What do you think?
Rate this book
This Side of Forever
What more do you have to lose when you've lost everything? Ask sixteen-year-old Annie Bloom. Annie Bloom and Lexi Vanderkamp are out for a night of drinking beer and having fun in Annie's Camaro when Lexi, who is driving, makes a fatal mistake. Annie is left to deal with the consequences of her best friend's death. Problem is, Annie has a drinking problem, and the more she blames herself for Lexi's death, the more she drinks to forget. Unable to deal with the growing guilt over her part in the accident, Annie breaks up with her all-star boyfriend, Adam, and takes up with a guy called Raunch, who more than lives up to his nickname. Raunch seduces Annie with his penetrating blue eyes and easy access to the best alcohol she's ever had. Together, they embark on a series of drunken adventures that eventually threaten Annie's life. But it's the journey that Annie takes alone, after hours of relentless drinking, that ultimately alters who she is and everything she believes in.
158 pages, Paperback
First published May 23, 2013
1 person is currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Jo Chandler
1 book7 followersJo Chandler did a variety of things in her career before she turned to teen novels, including writing feature articles for a number of magazines and newspapers and editing a few others. Her first published novel is This Side of Forever.
Along with writing novels for young people, she is most proud of the work she did with Wind Youth Services, a non-profit organization that provides shelter and assistance to teenagers living on the streets and those escaping unsafe environments.
Chandler worked with youth ages 14 and up. Under her oversight as newspaper advisor, they produced Street Breeze, a tabloid distributed quarterly throughout metropolitan Sacramento. The newspaper, Chandler’s brainchild, was the first of its kind in California.
During her eight years at Wind, Chandler wrote Street Girl, a teen novel that is awaiting publication.
Chandler lives in a woodsy area in Northern California with her husband and all manner of wild critters. She graduated from CSU Sacramento with a BA in English.
Along with writing novels for young people, she is most proud of the work she did with Wind Youth Services, a non-profit organization that provides shelter and assistance to teenagers living on the streets and those escaping unsafe environments.
Chandler worked with youth ages 14 and up. Under her oversight as newspaper advisor, they produced Street Breeze, a tabloid distributed quarterly throughout metropolitan Sacramento. The newspaper, Chandler’s brainchild, was the first of its kind in California.
During her eight years at Wind, Chandler wrote Street Girl, a teen novel that is awaiting publication.
Chandler lives in a woodsy area in Northern California with her husband and all manner of wild critters. She graduated from CSU Sacramento with a BA in English.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 22, 2013
Love answers, "Now that you know the truth of who you are, go back and live your life fearlessly. You have much yet to do. You have much joy and compassion to share, and many people's lives to touch."
3.5 stars.
"This Side of Forever" is about Annie Bloom, a 16 year old alcoholic party girl. While with her best friend one night, Annie makes a mistake that will change her life forever. This book is about the decisions she makes, the people she chooses to surround herself with, and how she deals with her addiction.
This book was surprisingly good. The cover is very unappealing (in my opinion, at least...), so it took me a while to actually get around to reading it. But once I started I was really engaged in the story. The author's writing was decent, the main character had a lot of evolution throughout the book, and there was one scene in the book that just made be scream WOW in my head .
However, I did have a few issues with this book, and those are:
~Annie's mother. Specifically, where did she work? This was never said in the book. I really would've liked to know. It was always just "my mother is at work." Is her mother a nurse? A prostitute?
~Charley. Charley was Annie's dead father's best friend, and he frequently supplied booze to Annie. Yet, he never had an appearance in the story. That was frustrating.
~Annie never got in trouble with the law? She was an underage drinker. . She skipped school. She smoked weed. She was intoxicated in public more than once. But throughout the story she never got in trouble with the law or even worried about getting caught. I found that highly unrealistic.
All in all this was a good, entertaining story, I just wished it could've been longer. I will definitely be keeping my eyes open for any more books by this author. :)
*I won this book through the Goodreads First Reads program*
3.5 stars.
"This Side of Forever" is about Annie Bloom, a 16 year old alcoholic party girl. While with her best friend one night, Annie makes a mistake that will change her life forever. This book is about the decisions she makes, the people she chooses to surround herself with, and how she deals with her addiction.
This book was surprisingly good. The cover is very unappealing (in my opinion, at least...), so it took me a while to actually get around to reading it. But once I started I was really engaged in the story. The author's writing was decent, the main character had a lot of evolution throughout the book, and there was one scene in the book that just made be scream WOW in my head .
However, I did have a few issues with this book, and those are:
~Annie's mother. Specifically, where did she work? This was never said in the book. I really would've liked to know. It was always just "my mother is at work." Is her mother a nurse? A prostitute?
~Charley. Charley was Annie's dead father's best friend, and he frequently supplied booze to Annie. Yet, he never had an appearance in the story. That was frustrating.
~Annie never got in trouble with the law? She was an underage drinker. . She skipped school. She smoked weed. She was intoxicated in public more than once. But throughout the story she never got in trouble with the law or even worried about getting caught. I found that highly unrealistic.
All in all this was a good, entertaining story, I just wished it could've been longer. I will definitely be keeping my eyes open for any more books by this author. :)
*I won this book through the Goodreads First Reads program*
May 7, 2017
This is an excellent story, one that is not easy to read because it's about teens addicted to alcohol, a parent who suffered from the disease, and a mother and daughter trying to cope with the problem—but the problem isn't only alcohol and drugs, it's about suffering and grief—a grief so overwhelming that Annie (the young 16-yr. old in the story), is in complete denial about her drinking, drinks to numb her pain, her fears, her guilt over her best friend's death. It's about making the wrong choices, over and over again until something happens in the story that you will have to read about to understand why there's hope for anyone suffering from guilt and grief. It's hard enough being a teen in today's world, period—add a life-shattering event, and most of us would not be able to put one foot in front of the other. This is excellent writing with believable characters, lessons to be learned and a story that will linger with you long after you have finished this compelling story. I encourage both parents and young adults to read this important book.
March 22, 2017
"Author Jo Chandler's sixteen-year-old protagonist Annie in This Side of Forever invites reader's recalling of youth, guilt, loss. A gripping story for women of any age, to embrace the sometimes lost sometimes spunky girl in us. Chandler writes about pain, teen alcohol addiction, daughter-mother bond with great insight."
Teresa LeYung-Ryan, author of Love Made of Heart (mother-daughter novel) and “Talking To My Dead Mom” (monologues)
Teresa LeYung-Ryan, author of Love Made of Heart (mother-daughter novel) and “Talking To My Dead Mom” (monologues)
February 28, 2015
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest Review.
This Side of Forever by Jo Chandler is a thought provoking tale about Annie Bloom, a young girl who follows in her alcoholic father’s footsteps, perpetuating the all too familiar cycle of addiction. The book is written entirely from Annie’s perspective and gives the reader a comprehensive view into her reasoning and subsequent decision making.
The story evokes a range of feelings, from sadness to anger to oh-my-gosh-what-are-you-thinking-girl!
It is clear right from the first chapter that things are not what they should be for Annie. She is dealing with the loss of her father, but her choices with regards to managing this grief are flawed. She does what her father’s example taught her, numbing her pain with alcohol.
What I liked about the book
This is a well written book. The author’s way with words connected with my emotions without being overly dramatic or soppy. Annie is a likeable but infuriating character. Her choices are so skewed, her addiction so far gone – I just wanted to scream at her. My heart really broke for Annie’s mom, and I couldn’t help but wonder how she would deal with a second close family member’s descent into alcoholism.
I like how the book took me on a journey inside the mind of an addict. The justification, the excuses, the denial, the blaming of people and circumstances, the regret, the promises, the lies, the pushing away of people who care. It was all too familiar.
This book has a spiritual element to it that I didn’t see coming and I suddenly understood the Title.
What I didn’t enjoy that much
There was one niggle for me and that was the encounter with Raunch. I couldn’t understand why Annie made the decision to meet Raunch in the park that first time. She admits she didn’t really want to, but then sends him a txt anyway. I understood the subsequent meetings—he had alcohol and dope, enough for an addict to take unnecessary chances. I wrote that first meeting with him off as just another bad decision.
Final thoughts
This was not an easy read. The story is deep, painful and reminiscent of a life of addiction. In my field of work I see so many things that were echoed in this book and I found myself pondering on aspects of destruction and healing.
This is the first story in the Forever series and I look forward to reading the others and finding out where Annie’s new found awareness takes her.
STAR RATING: 4 Stars
Will also be posted on my blog:
https://jackiegmills.wordpress.com/
This Side of Forever by Jo Chandler is a thought provoking tale about Annie Bloom, a young girl who follows in her alcoholic father’s footsteps, perpetuating the all too familiar cycle of addiction. The book is written entirely from Annie’s perspective and gives the reader a comprehensive view into her reasoning and subsequent decision making.
The story evokes a range of feelings, from sadness to anger to oh-my-gosh-what-are-you-thinking-girl!
It is clear right from the first chapter that things are not what they should be for Annie. She is dealing with the loss of her father, but her choices with regards to managing this grief are flawed. She does what her father’s example taught her, numbing her pain with alcohol.
What I liked about the book
This is a well written book. The author’s way with words connected with my emotions without being overly dramatic or soppy. Annie is a likeable but infuriating character. Her choices are so skewed, her addiction so far gone – I just wanted to scream at her. My heart really broke for Annie’s mom, and I couldn’t help but wonder how she would deal with a second close family member’s descent into alcoholism.
I like how the book took me on a journey inside the mind of an addict. The justification, the excuses, the denial, the blaming of people and circumstances, the regret, the promises, the lies, the pushing away of people who care. It was all too familiar.
This book has a spiritual element to it that I didn’t see coming and I suddenly understood the Title.
What I didn’t enjoy that much
There was one niggle for me and that was the encounter with Raunch. I couldn’t understand why Annie made the decision to meet Raunch in the park that first time. She admits she didn’t really want to, but then sends him a txt anyway. I understood the subsequent meetings—he had alcohol and dope, enough for an addict to take unnecessary chances. I wrote that first meeting with him off as just another bad decision.
Final thoughts
This was not an easy read. The story is deep, painful and reminiscent of a life of addiction. In my field of work I see so many things that were echoed in this book and I found myself pondering on aspects of destruction and healing.
This is the first story in the Forever series and I look forward to reading the others and finding out where Annie’s new found awareness takes her.
STAR RATING: 4 Stars
Will also be posted on my blog:
https://jackiegmills.wordpress.com/
February 5, 2017
This Side of Forever is a marvelous avenue to dialog!
This Side of ForeverJo Chandler
Leslie Bevans author/illustrator Beyond the Weakened Thread
Without a preachy scheme, Jo Chandler has thoughtfully gifted us all with this contemporary story of a timeless struggle. In her novel, This Side of Forever, her memorable cast of characters portrays all too recognizable aspects of human beings living with tragedy and addiction. With authenticity, Jo Chandler takes us on a journey through the difficulties, the emotional roller coasters, the lies and the pain that addiction precipitates, and carries us to linger in the rawness of love and the beauty of hope on the way to healing. This Side of Forever will open minds, hearts and ears. I recommend sharing this book with friends, family, teachers and students because through her percipient storytelling, Jo Chandler encourages us, no matter our age or station, to talk with each other and to remember that we are all in this together. I look forward to reading Jo’s entire Forever series!
This Side of ForeverJo Chandler
Leslie Bevans author/illustrator Beyond the Weakened Thread
Without a preachy scheme, Jo Chandler has thoughtfully gifted us all with this contemporary story of a timeless struggle. In her novel, This Side of Forever, her memorable cast of characters portrays all too recognizable aspects of human beings living with tragedy and addiction. With authenticity, Jo Chandler takes us on a journey through the difficulties, the emotional roller coasters, the lies and the pain that addiction precipitates, and carries us to linger in the rawness of love and the beauty of hope on the way to healing. This Side of Forever will open minds, hearts and ears. I recommend sharing this book with friends, family, teachers and students because through her percipient storytelling, Jo Chandler encourages us, no matter our age or station, to talk with each other and to remember that we are all in this together. I look forward to reading Jo’s entire Forever series!
September 8, 2013
I won This Side of Forever By Jo Chandler. I am glad that I did. I don't think I would have picked this book out for me. I tend to shy away from YA books. Especially one where the mail character has the issue that this one does. With that said I had to finish the book when I started it. I wanted to shake Annie and give her a hug all at the same time.
****SPOILER ALERT**** Stop reading here if you don't want some spoilers!!
Annie is a 16 year old alcoholic. Her best friend,Lexi,and Annie were going out partying one night. They both were drinking. Annie let Lexi drive her car. As you can imagine what happens next. Yep Lexi totals the car and dies. Now Annie is wracked with guilt. So, she drinks more and pushes everyone that cares from her away. It takes a very tramatic experience after a night of binge drinking before Annie finally realizes she has a problem. She realizes what her actions have done to all that people that love and care for her.
Three quarters of the book we see Annie abuses herself.I think that the ending of the book was a little rushed. But other than that this is a sobering book that I think parents of teenager should read along with teenagers.
****SPOILER ALERT**** Stop reading here if you don't want some spoilers!!
Annie is a 16 year old alcoholic. Her best friend,Lexi,and Annie were going out partying one night. They both were drinking. Annie let Lexi drive her car. As you can imagine what happens next. Yep Lexi totals the car and dies. Now Annie is wracked with guilt. So, she drinks more and pushes everyone that cares from her away. It takes a very tramatic experience after a night of binge drinking before Annie finally realizes she has a problem. She realizes what her actions have done to all that people that love and care for her.
Three quarters of the book we see Annie abuses herself.I think that the ending of the book was a little rushed. But other than that this is a sobering book that I think parents of teenager should read along with teenagers.
September 13, 2013
The best thing about this book is the way Chandler portrays the ongoing struggles that the characters face throughout this story. We are able to understand Annie's longing for love and forgiveness while constantly pushing those around her away. Also, we feel the emotional termoil of those close to Annie that want to be there for her while dealing with their own hurts and disappointments.
Although I really liked the book, I was rather disappointed with the ending. The ending felt rushed; everything wrapped up a little to perfectly and easily. I don't feel like the "perfect" ending meshed well with the harsh realities of the overall story. I would have preferred a more realistic ending showing the characters' ongoing struggles to carry on with their lives and overcoming addiction is a daily decision one has to make for the rest of their lives.
Overall I would recommend this book because I do believe it has a good message and deals with topics worth discussing.
Although I really liked the book, I was rather disappointed with the ending. The ending felt rushed; everything wrapped up a little to perfectly and easily. I don't feel like the "perfect" ending meshed well with the harsh realities of the overall story. I would have preferred a more realistic ending showing the characters' ongoing struggles to carry on with their lives and overcoming addiction is a daily decision one has to make for the rest of their lives.
Overall I would recommend this book because I do believe it has a good message and deals with topics worth discussing.
August 21, 2013
"This Side of Forever" by Jo Chandler is the story of a teenage girl spiraling out of control due to alcoholism. It is an absorbing cautionary tale without being preachy. The story will grab you immediately due to the excellent writing. You will find yourself easily relating and caring for the young characters as they struggle to find their way. Just like the book jacket art that contrasts dark elements with rays of light on the horizon, Ms. Chandler effectively combines the dark reality of teen addiction with the light of recovery, redemption, and spirituality.
Even though this novel was clearly written for a teen audience, its story transcends all age groups Certainly, buy it for your teenage children and grandchildren, but don't deprive yourself the pleasure of reading such a well-crafted, multi-layered story of hope and salvation for our next generation of adults.
Even though this novel was clearly written for a teen audience, its story transcends all age groups Certainly, buy it for your teenage children and grandchildren, but don't deprive yourself the pleasure of reading such a well-crafted, multi-layered story of hope and salvation for our next generation of adults.
September 8, 2013
This is a strong, emotional story with an uplifting ending. I will donate it to my high school library in hopes that it will reach someone who needs help.
Annie ,an alcoholic teen is riddled with guilt over the death of her best friend Lexie in a drunk driving accident for which she blames herself. Annie's life spirals downward as she continues to drink to numb her pain until she is at the point of death herself from alcoholic poisoning. At that moment of her near-death, Annie experiences a vision of Lexie and loving forgiveness. She wakes up with a new determination to turn her life around and become a positive influence for others who need help.
Annie ,an alcoholic teen is riddled with guilt over the death of her best friend Lexie in a drunk driving accident for which she blames herself. Annie's life spirals downward as she continues to drink to numb her pain until she is at the point of death herself from alcoholic poisoning. At that moment of her near-death, Annie experiences a vision of Lexie and loving forgiveness. She wakes up with a new determination to turn her life around and become a positive influence for others who need help.
July 3, 2013
This is s story about a teenager who make unhealthy choices, and the consequences of those choices. The story addresses the issues of addiction,self blaming, and self worth as well as the ability to heal and change self defeating thoughts.
This is a must read for teenagers and parents.
This is a must read for teenagers and parents.
September 18, 2013
Won this book from First Reads & glad that I did! Don't think I ever would've picked it for myself - but it was a really good story - Kept me interested & rooting for the characters. Did think the ending was sort of rushed.
February 14, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. It touch on some really hard topics, like addiction and death. The end of the book left me craving more.
September 10, 2013
This book has a great premise. And the writing style held your attention. The pace of it didn't seem quite consistent, though, with some events rushed past or ignored.
July 11, 2015
Very touching and well-written journey of healing shame and guilt and learning to identify with the love that connects us all. Highly recommended for young people; inspiring for all.
Read
September 23, 2013Must read for all young adults who drink
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews