Other Side of the Tracks

by Charity Alyse

There is an unspoken agreement between the racially divided towns of Bayside and Hamilton: no one steps over the train tracks that divide them. Or else.

Not until Zach Whitman anyway, a white boy who moves in from Philly and who dreams of music. When he follows his dream across the tracks to meet his idol, the famous jazz musician who owns The Sunlight Record Shop in Hamilton, he’s flung into Capri Collins’s path.

Capri has big plans: she wants to follow her late mother’s famous footsteps, dancing her way onto Broadway, and leaving this town for good, just like her older brother, Justin, is planning to do when he goes off to college next year. As sparks fly, Zach and Capri realize that they can help each other turn hope into a reality, even if it means crossing the tracks to do it.

But one tragic night changes everything. When Justin’s friend, the star of Hamilton’s football team, is murdered by a white Bayside police officer, the long-standing feud between Bayside and Hamilton becomes an all-out war And Capri, Justin, and Zach are right in the middle of it.

Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult, Romance, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Audiobook, Music

448 pages, Hardcover

First published November 22, 2022

About the author

Charity Alyse earned her Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature at Rowan University and is currently working toward a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Therapy. She is an avid watcher of Jane Austen movies and vows to complete every item on her bucket list, including one day touring the world as the lead singer of an afro-punk band. Publishing a book was also one of them!

Her debut novel, Other Side of the Tracks comes out in fall 2022 with Denene Millner Books, an imprint of Simon Teen. She currently resides in New Jersey.

You can find her on Twitter and Instagram @charity_alyse and charityalyse.com

Reviews

[Charity Alyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi everyone! I know that Goodreads is for YOU...so I will see myself out in one moment!
But...first, I just want to express my intense thanks to you.

Thank you for taking the time to read my dream book. The book that received 200 rejections. The book so many said would never get published. The book I cried countless tears over. The book I never gave up on. The book that never gave up on me.

Thank you for taking the time out to leave a review. Thank you for clicking this link. Being an author has been a dream of mine since kindergarten, where I’d rewrite Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty with brown skin and princes with beautiful ebony kinks. After reading one of my tales, my kindergarten teacher told me that no one would ever want to read my writing. That I’d never become an author. By the grace of God, I’m here!

It has been SUCH a journey to get to this point. Maybe one day I’ll share it in detail. (I write this with tears in my eyes) Please, no matter how hard anything gets, never stop believing in those daydreams that keep you gazing out of your window, with a smile that tickles your lips. Let my little life be an example of the great things you can do if you keep moving forward. I hope you enjoy my first novel (hopefully of many) and that you realize how exceptionally amazing you are every single day. I leave this five-star review to my little self, to remind her that she did attain her dreams and that this is just the beginning. (For the both of us!)
If you’d like to follow my socials:
IG: charity_alyse
Twitter: charity_alyse

Okay...I'm going away now!

[Marlo Berliner · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first moment I set eyes on this book I knew it was something special! These characters and this story will stay with you long after you close the book!

[Jullian Wimbush · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is going to be amazing and definitely worth the purchase.

[isabel.c · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I smiled, cried, laughed, you name it. You slowly fall in love with characters, and some…not so much. The writing is so beautiful and makes the book so much more. The story is so moving and really leaves you thinking. The ending is heartbreaking, but was the perfect way to end what I would call, a perfect book. The book made you feel like you were there in a town full of music and history, a town full of big houses and pride, and in New York with huge theater’s and graffiti everywhere you go. The book had slow paced moments, but even then I was interested every second. I am so honored this book found me, cause I needed it. Books like these spark your love for reading. I strongly encourage you to read it.

[Jennifer Kaul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charity Alyse's OTHER SIDE OF THE TRACKS is such a special book. The word choice is lyrical, the characters well-developed, and the plot gripping. Alyse introduces readers to two racially divided towns and the people that live in each. She develops these characters with such heart that I was fully invested when conflict escalated between the towns and within them. I felt honored to get to read this book early and can't wait for it to reach more readers. It feels like the book we need right now - a reminder that there is good and bad in all of us, that people can change, and that we can and must work together for a future that is more just.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.75 rounded up)

Truly enjoyed this book! It was way more hard hitting than I was expecting and the writing was so thought provoking and moving.

These characters each tugged at my heart strings in their own ways and the ending was impactful and heartbreaking.

Video review to come very soon!

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a heavy book with a lot to unpack in regards social issues and teenagers dealing with grown folks issues but worth the read if you’re ready for a challenge. There are quite a few possible triggers with racism, offensive language, and violence to name a few. Overall I found this book very powerful. It felt like a modern day Romeo and Juliet, with a toggling of tragedy and romance.

[♥Milica♥]

Things I need: THIS BOOK!
When do I need it: NOW!

[Feather]

Thank you HOV tours for the chance to be part of the tour. Netgalley provided me an e-arc in exchange for honest review. All opinions are my own.

Capri is chasing her dreams unbeknownst to those closest to her.

Justin is trying to get out of Hamilton, to make something of himself but at the cost of what?

Zach who is doesn't belong in Bayside even though his family has roots, but not welcome in Hamilton for the color or lack thereof.

A must read especially for those who are uncomfortable with what's been going on for years. Other Side Of The Tracks by Charity Alyse realistically and heartbreakingly tells the tale of modern day segregation, racism, police brutality, and a bit of interracial romance. People can pretend that they don't see or hear racial slurs being flung. Hate and intolerance breeds more hate and more intolerance. The more things change the more they stay the same. Stereotypical portrayals still happen, but it's a joke until it's not. However toe one of the biggest themes of this book is about dreams and making them reality.

So many times while reading I had to stop to take a breathe. Yes, I smiled too. That ending though, I'm glad I was at work otherwise my composure would've fallen.

I definitely recommend this book and give it 5 stars.

[Glenda Nelms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Other side of the tracks is a deeply impactful, hard-hitting, gripping debut novel about three teens who confront and unpack the societal constraints of their racially divided towns of Bayside & Hamiliton. When one of them loses a friend to police brutality. the conflict between the two communities escalates.

'If our lies were grains of sand, mine would barely fill a tiny seashell. Yours would make an entire seashore."

"If we walk on the wrong side of the tracks, we'll still get a bullet to the back."

"The land of the chained! A home to the enslaved! America stop digging us our graves."

"Justin, Being Black is not a curse."

"You'd love them enough to give them the truth no matter what it costs you. That's what doing the right things is about."

Thank you Charity Alyse for writing a powerful debut novel and Hear our voices book tours crew for giving me the chance to join this book tour.

[Jena · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Just like Mama said, even dim stars could be wished upon.”
– Pg. 164

I feel like I learned so many lessons while reading this book. Not only did it feel like an old “Civil War” era at times where dark-skin Americans and light-skin Americans were separated, but the book felt gritty. I mean that in the best, eye-opening way. These struggles are still what children go through in communities every day.

I absolutely adored Zach throughout this book. I feel like even though he knows he came from a “rougher” part of Philly, he embraced it and took joy in it developing who he was as a person. I also love that he stands up for everything and everyone he believes in regardless of the consequences.

With Capri and Justin our siblings, I felt things for both their story arcs for different reasons. With Capri, I loved watching her grow and become more confident. Watching her and Zach together and trying to defy all odds was awe-inspiring. With Justin, his character arc sort of went the other direction, however I understood each decision he was making whether I agreed with it or not.

The only reason I knocked the book a star, was because I felt the beginning took me a little bit to get into the story. There is a lot of learning who these three characters are and where they come from. However, once all three of our MC’s stories collide… I could not put it down.

Charity absolutely crafted a story that will stay with you long after you’ve finished the pages. So many parts of this book are heartbreaking even while you root for the best to happen. It also shocks (and slightly scares me) that this type of story (situations) still happen in real life. I only hope that like in her book, we as humans grow and learn to accept everyone.

Find the full review at Jotted by Jena

[Tiffany K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book so much! It sent so many emotions my way and I honestly sobbed in the end. The injustice portrayed in this book really spoke to the issues we see today and it reminds you of how real racism is. The ending captivated me and spoke to me personally, speaking of Heaven and what it could and should be like for all of us. I’ll be thinking about this book for awhile.

[Marissa Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! The characters are so relatable and their perspectives too. I was thoroughly invested in each character, and loved the development of Zach especially.
A very relevant story that I would highly recommend.

[Alexandra Maag · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love that this book had so many opportunities to use foul language and then didn’t. Overall a clean read. A few uses of the n-word and that’s all I remember.

Kind of a fun read.

[Nicole (Bookiesandtea) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives you vibes of modern-day Romeo and Juliet, with a Black Lives Matter twist.

It has forbidden love, interracial dating with two racially divided towns on opposite sides of the tracks.

It is a heavy book with some tough themes of teens dealing with social injustices and racial profiling. But also one of self-discovery and going after your dreams.

Thank you to Hear Our Voices Tours and Denene Millner Books for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest opinion!

[Alex Morán · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing, timely read that was probably uncomfortable for those who don't want to face racism in the face. But for me, it was a gorgeous read that had me turning pages as fast as I could.

Charity is a gift to the YA world and I can't wait for her next book.

[KayReads__ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to @hearourvoicestours for allowing me to receive an ARC copy.

Capri and her brother Justin befriends a white boy named Zach who’s from Philly and moves to a town named Bayside, where it’s VERY strict on who can and can’t come into the town. When someone from Capri’s and Justin’s side of town dies in Zach’s town of Bayside; we get to see how much it changes those three. This hit home back of what the police violence that’s been happening for the past three years. The multiple POV’s differently put things in perspectives because we got to dive into each character's thoughts, which I thought was amazing! I was very uncomfortable reading this, because it hit close to home. I shed a few tears reading.

Great debut novel and I can’t wait to read more from you! Make sure you get this novel when it comes out on Nov. 22!

[Darya]

DNF @76/431 (17%) Jun 2023

Є два містечка в штаті Нью-Йорк, які, хоча і стоять поруч, мають дуже расово відмінний склад населення, яке тримається окремо. В центрі уваги троє підлітків: брат і сестра живуть в чорношкірому містечку і мріють вирватися у великий світ, як їхня мама, яка була відомою акторкою на Бродвеї, але померла молодою. А в "біле" містечко переїздить з батьком хлопець із Філадельфії, який звик до набагато більш різношерсного культурного оточення...
А далі має початися детективна історія, яка має зруйнувати табу.
Але, як видно, я закинула на 17%. Здається, я знайшла формульний жанр, який мені не подобається саме як формульний (бо раніше казала, що не буду дорікати книжкам саме за цю рису). Це така сентиментальна формульна арка, коли накручується і все з усіх боків на героя сиплеться (а потім, коли за сюжетом треба, розрулиться). Ну надто вже карикатурні сили намагаються утримати цих підлітків у містечках, щоб вони не насмілювалися змінювати світ.

[Alexis trimble · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to say thank you ms charity and her publishing team for the opportunity to read her book it has been an honor .This book started off boring and then it got a little better but slowed down a lot for me so if your going into this book with high expectations then don’t go into the book with no expectations i feel like if she added a little more plot and changed some of her wording I would have liked this book more than I did and it would have been more enjoyable but other than that it was an very entertaining book there was so good scenes and the romance was definitely there

[Aspen Roads]

I don’t think I can rate this book. As universal as hope and violence are across humans of all races and backgrounds, this story is about the Black experience. I’m not Black, but I did read this book. So while I can’t give it a rating, I will give it the review it deserves.

I first heard about this book on Charity Alyse’s TikTok a few years ago. I don’t think it had come out yet, but I was trying to grow my tbr and I wanted to support a Black author. The premise also seemed interesting to me, and I marked the book down on my Goodreads and forgot about it. Mostly. It was always in the back of my mind as something I need to read soon.

But it was a daunting book. The subject matter was heavy, and it was a little over 500 pages. The sheer length and mass of the story was something I dreaded. Long books challenge my attention span and my ability to consistently sustain my effort of being engaged. I’m getting better at reading these lengthy books, but it’s an ongoing process that I hope never has to end as long as I am on this earth.

Okay, now to the book. I am going to divide the next two paragraphs of my review into the positives (para. 1) and negatives (para. 2). But before I do that, let it be known that I think Charity is a great author, although I have mixed feelings and opinions on the story. I wish her the best, hope she keeps writing and having success in life, and I will remember this book. Inevitably, whether I know it or not, this story will influence the way I write and see the world (as most books do). I am glad I read this book.

The positives of this book are mostly in story. The descriptions in the book are beautiful, and I progressively grew to love the characters. Initially, I couldn’t get into them. They felt flat, and they felt predictable (mainly Zach and Virgie). But I also found characters I loved from the start: Easy, Capri, and Perry. The characters I didn’t like grew on me as the story progressed and I got to see their depth and development. I can tell this story, in its plot and dialogue, comes from the heart. Nothing about this book is half-done or underdeveloped. I feel immersed in the world, able to see the Sunlight, hear Zach’s music, and be struck still by the violence. The themes of religion are strong throughout the novel, but it never becomes too much for me, and I am not religious.

The negatives of this book primarily revolve around grammar and style. To start off, there were many instances of I not being capitalized, names not being capitalized, sentences being confusing or missing connecting words; like the word “and. “ Beyond grammar and style, I just did not feel like all of the characters were real. So much of their dialogue and actions were expected, even the lead up to the eventual murder. I often felt annoyed or taken out of the story because I was just handed what I already expected. I lt also felt like there were a lot of stereotypes used in this book, and while stereotypes can certainly be used well or subverted to fit the story, I didn’t feel like there was enough development to do that. Maybe the point of using them in this book was to show how Bayside and Hamilton both felt so stuck in the past, but for me they just didn’t work.

[Megan Olds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! It reads like the prose of a classic, sucks you in with characters who feel real, and overall leaves you with depth, addressed issues, and emotions that are exactly the impact you hope to receive from a book like this.

Not only, of course, are race, racism, modern segregation, and how we react to these issues a central part of this book --- and very relevant to our day; what scares me most is how often people like Zach's dad and Principal Walsh are real --- but there are other themes played out as well with the small towns that are featured in the narrative and the people from them who have dreams and love that are bigger than them.

Each main character is complex and demonstrates times of being sweet, brave, and/or conscientious (along with friends of theirs like Thomas.) Questions are asked about both towns' forms of discrimination toward each other, "is there ever a time where is someone is allowed to be selfish, imperfect, or not as constantly strong as everyone makes them out to be?", and "do deceased loved ones still play a role in our lives and our seeming coincidences?"

Dee --- even with her small role in the story --- made me cry. Capri's and Zach's final chapters made me cry. Even Virgie had some redemptive moments, though I still am not quite sure what to make of her as a whole. My favorite passages are those final chapters and that which appears on the bottom of page 122.

Really, I can only imagine all the work Charity Alyse put into this book! It is beautiful and truly a masterpiece.

Celebrating diversity, and encouraging each of us to take risks for what and who we love and to heal from lost hope, closed minds, and histories of abandonment --- along with key romances not unlike "Slide" by Goo Goo Dolls (my apologies for using a song written by white guys; it is what I personally know), and better than Romeo and Juliet --- Other Side of the Tracks is a wonderful, thought-provoking novel, and I would recommend it to everyone!

[Lit_Vibrations · Rating 4 out of 5]

The town of Bayside plagued with racism and the town of Hamilton held in bondage out of fear. Train tracks separate them from each other but being stuck in their ways is what keeps them apart.

Capri Collins once afraid to chase her dreams out of fear of what her grandmother would think. Justin Collins her brother with his hopes high on leaving Hamilton behind allows a careless act to cost him his future. Zach Whitman new to Bayside set out to find something that felt more like home back in Philly. Finds himself stuck in a time wrap and a full-blown war between Hamilton and Bayside.

I enjoyed reading this novel while it was a slow build it ended so powerfully. The ending took a turn I wasn’t expecting. Justice being served isn’t something seen to often in these type of situations. But the author touched on multiple themes from self-discovery, teen pregnancy, racism, segregation, family dynamics, and following your dreams.

We see firsthand what it’s like when a person’s fears or beliefs are placed upon their children. It creates an endless cycle of the same behavior, beliefs, and fears. Neither town attempted to conform with one another because of past history fueled by hatred, pain, and race. Leaving those wishing for more caught in the midst.

Favorite Quote: “We desire control over what we can’t see.”

Side note: The way everyone kept referring to the train tracks reminded me of the movie Life. When they were told if they crossed the gun line they would be killed. To me the town of Hamilton symbolized the tracks the same way. If ever crossed it would result in a death sentence.

Overall, the novel was emotional, passionate, and impactful so I definitely recommend!!!!

[Sheridan C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The story follows three main characters through their experiences figuring out their future in their last year of high school. It is set on the backdrop of two racially divided towns separated by train tracks. The story deals with the aftermath of the death of one of the high school students who dies on the opposite side of the tracks and was friends with one of the main characters.

There is a beautiful exploration of what it means to love your hometown but want to leave it even though everyone wants you to stay, and I found this aspect of the characters very relatable. I also personally connected with how the characters dealt with the death of one of their classmates.

This book did a fantastic job of painting people's lives on both sides of the tracks and what community means on either side. This book made me feel a host of emotions; it had me feeling happy, angry and, at times, on the verge of tears.

If you like contemporary books that offer a glimpse into the lives of diverse characters, social commentary on racial inequality in the United States and a beautiful look at how people deal with loss, you will enjoy this book. I highly recommend that everyone reads it.

[Sophia Kunkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut was thrilling to read! I loved the multiple narrators and changing perspectives; each character had a distinct voice, and a unique story to tell. My favorite character was Capri; there’s a dance scene about halfway through the book that absolutely enraptured me. Beautiful writing!

There were also so many moving parts, which worked well. I appreciated how each and every struggle was given time to unravel. Plus, the chapters were short, and each cliffhanger kept me flipping.

Other Side of the Tracks reminded me of The Hate U Give, with incredibly powerful themes about the Black experience, the BLM movement, and America’s brutal past which continues to plague the country to this day. I will say that I was very much distraught at the end of the book— no spoilers here— but I have to hand it to Charity Alyse, it was realistic.

To also offer constructive critique, I felt that the beginning was slow in comparison to the last half. I do wish there had been more lead up to the conclusion; the last few chapters happened so quickly, all at once. Honestly, I saw potential for a sequel in the last half!

Overall, though, this was such a well-written, reflective novel. I’m so blessed to have been part of the street team. Can’t wait for more books from Charity Alyse!

[Ashley Gulyas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Other Side of the Tracks is a moving and important YA novel.

The story is written from three perspectives - Capri, a Black girl from the small down of Hamilton; her brother, Justin; and Zach, a white boy who recently moved from Philly to the small town on the other side of the tracks, Bayside. I love a story that is written from multiple perspectives, and this one is very well done - I loved how the timeline continued, but the narrator changed.

This story is so timely and addresses so much about racism, getting out of a suffocating situation, and police violence.

I want to tread carefully so as not to give away the ending - it did not end the way I was expecting! But I thought this story addressed two hypothetical situations that intrigued me and will stay with me for a while:
- what would it look like if white people took accountability for their racist actions?
- what would it look like if Black people sought revenge? (This made me think of the video of activist Kimberly Jones from June 2020 in which she says, “be glad Black people aren’t seeking revenge!” - if you haven’t seen it, go look it up. It is necessary viewing for all white people.)

I recommend giving Other Side of the Tracks a read - it will really make you think and will stay with you for a while.

[Shakera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story… my God, this story. While it starts off slow, it gains traction and has an ending I didn’t see coming (which is unusual for me). This book touches on several topics that are pretty heavy, but I think well-executed.

The main characters are well-written, and I found myself rooting for them. I appreciated Zach and how he stood up for what he believed was right. I enjoyed watching (reading) Capri blossom into this confident young woman who chased her dreams. And while I didn’t always agree with Justin’s decisions, I understood them. In addition, the way she covers generational trauma is fantastic.

Alyse tells a story that is still all too relevant today, and it’s eye-opening. This is the kind of story I will have to sit with for a while. The grittiness of this story reminds me of “The Hate U Give,” which I absolutely loved. This will have you crying while trying to remain optimistic. You’ll feel happy, angry and frustrated. But it’s all worth it.

This book means a great deal to me because you don’t typically get the same results in real life (or other books, for that matter) as you get in this story. I don’t want to spoil the ending, but I recommend reading this book.

[Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debut Mashup of The Hate U Give and Westside Story Capri Collins a talented African American dancer longs to attend an exclusive performing arts camp but lacks the courage to oppose her grandmother. Her basketball star brother Justin wants to escape from Hamilton too. Zach Whitman, a singer song-writer from Philly, is new to Bayside, the predominantly white town across the tracks from Hamilton, and is shocked by the overt racism on both sides. He meets Capri at the Sunlight, jazz legend Easy MaeCollin’s music store/club. Zach becomes Capri’s ally, getting her to an audition in New York. Thomas is about to play a game against Bayside with a college scout in the audience, Zach wants to perform at the Sunlight but can’t because he’s white. Everything changes in one night when a young black man headed to New York University to become a doctor is killed by a Bayside police officer. The effects of a century of racism ripples through both communities with other personal aftershocks as well. The narration alternates between the three main characters, the complexity of Capri’s and Justin’s is particularly strong. The language is realistic, interracial tension is a main driving force and addresses cultural appropriation, identity, and activism. Lots to discuss here.

[Karna Bosman · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 Rounded to 5

Charity Alyse's debut novel, "Other Side of the Tracks," is a remarkable piece of literature that will stay in my heart for a long time. It is a profoundly impactful and hard-hitting novel that delves into the societal constraints endured by three teens in their racially divided towns. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is captivating.

The author skillfully introduces readers to Hamilton and Bayside, a pair of racially divided communities and their inhabitants. Through heartfelt character development, the reader becomes fully invested in the lives of two specific families and their communities as conflict unfolds within and between them.

The loss of a friend to police brutality becomes the catalyst for escalating conflict between Hamilton and Bayside. Charity Alyse is a gifted storyteller. Her ability to evoke empathy makes this book a must-read that will leave a lasting impression.

The believability of a couple of the characters is the only reason I cannot give a full five stars.

[Diane Rembert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brother and sister, Justin and Capri, have dreams of finishing high school and leaving small town Hamilton, New York. Justin loves basketball and Capri, dancing, like their deceased mother. But like the old saying goes…if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans.

Zach has just relocated from Philadelphia to small town, Bayside New York, The racial tension is like a shock to his system, and then…he meets Capri. Struggling to adapt to one side of the tracks, while fighting to belong on the other, I'd very dangerous, but he's willing to take the risk.

One act of violence, starts a race war…one that comes with casualties. The biggest problem for Capri is choosing between her brother and her sudden interest.

Disclaimer: This debut novel is racially charged and will piss you off. However, the redemption will tug at your heart strings. I highly recommend this novel by @charity_alyse.

[Tianna Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever been a part of a community but never felt a connection with the people around you? Have you ever felt like all your hopes and aspirations are suffocated by the environment you are submersed within? Whether or not either is true, this book will immerse you in discussions on race, equity, and privilege. Capri, Justin, and Zach are three teens living in neighboring towns, but each has a goal of escaping what's around them. The odd thing about the two towns though, is that Bayside and Hamilton are extremely segregated, as if the rest of the world left both frozen in the Antebellum South. Bayside, the all-white neighbor, has a sense of entitlement and the citizens feel they set Hamilton, the black neighbor, up for success by offering used infrastructure and passed down items. Capri, Justin, and Zach stories intertwine to bring the towns together. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and rate it five stars. So many topics for discussion are presented and the progression was perfect!