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Off Track
Kayla Francis has a one-track mind. Well, two tracks really—athletics and her family. With unrelenting drive and laser focus, she’s on the brink of track and field glory and getting her family out of poverty. So, her teammate, Joel de Freitas, even as his wide smile and penetrating gaze sneak beneath her defenses, is just a distraction. And determined to prove to everyone he’s more than just some golden boy, Joel has his own demons to outrun.
Yet not even hopes of athletic stardom can keep Joel and Kayla cocooned from the crime, abuse and violence permeating their community and threatening to derail their dreams. Because in life, sometimes you get thrown off track.
Off Track is an intense yet wistful and ultimately inspiring novel. It tackles growing up, crime, migration, family and love. While grounded in a Caribbean reality, it explores the ways in which expectations and aspirations may turn into burdens we carry and hurdles to overcome.
Yet not even hopes of athletic stardom can keep Joel and Kayla cocooned from the crime, abuse and violence permeating their community and threatening to derail their dreams. Because in life, sometimes you get thrown off track.
Off Track is an intense yet wistful and ultimately inspiring novel. It tackles growing up, crime, migration, family and love. While grounded in a Caribbean reality, it explores the ways in which expectations and aspirations may turn into burdens we carry and hurdles to overcome.
264 pages, Paperback
Published November 19, 2020
1 person is currently reading
145 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 5, 2021
Brilliantly done and well executed!
For the last year I have reading more Young Adult novels and I am so happy I picked up Tameka Gibson’s Off Track . It is such a brilliantly done YA novel that I could not put down or get enough of.
Off Track is set in Trinidad and Tobago and is told from the perspective of two budding track and field teens- Kayla Francis and Joel de Freitas. Kayla has one goal- to do well in CARIFTA and make it to the Olympics. This goal will help greatly secure not just her future, but that of her mother and sisters. She sees the sacrifices her mother is making to ensure she stays in track, she cannot afford to fail. Joel is hailed as one of the country’s upcoming track and field star, the son of a former star whose light got dimmed too soon. Joel battles with abandonment issues along with insecurities that comes with being a golden boy. Both Joel and Kayla are training at the best facility with the best coach all paid for by the Government who expects them to win. Added to these unrealistic pressures is the fact that their home situations could derail their track dreams….
This is my first time reading Gibson’s work and I can tell you it will not be my last. I really enjoyed this book. The characters felt real. The situations they were going through felt real and for the entire read I kept cheering for them to win. The book is set in Trinidad and Tobago and centers around track and field- one of my favorite sports- I really enjoyed reading about the training process and what goes into making a young track and field star.
If you are looking to read more Caribbean books, specifically YA, please do not sleep on this really adorable book! Thank you Blouse and Skirt Books for sending me a copy of this book.
For the last year I have reading more Young Adult novels and I am so happy I picked up Tameka Gibson’s Off Track . It is such a brilliantly done YA novel that I could not put down or get enough of.
Off Track is set in Trinidad and Tobago and is told from the perspective of two budding track and field teens- Kayla Francis and Joel de Freitas. Kayla has one goal- to do well in CARIFTA and make it to the Olympics. This goal will help greatly secure not just her future, but that of her mother and sisters. She sees the sacrifices her mother is making to ensure she stays in track, she cannot afford to fail. Joel is hailed as one of the country’s upcoming track and field star, the son of a former star whose light got dimmed too soon. Joel battles with abandonment issues along with insecurities that comes with being a golden boy. Both Joel and Kayla are training at the best facility with the best coach all paid for by the Government who expects them to win. Added to these unrealistic pressures is the fact that their home situations could derail their track dreams….
This is my first time reading Gibson’s work and I can tell you it will not be my last. I really enjoyed this book. The characters felt real. The situations they were going through felt real and for the entire read I kept cheering for them to win. The book is set in Trinidad and Tobago and centers around track and field- one of my favorite sports- I really enjoyed reading about the training process and what goes into making a young track and field star.
If you are looking to read more Caribbean books, specifically YA, please do not sleep on this really adorable book! Thank you Blouse and Skirt Books for sending me a copy of this book.
February 9, 2021
4.75 Stars
A YA contemporary actually written for Caribbean youth.
Having read so many books that are written about the Global South that seem to be written for the US/UK/CA/AUS etc reader, this was truly a breath of fresh air. This story is rooted in Trinidadian culture and reality, and explores life and hardships of West Indian teenagers without becoming yet another pain and suffering narrative.
Our main characters were relatable to me as someone from the Eastern Caribbean. The choice of writing from two perspectives that are linked yet very different, allows a more well rounded view of both the setting and society. This book was a nostalgia overload for me, and that almost never happens!
The emphasis on sports is something that is very deeply rooted in the adolescent experiences around the world, and I love how we're able to see the different motivations that drive these young athletes. Athletics are a way out for many people as it creates opportunities for higher education that are often not financially possible otherwise. I like how this topic was addressed and how it was layered with more personal themes of family life, relationships, and socioeconomics that teens have to balance and are often not given enough credit for. I also LOVE that this was not yet another story where the US is elevated to this overly perfect and desirable place, that every person from the Global South is eager to get to by any means necessary. I like that the author presents us with a more realistic view of how the idea of the US factors into the daily lives of Eastern Caribbean people.
The language used in this book may be difficult for non-Caribbean readers to fly through, since both the dialogue and narration are written in Trinidadian colloquial English; however, I find this enhances the story telling as it leans into West Indian oral tradition. So this is something to keep in mind when approaching this book, you may need to look up the meaning of certain words or may not get all of the references. This is not a bad thing, being immersed in other cultures is part of why we read.
I would recommend this book for readers who love YA contemporary, and also adult contemporary readers who are interested in realistic global stories.
A YA contemporary actually written for Caribbean youth.
Having read so many books that are written about the Global South that seem to be written for the US/UK/CA/AUS etc reader, this was truly a breath of fresh air. This story is rooted in Trinidadian culture and reality, and explores life and hardships of West Indian teenagers without becoming yet another pain and suffering narrative.
Our main characters were relatable to me as someone from the Eastern Caribbean. The choice of writing from two perspectives that are linked yet very different, allows a more well rounded view of both the setting and society. This book was a nostalgia overload for me, and that almost never happens!
The emphasis on sports is something that is very deeply rooted in the adolescent experiences around the world, and I love how we're able to see the different motivations that drive these young athletes. Athletics are a way out for many people as it creates opportunities for higher education that are often not financially possible otherwise. I like how this topic was addressed and how it was layered with more personal themes of family life, relationships, and socioeconomics that teens have to balance and are often not given enough credit for. I also LOVE that this was not yet another story where the US is elevated to this overly perfect and desirable place, that every person from the Global South is eager to get to by any means necessary. I like that the author presents us with a more realistic view of how the idea of the US factors into the daily lives of Eastern Caribbean people.
The language used in this book may be difficult for non-Caribbean readers to fly through, since both the dialogue and narration are written in Trinidadian colloquial English; however, I find this enhances the story telling as it leans into West Indian oral tradition. So this is something to keep in mind when approaching this book, you may need to look up the meaning of certain words or may not get all of the references. This is not a bad thing, being immersed in other cultures is part of why we read.
I would recommend this book for readers who love YA contemporary, and also adult contemporary readers who are interested in realistic global stories.
December 21, 2020
This book was amazing. If you’re not big on the track and field aspect, trust me when I say it is not the highlight. It is just a great medium to tell Kayla and Joel’s story. I wish everyone could read this book and tell all their friends. Ms Gibson, THiS is how literature for YA is told. Thank you!
June 16, 2021
Off Track follows track and field stars, Kayla and Joel as they aim for great heights while also battling certain hardships within their own lives. Off Track is told from their dual perspective, allowing the reader to gain a wider, less subjective view of certain events set in contemporary Trinidad.
Some if not all themes that were present at some point within the story are love, domestic abuse, politics, gang related violence, economic status, immigration, emigration, failure, success, geographical relations and poverty. Even with such a wide range of topics that definitely need to be discussed in today's society, Tamika Gibson does a remarkable job of weaving them within the storyline such that they do not overwhelm the reader. Tamika shows you that some of the themes are not all black and white as they may seem on the outside....one should not dismiss another easily without understanding and collecting all details about a situation. I don't think I can put into words the discussions and thoughts I have in reading this book so feel free to reach out to me if you'd like more details.
Off Track is a book that MOST CERTAINLY needs more spotlight! I was astonished by how little it was talked about on bookstagram especially. Please, add this to your TBR and spread the word!
Some if not all themes that were present at some point within the story are love, domestic abuse, politics, gang related violence, economic status, immigration, emigration, failure, success, geographical relations and poverty. Even with such a wide range of topics that definitely need to be discussed in today's society, Tamika Gibson does a remarkable job of weaving them within the storyline such that they do not overwhelm the reader. Tamika shows you that some of the themes are not all black and white as they may seem on the outside....one should not dismiss another easily without understanding and collecting all details about a situation. I don't think I can put into words the discussions and thoughts I have in reading this book so feel free to reach out to me if you'd like more details.
Off Track is a book that MOST CERTAINLY needs more spotlight! I was astonished by how little it was talked about on bookstagram especially. Please, add this to your TBR and spread the word!
January 3, 2021
I have written a full review of this Caribbean novel for young adults on my blog here: https://petchary.wordpress.com/2021/0...
In a nutshell though: Two voices: Kayla and Joel, striving for success on the athletics track in Trinidad, and struggling with their own separate challenges, including estranged parents (fathers), and above all poverty. Athletics success is a means to an end.
Quote from my review:
“Off Track” has all the ingredients for an engrossing novel for adults of any age, really – but the author gets the tone just right for teens. There is not only ambition and striving, but also self-doubt. There is excitement, joy, sheer fun, but also anger and egotism; and that kind of sudden confusion that turns everything upside down in a young person’s mind and heart, every once in a while.
Well worth a read!
In a nutshell though: Two voices: Kayla and Joel, striving for success on the athletics track in Trinidad, and struggling with their own separate challenges, including estranged parents (fathers), and above all poverty. Athletics success is a means to an end.
Quote from my review:
“Off Track” has all the ingredients for an engrossing novel for adults of any age, really – but the author gets the tone just right for teens. There is not only ambition and striving, but also self-doubt. There is excitement, joy, sheer fun, but also anger and egotism; and that kind of sudden confusion that turns everything upside down in a young person’s mind and heart, every once in a while.
Well worth a read!
April 28, 2021
This book was everything I wanted. The Caribbean teenagers just being normal teenagers and going about their days. I loved the island romance and flirting between Kayla and Joel. They were just so well developed characters on their own but it was mesmerizing to see them on the page. Whew the emotional intelligence, whew the vulnerability. I loved how Kayla was being praised for being the darkskin baddie that she is. I loved how the duel perspectives allowed us to see what was going on in both Kayla’s and Joel’s mind and one character didn’t outside the other. I’m just glad that books written for Caribbean teens and talking place in the Caribbean about normal everyday scenarios is finally being placed on my radar. I had a wonderful time reading this book. Definitely a solid read 🇹🇹🤍!
July 28, 2023
I enjoyed this Trinidadian YA novel. As a Trini I loved reading a book that reflects my culture. This was a nice clean novel that took me back to my teenage days and how I felt reading books in that era.
March 17, 2024
this was GLORIOUS
tamika gibson is everything i need in YA right now
tamika gibson is everything i need in YA right now
September 27, 2021
Did you read “Dreams Beyond The Shore” by Tamika Gibson?
If no, start with that book to understand some references Gibson made with this sophomore novel. Now, it isn’t detrimental if you read this selection first, but that little link you’ll miss. You’ll thank me later 🤗.
OFF TRACK takes you along the athletic journeys of Kayla and Joel. They both have challenges in their young lives dealing with family issues in a rural community in Trinidad & Tobago which include a more or less absent parent. This doesn’t seem to dull their vision of becoming athletic representatives of T&T. Gibson did a great job developing their back story yet focusing on their sporting journey from Carifta to Olympics. Though the two young protagonists were resilient when faced with obstacles, Gibson was able to depict that the road to success may be a bumpy ride, but it is the comeback after the setbacks on this journey is the greatest accomplishment.
What I like:
1. The appropriately used Trini sayings;
2. The grandmother-grandson relationship; don’t think I read a book with that before.
3. The theme of sports is so apt for teenagers and young adults alike
4. The development of a relatable story of successful potential Olympians coming from rural communities, with not so good reputation, yet they are great at sports. This is such a true Trini perspective on sports.
5. The link to the 1st novel by making reference to the PM, Marchand.
If no, start with that book to understand some references Gibson made with this sophomore novel. Now, it isn’t detrimental if you read this selection first, but that little link you’ll miss. You’ll thank me later 🤗.
OFF TRACK takes you along the athletic journeys of Kayla and Joel. They both have challenges in their young lives dealing with family issues in a rural community in Trinidad & Tobago which include a more or less absent parent. This doesn’t seem to dull their vision of becoming athletic representatives of T&T. Gibson did a great job developing their back story yet focusing on their sporting journey from Carifta to Olympics. Though the two young protagonists were resilient when faced with obstacles, Gibson was able to depict that the road to success may be a bumpy ride, but it is the comeback after the setbacks on this journey is the greatest accomplishment.
What I like:
1. The appropriately used Trini sayings;
2. The grandmother-grandson relationship; don’t think I read a book with that before.
3. The theme of sports is so apt for teenagers and young adults alike
4. The development of a relatable story of successful potential Olympians coming from rural communities, with not so good reputation, yet they are great at sports. This is such a true Trini perspective on sports.
5. The link to the 1st novel by making reference to the PM, Marchand.
July 5, 2025
4.5 stars
I need to see more people read Off Track expeditiously. Gibson drew me right in from the beginning of the story and I rooted for the characters all along the way. The book bounces between the POVs of Kayla and Joel; the flow of the POVs was clean I cannot say I enjoyed one above the other. I felt for Kayla and Joel. Throughout the story, the characters deal with family issues such as supposed parental rejection, expectations, wants, and desires. The pressures of sports at budding superstar level are shown and geesh!! Gibson did good with that aspect. The character felt real and the way they dealt with their issues made the book come even more alive. Kayla and Joel both grow throughout the book and that's shown time and time again.
I loved being able to read a book about track and field that was set in the Caribbean. As a person who runs track competitively (who is from the Caribbean), I was pleased to see Gibson hit get everything pretty accurate as far as training, societal pressures, and even the CARIFTA experience (though we een never had no poppin' after-party like they had and I been to five CARIFTAs). It's a nine out of ten for me with the writing about track, logistically speaking.
I'm a fan of Gibson now and I'd like to pick up her other work Dreams Beyond the Shore. Off Track was my first Blouse and Skirt and I'm a fan now as well.
I need to see more people read Off Track expeditiously. Gibson drew me right in from the beginning of the story and I rooted for the characters all along the way. The book bounces between the POVs of Kayla and Joel; the flow of the POVs was clean I cannot say I enjoyed one above the other. I felt for Kayla and Joel. Throughout the story, the characters deal with family issues such as supposed parental rejection, expectations, wants, and desires. The pressures of sports at budding superstar level are shown and geesh!! Gibson did good with that aspect. The character felt real and the way they dealt with their issues made the book come even more alive. Kayla and Joel both grow throughout the book and that's shown time and time again.
I loved being able to read a book about track and field that was set in the Caribbean. As a person who runs track competitively (who is from the Caribbean), I was pleased to see Gibson hit get everything pretty accurate as far as training, societal pressures, and even the CARIFTA experience (though we een never had no poppin' after-party like they had and I been to five CARIFTAs). It's a nine out of ten for me with the writing about track, logistically speaking.
I'm a fan of Gibson now and I'd like to pick up her other work Dreams Beyond the Shore. Off Track was my first Blouse and Skirt and I'm a fan now as well.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews