What do you think?
Rate this book
The Wrong Side of the Tracks, Book 1
14 year old Stephen moves into a tough neighborhood and soon finds himself in love with Kristine, one of the prettiest girls in his class. Kristine appears to like him, too, but Stephen learns she “belongs” to a big, mean football player who’s three years older. Despite warnings from his best friend, Stephen moves ahead anyway. All hell breaks loose. Will Stephen allow himself to be shoved into the background, or will he win the girl he truly loves?
- GenresYoung Adult
103 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2011
35 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Mike Wells
196 books795 followersEmail me at mike (at) mikewellsbooks.com or follow me on Twitter (@MikeWellsAuthor) and get a FREE copy of one of my bestselling books. I'm an American author best known for my Lust, Money & Murder series and and written more than 25 other thriller and suspense novels. I also have taught in the Creative Writing program at Oxford. I'm known for my super fast-paced, 'unputdownable' books.
Please visit my website/blog at:
http://www.mikewellsbooks.com/
And please join me on Twitter and Facebook:
http://twitter.com/mikewellsauthor
http://facebook.com/mikewellsauthor
Please visit my website/blog at:
http://www.mikewellsbooks.com/
And please join me on Twitter and Facebook:
http://twitter.com/mikewellsauthor
http://facebook.com/mikewellsauthor
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 15, 2015
I really enjoyed reading the first book of this eye-opening 2 book series. I understand that this was one of Mike Wells' first novels and his inimitable writing style shines through every page.
Packed full of wonderful character studies in very awkward situations, this novel grabbed my attention throughout.
Although it is aimed at the young adult reader, more mature readers will enjoy it too. I was able to connect with it on many levels. It reminded me of one of my favourite Stephen King novels 'Christine', particularly regarding the intense college backdrop and interplay between archetypical bully, victim and hero type characters.
Essentially this is tale about an uneasy world of crazy risk-taking adolescent kids and the consequences of their ill thought out actions, angst and juvenille behaviour.
The dialogue is engaging and realistic. There is also, as one might expect from the suburban territory, the odd peppering of strong language and scene dealing with upsetting domestic violence but it is always in context and never excessive.
Overall an excellent read - I look forward to reading book 2.
Packed full of wonderful character studies in very awkward situations, this novel grabbed my attention throughout.
Although it is aimed at the young adult reader, more mature readers will enjoy it too. I was able to connect with it on many levels. It reminded me of one of my favourite Stephen King novels 'Christine', particularly regarding the intense college backdrop and interplay between archetypical bully, victim and hero type characters.
Essentially this is tale about an uneasy world of crazy risk-taking adolescent kids and the consequences of their ill thought out actions, angst and juvenille behaviour.
The dialogue is engaging and realistic. There is also, as one might expect from the suburban territory, the odd peppering of strong language and scene dealing with upsetting domestic violence but it is always in context and never excessive.
Overall an excellent read - I look forward to reading book 2.
May 23, 2015
Excellent. I could not put this book down; read it in one day and could not wait to get into the second book!
May 10, 2015
Wow! I thought I was back in High School all over again. Good Book! Look forward to reading more from Mike Wells.
April 9, 2014
Wow. What a really good story. Great characters and a sort of "cliffhanger" ending. Can't wait to pick up Book 2!
May 11, 2017
Great story, quick read but really good did not expect many things.
February 26, 2019
I loved this book.I couldn't out it down. The main character was relatable. I read the while book in a day! I had gotten it from Amazon has a free e book. I really enjoyed it.
June 29, 2021
I was surprised to discover that all of a sudden, I was 20 percent of the way into the book.
June 7, 2025
Loved the book. Quick read and each character is multi dimensional.. lots of twists and turns. Love this author’s writing style. You won’t be reading 10 pages to get to the point. A page turner.
May 19, 2015
I read books 1 and 2 together as an audio book, so I will leave the same review under both books!
I loved this book. I would classify it as a young adult read, but I believe it is a family read, maybe between PG-13 and a R rating (only due to a few words). There are many things in here to discuss as a family on what went wrong & what would be the right way to handle things. I think these kind of stories are pretty close to reality for some of our kids and need to be discussed.
Steven is a good kid at the age of 14.He is a friend to Ben across the street who is 17 and always getting into to some kind of trouble. Ben is a good kid, but a bad influence on those around him. Ben does things the wrong way and he always gets blamed for everything. Read along, as a family on the adventures and troubles the boys go thru and the lessons Steven learns from them.
The author, Mike Wells did a fantastic job writing this 2 story book! It has adventure, fun, great plot and some much to teach kids. The narrator, Mark Torres did a great job delivering these stories to us flawlessly. With his multiple voices and accents and he really sounded like kids talking, clearly is so entertaining, it will hold everyone's interest! Good job guys!
I loved this book. I would classify it as a young adult read, but I believe it is a family read, maybe between PG-13 and a R rating (only due to a few words). There are many things in here to discuss as a family on what went wrong & what would be the right way to handle things. I think these kind of stories are pretty close to reality for some of our kids and need to be discussed.
Steven is a good kid at the age of 14.He is a friend to Ben across the street who is 17 and always getting into to some kind of trouble. Ben is a good kid, but a bad influence on those around him. Ben does things the wrong way and he always gets blamed for everything. Read along, as a family on the adventures and troubles the boys go thru and the lessons Steven learns from them.
The author, Mike Wells did a fantastic job writing this 2 story book! It has adventure, fun, great plot and some much to teach kids. The narrator, Mark Torres did a great job delivering these stories to us flawlessly. With his multiple voices and accents and he really sounded like kids talking, clearly is so entertaining, it will hold everyone's interest! Good job guys!
December 15, 2011
Young men begin as growing boys, and pass through challenges of adolescence surrounded by peers. The characters in this story are high school students, ninth grade and some eleventh, some wealthy and some without luxuries in their lives.
Their friendships are controlled in large part by their geography within their town. The haves are with the haves, and the have nots stay close to each other.
Mike Wells has a clear understand of adolescence demonstrated in the real and raw emotions he shows through his characters' conversations and actions.
There are a small number of grammatical, typo, or omission errors in the text, and these can be easily resolved with a focused edit for such. They do detract somewhat from the smooth reading, but not enough to confuse anyone's understandings of the actions and characters.
I'm looking forward to part two; part one does stand alone as a character developing short story. The unresolved questions and choice of directions of the characters will optimistically be addressed in part two.
Their friendships are controlled in large part by their geography within their town. The haves are with the haves, and the have nots stay close to each other.
Mike Wells has a clear understand of adolescence demonstrated in the real and raw emotions he shows through his characters' conversations and actions.
There are a small number of grammatical, typo, or omission errors in the text, and these can be easily resolved with a focused edit for such. They do detract somewhat from the smooth reading, but not enough to confuse anyone's understandings of the actions and characters.
I'm looking forward to part two; part one does stand alone as a character developing short story. The unresolved questions and choice of directions of the characters will optimistically be addressed in part two.
December 4, 2014
Master of character development, Mike Wells, pumps out another winner! Mr. Wells taps into a stage in life that can easily connect with all readers--adolescence. Riddled with the things, good and bad, that every teen experiences, this books pulls the reader in immediately. Peer pressure, teen crushes, drunken and broken homes, bullies, and friendships twist this story into a tale that could be told by anyone, yet can only be brought to life by one--Mr. Wells. From the annoying little brother you want to smack, to the schoolboy crush that gives you flashbacks of a time long since gone, this book will have you turning the pages quickly!
In one sitting, I finished this book. Mr. Wells has an incredible style that flows well, an unparalleled talent to bring characters to life, and the descriptive abilities to make even the mundane seem exciting. I look forward to the rest of this story, as well as his future works.
In one sitting, I finished this book. Mr. Wells has an incredible style that flows well, an unparalleled talent to bring characters to life, and the descriptive abilities to make even the mundane seem exciting. I look forward to the rest of this story, as well as his future works.
August 16, 2013
While reading this book I was reminded of Stephen King's, Stand By Me, with its' family problems and the hard luck attitude of the characters. These characters are so real and their lives so heart wrenching that I was quickly drawn into the story. The main character is someone we all knew growing up, a good kid who tries hard to fit in yet as the same time wants to blend in and not be noticed.
Mike Wells has done an outstanding job on this book creating a touching and emotional story that grips the reader tightly and doesn't let go. This is book one and I am greatly looking forward to reading book two. I am an avid fan of anything that this author writes.
Mike Wells has done an outstanding job on this book creating a touching and emotional story that grips the reader tightly and doesn't let go. This is book one and I am greatly looking forward to reading book two. I am an avid fan of anything that this author writes.
April 11, 2013
While I found the storyline intriguing and the characters endearing, I was disappointed that this story was cut short. It's not a first book in a series, but rather, the first half of a book. Nothing was resolved, therefore, it's unfinished. I think the author needs to be honest and just put both parts of the book together into one complete story instead of trying to say they are two separate novels. Disappointed in this incomplete novel. If I was reviewing both "books" as one novel, my rating would be much higher, but add it is presented here and now, this novel is incomplete.
May 3, 2012
With his usual flair, Mike Wells brings us vivid young characters, and a scene at a dinner table that reminded me of our house!! thanks for a really fun read, Mike!!
November 3, 2012
2 Part book. Excellent, engaging, well worth reading whether you are a teenager or adult. Wonderfully compelling read.
March 13, 2013
good book of coming of age
September 4, 2013
need to get book 2 the anticipation of what happens next can't wait
April 20, 2013
Is a great book to read
September 27, 2013
Compelling.
June 7, 2014
A coming of age story everyone can relate to. Two friends share the joys, and heartache of the teen years.
October 28, 2015
good story...full review after book 2!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews