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Eastside / Westside / Love
Sometimes #resistance can get complicated. From the outside, Kasey James had the perfect life. She had a rich husband, two perfect kids, and a big house in Eastside with a pool in the backyard. None of her friends understand why she left her husband and went back to a stressful job teaching high school. She knows they’ll understand even less when she tells them she’s started dating a woman from Westside. *If* she tells them, that is. After all, Kasey has her kids to think of, not to mention the upcoming school board election. What if her neighbors withdraw their support when they find out she’s seeing a woman? Drea Robbins has a good life, too. She owns her own home and operates her own business, making enough money doing what she loves that she can support her mom, sister, and niece. She wishes she had a “special someone” in her life, but in the grand scheme of things, being single isn’t that big of a deal. Kasey James, a white woman living in Eastside, is the absolute last person Drea expects to fall for. Kasey’s recently divorced from a man, she’s got two kids, she lives in the middle of rich suburbia — to say her lifestyle is different from Drea's would be the understatement of the year. But it’s like Drea’s mom says — we can’t control whom we fall for, and whether Drea likes it or not, she’s falling for Kasey. Hard. Opposites attract… right? But when a real estate development controversy puts Drea and Kasey on opposite sides of a battle line, will their new love prove strong enough to survive? Or is it just unrealistic for two women with so many differences to find a common ground they can hold against all the world’s pressures? Eastside / Westside / Love is a story about race, class, gentrification, and inequality. But more than that, it’s a story about hope, and about finding out that what brings us together is stronger than what pulls us apart.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2019
84 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Eliza Andrews
14 books379 followersWhen I started thinking of a new pen name to write fiction featuring lesbian protagonists, I commandeered the name of an ancestor. Eliza Frances Andrews was an interesting woman, one I have mixed feelings about. A southern belle who lived through the civil war as the privileged daughter of a prominent plantation owner, she refused to marry "below her station" after the war and therefore set about creating her own career -- highly unusual for a woman of her day and age. Eventually she became a teacher, novelist, and world-renowned botanist. And interestingly, a socialist.
But she was quite racist and I can only imagine what she would have to say about LGBTQ people. It is therefore somewhat tongue-in-cheek to borrow her name; it is my reimagining of Eliza if she'd grown up in the 21st century rather than the 19th, after women's lib and the Civil Rights movement and Stonewall. Perhaps a 21st-century Eliza would grin at me and say, "Right on." Perhaps the 19th-century Eliza is rolling over in her grave -- if she is, call it karmic justice.
Reach out anytime: eliza@ninja-writer.com.
PS, I also write young adult science fiction / fantasy under the name R. A. Marshall (another borrowed name). LGBTQ readers might enjoy the Lost Children trilogy.
But she was quite racist and I can only imagine what she would have to say about LGBTQ people. It is therefore somewhat tongue-in-cheek to borrow her name; it is my reimagining of Eliza if she'd grown up in the 21st century rather than the 19th, after women's lib and the Civil Rights movement and Stonewall. Perhaps a 21st-century Eliza would grin at me and say, "Right on." Perhaps the 19th-century Eliza is rolling over in her grave -- if she is, call it karmic justice.
Reach out anytime: eliza@ninja-writer.com.
PS, I also write young adult science fiction / fantasy under the name R. A. Marshall (another borrowed name). LGBTQ readers might enjoy the Lost Children trilogy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 4, 2019
**'Content matters as much as form: having something to say or write is at least as important as doing it with impeccable craft..Keep going.Writing is the best resistance against the furnace of this world or nation...'
4.5stars!
A feel good,compelling,a page-turner and also a well written story ; gentrification equals separation because of race,class level plus other demeaning stuff which sometimes leads to reparations after protesting etc.
While reading this book i was listening to both H.E.R. and India Arie's songs -- a very highly recommended story!
4.5stars!
A feel good,compelling,a page-turner and also a well written story ; gentrification equals separation because of race,class level plus other demeaning stuff which sometimes leads to reparations after protesting etc.
While reading this book i was listening to both H.E.R. and India Arie's songs -- a very highly recommended story!
July 13, 2019
4.5 stars.
I absolutely loved the characters. They are complex; they are flawed but also likable. All they did no matter how good or bad was in character and logical. There is no forced drama, no plot turns straight out of the left field. The characters and the story are consistent. That has been rare in my recent reading journey so props for that. Editing in this book is on point.
I also enjoy contrast in relationships such as age gap, rich girl poor girl, being a parent while the other is not. And there's a lot of that in this book. So it fit my tastes very well.
Another thing I liked is how the book portrays relationships in a realistic fashion. Love is not all sugar, it can be messy too. Often things don't work even if you love the other person so you have to work on it together.
I didn't particularly enjoy the references to very specific events in American history that went over my head because I'm not American but I got the general gist of it. Still, American history and politics is not really my forte. And the book focuses A LOT on American history and politics. The main conflict wouldn't work without it so it is what it is. I'm sure that American readers will enjoy this book even more than I did since they know the history and politics the book talks about.
Overall, a very well-written book with characters that'll stay with me for some time. This is definitely a contender for a future reread.
I absolutely loved the characters. They are complex; they are flawed but also likable. All they did no matter how good or bad was in character and logical. There is no forced drama, no plot turns straight out of the left field. The characters and the story are consistent. That has been rare in my recent reading journey so props for that. Editing in this book is on point.
I also enjoy contrast in relationships such as age gap, rich girl poor girl, being a parent while the other is not. And there's a lot of that in this book. So it fit my tastes very well.
Another thing I liked is how the book portrays relationships in a realistic fashion. Love is not all sugar, it can be messy too. Often things don't work even if you love the other person so you have to work on it together.
I didn't particularly enjoy the references to very specific events in American history that went over my head because I'm not American but I got the general gist of it. Still, American history and politics is not really my forte. And the book focuses A LOT on American history and politics. The main conflict wouldn't work without it so it is what it is. I'm sure that American readers will enjoy this book even more than I did since they know the history and politics the book talks about.
Overall, a very well-written book with characters that'll stay with me for some time. This is definitely a contender for a future reread.
February 26, 2019
With Eastside / Westside / Love author Eliza Andrews tackles city and school politics and gentrification and racism in the United States. Not an easy topic to write about but extremely relevant at present. I thought it was a good effort and Andrews managed to write an entertaining story.
Kasey James, the newly divorced mother of two uptown girl falls like a brick for downtown gal Drea Robbins who has her own cleaning business. Kasey is white, bi-sexual, impulsive, messy and somewhat flaky. Drea is black, lesbian, strong, neat, independent and not really looking for trouble. But trouble is what she gets when she sees that freckled nose and a smile that lights up the room.
The romance is very sweet although there were a few dick moves done by Kasey that made me feel butt-hurt on behalf of Drea. I would have reacted the same to be honest.
I have a feeling the sexy times in this book were more explicit than in Reverie but I can be mistaken (and I’m not complaining!). I also didn’t get that intense experience as when I was reading Reverie but that can be because of the subject matter. School boards and city politics are just not sexy nor is it jaw dropping material. But I love Eliza Andrews’ style and I will always recommend her work.
f/f explicit
Themes: “I want you” “You have me”, look before you leap, I had some troubles with Kasey but she redeemed herself, neighborhood activist, color diversity.
4.7 stars
Kasey James, the newly divorced mother of two uptown girl falls like a brick for downtown gal Drea Robbins who has her own cleaning business. Kasey is white, bi-sexual, impulsive, messy and somewhat flaky. Drea is black, lesbian, strong, neat, independent and not really looking for trouble. But trouble is what she gets when she sees that freckled nose and a smile that lights up the room.
The romance is very sweet although there were a few dick moves done by Kasey that made me feel butt-hurt on behalf of Drea. I would have reacted the same to be honest.
I have a feeling the sexy times in this book were more explicit than in Reverie but I can be mistaken (and I’m not complaining!). I also didn’t get that intense experience as when I was reading Reverie but that can be because of the subject matter. School boards and city politics are just not sexy nor is it jaw dropping material. But I love Eliza Andrews’ style and I will always recommend her work.
f/f explicit
Themes: “I want you” “You have me”, look before you leap, I had some troubles with Kasey but she redeemed herself, neighborhood activist, color diversity.
4.7 stars
March 11, 2019
I just love interracial novels like this one. And as a bonus I got political, economical, race and social issues, subjects hard to find in romance stories but frequently present in real life. Well done Ms. Andrews.
February 2, 2025
I read this story around the days of the inauguration of 4*7 without even knowing the subject of the book. I think the story hit harder for that reason. People often forget that local and state elections are often more important to daily life than the Big Politics which seem so frustratingly out of reach.
Kasey has just gotten a divorce from her husband. She wasn’t happy anymore and so she made changes to her life. Her first move was to get a new teaching job in toney, white Eastside where she lives comfortably with her children. Then she meets Drea who co-owns her own contracting/housekeeping business. Drea has lived in Westside her whole life. The area is mostly populated by working class black people and Latinos. But now many of the white flight suburbanites are looking to move back into the city and targeting inexpensive Westside. A developer pushes to have a Westside school and park demolished to make way for luxury housing.
Both women are determined to better the lives of the children and the most vulnerable in their respective communities. That’s what I loved most about the book. Kasey and Drea are powerful characters because they act in spite of their fears and their flaws. They are ordinary people making the tough decision to stand up and speak out. Their relationship reflects that passion as well and their love is hot, hard fought, and messy. Kasey is white and Drea is black so there are definitely bumps along the way but they don’t give up. Top-notch, older story from one of my favorite authors. I seem to have read it at the right time.
Kasey has just gotten a divorce from her husband. She wasn’t happy anymore and so she made changes to her life. Her first move was to get a new teaching job in toney, white Eastside where she lives comfortably with her children. Then she meets Drea who co-owns her own contracting/housekeeping business. Drea has lived in Westside her whole life. The area is mostly populated by working class black people and Latinos. But now many of the white flight suburbanites are looking to move back into the city and targeting inexpensive Westside. A developer pushes to have a Westside school and park demolished to make way for luxury housing.
Both women are determined to better the lives of the children and the most vulnerable in their respective communities. That’s what I loved most about the book. Kasey and Drea are powerful characters because they act in spite of their fears and their flaws. They are ordinary people making the tough decision to stand up and speak out. Their relationship reflects that passion as well and their love is hot, hard fought, and messy. Kasey is white and Drea is black so there are definitely bumps along the way but they don’t give up. Top-notch, older story from one of my favorite authors. I seem to have read it at the right time.
March 21, 2019
This is an amazing book. The characters were very believable. I love this author.
February 11, 2019
Eliza Andrews' latest novel, "Eastside / Westside / Love," literally placed the love story between two women from vastly different backgrounds under a microscope in order to examine and explore the implications of some of the most pertinent and very relevant social and political issues today - race, class, inequality and gentrification - to determine if the power of love could conquer all that came in-between them. In essence, it was a heavy-hitting socio-politcal commentary wrapped in a compellingly-told, complex love story. Talk about complicated!
From the start, I could sense Andrews' passion and determination to tell not just another complex love story but one that provokes the psyche into delving into the deepest recesses of the mind to reflect on the fundamental beliefs about race and class when it comes to the pursuit of true love, on top of all the usual emotional facets that come with it. And in America, race is still a highly-charged topic especially between Caucasians (white) and African-Americans (black). Yes, I've read lesfic romances involving a black woman and a white woman from different class/social status but they barely scratched the surfaces of how race and class would play a consequential role in their love and relationship. Reckon it's too difficult and uncomfortable to delve into it. But not for Andrews. If you've been following her blog, you'd know that she's always been very vocal about how she feels when it comes to race and class in America, the inequality and how systemic gentrification has increased the equality gap between rich and poor, with the common denominator being race, in recent times. Worse since America's new administration came into power and divisive politics has further degraded the unity of the nation as one people. Anyway, Andrews managed to weave a love story that tackled these very issues with as much sensitivity as she could whilst being utterly honest. Needless to say, I was left with some reflective thoughts to ponder.
Full Commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words
From the start, I could sense Andrews' passion and determination to tell not just another complex love story but one that provokes the psyche into delving into the deepest recesses of the mind to reflect on the fundamental beliefs about race and class when it comes to the pursuit of true love, on top of all the usual emotional facets that come with it. And in America, race is still a highly-charged topic especially between Caucasians (white) and African-Americans (black). Yes, I've read lesfic romances involving a black woman and a white woman from different class/social status but they barely scratched the surfaces of how race and class would play a consequential role in their love and relationship. Reckon it's too difficult and uncomfortable to delve into it. But not for Andrews. If you've been following her blog, you'd know that she's always been very vocal about how she feels when it comes to race and class in America, the inequality and how systemic gentrification has increased the equality gap between rich and poor, with the common denominator being race, in recent times. Worse since America's new administration came into power and divisive politics has further degraded the unity of the nation as one people. Anyway, Andrews managed to weave a love story that tackled these very issues with as much sensitivity as she could whilst being utterly honest. Needless to say, I was left with some reflective thoughts to ponder.
Full Commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words
July 5, 2019
This was such a well written book. It's rare to see books like this and I jump to read it all the time. It was so intriguing and interesting, I was truly captivated throughout the book.
March 9, 2019
I think Eliza Andrews is on my new favorite authors list. What I loved about this book is that is was so different from Princess of Dorsa, but just as good. She manages to tackle very important political issues in a way that makes a person think. She doesn’t lecture, but presents all the nuances within a wonderful love story. This is a brilliant novel with important messages for us all. One of my favorite things to explore in a story is the notion of walking in someone’s else’s shoes. And while I don’t believe we can ever truly get there, a great book does allow us to slip inside those shoes for a moment and understand at least a few things that go with walking in those shoes. I highly recommend this wonderful love story that is so much more.
January 5, 2025
I liked reading this. I thought Kasey was a little flighty but having kids and being a teacher, it wasn't the right word. She's spontaneous for sure, but she's loyal and her heart's in the right place. Dre was a little hardheaded but it was great that she saw how far up her arse her head was and took that first step for a second time with Kasey.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2024
4.5 Stars
The story is complex, rooted in reality, grown-up problems with grown-up consequences. The conflict presented in the story felt too systemic, I couldn’t imagine a storybook solution that would end in an easy happily ever after. But that’s the thing with Eliza Andrews books, it’s so….. real - the subjects, the relationships, the interconnectedness of the parts the author deems necessary to add to their book. Another exceptional book to read.
The story is complex, rooted in reality, grown-up problems with grown-up consequences. The conflict presented in the story felt too systemic, I couldn’t imagine a storybook solution that would end in an easy happily ever after. But that’s the thing with Eliza Andrews books, it’s so….. real - the subjects, the relationships, the interconnectedness of the parts the author deems necessary to add to their book. Another exceptional book to read.
March 20, 2019
A lot of heavy themes and character dynamics in this one. It was a solid story that had me engaged. I found myself responding to the characters...getting frustrated, hurting for them, cheering them on and understanding their confusion. The people felt like a real community. I’m glad I picked this one up.
February 13, 2019
WOW ... This is an absolutely fantastic read. I loved it from the beginning til the end. The author has a bit of everything from politics to the church to race and all in-between. I loved the story line and the characters (especially Drea).
It is definitely the best book I have read so far this year (26 so far) and would definitely recommend reading it. You will not be disappointed.
It is definitely the best book I have read so far this year (26 so far) and would definitely recommend reading it. You will not be disappointed.
February 11, 2019
Well done to the author
Honestly I was surprised the author didn't just skim through the topic of racism like many white authors tend to do. If you're not going to give it the attention, truth and respect it deserves then don't mention it at all because there's nothing frustrating than condescending denial we are often graced with by white people. maybe someone will pick this up and learn something about Gentrification and Racism.
Honestly I was surprised the author didn't just skim through the topic of racism like many white authors tend to do. If you're not going to give it the attention, truth and respect it deserves then don't mention it at all because there's nothing frustrating than condescending denial we are often graced with by white people. maybe someone will pick this up and learn something about Gentrification and Racism.
February 24, 2019
Like reading history , very informative
I feel that book was written very well by Eliza ,she touched subjects
that's a big problem in America. This book is about racial divide. homophobia, acceptance, single parenting and interracial prejudices, and so much more societal issues. I totally enjoyed this book and it is one that I will read again. This book is an eye opener to look at people as human beings no matter what embedded you have in your heart.
I feel that book was written very well by Eliza ,she touched subjects
that's a big problem in America. This book is about racial divide. homophobia, acceptance, single parenting and interracial prejudices, and so much more societal issues. I totally enjoyed this book and it is one that I will read again. This book is an eye opener to look at people as human beings no matter what embedded you have in your heart.
May 31, 2019
A fantastic read, a real story with real characters.
March 8, 2019
Well written.
This only lost a star because it's hard for me as a Black woman to be okay with the compromises Drea chooses to make in the end. While it is in line with who she is, it's not a compromise I would ever make - and I've been faced with comparable situations. At the end of the day, the white suburbanite got to throw all her black friends under the bus to save her own political career and social standing, and those same black friends had to educate her...and she wouldn't listen to them until she "discovered" the same information on her own, after she'd messed everything up for everyone. She does learn some things, and that all fine and good, but the story kinda feels like it's mostly about her and her trying to figure out how to be an ally and use her privilege in a positive way. Even Drea's perspective is kinda about figuring out a way to be okay with her white girlfriends ignorance based shortcomings and impulsive entitledness.
That all said, this story does a great job of highlighting some very important issues, I think it's a great story for white people to read and learn from, but I suspect other POC who have had to deal with similar issues might feel a bit off about it they way I do.
I was surprised, in a good way, at how well researched this book was - white writers writing Black characters is typically way more problematic. I can tell the writer made a strong effort to be considerate and conscious of racial issues here. The character development was truly excellent. POC weren't all painted with the same brush, I really appreciated that.
The afterward actually settled some of my concerns.
I guess maybe it was a bit too realistic in some ways for me. Like, yeah, if your going to date and partner with white people, this stuff is gonna happen. They're not going to get certain things. They're going to unwittingly put you in danger. They're not going to always consider how things they can do you can't. They're going to throw you under the bus. Their good intentions are not going to stop the fact that their mandatory participation in a white supremacist society is going to hurt you and your people. That was all showcased here. Drea decided love was worth all that. I once felt the same. Now...I doubt I'd ever put up with it again, but I won't tempt the Fates by making any ultimate statements.
This only lost a star because it's hard for me as a Black woman to be okay with the compromises Drea chooses to make in the end. While it is in line with who she is, it's not a compromise I would ever make - and I've been faced with comparable situations. At the end of the day, the white suburbanite got to throw all her black friends under the bus to save her own political career and social standing, and those same black friends had to educate her...and she wouldn't listen to them until she "discovered" the same information on her own, after she'd messed everything up for everyone. She does learn some things, and that all fine and good, but the story kinda feels like it's mostly about her and her trying to figure out how to be an ally and use her privilege in a positive way. Even Drea's perspective is kinda about figuring out a way to be okay with her white girlfriends ignorance based shortcomings and impulsive entitledness.
That all said, this story does a great job of highlighting some very important issues, I think it's a great story for white people to read and learn from, but I suspect other POC who have had to deal with similar issues might feel a bit off about it they way I do.
I was surprised, in a good way, at how well researched this book was - white writers writing Black characters is typically way more problematic. I can tell the writer made a strong effort to be considerate and conscious of racial issues here. The character development was truly excellent. POC weren't all painted with the same brush, I really appreciated that.
The afterward actually settled some of my concerns.
I guess maybe it was a bit too realistic in some ways for me. Like, yeah, if your going to date and partner with white people, this stuff is gonna happen. They're not going to get certain things. They're going to unwittingly put you in danger. They're not going to always consider how things they can do you can't. They're going to throw you under the bus. Their good intentions are not going to stop the fact that their mandatory participation in a white supremacist society is going to hurt you and your people. That was all showcased here. Drea decided love was worth all that. I once felt the same. Now...I doubt I'd ever put up with it again, but I won't tempt the Fates by making any ultimate statements.
April 13, 2019
Another gem from the author. Ms. Andrews' very believable plot blends race, sexuality, class, differing neighbourhoods and age gaps with angst and lovely doses of romance. Everyday scenarios are handled cleverly whilst riding the roller coaster storyline. I slowly savoured this book with complex topics and look forward to more from her. Read it!!
5 stars.
5 stars.
March 13, 2019
Kasey is a white, bisexual, recently divorced mother of two young children living in the suburbs (Eastside) reluctantly because she is not comfortable with the competitive, upscale life. Drea is a working class, African American (Westside) butch lesbian and co-owner of a home improvement and cleaning company who is still getting over the breakup with her cheating ex-gf. The two meet when Kasey hires Drea's company to clean her pool. Their strong attraction and young relationship faces many obstacles, including race, class, personality differences, and a political crisis that develops later in the book.
There's a lot to like about this book, especially its focus on social justice issues, including race, class, gentrification, and educational curriculum issues, and I wish I could have rated it as highly as some other readers. Unfortunately, I found the first 60% of the book and the drawn out ending to be a slog. It was the nugget of plot between roughly 60-90% that redeemed it for me a bit. I wish the book could have been tighter and that it could have avoided the tired romance novel device of having couples avoid discussing important issues with one another.
There's a lot to like about this book, especially its focus on social justice issues, including race, class, gentrification, and educational curriculum issues, and I wish I could have rated it as highly as some other readers. Unfortunately, I found the first 60% of the book and the drawn out ending to be a slog. It was the nugget of plot between roughly 60-90% that redeemed it for me a bit. I wish the book could have been tighter and that it could have avoided the tired romance novel device of having couples avoid discussing important issues with one another.
January 23, 2020
Lovely book
If I'm being honest, I didn't feel comfortable going into this book as a black woman knowing the author was white because I was prepared for a lot of stereotypes and inaccuracies but because I've read Eliza's books before and loved them, I decided to give it a shot and I'm glad I did.
It's one of the better wlw books out there. I love it simply because the romance was not the only main focus. In alot of other lgbt books that do this, the other plot points are such a drag that I skip through them to find the romance sections, but that was absolutely not the case in this book. I was invested in both Drea and Kasey's story even when they were not together.
I have to admit, the way Drea's mom and the church people spoke sometimes irked me and I'm not sure why because I do know black people who talk like that but for some reason having it be written by a white woman made me feel weird. But I quickly got over that because she put so much respect and research into every aspect of this book and I could not give it anything less than the 5 stars it deserves.
If I'm being honest, I didn't feel comfortable going into this book as a black woman knowing the author was white because I was prepared for a lot of stereotypes and inaccuracies but because I've read Eliza's books before and loved them, I decided to give it a shot and I'm glad I did.
It's one of the better wlw books out there. I love it simply because the romance was not the only main focus. In alot of other lgbt books that do this, the other plot points are such a drag that I skip through them to find the romance sections, but that was absolutely not the case in this book. I was invested in both Drea and Kasey's story even when they were not together.
I have to admit, the way Drea's mom and the church people spoke sometimes irked me and I'm not sure why because I do know black people who talk like that but for some reason having it be written by a white woman made me feel weird. But I quickly got over that because she put so much respect and research into every aspect of this book and I could not give it anything less than the 5 stars it deserves.
March 5, 2019
I have read stories that I never wanted to end, yet the end was so perfect for the story. Eastside-Westside Love is one of those stories.
Andrews acknowledged that this was a hard one to write for many reasons. I have to say, I am so glad she did tackle it. This is a story that will stay with me forever. It isn’t so much that it challenged my view of topics such as gentrification or racism, sadly that is a reality facing us every day…it is more that I absorbed not just the words, but the depth of the characters she created to live the story and overcome the many struggles that were put in their path. I more than loved Drea and Kasey and this story. When I read the last line, knowing my journey with these characters was over, I felt an immediate emptiness and loss. I know I will visit them again.
Give yourself a chance to experience a great story that will take you on a wonderful journey. In my mind, Andrews does an outstanding job of painting the daily struggle and the personal price of racism and gentrification.
Andrews acknowledged that this was a hard one to write for many reasons. I have to say, I am so glad she did tackle it. This is a story that will stay with me forever. It isn’t so much that it challenged my view of topics such as gentrification or racism, sadly that is a reality facing us every day…it is more that I absorbed not just the words, but the depth of the characters she created to live the story and overcome the many struggles that were put in their path. I more than loved Drea and Kasey and this story. When I read the last line, knowing my journey with these characters was over, I felt an immediate emptiness and loss. I know I will visit them again.
Give yourself a chance to experience a great story that will take you on a wonderful journey. In my mind, Andrews does an outstanding job of painting the daily struggle and the personal price of racism and gentrification.
June 27, 2019
I did not like any of the characters, especially not the main characters, and I felt the book didn't show any reasons for them to have chemistry.
Additionally, although I commend the effort, I found the commentary and discussion of everything ranging from race to gentrification to homophobia very lacking in nuance and too white centering (e.g. any significant black character pushing the white main character into positions of power, the main white character talking over the black characters and it being depicted as her standing up for them and justified by her "free-spirited, impulsive" nature, the black main character justified concerns and anger at the blindness and privilege of her white love interest being blown out of proportion to show how unreasonable she is, etc...) to feel anything but inefficient at best and performative at worst.
This is compounded by the attempts of the author to write black characters who, although steering clear of a "ghetto" depiction, end up being the epitome of the perfect black people who throw the entirety of their community under the bus with respectability politics, even as the author tries to avoid it. It is no better for the Latinx characters, with the only representation being a cheating ex-girlfriend and a "I don't want affirmative action handouts, and I want my children to have the whitest of names" ex-husband.
Additionally, although I commend the effort, I found the commentary and discussion of everything ranging from race to gentrification to homophobia very lacking in nuance and too white centering (e.g. any significant black character pushing the white main character into positions of power, the main white character talking over the black characters and it being depicted as her standing up for them and justified by her "free-spirited, impulsive" nature, the black main character justified concerns and anger at the blindness and privilege of her white love interest being blown out of proportion to show how unreasonable she is, etc...) to feel anything but inefficient at best and performative at worst.
This is compounded by the attempts of the author to write black characters who, although steering clear of a "ghetto" depiction, end up being the epitome of the perfect black people who throw the entirety of their community under the bus with respectability politics, even as the author tries to avoid it. It is no better for the Latinx characters, with the only representation being a cheating ex-girlfriend and a "I don't want affirmative action handouts, and I want my children to have the whitest of names" ex-husband.
March 28, 2019
Complex, heart felt, and satisfying
It's hard to say what the strongest element of this story is. It could be the rather realistic, though in the end slightly optimistic, storyline about race, politics, and education in America; it could be the wonderful characters, the chemistry between them, and the way the character development is delivered throughout the story; or it could be the sweet, yet just steamy enough, romance between the fantastic leading ladies. Or perhaps it's the fact that all of these facets of the story are strong that make this a rather special book. In any case, I found it hard to put down.
It's hard to say what the strongest element of this story is. It could be the rather realistic, though in the end slightly optimistic, storyline about race, politics, and education in America; it could be the wonderful characters, the chemistry between them, and the way the character development is delivered throughout the story; or it could be the sweet, yet just steamy enough, romance between the fantastic leading ladies. Or perhaps it's the fact that all of these facets of the story are strong that make this a rather special book. In any case, I found it hard to put down.
April 7, 2019
Political in a awesome way, and a lovely addition to lesfic that I have been reading
I was pleasantly surprised by the controversy that was written in the story, only thing that I have to say against it was the veiled "support" (sort of "this needs to be happening") of the gentrification that is actually happening in many areas in the cities in the US.
Probably the writer tried to make it more realistic with that but as a foreigner and a white person I don't think that it is a thing I should dwell on much.
I probably would fall for Drea myself, I did live the way the main characters were brought to life. Looking forward to find new books from the author to read.
I was pleasantly surprised by the controversy that was written in the story, only thing that I have to say against it was the veiled "support" (sort of "this needs to be happening") of the gentrification that is actually happening in many areas in the cities in the US.
Probably the writer tried to make it more realistic with that but as a foreigner and a white person I don't think that it is a thing I should dwell on much.
I probably would fall for Drea myself, I did live the way the main characters were brought to life. Looking forward to find new books from the author to read.
February 5, 2025
The more I read this book, the madder I became. The madder I became, the more flaws I thought I'd write about in my review.
But given the sheer state the world is in at the moment, I don't have it in me to write some massive political diatribe about this novel and its shockingly awful handling of the issues it claims to address. And frankly, I don't think that would be very enjoyable for anyone to read, either. So all I'll say is this:
I couldn't stand this book, I couldn't stand Kasey, and I especially couldn't stand the spineless shrine to corporate capitalism that was the ending of the novel, and how it completely undoes the entire basic premise of the book.
But given the sheer state the world is in at the moment, I don't have it in me to write some massive political diatribe about this novel and its shockingly awful handling of the issues it claims to address. And frankly, I don't think that would be very enjoyable for anyone to read, either. So all I'll say is this:
I couldn't stand this book, I couldn't stand Kasey, and I especially couldn't stand the spineless shrine to corporate capitalism that was the ending of the novel, and how it completely undoes the entire basic premise of the book.
February 20, 2019
As I read the progression of Drea's and Kasey's relationship I saw the obstacles. Drea couldn't get Kasey to understand and Kasey was clueless about how the poor and non-white lived their lives. It was spot on and I enjoyed reading through Kasey's predictable "White girl ain't got a clue" foot in mouth escapades. The school board meeting was an "oh this is going to be bad" read. I winced.
It was a good attempt at writing an inter-racial relationship with characters in their 40s and living the best life they knew how and falling in love.
An enjoyable read. Thank you.
It was a good attempt at writing an inter-racial relationship with characters in their 40s and living the best life they knew how and falling in love.
An enjoyable read. Thank you.
March 7, 2019
Great book
I really enjoyed the story. The characters were well developed and the story flowed smoothly. I understand the author was nervous about getting too political but when it came down to it the politics added to story instead of taking away from it. And quite frankly I was delighted that I could actually imagine that this has happened in real life instead of reading something that would require every single thing to go perfectly in order for a scenario to happen in real life. Well done!
I really enjoyed the story. The characters were well developed and the story flowed smoothly. I understand the author was nervous about getting too political but when it came down to it the politics added to story instead of taking away from it. And quite frankly I was delighted that I could actually imagine that this has happened in real life instead of reading something that would require every single thing to go perfectly in order for a scenario to happen in real life. Well done!
December 19, 2024
A pretty good romance, but I liked one of the main characters, namely Drea, more than I did the other, Kasey. I know that Kasey was in a more complicated situation, but a few choices that she made were in poor taste honestly. Drea, on the other hand, whilst not perfect, just seemed more mature and grounded, despite being the childless one. But, ignoring those few poor choices, the writing was solid, the story was interesting and I did like the way themes such as gentrification and racism were addressed in this story. A good book, overall.
February 11, 2019
Love as complicated as life itself!!!
Eastside/Westside is a tale of many layers, and when you think you are done uncovering one, another is presented to the reader. It is, of course, about love but it’s deeper than that. It’s about the difference that tend to create unbridgeable dichotomy yet they strangely create unity. The story is well crafted between the main characters and the plot bringing to discussion issues that everyone should talk daily. Well done.
Eastside/Westside is a tale of many layers, and when you think you are done uncovering one, another is presented to the reader. It is, of course, about love but it’s deeper than that. It’s about the difference that tend to create unbridgeable dichotomy yet they strangely create unity. The story is well crafted between the main characters and the plot bringing to discussion issues that everyone should talk daily. Well done.
March 15, 2019
Westside / Westside /Love
Awesome story about two different women, one a divorce with two children whose returning back to work as history teacher she is also impulsive and sometimes says things without thinking . The other woman who run a business with her partner doing house work,pools and odd doing. Both having lost partners.One through divorce and the other a cheating partner. The story covers racism and more it's well worth a read. Definitely recommend.
Awesome story about two different women, one a divorce with two children whose returning back to work as history teacher she is also impulsive and sometimes says things without thinking . The other woman who run a business with her partner doing house work,pools and odd doing. Both having lost partners.One through divorce and the other a cheating partner. The story covers racism and more it's well worth a read. Definitely recommend.
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