Side by Side

Bonnie #2

by Jenni L. Walsh

"A deftly researched, compassionate rendering of Bonnie Parker, one of the most fascinating women in recent history. With great empathy and skill Walsh portrays Bonnie's collision course with disaster, allowing us to ride shotgun all the way. And what a compelling ride it is!" - Ariel Lawhon, author of I Was Anastasia

Texas: 1931. It’s the height of the Great Depression, and Bonnie is miles from Clyde. He’s locked up, and she’s left waiting, their dreams of a life together dwindling every day.

When Clyde returns from prison damaged and distant, unable to keep a job, and dogged by the cops, Bonnie knows the law will soon come for him. But there’s only one road forward for her.

If the world won't give them their American Dream, they'll just have to take it.

"Compulsively readable, Walsh’s prose hooks you from the beginning as Bonnie and Clyde come alive for the reader, their exploits leaping off the page. Atmospheric, action-packed, and richly detailed, Side by Side will delight historical fiction fans." - Chanel Cleeton, author of Next Year in Havana

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, 20th Century, Crime, Audiobook, Biographical Fiction, American History

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Jenni L. Walsh is the USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books for adults and children, spending her days knee deep in words in Philadelphia’s suburbia. Beyond words, Jenni is a mama (of a soulful eleven-year-old, a soccer-loving nine-year-old, and six needy furbabies), a wife, a Philly and 'Nova sports fan.

But where did it all begin? Jenni spent her early years dabbling in various forms of writing and with her nose in a book. Her writing chops first began to develop through one-page stories. Never fail, the storyline followed the same progression: girl meets boy, girl marries boy, girl and boy have baby. That's it.

Now Jenni has moved on to stories with a bit more depth and, for the mamas, Side by Side is a historical women's fiction story of America’s most infamous crime spree of Bonnie and Clyde told in the raw and honest voice of the woman who lived it, Bonnie Parker. In Becoming Bonnie, a prequel set in the Roaring Twenties, a picture of Bonnie's earlier life, before and while she meets Clyde, is brought to life. Jenni's third historical women's fiction book A Betting Woman takes us to the California gold rush, featuring a little known woman from history, Eleanor Dumont, but who is largely remembered by the moniker Madame Moustache. In The Call of the Wrens, Jenni introduces readers to the Women's Royal Naval Service (the Wrens), who carried wartime secrets on their shoulders as motorcycle dispatch riders during both world wars. Unsinkable ​is Jenni's first bestselling novel, hitting the USA Today bestsellers list, and is about two resilient women, one of which is the real-life Violet Jessop who survived the Titanic and two additional maritime disasters. Jenni's next historical novel Ace, Marvel, Spy features Alice Marble, who was the world's number one women's tennis player, an editor for the Wonder Woman comics, and a spy during the Second World War. Up next from Jenni, in October 2025, is Sonora, a historical novel about performer Sonora Carver, one of the first women to dive from a forty-five foot tower on the back of a horse and who inspired the film Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken.

For the kiddos, Jenni's debut middle grade books, She Dared, features true stories from women who, at a young age, accomplished daring feats of perseverance and bravery. She is also the author of I Am Defiance, inspired by a real-life resistance group, known as the White Rose. Jenni has contributed Hettie and the London Blitz: A World War II Survival Story to the Girl's Survive series. Revolutionary War hero Sybil Ludington, who is often known as the "female Paul Revere," is brought to life in By the Light of Fireflies, Jenni's first historical novel with a touch of magical realism. Over and Out is a thrilling and fast-paced espionage and escape story that is inspired by real stories of life in East Berlin during the Cold War. Operation: Happy, set during the attack on Pearl Harbor, tells the story of a real-life survivor and includes the POV of her dog, Happy, to soften the events of one of America's most notable moments in history. In May 2025, Jenni is excited to be releasing her first contemporary novel, a mystery/adventure story called The Bug Bandits, which is inspired by a real heist and the shenanigans of Home Alone.

Reviews

[Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 hopelessly devoted stars to Side by Side: A Novel of Bonnie and Clyde! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

I have long been fascinated by Bonnie and Clyde and have always wanted to learn more about them. I bought Becoming Bonnie when it was released, but have not read it yet. That fact did not affect my enjoyment of Side by Side. It can definitely stand on its own and is a fulfilling story as is, though I intend to read Becoming Bonnie so I can learn more about her early life and to understand her better.

It’s Texas in 1931, during the Great Depression, and Bonnie is waiting for Clyde to come home. He is languishing in prison, and she is pining for him and the life together they had once imagined. She writes a letter to the government begging for less jail time for him.

Clyde eventually returns, but he’s not the same...Are their big dreams forever shattered? How will they survive when Clyde cannot get or keep a job, and money is hard to come by? Clyde decides he is never returning to jail, but at what cost?

Side by Side felt as real as Bonnie and Clyde once were. Bonnie’s love and devotion for Clyde were palpable, and even though we all know the ending they succumbed to, the ride that led them there was thrilling and dramatic. Overall, Side by Side was an honest and tragic tale of this infamous, larger-than-life pair.

Thank you to Jenni L. Walsh, Forge Books, and Netgalley for the ARC. Side by Side will be released on June 5, 2018.

My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com

[Cindy Burnett (Thoughts from a Page) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Side by Side tells the story of Bonnie and Clyde as they embark on the path that led them to become the most infamous duo of the 1930’s. Walsh infuses life into their tale providing richly descriptive details that cause the readers to feel like they are accompanying the duo on their path to destruction. Bonnie’s devotion to Clyde ran deep (which was a bit baffling to me) and clearly contributed to the choices they ultimately made and the life they chose to pursue. While most readers will be familiar with their names and their explosive ending, they will still be fascinated with the dramatic, destructive, and tragic lives they lived, and the intriguing and fast-paced way Walsh relays their story.

I have to admit that before I read this book I knew very little about Bonnie and Clyde to the point that I didn’t even know they were from Texas (my own state). While it was a story that had never sparked my interest before, I wholeheartedly enjoyed Walsh’s tale. Side by Side is well written and contains fabulous inserts periodically that provide additional details on various items – such a clever and fun addition to the book.

I highly recommend Side by Side, especially if you love historical fiction or tales about infamous individuals. It is a highly entertaining read!

[Jenni Walsh]

6/11/18 Update: Side By Side released June 5th! I'm so excited that this story is now out in the world. I hope you'll read (and review)! xx

4/6/18 Update: Win 1 of 10 copies of Side By Side in a Goodreads Giveaway. Ends May 6th!

3/21/18 Update: Side By Side is now available for request on NetGalley! https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...

12/10/17 Update: A Goodreads giveaway started for Side By Side today! Go go go. Enter, enter, enter. Ends January 7th!

10/18/17 Update: Side By Side has a cover!! AND, the paperback of Becoming Bonnie got a facelift to match. Click through to see! http://www.jennilwalsh.com/news/side-...

10/6/17 Update: Just got a glimpse of the cover for the paperback edition of Becoming Bonnie, coming in May, and the hardcover/eBook edition of Side By Side, coming in June! I can't wait to share with you all!

8/25/17 Update: The title for Book 2 has gone through quite the transformation. It began as Being Bonnie, the companion to Becoming Bonnie. And while Book 2 is still a companion, it's very much a book that can stand on its own (without first having read Becoming Bonnie). We've gone through a few different titles, but I'm excited/happy to announce we have a final title: Side By Side. This title was inspired by Bonnie's real-life poem, The Trail's End, and in particular, these few lines:

"Some day they'll go down together
they'll bury them side by side.
To few it'll be grief,
to the law a relief
but it's death for Bonnie and Clyde."

8/18/17 Update: I am hard at work finalizing Book 2! While Book 2 will follow Becoming Bonnie (Book 1), which is Bonnie Parker's origin story, this book will also be able to stand alone, bringing Bonnie and Clyde's infamous crime spree to life through Bonnie Parker's eyes. The final title and cover are coming soon and I can't wait to share!

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before reading this review, make sure you've read Becoming Bonnie first as this will contain semi-spoilers of that book...

Side by Side picks up sometime after the events of Becoming Bonnie with Clyde in prison and Bonnie concocting a scheme to set him free either by breaking him out or by arranging a pardon. Fortunately for Bonnie, Clyde is released without bloodshed (well, at least not in the conventional manner that is...) and the two are once again reunited and on their way to infamy.

As with Becoming Bonnie, the familiar cast of characters return to form the 'gang' in Buck (Clyde's brother) and Blanche (Bonnie closest friend); and while they aren't a gang in the traditional sense, they are a tight-knit group which look out for one another - be it a shoulder to lean on, or a gun to shoot from.

The plot largely sees Bonnie and Clyde traversing the countryside as they rob, steal, and kill in their pursuit of peace and happiness with Bonnie's earlier aversion to violence whittling away with each passing bullet and wet thunk as it hits the target. All this bloodshed is counterbalanced by a romantic angle that showcases the devotion the two characters have for one another.

My rating: 4/5 stars. Side by Side is a violent and well executed piece of historical fiction set along a bumpy road-trip of death and destruction.

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 5 out of 5]

Side by Side is the concluding book in the Bonnie series about Bonnie Parker (Bonnie and Clyde). In this book set in 1931, we follow Bonnie after Clyde was locked up again for escaping jail. Lonely and far away from her love, Bonnie waits for his release and waitresses in a dead end job at a diner to get by. When Clyde is released he's is targeted by local police trying to get a rise out of him. Clyde isn't the same man as before he went back to jail and has a physical disability caused no less by his own two hands. The physical intimacy is no longer there between the couple, and Bonnie knows they have to move away and make a fresh start. With a plan in mind to get their own farm where their family's can come and live with them, the pair set out to fulfil their American Dream. But times are hard, and desperate measures are taken, leaving them wanted dead or alive.
This book is a sympathetic retelling of the notorious outlaw couple and mixes fact and fiction. I loved their portrayals and could see how the loss of Bonnie's money ( in the wallstreet crash ) could have fueled a desperation for money, security, and a future pushing her further into a life of crime. I thought Jenni did an amazing job bringing these characters to life, adding some famous moments we know about only through photographs and making you look at them through a different lense. By the end of the book, you feel like you really want the pair to get their happy ending.

[Mel (Epic Reading) · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 40%

Fiction and Fact; where do the two meet one another? How much of a noveliazation based on real people and real events can be truly believed to be fact?
Usually I go into books like Side by Side, which is about Bonnie and Clyde, knowing that I'm going to be reading a fictionalized version of some real life people. This (generally) allows me to be open minded and allow for the writer to manipulate some dates and character reactions in order for good fiction to come of the novelization. However, I feel Jenni L. Walsh went too far with Side by Side.

Too sympathetic
I stopped reading at 40% after having been super annoyed with Bonnie's excuses for everything. At about the 20% point I remember thinking that Bonnie must come to her sense soon. And yet that never seems to happen. Bonnie is portrayed as being 'innocent' the entire time that the men are knocking off banks, running from the law and even shooting officers dead. There has to be a point at which this woman can no longer use the 'anything for Clyde' BS excuse she has; or so I would have thought. Turns out Walsh doesn't agree and so I gave up on Side by Side as I didn't want to read another word about how Clyde had to do something or was justified in his heinous crimes.

One Great Moment
There is however a scene that is absolutely fantastic and I'd like to give a nod to Walsh for. It's regarding the moment in which the most famous photographs of Bonnie and Clyde are taken. You know the ones where they are all dressed-up and leaning against cars with guns of all kinds in their hands. It includes the infamous photo of Bonnie with a rifle and cigar in her mouth. This was well portrayed and regardless of how it really happened in real life I did enjoy Walsh take on this 'picnic' excursion that turned into exaggerated picture taking.

Overall
I think the story of Bonnie and Clyde is very compelling. It's a little strange but many of us are jealous of the kind of love and devotion that is said to have been between the two of them. What we (as outsiders) to Bonnie and Clyde's relationship need to ask ourselves is, was their love worth the lives of more than 8 police officers?
I'd like to think I'd say no. But then again I do love my husband and I suppose it's hard to say what you will do for the person you love when push comes to shove. At the very least I hope I wouldn't delude myself into believing that all was well as I broke the law with my partner or that it would be just 'one more robbery'. I'd like to think I'd be realistic with myself.
It's too bad this portrayal bothered me so much as there is a story to be told her. Just not from the perspective that Walsh tells it here.

For this and more of my reviews please visit my blog at: Epic Reading

Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intensely eventful, this sequel to Bonnie Parker's life details her crime spree with Clyde Barrow. Although the action never seems to stop, it also feels a little repetitive at times, like the entire book is just Bonnie and Clyde, and sometimes a few others, going around in circles, both literally and not. That's not a criticism, just a description of how crazy their crime spree was.

Popular view tends to paint the picture of Bonnie and Clyde on some kind of fun loving joyride as they commit their crimes, probably partly fueled by the famous photos of them showing off their guns and posing, horsing around, smiling, etc. But this book portrays things much more darkly, with their crimes being more like acts of desperation while they cling onto some fantasy that some day they'll achieve their dreams of living quietly in some remote corner of rural America, as though they are not haunted by the consequences of their choices.

At the same time, the historical view seems to describe the "Barrow Gang" as an organized criminal group, but this novel suggests it was anything but organized and more "fly by the seat of our pants" and "pick up whatever help we can from who we can whenever we can". We get to meet the members of Bonnie and Clyde's so-called gang, but many of them are involved at different time periods, typically not associated with each one another. It definitely felt too erratic to be called "organized", and it wasn't until near the end when it briefly becomes a large group.

Again, none of this is criticism, and it actually appears to be entirely accurate, but it was a little surprising, which made it all the more intriguing.

Advanced review copy from publisher via NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

Historical Readings & Reviews

[Jessica Strawser · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this (long-awaited, in my case, even though I was fortunate to get a chance to read this early!) follow-up to her memorable debut BECOMING BONNIE, Jenni L. Walsh takes readers on a joyride with Bonnie in the story's driver's seat, careening from hope to despair, from spectacle to tragedy, from complacency to guilt. History may have already written her lovesick protagonist’s ending, but Walsh's sharp wit and keen imagination fill in the blanks with exceptional care, somehow managing to leave you wanting more -- and marveling that it took so long for this perspective of the infamous duo to get its due. (With gratitude to the author/publisher for providing an ARC for honest review.)

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Becoming Bonnie, and so I was really excited to get the opportunity to read an advance copy of Side by Side! It’s definitely a worthy follow-up to Becoming Bonnie, picking up the story shortly before our heroine (our anti-heroine?) and her man start their infamous crime spree. The author has done such a good job with character development that even while Bonnie and Clyde are wreaking havoc and waving weapons around, you still feel for them and understand what brought them to that point. An engrossing, well-plotted book about some complicated characters, definitely worth a read!

[HoboWannaBe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read Becoming Bonnie, I was awaiting this book! Fun and interesting read! Having a law enforcement hubby, the killings of police officers was tough to read;concurrently, trying to understand killing others who are innocent instead of taking your own life because of the stance of refusing to go back to prison is a thought I wish the book had explored.

The author did such a fine job of making the reader sympathetic & empathetic towards Bonnie. I even wanted her to have a happy life; but more than that, I wish they’d not murdered others.

Sometime I felt the story moved a little slowly but I loved reading this notorious adventure! Thanks for writing this piece of historical fiction!! Come again!

[Elise Hooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of charm and sly humor, SIDE BY SIDE tells the story of Bonnie and Clyde’s slide from lovebirds to jailbirds—and what an action-packed story it is! Vivid storytelling and a few shots of humanity breathe new life into this notorious duo. This book should be on everyone's "most wanted" list this summer.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Side by Side” by Jenni L. Walsh is an intriguing, captivating, intense, suspenseful adventure packed novel. Jenni L. Walsh has written an amazing descriptive vivid story about the lives of Bonnie and Clyde. The Genres for this story are Fiction, and Adventure, based on Historical Fiction. The timeline of the story starts in 1931 Texas during “The Great Depression”.

The author describes the colorful cast of characters as complex and complicated. During this time of poverty, what lengths will people go to survive? There are betrayals, lies, secrets and deceptions. The people representing the side of the law often don’t uphold and respect the rules. At times one can wonder who is the bad guy or good guy? I know I am often rooting for the ones that are suspect of being “bad”.

At the beginning of the story, Bonnie writes a letter to the government asking for a shorter jail sentence for Clyde. Bonnie tries to hold and keep a job during these difficult times. When Clyde is released he is a broken man. Clyde has made up his mind that he is never going back to jail again. When he is free, and tries to hold a job, the law officials bait him and follow him. It seems like just a matter of time for things to explode and get out of hand.

Bonnie joins Clyde, and resolves to stay by his side while they do what they feel they have to do. Their companions are often dangerous, and not to be trusted. There are twists and turns, highs and lows, and the anticipation of treacherous and threatening adventures. This becomes a quest to live or die. Will Bonnie and Clyde be together? I would highly recommend this novel for readers that enjoy adventure, danger, and the combination of fiction and history. I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.

[Jessica White · Rating 5 out of 5]

My reviews of Becoming Bonnie and Side by Side can be found at A Reader's Diary along with an exclusive author interview with Jenni L. Walsh!

Some day they'll go down together
they'll bury them side by side.
To few it'll be grief,
to the law a relief
but it's death for Bonnie and Clyde.

The story of Bonnie and Clyde is has fascinated people for decades, which really isn't all that surprising. Their story is one of fiction, one that people never dreamed could happen, one that Bonnie Parker never dreamed of living. But she did, she stuck by Clyde knowing the only thing he could bring her was a life on the run, a life spent hiding. But she wouldn't change it for the world.

In the first book, Becoming Bonnie, we learn who Bonnie was, what made her choose a life with Clyde Champion Barrow, a small time farm boy with a record. Her best friend, Blanche, married into the Barrow gang soon after convincing Bonnie to work at a speakeasy with her. Prohibition was in full swing and Bonnie needed a little extra cash so why not? Thus beginning her life of crime and meeting her one true love.

Side by Side picks up with Bonnie typing pardon letters to try to get Clyde out of prison for good. She can't stand him being locked up and needs him back in her arms. Little does she know he's got a trick up his sleeve. In an attempt to get out early, Clyde has another inmate chop off two of his toes. Of course that's after he's already been branded with a new charge, murder. Clyde went in a petty thief and came out a hardened criminal. Going home wasn't an option for him, there were too many people casting doubt in his direction, if he wanted to start over it had to be somewhere else. A farm maybe, with Bonnie by his side. But the only way to get the money for a farm is robbin' here and there, nothing major.... until they decide to hit a bank.
From there the story of Bonnie and Clyde takes flight.
There's no turning back, they're wanted now.
Dead of alive.

Huge thank you to NetGalley for an arc and an even bigger thank you to author Jenni L. Walsh for a signed bookplate!

[Gabrielle Garza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first three chapters via an offer in the author’s newsletter, and devoured them, just like I did with Becoming Bonnie! I have already preordered my copy of Side By Side and cannot wait for its release date! The author does an amazing job of portraying these once-real ‘outlaws’ on paper! ❤️

[Shannon Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular!

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

i absolutely loved this novel. last summer jenni walsh's BECOMING BONNIE gave the backstory to one of the most welm known duos in the American lexicon. SIDE BY SIDE gives the reader an inside look at the story we know but the motives we dont. heart stopping, heart breaking and its heart about love. dont miss this story of bonnie and clyde

[Jenny Q · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was late to the Becoming Bonnie party, but after receiving a review copy of Side by Side, I knew I had to read Bonnie's story first, and I'm so glad I did. That book brought me out of a month-long reading slump. Bonnie is a character I really wanted to root for, and it was hard to watch her make decisions that I knew would lead to heartache—and worse. In that book, Bonnie and Clyde didn't get together till near the end, and the anticipation of them finally getting together had me burning through the pages.

In Side by Side, there's anticipation of a different sort 'cause everyone knows what happened to Bonnie and Clyde. Even if you know nothing else about their story, you know how it ends.

I have such conflicting feelings about Bonnie and Clyde. Walsh does an admirable job of portraying them as two people who got caught up in a life of crime. In her hands, they are both easy to like.

"I do know a little something 'bout having dreams. I also know something 'bout them crumbling 'round me, clunking me on the head and leaving me with a black eye." ~Bonnie Parker

They justify their actions by their life experiences. Bonnie lost her savings when the banks crashed in '29. Clyde was brutalized by the police in prison and hounded by them whenever he was out, so banks and cops feel like justifiable targets. Throughout their years on the run, living out of one stolen car after another, living off whatever they can steal, sometimes hooking up with others and sometimes on their own—and always trying to stay a step ahead of the law—they never let go of their dream, to live an honest life on a little farm. The problem is that in order to get that honest life, they have to do a whole lot of bad things. Bonnie's in denial, her heart so attached to the dream of a farm, a dream she thinks still has a shot at coming true, right up to the very end, that my heart broke for her.

But on the other hand, they're criminals. In a time when people have so little, they steal people's hard-earned money, not just from banks but from mom-and-pop stores and gas stations, they steal family cars, and they kill people, men who had families depending on them. I think it's also a bit of a cautionary tale. This is what happens when someone wants so badly to be loved, as Bonnie does, wants so desperately to have a partner, places such blind faith in that person, that they are able to rationalize what that person does. In Walsh's novelization, there's no doubt that Clyde loves Bonnie. But not enough to leave his life of crime behind, though the promise of doing so is always dangling just beyond their reach.

And yet I still cried at the end.

You definitely have to read Becoming Bonnie before you dive into Side by Side to get the full experience and understand how Bonnie and Clyde came to be. And if you're a fan of atmospheric historical fiction with a whole lot of action and a little bit of romance, you'll be burning through the pages just like I was.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a page turner! Even if you know the story of Bonnie and Clyde, this book takes you through a rollercoaster of emotions (with TONS of non-stop action!) as you watch their journey unfold.

Throughout the book, as Bonnie shares her love for Clyde, and how they dream of a better (crime-free) life together, I so badly wanted to see how their story ended. Can they change their ways? Have a happy ending? Even if you know how their story might end (and even though you realize they committed heinous murders and crimes), you still can't help but ask these questions because despite all the wrongdoings of this dynamic duo, Jenni has created outlaws whose hope you can share in.

I LOVED this story and highly recommend you join these two iconic outlaws on their journey (across America!) by reading Side by Side!

[Meg - A Bookish Affair · Rating 4 out of 5]

In "Side by Side," Jenni L. Walsh dives into the story that we are all probably more familiar with when it comes to "Bonnie and Clyde." Two young lovers who captivated the country with their crimes of robbing banks and shaking up towns all over the country. They kept law enforcement on their toes before dying in an ambush. As Walsh breathes life into the story, it gets a little more complex. This is a great historical fiction ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat, no matter if you know how it ends or not.

This is the second book in Walsh's duology and while you don't need to have read "Becoming Bonnie" in order to enjoy "Side by Side," it's so interesting to see how Bonnie got to where she is in "Side by Side" that I highly suggest reading the first book first. In this book, we see Bonnie as she is about to go down in infamy. She is still the same girl that dreams of a farm and a white picket fence and she sees the hijinks and crimes that she is involved in as a means to an end. She doesn't like what she and the Barrow Gang are doing but she loves Clyde and will follow him anywhere and do anything for him.

I loved the historical detail in the book. It is easy to see that while who Bonnie and Clyde were as people is largely lost to history, why there is still so much fascination about their crimes. The country was riveted as the crimes were happening and about the hide and seek game that followed. Even with so much else going on in the country at the time, Bonnie and Clyde made headlines over and over again.

The book is well-written. I especially liked how the dialogue was written. Walsh has a great hand for writing realistic sounding dialogue with so much of the fun slang from the era. It really helped bring me into the book. The book is nicely paced and very exciting as Bonnie and Clyde's cat and mouse game with the police transpires!

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picking up where Becoming Bonnie ended, Clyde is being released from prison at the beginning of this book.
Did you read Becoming Bonnie? I highly recommend it. I give that book a bit of an edge over this one because it was happier.
In the first book, we are given a fictionalized background for Bonnie before she met Clyde. It’s only at the end of that book that she’s fallen for Clyde. So, in that story, the storyline is about Bonnie and about them falling in love.

This story is the one with the action. When Clyde gets out of jail, he tries to go back to normal life. He finds that impossible. Bonnie spent two years dreaming of her perfect life with Clyde when he gets out but he returns traumatized by what happened to him in jail. And now he also feels that the police constantly hovering over his shoulder are the reason he can’t go back to normal life.

The new plan is to move away and buy a farm.
That’s the new dream Bonnie starts to cling to.
But the steps that lead to that new life involve a lot, an absolute ton, of robberies and other crimes.
Clyde even plans a prison break for an old acquaintance of his.

Bonnie goes along on the ride because she feels like the only way to get the old Clyde back is to get through all of this bad stuff and get to their farm.

The author really finds a way to give humanity to Bonnie and Clyde. Especially Bonnie. Clyde starts taking innocent lives and that can’t really be justified. But Bonnie keeps clinging to the idea that they will wind up together on that farm, that they will be a happy family.

I don’t think I felt worse for anyone in this book than I did for poor Blanche.

I thought this was well written and I will look for books by this author in the future. I’d never read anything of hers before Becoming Bonnie and I think that was a fantastic one to start with.

My opinion is that you should read both books because the one someone else prefers may vary. If you like the happier story, that’s Becoming Bonnie. If you like the exciting story of Bonnie and Clyde off on their crime spree, that’s definitely Side by Side.
I recommend them both.

I got to read an early edition ebook of this story from NetGalley. Thank you!

[Kaleena Zagrzebski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Side by Side is a fictional story, based on real life events on the lives of Bonnie and Clyde. Told from the perspective of Bonnie, Side by Side takes place in the early 1930s. Bonnie is waiting for Clyde to return from prison so they can live the American Dream. When Clyde returns, they end up spending their lives a bit differently than they had planned. Clyde promises Bonnie that someday, they will have a farm with a lot of land for just the two of then. To get there, they just need some money, and what better way to get that money than to steal it?

I loved hearing about the adventures of Bonnie and Clyde from the perspective of Bonnie. Bonnie’s character was conflicted between knowing what they were doing was wrong, but trusting the love of her life to give her the life they had dreamed about. Bonnie wouldn’t even think of leaving Clyde, no matter how many times they almost got caught. I highly recommend this book for fans of historical fiction! You do not need to read book one first, they can be read as standalones!

[Margie Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Side By Side by Jenni L. Walsh is a novel about the life and times of Bonnie and Clyde. It’s a dramatic tale told mainly from Bonnie’s point of view. It was an interesting read as I had heard of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow but didn’t really know too much about them and their wild, crazy, exploitive lives. I can tell from reading that the author must of put an awful lot of thought and research into this before writing the book. I found it to be fascinating although I can not imagine why Bonnie would of chosen such a life for herself when she had had such big dreams beforehand. I guess love really does make you do some pretty foolish things. I would like to thank both NetGalley and author Jenni L. Walsh for allowing me the opportunity to read an ARC. It’s a book that I’m sure many will enjoy, especially historical fiction fans and anyone who likes to read stories that are filled with a lot of action-packed excitement.

[Meghan Masterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Jenni Walsh's riveting first novel, Becoming Bonnie, about the early days of Bonnie Parker, and counted down until I could read the sequel. In Side by Side, Bonnie and Clyde are at the height of their notoriety, and the thunder of gunfire, the suspense of desperate car chases, and the fierce passion and loyalty between the famous couple kept me glued to the pages all the way to the last one - which, thanks to Walsh's deft and honest writing, feels fresh and heart-wrenching even if you know how Bonnie's story ends. Don't miss this gritty and adventurous story! 

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

First two sentences: "I'm a fool for busting Clyde out of Mcclelland county jail. My fingers rest on the typewriter keys."

This is the follow-up to Walsh's first book, Becoming Bonnie, and follows the duo in their trail of destruction. I found the first person POV of Bonnie difficult to believe. Ok, maybe that isn't quite accurate. I *want* to believe that a girl couldn't be as blind as Bonnie; couldn't continue to believe in her man as the kills rack up. But there are other true-life instances, Outside Valentine, for instance. So maybe I just mean that the first person POV is difficult to read. But this point aside, I'm not rating Walsh's novel higher, despite it's historical interest, because the prose didn't draw me in, and the story didn't come to life. It's rare that I don't earmark a single quote in a book, but I didn't for this one. Nor are there any quotes listed on Goodreads. Take from that what you will. Given 2 stars or a rating of "average". Recommended only as a library check-out if you love this historical time period.

[Jacie Atteng · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Definitely a work of fiction but the real and the invented were weaved together exceptionally well. Would definitely reccomend!

[Jason Iyasara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this well researched and engaging book.

[Nickie Cleaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was good! I really enjoyed the first book and was excited to find out there was a 2nd one. This one got into their life of crime which is what I thought would be in the first. Learned a lot about Bonnie and Clyde, appreciated the author note at the end as well.

[Vera Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Won a copy of this. Years ago, had watched the very old b/w movie. Book goes into lots more details. Can tell the author put lots of time into research for the book. If you like me and had seen the movie, might enjoy the book.

[bosskanchy♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The middle have a fast paced, the beginning are so good and the end is boring.

[Joana Morais · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jenni Walsh is SICK for this!!!!!