Toby, that’s you, you’re worth fighting for.”
This book was just amazing I held off writing a review because I had to let it sizzle in my mind. It was written so beautifully.
Toby hasn’t had it easy and the death of someone close just starts him on a down word spiral, he doesn’t see that he’s amazing and caring and worth fighting for he only sees his daemons.
Toby has a list of goals to achieve but some how he meets Alice and the list changes some. He starts to feel things he didn’t think were possible or that he was allowed to feel.
He only heard what his head told him and that was that he’s worthless.
Alice has a lot of changes in her life but she chooses to embrace them and make her life the best that it can be. She will not let loosing her sight break her.
When she meets a very intriguing guy in her apartment building she has a pull to him.
Toby doesn’t see all the good he brings to other people’s lives he only sees the bad he brings. He can’t see the smiles on people’s faces when he walks into a room he only sees himself as an inconvenience and in the way.
This book not only focuses on depression but what a ray of sunshine can bring to someone who can’t see it.
I loved this book so much I don’t usually read books like this but Kim’s words were just spun so well that you can’t put this book down. I want more because wow… if you don’t cry a little you truly didn’t enjoy this book.
Such a touching, thought provoking, relevant story. There are two sides to every story and though you may know how any given situation affects you it’s impossible to know how it affects others, how YOU affect others. Toby’s story has you hoping and praying that someone, anyone can change his perception of himself. After his mother does the damage Toby is left in a world where he creates barriers to avoid connections but still has a heart of gold to make a difference if even for a little while. He’s selfless in his deeds and alone in his thoughts. He travels in darkness until Alice shows him some light. I loved Alice and Toby’s relationship. Their connection, his willingness to protect her and regardless of whether they realized it or not their love for one another. This journey, however short, was poignant and beautiful and a must read.