Dark Side

by John Choi

Emerson Yeung seems to have every reason to be happy-- he gets good marks, has some friends, and has a part time job at his parents' dry cleaning business. But Emerson has been hiding something. The pressure to be the perfect son put on him by his parents that sometimes escalates into abuse from his father. This has led to a depression that leaves him roaming the city in the middle of the night. When his phone is stolen and used to post racist threats toward the vice principal and a teacher at his school, Emerson gets suspended and is investigated by the police. Not seeing any way out of his situation, he plans to commit suicide. But Emerson manages to find help and to gain the strength he needs to deal with his life. This novel is a realistic look at how a responsible teen can feel overwhelmed by life's pressures --and how personal and family tragedy can be averted.

Genres: Young Adult

168 pages, Paperback

Published August 22, 2016

Reviews

[Lör K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Free copy provided by Netgalley and Lorimer & Company in return for an honest review. This in no way reflected my thoughts on the ARC received.

Rating: 5 / 5

Publication Date: 01st January 2017
Review Date: 24th April 2017

Trigger Warnings: Suicide, abuse, mild terrorism, mild racism

Emerson loses his phone. It doesn’t seem like too big a deal. But then, mild terrorist and racist posts start appearing on his Facebook page. Then, things start getting tense.

I wasn’t expecting this to be so good after reading another in this series that I wasn’t so keen on. I admit that, I went into this with some really low expectations.

First of, please, if you’re feeling suicidal, please talk to someone:

Samaritans (UK): 116 123 -- also for bullying, sexual assault, anything of the sort
Suicide Prevention Hotline (US): 1-800-273-8255

This started off pretty vaguely. I was really bored with it, maybe because it’s currently one in the morning. I didn’t really like the idea of it, and the tone of this sort of annoyed me at first. But then, we’re introduced to a brand new plot point in this story.

The suicidal angle was treated with so much respect. I’m in awe. Honestly, I am in shock. The abuse of a child and the abuse of a girlfriend are also dealt with so, so beautifully and respectfully. I wasn’t expecting this at all. When I started reading it, I was taken aback and had to keep reading it over and over again. I have to wonder if John Choi has gone through something like this himself because it was all so true to life and so beautifully written, I have nothing but praise for him.

I never read the blurb for this so I had no idea what was going on, in all honesty. (I prefer going into books “blind” for lack of better wording).

Honestly I think this is all my review is really going to be about because Choi did it so damn well, I am in shock. As a suicidal teenager, I thank you, John Choi, for such a beautiful, inspiring representation of suicidal thoughts and suicidal behaviour. I also thank you for a beautiful, well written, true to life representation of a psychiatric evaluation, a hospital stay for a suicidal person, and the beautiful friendship between Max and Emerson. Personally, I needed to read something like this tonight.

Our characters are well developed, and I feel like I know them personally. There isn’t much that could be done about this at all, I personally can’t find any flaws. This is a stunning book – and I think a lot more people should read it. This has a really strong, and inspiring, message behind it.

You can read this book now on Netgalley - here – in return for an honest review.

[Brooke Banks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Of course these people are worse off. I know that. But what I can’t understand is how the hell that’s supposed to make me feel better. 

TW: Suicidal Ideation and Planning, Abusive Parents, 

Of the four Sidestreets I’ve read, this has the most action, mystery, and suspense. 

At first, I was concerned the simplistic writing and style would work against the book, because depression is commonly reduced and made fun of as “just being sad.” Thankfully, I was wrong. The portrayal is well-done and I didn’t have any issues with that aspect. I actually liked how well the procrastination and sleeplessness was included. 

I am worried that it didn’t deal with his abusive parents head on enough and gives off the impression that a life-alternating event is the solution. Unfortunately, habits and patterns aren’t so easily stopped and erased. It requires follow up and through. 

I am glad it doesn’t pretend everything is solved and Emerson is working on opening up. It’s important for everyone to have a support group and express themselves. Hopefully, this will help against all the toxic masculinity. 

A follow up, where things improve with counseling but maybe Emerson or Max need some medication to help out would be good too. Or maybe have a bi-polar MC in a different book that gets on medication that helps. 

Dark Side also has a subplot of a girl in an abusive relationship, which is dealt with better than Riot School’s jealous jerk. However, it isn’t enough. I’d like to see an installment dealing with this specific issue where they don’t end up in another relationship. Maybe even some group therapy with same-sex couples and male victims of domestic violence and abuse. TW: Drinking, Accidental Death, Street Racing, 
 
Dead to Me is another entry in the Sidestreets series this time taking on alcohol, risky behaviors, and grief. I really like how we got past the anger and into other emotions before it ended. The last part of the book is all about the fall out and consequences, giving us the most closure. Except...

It’s another cliffhanger, like Rez Runaway, but I’m not feeling this one. It’d be good to know for sure. Having it on the page would be a good reinforcement. Even just the one word: Mi hijo.  

I also want to know what happened with the grandson...

This one was the most felt the most like an after school special. Things were a bit too convenient and without the follow up with the grandson subplot there’s nothing else going for it.

I am surprised sex didn’t make an appearance in Logan’s avert-feelings repetoire TBH. That’d add another dimension to the story if done right as well. 

Reddit acts like a community bulletin board where people post all kinds of stuff, including questions relating to just about anything.

^^^^^^ Okay, but it’s also a cesspool of racist bullshit. I’m trying to think of a better website to use instead, but I can’t. >.< Just beware kids....

[Spring · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up at the library on impulse. I figured it would be a quick read and the premise seemed alright. The main character being a POC definitely also drew me to the book. I read it in a few quick sittings over the evening. Since it's such a short book, it takes place over a four day period and the end felt rather rushed. The last bit with the restaurant felt like a good turning point for the family but, I think it glossed over how much time the family would need to spend healing together. Overall the book was good and it definitely is suited for it's intended audience: reluctant teen readers. The language is simple and the descriptions are not overwhelming. The bite-sized length is also a positive for anyone who doesn't like reading long novels. This book is not for someone who is looking for something substantial but it will leave an impression.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was not awful, it was just very improbable and you truly needed to suspend your disbelief to buy the premise.

The story started out well and had the potential for a strong look at family dynamics, personality and suicide. Instead, this turned into more of a melodrama about lost souls who find each other, which in itself is not horrible, except that the way in which the story unfolds simply is not probable or realistic.

Also, the parents in this story are so odd - mean and cruel one second and then morph into loving and caring parents suddenly.

Just did not buy into this premise and as an FYI - yep, you should have told about losing your cell phone from the very beginning.

[Eva R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book because my teacher suggested it to me. I liked it! (enough to give it five stars!) It was short and very easy to read. It has a LOT of action so most people will enjoy it. It did affect me and I can see why it was recommended for me to read it. I struggle with mental health and it was good for me to read about the characters' experiences, even if they are fictional. I think I will actually buy a copy (the one I read was lent to me) and lend it to friends who could use it to help them.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received this as autographed freebie at OLA conference, wasn't expecting much but it's really good! it's well written, you care about the main character and the situations he's in are believable. The author's biography says he has worked with troubled teens, and he clearly is good at writing from his experience. A very quick read, but possibly a Book Club title for next year, maybe pair with another quick read?

[Ann Choi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd love to see this YA novel in every school and public library. It deals with topics like domestic violence, parental pressures, suicide and depression. Emerson Yeung is a teenage boy living in Toronto who is confronted with overwhelming and challenging family and school pressures. The story itself is compelling; a real page turner that will sustain young readers until the novel’s end. A highly recommended title for readers 13+.

[Bless · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely five star worthy! I just love reading books that are made from my city!!! This book gives you a look on the value of life and it makes you rethink about your thoughts. Great job Mr. Choi! I recommend this book to anyone at all who is feeling stressed from school, family, friends, or just life in general. KidsHelpPhone is always available: 1-800-668-6868

[Toni FGMAMTC · Rating 3 out of 5]

The lead's parents are Chinese and different from what he thinks most Canadians parents are. They expect a lot and are sort of abusive. He suffers from depression and anxiety. This book is good about showing the reader that they aren't alone if they feel this way. I thought the phone stuff with both the cops and the thieves was odd.

[Chanelle Poulin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed. It had a lot of dark topics but it was very good to read about them and understand people better. I would be cautious about recommending this. Also what the heck was going on when he just went to those guys house and then his parents just changed so fast???

[Amy Mathers]

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