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The Other Side of Dark
Since losing both of her parents, fifteen-year-old Katie can see and talk to ghosts, which makes her a loner until fellow student Law sees her drawing of a historic house and together they seek a treasure rumored to be hidden there by illegal slave-traders.
Law Walker knew Katie Mullens before she was crazy. Before her mother died. Law knows Katie’s crazy now, but she’s always been talented. And she keeps filling sketch pads even though her drawings have gone a little crazy as well—dark, bloody. What Law doesn’t know is that these drawings are real. Or were real. Katie draws what she sees—and Katie sees dead people. People who have died—recently, and not so recently—in accidents, from suicide, even a boy who was trapped in a house that burned down more than 100 years ago. And it’s this boy who makes Law want to get to know Katie all over again. So what if his dad doesn’t want him dating a white girl? So what if people think Katie is dangerous? The ghost boy is hiding a secret that Law needs to know—and it’s much bigger, much more shocking than anyone ever expected.
Law Walker knew Katie Mullens before she was crazy. Before her mother died. Law knows Katie’s crazy now, but she’s always been talented. And she keeps filling sketch pads even though her drawings have gone a little crazy as well—dark, bloody. What Law doesn’t know is that these drawings are real. Or were real. Katie draws what she sees—and Katie sees dead people. People who have died—recently, and not so recently—in accidents, from suicide, even a boy who was trapped in a house that burned down more than 100 years ago. And it’s this boy who makes Law want to get to know Katie all over again. So what if his dad doesn’t want him dating a white girl? So what if people think Katie is dangerous? The ghost boy is hiding a secret that Law needs to know—and it’s much bigger, much more shocking than anyone ever expected.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published November 2, 2010
29 people are currently reading
1442 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Smith
16 books67 followersSarah Smith has been interested in ghosts and storytelling since she was four. Her sitter told her Japanese ghost stories at night, which she retold on the schoolbus the next morning. When she heard the story of the haunted house and the Perkins Bequest, she knew she had to write about it. No one knows what became of the real Perkins Bequest. She hopes The Other Side of Dark may help solve the mystery.
The Other Side of Dark is her debut novel for young adults.
Sarah studied English at Harvard (where she hid out in the library reading mysteries) and film in London. She is the bestselling author of an adult mystery series set in Edwardian Boston and Paris; two of the books have been New York Times Notable Books of the Year, and one was a London Times Book of the Year.
She has also written a novel about the Shakespeare authorship, Chasing Shakespeares, and actually discovered a "Shakespearean" poem by another candidate. She is currently writing a novel about the Titanic.
Visit her online at www.sarahsmith.com and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/sarahwriter. Read her short stories for free at BookViewCafe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
December 21, 2010
This book wormed it's way inside me. The Other Side of Dark is one of the most poignant and honest fiction books I've read about the haunting (dramatized literally) legacy of slavery, so honest and transparent about all the complex ways we think--the good and the bad--the multiple truths that exist alongside each other in our heads. Our UNlovely motivations. This book makes me want to crack open my hardened chest again and start giving a crap about people, with humility and love.
Katie and Law's story (and thier magnificently honest voices) is so dramatic and emotive. It's so freaking honest about entering into the suffering of others, about the worth of all the lives around us and the acknowledgment of the difficult legacy of race relations left to young Americans today. And it demonstrates so achingly the hope that maybe we can try to love other people and still be candid and transparent at the same time. Maybe we can learn that some sins from the past can never be expelled, that some hauntings are necessary, that's it's okay to struggle with paradoxical desires warring inside us, that in spite of all the pain we cause each other, love is still possible in this world.
Quote from near the end of the book (not spoilery, just so true):
"Death sucks. Life is a lot more fun. So live, huh? Even when it's hard."
Katie and Law's story (and thier magnificently honest voices) is so dramatic and emotive. It's so freaking honest about entering into the suffering of others, about the worth of all the lives around us and the acknowledgment of the difficult legacy of race relations left to young Americans today. And it demonstrates so achingly the hope that maybe we can try to love other people and still be candid and transparent at the same time. Maybe we can learn that some sins from the past can never be expelled, that some hauntings are necessary, that's it's okay to struggle with paradoxical desires warring inside us, that in spite of all the pain we cause each other, love is still possible in this world.
Quote from near the end of the book (not spoilery, just so true):
"Death sucks. Life is a lot more fun. So live, huh? Even when it's hard."
May 21, 2011
It's so refreshing to find a page-turning mystery for teens -- in this case, a search for a hidden treasure box in a condemned historic house. But it's equally refreshing to find a mystery that confronts history head-on and doesn't shy away from complex topics -- here, the history of slavery in the United States, reparations, and racial identity and racism in America today. Add to the mix an orphaned teen girl (Katie) who sees ghosts and has the gift (or curse) of being able to draw them in macabre detail, and a boy (Law) who is an architecture buff and must come to terms with his identity as a mixed-race son of academic parents who are at loggerheads over race and history. Then throw in some ghosts -- some funny, some quirky, some ghastly and furious. Whew. It's not light reading, for sure. But Smith manages to keep it a page turner and create totally original, engaging characters. I'm in awe of this ambitious and important book.
March 5, 2018
It was so bad when I started reading it It was okay, but there was only like 10 good pages in the whole book (no exaggeration) Also When I finished the book I felt like I was 50 years old because it went so slow. There also is not a strong plot or any strong theme. READ THIS BOOK AT YOUR OWN RISK
March 26, 2018
This book was amazing. Beginning was a little slow, but the climax was totally a twist and shook me. I️ loved the characters in the book - they were just so realistic. They actually had personalities and thoughts/opinions like something not “typical”. There were also important morals in the story and issues like slavery that really gave meaning to the book.
January 31, 2011
I was lucky enough to win The Other Side of Dark from my friend and fellow book-blogger, Precious from http://shusky20.blogspot.com. She wrote a fantastic review of this book, so naturally I was excited to dive into my own copy!
And wow, what a story.
The Other Side of Dark is written in alternative POV's - Law Walker, son of well-known African-American history professor - bent on the destruction of Pinebank - and his white, architectural historian mother - bent on the preservation of Pinebank. Katie Mullens, orphaned white girl from the poorer side of town, her mum's dead, her dad's dead, she lives with her step-father and see's ghosts. She's convinced she's crazy. So is the rest of the town.
Katie and Law come together in order to save Pinebank, a historical landmark that many people want torn down. As they fight to find reason to stop the demolition, they uncover far more than they imagined and soon it becomes more than just a race to save a house, but a race to uncover the truth, put souls to rest and to save Katie before the ghosts steal her sanity. All the while both teens are battling with their identity. Law wants to follow in his mothers footsteps, he loves houses, he loves architecture, but his father - his reknown father who continually fights for the black man, for reparations, wants Law to take after him. Throughout the book Law struggles to stand up against his father for what he wants and trying to figure out who he really is.
Katie is struggling with the ghosts who haunt her and the horrific images she's forced to witness of the past - of people, of tragedies. The ghosts want something from her and aren't going to leave until they have it. She's also dealing with the fact that both her parents are gone, she still see's her fathers ghost, her step-dad might be finding love again and she's carrying a whole lot of emotional baggage around with her that even she doesn't realise until much later.
The Other Side of Dark has many different kinds of ghosts drifting throughout it's pages. Not just the corperal ghosts that Katie sees, but the ghosts of the past, the ghosts of the mind. The terrible ordeals the slaves endured - their stories never told, their names never known. Trapped in limbo, neither alive nor rested. Nver set free. The ghosts that haunt us - reputations to uphold, failing those you love, not know who you really are or your place in the world. Ghosts of the past - secrets hidden, truths untold.
This book is a real eye opener to issues still present dealing with prejudice and racism. It sheds light on the terrible acts of slavery committed throughout history. Smith paints these images in stark and shocking colours. This is a modern day story haunted by the past. A tale of different people - race, gender, disability, personality, in death and life - and makes you appreciate each individual for who they are. We are all different, but we are all the same. We live, we breath, we love. Our differences should be a beautiful thing - prized, not condemned.
And wow, what a story.
The Other Side of Dark is written in alternative POV's - Law Walker, son of well-known African-American history professor - bent on the destruction of Pinebank - and his white, architectural historian mother - bent on the preservation of Pinebank. Katie Mullens, orphaned white girl from the poorer side of town, her mum's dead, her dad's dead, she lives with her step-father and see's ghosts. She's convinced she's crazy. So is the rest of the town.
Katie and Law come together in order to save Pinebank, a historical landmark that many people want torn down. As they fight to find reason to stop the demolition, they uncover far more than they imagined and soon it becomes more than just a race to save a house, but a race to uncover the truth, put souls to rest and to save Katie before the ghosts steal her sanity. All the while both teens are battling with their identity. Law wants to follow in his mothers footsteps, he loves houses, he loves architecture, but his father - his reknown father who continually fights for the black man, for reparations, wants Law to take after him. Throughout the book Law struggles to stand up against his father for what he wants and trying to figure out who he really is.
Katie is struggling with the ghosts who haunt her and the horrific images she's forced to witness of the past - of people, of tragedies. The ghosts want something from her and aren't going to leave until they have it. She's also dealing with the fact that both her parents are gone, she still see's her fathers ghost, her step-dad might be finding love again and she's carrying a whole lot of emotional baggage around with her that even she doesn't realise until much later.
The Other Side of Dark has many different kinds of ghosts drifting throughout it's pages. Not just the corperal ghosts that Katie sees, but the ghosts of the past, the ghosts of the mind. The terrible ordeals the slaves endured - their stories never told, their names never known. Trapped in limbo, neither alive nor rested. Nver set free. The ghosts that haunt us - reputations to uphold, failing those you love, not know who you really are or your place in the world. Ghosts of the past - secrets hidden, truths untold.
This book is a real eye opener to issues still present dealing with prejudice and racism. It sheds light on the terrible acts of slavery committed throughout history. Smith paints these images in stark and shocking colours. This is a modern day story haunted by the past. A tale of different people - race, gender, disability, personality, in death and life - and makes you appreciate each individual for who they are. We are all different, but we are all the same. We live, we breath, we love. Our differences should be a beautiful thing - prized, not condemned.
November 23, 2010
Powerful blend of suspense, mystery, and real issues, 4.5 stars
Sarah Smith's young adult debut, THE OTHER SIDE OF DARK, combines just the right amount of mystery, suspense, and ghost story into a historical fiction narrative that packs an emotional punch. Growing up as the son of his black professor father and his white architect mother, Law feels increasingly pulled between them and their professional and racial identities. Ever since her mother died tragically, Katie has also been pulled in two directions - between the world of the living and that of the dead who she now sees and draws. When Law discovers that Katie knows more than reasonably possible about the old mansion he wants to save from demolition, the two teens are drawn together to learn more about each other, the ugly history that surrounds them, and how their decisions can impact both the past and the present.
While the book's back cover suggested a paranormal romance with some "real" issues mixed in, THE OTHER SIDE OF DARK blew me away with its powerhouse combination of mystery, suspense, and romance to tell a story about self-identity, grief, history, racism , and slavery. Smith expertly uses the supernatural backdrop to demonstrate that the scariest things we can fear are real and human-created, not the ghosts that may surround us. As main characters, Law and Katie are sympathetic and their struggles genuine. The characters' development shows the complexity and awkwardness expected by two teens trying to define themselves in spite of, or in relation to, their parents. Consistent pacing and plotting move the story forward, and a complete story arc wraps up in the last 50 pages with an incredibly moving end. The author also excels in her descriptions about architecture, Katie's drawings, and the ghosts Katie sees. The author's obviously well-researched history about slavery also makes the story even more poignant because of the reader's ability to acknowledge that similar things have happened in our real past.
Though an incredibly strong book overall, the romantic relationship between Law and Katie was not as grabbing as I had hoped; the progression of their emotional and physical intimacy seemed jumpy and unrealistic at times. There were also moments of awkward dialogue, and a few sentences here and there didn't make sense and felt dropped in. These small blips took very little away from the emotional impact of the story, however.
Even if THE OTHER SIDE OF DARK wasn't what I expected, I was delighted and moved when it was so much more. Very rarely do novels so deftly combine an engaging and suspenseful plot with an examination of social and historical issues that impact us all. This is a great book for all readers, especially teens who may be struggling with how their heritage and past defines them and who they want to be. I look forward to any other books that Smith brings us in the future.
Note: This review refers to an advance reader's copy.
Sarah Smith's young adult debut, THE OTHER SIDE OF DARK, combines just the right amount of mystery, suspense, and ghost story into a historical fiction narrative that packs an emotional punch. Growing up as the son of his black professor father and his white architect mother, Law feels increasingly pulled between them and their professional and racial identities. Ever since her mother died tragically, Katie has also been pulled in two directions - between the world of the living and that of the dead who she now sees and draws. When Law discovers that Katie knows more than reasonably possible about the old mansion he wants to save from demolition, the two teens are drawn together to learn more about each other, the ugly history that surrounds them, and how their decisions can impact both the past and the present.
While the book's back cover suggested a paranormal romance with some "real" issues mixed in, THE OTHER SIDE OF DARK blew me away with its powerhouse combination of mystery, suspense, and romance to tell a story about self-identity, grief, history, racism , and slavery. Smith expertly uses the supernatural backdrop to demonstrate that the scariest things we can fear are real and human-created, not the ghosts that may surround us. As main characters, Law and Katie are sympathetic and their struggles genuine. The characters' development shows the complexity and awkwardness expected by two teens trying to define themselves in spite of, or in relation to, their parents. Consistent pacing and plotting move the story forward, and a complete story arc wraps up in the last 50 pages with an incredibly moving end. The author also excels in her descriptions about architecture, Katie's drawings, and the ghosts Katie sees. The author's obviously well-researched history about slavery also makes the story even more poignant because of the reader's ability to acknowledge that similar things have happened in our real past.
Though an incredibly strong book overall, the romantic relationship between Law and Katie was not as grabbing as I had hoped; the progression of their emotional and physical intimacy seemed jumpy and unrealistic at times. There were also moments of awkward dialogue, and a few sentences here and there didn't make sense and felt dropped in. These small blips took very little away from the emotional impact of the story, however.
Even if THE OTHER SIDE OF DARK wasn't what I expected, I was delighted and moved when it was so much more. Very rarely do novels so deftly combine an engaging and suspenseful plot with an examination of social and historical issues that impact us all. This is a great book for all readers, especially teens who may be struggling with how their heritage and past defines them and who they want to be. I look forward to any other books that Smith brings us in the future.
Note: This review refers to an advance reader's copy.
April 16, 2011
My Summary: Ever since her mom died a year ago, Katie's been seeing ghosts... and not just any ghosts either - ghosts that died violently. She sees the ghosts of people who were murdered, people who've committed suicide... all of it.
Katie thinks she's crazy - she thinks these 'hallucinations' are all a product of the grief she's feeling, never taking them seriously. She draws every single ghost she sees, though, keeping them all in a sketchbook. Each sketch is more disturbing than the last, usually showing the way the person died. Katie knows she's crazy, but the sketches are the only way to keep the ghosts from taking over her entire life...
Until the day she meets a ghost boy in the park and bumps into Law Walker. She's surprised he wants anything to do with her, the 'crazy girl', but the two form an unlikely friendship. When Katie tells Law about the boy in the park who died in the house he's trying to save from being bulldozed, he investigates and discovers that Katie really has been seeing ghosts - and that she may be the key to saving the house and the treasure inside.
My Thoughts: I'm so glad I decided to read this book! It was just what I needed - the perfect mix of history, paranormal elements, and romance. All three components of the book wove together perfectly, making it one of those books that I just couldn't put down without finding out what happened next.
Seriously. I finished it in less than 8 hours, and it's not a very short book!
And I'd like to give props to Sarah Smith for the honest way she handled the topics of slavery and racism and the sometimes crushing pressure parents put on their kids - I felt so bad for Law, trying to deal with his father's unrealistic expectations while also trying to grow up and figure out where he belongs because of his mixed heritage.
Final Thoughts: If you've always been a bit of an American History geek like me, you'll definitely want to pick this one up! It ties together elements of history, racism, and romance beautifully, and I really enjoyed it. May not be suitable for reader under 14, though!
Katie thinks she's crazy - she thinks these 'hallucinations' are all a product of the grief she's feeling, never taking them seriously. She draws every single ghost she sees, though, keeping them all in a sketchbook. Each sketch is more disturbing than the last, usually showing the way the person died. Katie knows she's crazy, but the sketches are the only way to keep the ghosts from taking over her entire life...
Until the day she meets a ghost boy in the park and bumps into Law Walker. She's surprised he wants anything to do with her, the 'crazy girl', but the two form an unlikely friendship. When Katie tells Law about the boy in the park who died in the house he's trying to save from being bulldozed, he investigates and discovers that Katie really has been seeing ghosts - and that she may be the key to saving the house and the treasure inside.
My Thoughts: I'm so glad I decided to read this book! It was just what I needed - the perfect mix of history, paranormal elements, and romance. All three components of the book wove together perfectly, making it one of those books that I just couldn't put down without finding out what happened next.
Seriously. I finished it in less than 8 hours, and it's not a very short book!
And I'd like to give props to Sarah Smith for the honest way she handled the topics of slavery and racism and the sometimes crushing pressure parents put on their kids - I felt so bad for Law, trying to deal with his father's unrealistic expectations while also trying to grow up and figure out where he belongs because of his mixed heritage.
Final Thoughts: If you've always been a bit of an American History geek like me, you'll definitely want to pick this one up! It ties together elements of history, racism, and romance beautifully, and I really enjoyed it. May not be suitable for reader under 14, though!
December 21, 2010
See full review here.
Told in alternating perspectives, by Katie and Law, we get to see the difference in the narrative of the two characters. There was a distinct tone for each character. The priorities are not the same and to some extent, the level of sanity is not as well. I appreciated the change in the tone of the two characters. They were talking about the same things and yet it was as if they were talking about entirely different things. Although this novel was a collision of two lives, two colors and two races, I could not deny that there was a thick border between the characters. Whether it was caused by race, by skin color, by social image, it was still something that prevented their complete mesh.
The ghosts were interesting. They articulated things and secrets, that no one alive would tell. They kept all kinds of secrets and all kinds of puzzle pieces that the people of the present needed, to understand their past and in turn, understand who they are. Perkins Bequest intrigued me the most. This sort of thing seemed like something I would see in the movies. The flashbacks via ghosts were marvelous, chilling and exciting. The attention to detail intensified everything, turned this novel into a real world, something I could easily imagine.
The Other Side of Dark dwelled on the issues of history, the kind that was not told, not published in any books and on the issues of the dead, the abused and the enslaved, on the issues of races and reparations, and on the issue of identity. It was a profound novel, trying to answer what is significant, what is untold, what is needed and what is yet to be discovered. Fans of creepy stories, multicultural stories, historical fiction and paranormal will love this!
Told in alternating perspectives, by Katie and Law, we get to see the difference in the narrative of the two characters. There was a distinct tone for each character. The priorities are not the same and to some extent, the level of sanity is not as well. I appreciated the change in the tone of the two characters. They were talking about the same things and yet it was as if they were talking about entirely different things. Although this novel was a collision of two lives, two colors and two races, I could not deny that there was a thick border between the characters. Whether it was caused by race, by skin color, by social image, it was still something that prevented their complete mesh.
The ghosts were interesting. They articulated things and secrets, that no one alive would tell. They kept all kinds of secrets and all kinds of puzzle pieces that the people of the present needed, to understand their past and in turn, understand who they are. Perkins Bequest intrigued me the most. This sort of thing seemed like something I would see in the movies. The flashbacks via ghosts were marvelous, chilling and exciting. The attention to detail intensified everything, turned this novel into a real world, something I could easily imagine.
The Other Side of Dark dwelled on the issues of history, the kind that was not told, not published in any books and on the issues of the dead, the abused and the enslaved, on the issues of races and reparations, and on the issue of identity. It was a profound novel, trying to answer what is significant, what is untold, what is needed and what is yet to be discovered. Fans of creepy stories, multicultural stories, historical fiction and paranormal will love this!
December 2, 2010
This book was really hard for me to read. It is told from two different perspectives and switches between story tellers frequently and sometimes right in the middle of the action. While the author did a good job with that, it distracted me from the story. One side of the story was told from the perspective of a young black man who's father is very involved in slave reparations. This young man named Law has a real chip on his shoulder. Considering how privileged he is, I have a hard time dealing with all of his whining about how difficult his life is. (Maybe I have read too many stories lately where the main character really does have a difficult life or obstacle to overcome...)
The other side of the story is told by a young girl named Katie who's parents are dead and lives with her step-father. This girl sees ghosts. I liked her story. I enjoyed watching her character deal with her ghost problems.
There was just so much anger and tension that it was hard to switch so quickly to a romantic story. Some of Law's and Katie's interactions just seemed odd. Right in the thick of things, Law and Katie all of a sudden start making out at one point...almost having sex. This seemed out of character for the characters.
I have to admit that about half way through I really wanted to put this book down. I started skimming my way through the parts of the story told by Law and slowed down to read the parts by Katie. The ending of the story kind of left me hanging and wanting to read more about Katie.
Maybe I totally missed something considering most of the other reviews are 4-5 stars...
I gave this story 2 stars. I would read another book by Sarah Smith, though, especially if it were something supernatural or paranormal. I did enjoy the way she wrote Katie's side of the story. Had this book been completely told from her perspective, I probably would rate it higher.
The other side of the story is told by a young girl named Katie who's parents are dead and lives with her step-father. This girl sees ghosts. I liked her story. I enjoyed watching her character deal with her ghost problems.
There was just so much anger and tension that it was hard to switch so quickly to a romantic story. Some of Law's and Katie's interactions just seemed odd. Right in the thick of things, Law and Katie all of a sudden start making out at one point...almost having sex. This seemed out of character for the characters.
I have to admit that about half way through I really wanted to put this book down. I started skimming my way through the parts of the story told by Law and slowed down to read the parts by Katie. The ending of the story kind of left me hanging and wanting to read more about Katie.
Maybe I totally missed something considering most of the other reviews are 4-5 stars...
I gave this story 2 stars. I would read another book by Sarah Smith, though, especially if it were something supernatural or paranormal. I did enjoy the way she wrote Katie's side of the story. Had this book been completely told from her perspective, I probably would rate it higher.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. It is not really historical fiction, but it goes back and does get into some history and it is a ghost type story as well. In a way it reminds me just a little bit of Ghosts I Have Beenone of my favorite series ever when I was younger. I like that this has the history along with the ghost story. And I also enjoyed reading from the viewpoint of a teen boy who has a black father and a white mother. It was interesting to read his take on his father's crusade to get reparations. This book also jumped between viewpoints of Law Walker, and the "crazy" girl in town, Katie Mullen. It turns out that Law had a crush on Katie when they were younger, before she became the crazy girl. But his mother didn't let him ask her to the dance because she lived on the wrong side of the town. Law's mom and dad are well to do. Katie is not. In fact she lives with her step-father, because her father died in the military, and her mother died later. But now Katie sees ghosts. She wants to believe it is just hallucinations, until she draws one of the ghosts and when Law sees the drawing, he doesn't know how she knows what those things looked like. She has to come to terms with the fact that things in her past may not be quite as she has believed. And Law must figure a way to do what he wants and not completely disappoint his father who has his own plans for Law.
I really enjoyed this book. Couldn't wait to get back to it whenever I had to put it down. It was also nice that I had some extra time when I was reading this so that I did not have to take too long to read it.
I really enjoyed this book. Couldn't wait to get back to it whenever I had to put it down. It was also nice that I had some extra time when I was reading this so that I did not have to take too long to read it.
October 15, 2014
Book Review
The novel I read is Other Side of Dark which was written by Sarah Smith. The novel dealt about a girl named Katie who has dealt with a lot of death in her life. Katie is constantly being visited by ghosts who come to share their stories with her. The part that I dislike in this novel is when a boy named Michael liked Katie and wanted to take her to the dance but he wasn’t allowed to because his mother would not accept her son being with a white girl. My favourite scene in the book is when Katie is in the park and she sees a little boy playing with a dog and his clothes where all ripped up, Katie decides to go over to the little boy and talk to him. Katie and the little boy start to talk and then he comes across Katie’s drawings of a house that burnt down a long time ago, the little boy then asked Katie to draw a picture of him so Katie and the little boy walk over to a bench and Katie begins to draw him. Katie is usually lonely and sad and has no one to talk to and she finally felt like she had someone to talk to when she was with the little boy, but as she continued to draw the little boy she started to notice as the sun came up out of the dark clouds her shadow appeared but the little boy that she was drawing didn’t have a shadow and then she said to the little boy “ you don’t have a shadow” after she said that the little boy started to grow bigger and bigger and scarier and that’s when Katie grabbed her drawings and ran. So far I have enjoyed this novel; I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading scary and mysterious kinds of books.
The novel I read is Other Side of Dark which was written by Sarah Smith. The novel dealt about a girl named Katie who has dealt with a lot of death in her life. Katie is constantly being visited by ghosts who come to share their stories with her. The part that I dislike in this novel is when a boy named Michael liked Katie and wanted to take her to the dance but he wasn’t allowed to because his mother would not accept her son being with a white girl. My favourite scene in the book is when Katie is in the park and she sees a little boy playing with a dog and his clothes where all ripped up, Katie decides to go over to the little boy and talk to him. Katie and the little boy start to talk and then he comes across Katie’s drawings of a house that burnt down a long time ago, the little boy then asked Katie to draw a picture of him so Katie and the little boy walk over to a bench and Katie begins to draw him. Katie is usually lonely and sad and has no one to talk to and she finally felt like she had someone to talk to when she was with the little boy, but as she continued to draw the little boy she started to notice as the sun came up out of the dark clouds her shadow appeared but the little boy that she was drawing didn’t have a shadow and then she said to the little boy “ you don’t have a shadow” after she said that the little boy started to grow bigger and bigger and scarier and that’s when Katie grabbed her drawings and ran. So far I have enjoyed this novel; I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading scary and mysterious kinds of books.
April 1, 2014
In this book, Katie, a young teenage girl who has now lost her mother, and her father, is discovering new abilities in herself that she never knew before. Katie sees and draws ghosts. She draws horrible accidents, murders, and pretty much any other way a person can die, in gruesome detail. But one ghost really stands out, George. Her and her new friend Law must figure out how to help George move on and cross over.
In my personal opinion, this book was amazing. It had very well described details of everything that was happening in the book. I really liked the theme of the book. It was very mysterious, and it kept you guessing about what would happen next. My personal favorite part in the book was when Katie was trapped in the cellar with all the ghosts screaming at her, and she had to figure out what each of them were saying to her. I felt like she was really scared, and it was a good way to start the ending of the book. I don't think the ending should have been much different. The only thing I would change is when Katie asks how to get rid of George, so she can stop seeing him.
If you like Mystery books, and Murder Mystery type of books, I suggest you read this book. It's a little confusing at first, but it gets more interesting as you keep reading. If you like this book, you should read the book "Hit and Run'
In my personal opinion, this book was amazing. It had very well described details of everything that was happening in the book. I really liked the theme of the book. It was very mysterious, and it kept you guessing about what would happen next. My personal favorite part in the book was when Katie was trapped in the cellar with all the ghosts screaming at her, and she had to figure out what each of them were saying to her. I felt like she was really scared, and it was a good way to start the ending of the book. I don't think the ending should have been much different. The only thing I would change is when Katie asks how to get rid of George, so she can stop seeing him.
If you like Mystery books, and Murder Mystery type of books, I suggest you read this book. It's a little confusing at first, but it gets more interesting as you keep reading. If you like this book, you should read the book "Hit and Run'
November 18, 2010
This book is utterly amazing. Sarah Smith has touched my soul. And not in a sweet little whispy way.. in a scraping make-you-bleed way... her style of writing is intriguing all on its own. She writes how I think if that makes any sense. There's less attention to perfect grammatical structure and more on conveying what the character is really thinking, saying and feeling. The subject matter is absolutely horrifying and thrilling. I adored Katie from the very start. Anytime I read of a female character who is so utterly broken and yet somehow manages to be strong and brave, I'm instantly impressed. Law is a different character than I've ever encountered, though. He really is strong and brave and intelligent and all the things you long for someone you love to be... but he's afraid to be all that. And who can blame with a Dad and Mamma like his? When he finally does come in his own, it's absolutely beautiful. Katie as well. I've never read a couple that I want to work together as much as I do Katie and Law. That in and of itself is magical to me. Then when you take into account all of the history and the misery and torture that's the backdrop for this love story, it really is amazing.
April 7, 2011
Don't know where to start....
Katie sees ghosts ever since her mother died a year ago. A ghost of a young man, George, befriends here and tells her he guards an important treasure inside a condemned historic house. Meanwhile, Law Walker, who used to have a crush on Katie, finds himself interested again.
This book really takes on some tough issues--race, class, society, education, reparations. It also weaves Boston history into a haunted story--one all the more disturbing because of its basis in true events.
The writing didn't feel like a YA book, really. But with high school characters, what else could it be classified as? Very interesting book that would make excellent discussion for a book group.
Katie sees ghosts ever since her mother died a year ago. A ghost of a young man, George, befriends here and tells her he guards an important treasure inside a condemned historic house. Meanwhile, Law Walker, who used to have a crush on Katie, finds himself interested again.
This book really takes on some tough issues--race, class, society, education, reparations. It also weaves Boston history into a haunted story--one all the more disturbing because of its basis in true events.
The writing didn't feel like a YA book, really. But with high school characters, what else could it be classified as? Very interesting book that would make excellent discussion for a book group.
July 5, 2022
This is a book that could have been written today. It is about a boy who has a Black father and a white mother. The second main character is a girl whose mother has been killed in an accident and who can see ghosts. Somehow these two get together to solve a mystery about the secret box in the Perkins House guarded by George Perkins who died just after the Civil War. This is a very honest look at the issues surrounding slavery and what to teach about history in schools today.
January 24, 2011
Absolutely phenomenal book! I cried through the second half for both the characters and the ghosts. This book should find its way onto the required reading lists for high school students, it's that good.
July 28, 2015
LOVED EVERY WORD!!!
Intelligent, just like its characters.
READ IT.
Intelligent, just like its characters.
READ IT.
February 23, 2020
This was one of those books ive had for so long but never read.
The plot was weak. Great concept but not executed well. I found the main character to be annoying and whiney.
I also found the conclusion to be something nobody could guess, so it wasn’t like you’re suspecting characters and one of your suspects turns out to be the one.
I would only recommend reading this book if you’re between 9-13 maybe. But dont fully recommend reading it at all.
The plot was weak. Great concept but not executed well. I found the main character to be annoying and whiney.
I also found the conclusion to be something nobody could guess, so it wasn’t like you’re suspecting characters and one of your suspects turns out to be the one.
I would only recommend reading this book if you’re between 9-13 maybe. But dont fully recommend reading it at all.
December 26, 2024
This is a book that could have been written today. It is about a boy who has a Black father and a white mother. The second main character is a girl whose mother has been killed in an accident and who can see ghosts. Somehow these two get together to solve a mystery about the secret box in the Perkins House guarded by George Perkins who died just after the Civil War. This is a very honest look at the issues surrounding slavery and what to teach about history in schools today.
August 22, 2019
Buenos días
January 27, 2011
ZOMG!!! Excellent read! I was sucked in from the first page and killed this in two nights (would have been one if I didn't have to work).
Told in first person by two narrators, teenagers in their junior year at Brookline High: Law Walker, son of a prominent African American Harvard history professor and a white architectual historian and preservationist, and Katie Mullens, a orphaned white girl--her dad was killed in Afghanistan when she was an infant, her mother by a driver on a cell phone the year before--from the proverbial wrong side of the tracks who is convinced she's crazy and doesn't see ghosts, The Other Side of Dark is an engrossing snapshot of two teens trying to save not only a historic building, but their own souls.
OK, a bit melodramatic a description, but Law and Katie put everything on the line, including their lives both in a physical and emotional sense, to save Pinebank and find the truth.
Law is torn between his two races. His father is at the forefront of the reparations movement--scion of a family that can trace itself back to Walker, a slave given his name because he could never successfully run away who refused to surrender his real name, a man who became a preacher and business owner--and a burning critic of the white man's world. His mother is the daughter of a privileged Brattle Street family (for non-Bostonians, Brattle Street is the very refined street in Cambridge which begins in Harvard Square and runs down through the poshest neighborhood in Cambridge, where many Harvard notables, wealthy families, and historical luminaries reside; the well-known prep school, Buckingham, Brown & Nichols is on one of the tributary side streets off of Brattle. The street is lined with beautiful houses from the Colonial period on) who has dedicated her life to preserving historic buildings and worshipping landscape designer Frederick Law Olmstead. His parents battle constantly over history which stands for the issue of race between them, and both stand on opposite sides of the battle to save Pinebank, the stately mansion built overlooking Jamaica Pond by Thomas Perkins, a patriot and businessman who made his money in the Triangle Trade.
Katie is a mess in the aftermath of her mother's death. Her kind if helpless stepfather has retained custody of her and does his best to give her as normal and supportive a life as possible. She's a talented artist--the art teacher, Lucy Rosen, encourages her talent, even though she finds Katie's drawings disturbing since Katie lost her mother. Katie draws dead people, in the moment of their death, and ghosts find Katie.
Law is dealing with the legacy and reality of being a light-skinned African American male in contemporary America. Katie brings his anger, confusion and frustration to a boiling point. Katie is of Irish-American descent with a family history that stretches back to the Potato Famine; her family history recalls the times of NINA (No Irish Need Apply) and when a black man could get a job far easier than a white man of Irish descent. She reminds him that many people have been exploited, not just because of the color of their skin, but because of where they came from.
The other protagonist in the story is Pinebank. Once a majestic mansion that Frederick Law Olmstead made a centerpiece in one of the jewels of the Emerald Necklace of parks Olmstead designed for the city of Boston, built of terracotta brick, and victim of three fires, at the time of the story, Pinebank is a dilapidated shell, condemned and the center of a fight to save the building. Homeless people camp there; teenagers vandalize it; and George, grandson of Thomas Handasyd Perkins, haunts it, guarding the treasure entrusted to him by his grandfather.
Sarah Smith has written an amazing novel that deals with the reality of race from all sides, as well as the legacy of slavery. The South has always been vilified for slavery; this book--like the non-fiction Ten Hills Farm--reminds us that slavery began in the North and was funded and managed by Northern businessmen. Her teenagers are real--utterly believable, caught on the cusp of childhood and adulthood and all of the demands both make upon you. Well-researched without being didactic, this book is also a love letter to Boston and all its wonder and silliness--a snapshot of the passion Bostonians have for their history and their neighborhoods, instilled from childhood. I loved this book--it kept me on the edge of my seat, moved me to tears, and was just a joyful reading experience.
I am recommending it for my library's collection and hope to have Sarah Smith come and speak at some point.
Told in first person by two narrators, teenagers in their junior year at Brookline High: Law Walker, son of a prominent African American Harvard history professor and a white architectual historian and preservationist, and Katie Mullens, a orphaned white girl--her dad was killed in Afghanistan when she was an infant, her mother by a driver on a cell phone the year before--from the proverbial wrong side of the tracks who is convinced she's crazy and doesn't see ghosts, The Other Side of Dark is an engrossing snapshot of two teens trying to save not only a historic building, but their own souls.
OK, a bit melodramatic a description, but Law and Katie put everything on the line, including their lives both in a physical and emotional sense, to save Pinebank and find the truth.
Law is torn between his two races. His father is at the forefront of the reparations movement--scion of a family that can trace itself back to Walker, a slave given his name because he could never successfully run away who refused to surrender his real name, a man who became a preacher and business owner--and a burning critic of the white man's world. His mother is the daughter of a privileged Brattle Street family (for non-Bostonians, Brattle Street is the very refined street in Cambridge which begins in Harvard Square and runs down through the poshest neighborhood in Cambridge, where many Harvard notables, wealthy families, and historical luminaries reside; the well-known prep school, Buckingham, Brown & Nichols is on one of the tributary side streets off of Brattle. The street is lined with beautiful houses from the Colonial period on) who has dedicated her life to preserving historic buildings and worshipping landscape designer Frederick Law Olmstead. His parents battle constantly over history which stands for the issue of race between them, and both stand on opposite sides of the battle to save Pinebank, the stately mansion built overlooking Jamaica Pond by Thomas Perkins, a patriot and businessman who made his money in the Triangle Trade.
Katie is a mess in the aftermath of her mother's death. Her kind if helpless stepfather has retained custody of her and does his best to give her as normal and supportive a life as possible. She's a talented artist--the art teacher, Lucy Rosen, encourages her talent, even though she finds Katie's drawings disturbing since Katie lost her mother. Katie draws dead people, in the moment of their death, and ghosts find Katie.
Law is dealing with the legacy and reality of being a light-skinned African American male in contemporary America. Katie brings his anger, confusion and frustration to a boiling point. Katie is of Irish-American descent with a family history that stretches back to the Potato Famine; her family history recalls the times of NINA (No Irish Need Apply) and when a black man could get a job far easier than a white man of Irish descent. She reminds him that many people have been exploited, not just because of the color of their skin, but because of where they came from.
The other protagonist in the story is Pinebank. Once a majestic mansion that Frederick Law Olmstead made a centerpiece in one of the jewels of the Emerald Necklace of parks Olmstead designed for the city of Boston, built of terracotta brick, and victim of three fires, at the time of the story, Pinebank is a dilapidated shell, condemned and the center of a fight to save the building. Homeless people camp there; teenagers vandalize it; and George, grandson of Thomas Handasyd Perkins, haunts it, guarding the treasure entrusted to him by his grandfather.
Sarah Smith has written an amazing novel that deals with the reality of race from all sides, as well as the legacy of slavery. The South has always been vilified for slavery; this book--like the non-fiction Ten Hills Farm--reminds us that slavery began in the North and was funded and managed by Northern businessmen. Her teenagers are real--utterly believable, caught on the cusp of childhood and adulthood and all of the demands both make upon you. Well-researched without being didactic, this book is also a love letter to Boston and all its wonder and silliness--a snapshot of the passion Bostonians have for their history and their neighborhoods, instilled from childhood. I loved this book--it kept me on the edge of my seat, moved me to tears, and was just a joyful reading experience.
I am recommending it for my library's collection and hope to have Sarah Smith come and speak at some point.
January 11, 2022
Honestly, I did not expect to love this book as much as I did. I went in with zero expectations and, if I’m being honest, I was quite doubtful after reading some GR reviews, but I am so happy to say that GR negative reviews are wrong, once again. This was one of the most unique books I have ever read. So many aspects of this story pleasantly surprised me, and I don’t mean in a “twist-you-never-saw-coming” type of way (even though it has this element) but rather the fact that every minute detail shocked me from its absolute peculiarity.
1. I just need to emphasise on the slavery aspect of this book--wow. Wow. Honestly, I have never been so immersed in African-American History more than I did while reading this book. The depth of the History in this made the story so realistic that the fine line between reality and fiction started to blur for me. I would get up to eat some biscuits and suddenly I would find myself worrying and thinking, What the hell is going on in Pinebank? or Why hasn’t CNN covered the news about Thomas Perkins? You know, the usual.
2. What genre does this book go under? Fantasy? Historical Fiction? Horror? Romance? The answer is yes, my friends. Yes. It is all of the above. I loved how intertwined the magical aspect of this book was to the factual and logical part. A girl who sees ghosts and a boy who wants to be an architectural historian. Literally the perfect mix for disaster.
3. The plot was so addictive. I finished this book in one sitting (in case you were wondering; yes, my back and butt are sore). As soon as I flipped the first page, I was hooked by these characters and their weird families and that goddamned house and all the eerie and spooky things that surrounded it.
4. Despite how much I hated Law’s Homelife and parents, I cannot help but show appreciation for the author’s clever idea of making Law’s parents an interracial couple. I could literally feel Law’s internal struggle between the two halves of himself. Will he stand up for the injustice that was caused to black people for centuries in America? Will he follow his dreams and save an architectural perfect house owned by a slaver? Will he disappoint his dad? Will he believe Katie? Will he? Will he?
5. Talk about grey areas. If you’re reading this book for a simple good-versus-evil plot, you’ve got another thing coming, let me tell you.
6.
7. WHY WAS THIS BOOK SO FUNNY? Katie and Law were sarcastic little beans. When Law said he felt whiter than Eminem I had to reread that line about three times before I fully allowed myself to laugh at it.
8. Um, the knowledge I gained about African-American history? Unmatched.
If there’s one thing I’m learning about myself, it is that I am an absolute sucker for unknown books that sweep you off your feet. The Other Side of Dark should honestly have more ratings than it does. I feel so transformed and doused in a kind of ethereal entity. My only complain about this novel would have to be the fact that the great abundance of history got slightly confusing at points, but I am willing to overlook this because of how different this story was. 5 stars!!
1. I just need to emphasise on the slavery aspect of this book--wow. Wow. Honestly, I have never been so immersed in African-American History more than I did while reading this book. The depth of the History in this made the story so realistic that the fine line between reality and fiction started to blur for me. I would get up to eat some biscuits and suddenly I would find myself worrying and thinking, What the hell is going on in Pinebank? or Why hasn’t CNN covered the news about Thomas Perkins? You know, the usual.
2. What genre does this book go under? Fantasy? Historical Fiction? Horror? Romance? The answer is yes, my friends. Yes. It is all of the above. I loved how intertwined the magical aspect of this book was to the factual and logical part. A girl who sees ghosts and a boy who wants to be an architectural historian. Literally the perfect mix for disaster.
3. The plot was so addictive. I finished this book in one sitting (in case you were wondering; yes, my back and butt are sore). As soon as I flipped the first page, I was hooked by these characters and their weird families and that goddamned house and all the eerie and spooky things that surrounded it.
4. Despite how much I hated Law’s Homelife and parents, I cannot help but show appreciation for the author’s clever idea of making Law’s parents an interracial couple. I could literally feel Law’s internal struggle between the two halves of himself. Will he stand up for the injustice that was caused to black people for centuries in America? Will he follow his dreams and save an architectural perfect house owned by a slaver? Will he disappoint his dad? Will he believe Katie? Will he? Will he?
5. Talk about grey areas. If you’re reading this book for a simple good-versus-evil plot, you’ve got another thing coming, let me tell you.
6.
7. WHY WAS THIS BOOK SO FUNNY? Katie and Law were sarcastic little beans. When Law said he felt whiter than Eminem I had to reread that line about three times before I fully allowed myself to laugh at it.
8. Um, the knowledge I gained about African-American history? Unmatched.
If there’s one thing I’m learning about myself, it is that I am an absolute sucker for unknown books that sweep you off your feet. The Other Side of Dark should honestly have more ratings than it does. I feel so transformed and doused in a kind of ethereal entity. My only complain about this novel would have to be the fact that the great abundance of history got slightly confusing at points, but I am willing to overlook this because of how different this story was. 5 stars!!
December 2, 2010
Originally reviewed on my blog, Books from Bleh to Basically Amazing.
The Other Side of Dark by Sarah Smith is a book I was not expecting. I started the book pretty much knowing only that it was about two characters, one of whom saw ghosts. There are a lot of place that an author can go with that as a guideline, so I wasn't totally sure what to expect.
It's told in perspectives alternating between Katie, the girl who sees ghosts, and Law, a teenager struggling to meet the expectations of his parents- a white mom from a well to do family, and the black father who is THE name in black reparations- what you owe to the black man.
I like multicultural fiction, and have lately been making it a priority to read it more often. But, I didn't pick up this book knowing that, not only were our narrators of different races, but that race was a huge factor into the story as a whole. When I started noticing how focused Law's dad was on what it is the white man owes to the black man, I was a little worried. I don't enjoy reading books that are political agendas lightly disguised as fiction, no matter what the agenda. However, I believe that Smith handled the topic beautifully. She met at the perfect median, where I understood Law, and to a lesser degree, his father, but I never once felt bludgeoned by one view point or another. The ideas of race and reparations are vital, not only to this particular story, but also to the growth and maturation of Law.
I found it interesting that both Katie and Law seemed to find themselves torn between two worlds. Katie's is obvious. She has contact with the dead that alienates people, make them think she's simply crazy. She lives in our world, but must also learn to deal with those from the other side who want her help. Law's struggle is different. He has a white mother and a black father and he feels torn between two races. He isn't black enough to claim what his father has, but isn't really white enough either. He's stuck somewhere in the middle, and he spends the larger part of the book trying to figure out just where and what that is.
Law was my favorite narrator. Although I really liked Katie, and thought her voice was strong and well defined, the passages narrated by Law resonated with me more, and I felt more of a connection to law than to Katie. I think part of this is because everyone knows what it's like to feel like you don't fit in, with family or friends, but not many (if any) people have legitimate contact with ghosts. Although, I must say, Smith's imagery is amazingly vivid. I found myself shivering and looking over my shoulder more than a few times while reading this book, and was awed by the scenes she crafted.
I've already admitted that this book isn't what I expected, but I definitely think it was better. There is a strong sense of history within this novel, and it places a strong importance on the value of the past, our families and discovering who we are, and who we might become. This is a book I am happy to recommend.
The Other Side of Dark by Sarah Smith is a book I was not expecting. I started the book pretty much knowing only that it was about two characters, one of whom saw ghosts. There are a lot of place that an author can go with that as a guideline, so I wasn't totally sure what to expect.
It's told in perspectives alternating between Katie, the girl who sees ghosts, and Law, a teenager struggling to meet the expectations of his parents- a white mom from a well to do family, and the black father who is THE name in black reparations- what you owe to the black man.
I like multicultural fiction, and have lately been making it a priority to read it more often. But, I didn't pick up this book knowing that, not only were our narrators of different races, but that race was a huge factor into the story as a whole. When I started noticing how focused Law's dad was on what it is the white man owes to the black man, I was a little worried. I don't enjoy reading books that are political agendas lightly disguised as fiction, no matter what the agenda. However, I believe that Smith handled the topic beautifully. She met at the perfect median, where I understood Law, and to a lesser degree, his father, but I never once felt bludgeoned by one view point or another. The ideas of race and reparations are vital, not only to this particular story, but also to the growth and maturation of Law.
I found it interesting that both Katie and Law seemed to find themselves torn between two worlds. Katie's is obvious. She has contact with the dead that alienates people, make them think she's simply crazy. She lives in our world, but must also learn to deal with those from the other side who want her help. Law's struggle is different. He has a white mother and a black father and he feels torn between two races. He isn't black enough to claim what his father has, but isn't really white enough either. He's stuck somewhere in the middle, and he spends the larger part of the book trying to figure out just where and what that is.
Law was my favorite narrator. Although I really liked Katie, and thought her voice was strong and well defined, the passages narrated by Law resonated with me more, and I felt more of a connection to law than to Katie. I think part of this is because everyone knows what it's like to feel like you don't fit in, with family or friends, but not many (if any) people have legitimate contact with ghosts. Although, I must say, Smith's imagery is amazingly vivid. I found myself shivering and looking over my shoulder more than a few times while reading this book, and was awed by the scenes she crafted.
I've already admitted that this book isn't what I expected, but I definitely think it was better. There is a strong sense of history within this novel, and it places a strong importance on the value of the past, our families and discovering who we are, and who we might become. This is a book I am happy to recommend.
March 6, 2018
Very confusing but good
October 31, 2012
The book that I am reviewing is The Other Side of Dark by Sarah Smith.
I can kind of compare this to the book the book I tried reading The Host by Stephanie Meyer. That book was sort of a mystery and this book is a mystery about to teens. The Host is I think is about an alien girl but I don’t know for sure. And it’s kind of like the book Twilight By Stephanie Meyer. It is somewhat a mystery because when Bella finds out that Edward is a vampire.
The characterization in The Other Side Of Dark is that the two teens law and Katie are quite different. They are both different in their own ways. The literary make-up for law is that he is African American and that he agrees with his mom to save pine bank and is against his dad. On the other hand Katie is American and also wants to save pine bank. She sees ghost and she wants to get the “treasure” from the cellar in pine bank. While law want’s the “treasure” but what he really wants is that he doesn’t want the people to tear down pine bank. This is what happens in the book Katie sees ghost hanging themselves on her staircase. Katie said “ the man is hanging from the stairs again, which means it’s going to be another bad day” (pg.1). this is important because it tells us or the reader that she sees ghosts and she is not just saying that. She actually means she sees ghosts. Law sees Katie at the park and runs over to her because she saw a “monster mouse” and she fell off her bike. Katie says “Your Lawrence Walker”(pg.24). This part of the book is important because if Katie and law wouldst of met they would not be talking about pine bank or going inside of pine bank.
The conflict of this book is that Katie and law want to save pine bank and get the treasure. The plot is that it’s going to lead up to them at a meeting and deciding if they are going to keep pine bank of tear it down. I am not going to tell you what they decide. Considering the big picture I think that it is when Katie goes in the house trying to look for the cellar and treasure. The author really doesn't use literary elements she just tells us that she somehow she finds a way into the house. The reason why I gave this book three stars is because from the beginning of the book to almost the end it was boring, but when It came almost to the end the book got good. I also gave it a three because It was good I liked it but it wouldn't be it was amazing or it wouldn't be didn't like it. That is in my opinion. For the genera of this book it is in fantasy. This could not happen in real life, at least I don’t think.
I would recommend this book if you like mysteries and books like that. Like I said it is boring at first it gets really interesting in the end. It’s not the best book that I ever read but it’s good. I gave it a three out of five stars.
I can kind of compare this to the book the book I tried reading The Host by Stephanie Meyer. That book was sort of a mystery and this book is a mystery about to teens. The Host is I think is about an alien girl but I don’t know for sure. And it’s kind of like the book Twilight By Stephanie Meyer. It is somewhat a mystery because when Bella finds out that Edward is a vampire.
The characterization in The Other Side Of Dark is that the two teens law and Katie are quite different. They are both different in their own ways. The literary make-up for law is that he is African American and that he agrees with his mom to save pine bank and is against his dad. On the other hand Katie is American and also wants to save pine bank. She sees ghost and she wants to get the “treasure” from the cellar in pine bank. While law want’s the “treasure” but what he really wants is that he doesn’t want the people to tear down pine bank. This is what happens in the book Katie sees ghost hanging themselves on her staircase. Katie said “ the man is hanging from the stairs again, which means it’s going to be another bad day” (pg.1). this is important because it tells us or the reader that she sees ghosts and she is not just saying that. She actually means she sees ghosts. Law sees Katie at the park and runs over to her because she saw a “monster mouse” and she fell off her bike. Katie says “Your Lawrence Walker”(pg.24). This part of the book is important because if Katie and law wouldst of met they would not be talking about pine bank or going inside of pine bank.
The conflict of this book is that Katie and law want to save pine bank and get the treasure. The plot is that it’s going to lead up to them at a meeting and deciding if they are going to keep pine bank of tear it down. I am not going to tell you what they decide. Considering the big picture I think that it is when Katie goes in the house trying to look for the cellar and treasure. The author really doesn't use literary elements she just tells us that she somehow she finds a way into the house. The reason why I gave this book three stars is because from the beginning of the book to almost the end it was boring, but when It came almost to the end the book got good. I also gave it a three because It was good I liked it but it wouldn't be it was amazing or it wouldn't be didn't like it. That is in my opinion. For the genera of this book it is in fantasy. This could not happen in real life, at least I don’t think.
I would recommend this book if you like mysteries and books like that. Like I said it is boring at first it gets really interesting in the end. It’s not the best book that I ever read but it’s good. I gave it a three out of five stars.
December 28, 2015
The Other Side Of Dark is a disturbing, empowering, thought provoking exploration of slavery and race. It’s a book with that special factor. It has that special ‘fire’ that captures the teenage condition, mixed paranormal elements.
Katie Mullens is no longer an ordinary girl. Ever since the unfortunate death of her mother, Katie has been insane. She sees ghosts everywhere- and she can’t help but be haunted by them. Katie is especially haunted by a ghost named George Perkins, a boy with Down Syndrome who has been put in charge of protecting a treasure paid with the blood and sweat of African Slaves. Katie can see these slaves, and the fact she is bound by them, and only the truth can set her free.
Law Walker is the son of a Harvard Professor. He is a geek, prefers to talk more about Terra-Cotta then video games and sports. He is confused about his race, having both black and white blood. He has had a crush on Katie ever since Seventh Grade- and because of his controlling parents, never got the chance to take their friendship further- ‘cause they never wanted him to date a poor white girl. Now they’re in high-school, and when Law sees her scary drawing and realizes that Katie is not insane, but she has a gift. And he will do anything to set her, his people, and himself free.
This book was a complete thrill-ride. Law and Katie struggle to make the right decisions, for their parents, themselves, and their friends. Their relationship is developed extremely well- slow, then rushed, then slowed down again. An almost sexual experience is driven by fear and results in distrust- a beyond ‘real’ scenario. Their search to free the souls of the slaves is done well, and the description- the detail and the feelings are beautiful.
One of the characters that I connected with, honestly, was George. He is alone, confused, and ignorant of the power he has in his hands. Law, just the same, is alone and confused- and throughout the book, he begins to realize where he comes from and the pain is ancestors had to endure to get him to where he is today. He questions his parents, his faith, and what he believes in, and in the end he realizes he is able to make his own decisions, and he is African-American, and being an architect isn’t going to change that. Katie faces truth, death, forgiveness, and freedom, and it completes her. She is the most powerful girl protagonist I have read about in a long time, mostly because isn’t afraid, she faces her past, who she is, and slavery, and she changes the course of the story because of it. It’s simply captivating.
Bottom Line:
OMG YOU HAVE TO READ IT! Ahem…..check it out at your local library now!
Katie Mullens is no longer an ordinary girl. Ever since the unfortunate death of her mother, Katie has been insane. She sees ghosts everywhere- and she can’t help but be haunted by them. Katie is especially haunted by a ghost named George Perkins, a boy with Down Syndrome who has been put in charge of protecting a treasure paid with the blood and sweat of African Slaves. Katie can see these slaves, and the fact she is bound by them, and only the truth can set her free.
Law Walker is the son of a Harvard Professor. He is a geek, prefers to talk more about Terra-Cotta then video games and sports. He is confused about his race, having both black and white blood. He has had a crush on Katie ever since Seventh Grade- and because of his controlling parents, never got the chance to take their friendship further- ‘cause they never wanted him to date a poor white girl. Now they’re in high-school, and when Law sees her scary drawing and realizes that Katie is not insane, but she has a gift. And he will do anything to set her, his people, and himself free.
This book was a complete thrill-ride. Law and Katie struggle to make the right decisions, for their parents, themselves, and their friends. Their relationship is developed extremely well- slow, then rushed, then slowed down again. An almost sexual experience is driven by fear and results in distrust- a beyond ‘real’ scenario. Their search to free the souls of the slaves is done well, and the description- the detail and the feelings are beautiful.
One of the characters that I connected with, honestly, was George. He is alone, confused, and ignorant of the power he has in his hands. Law, just the same, is alone and confused- and throughout the book, he begins to realize where he comes from and the pain is ancestors had to endure to get him to where he is today. He questions his parents, his faith, and what he believes in, and in the end he realizes he is able to make his own decisions, and he is African-American, and being an architect isn’t going to change that. Katie faces truth, death, forgiveness, and freedom, and it completes her. She is the most powerful girl protagonist I have read about in a long time, mostly because isn’t afraid, she faces her past, who she is, and slavery, and she changes the course of the story because of it. It’s simply captivating.
Bottom Line:
OMG YOU HAVE TO READ IT! Ahem…..check it out at your local library now!
December 27, 2011
Katie Mullens is no longer an ordinary girl. Ever since the unfortunate death of her mother, Katie has been insane. She sees ghosts everywhere- and she can’t help but be haunted by them. Katie is especially haunted by a ghost named George Perkins, a boy with Down Syndrome who has been put in charge of protecting a treasure paid with the blood and sweat of African Slaves. Katie can see these slaves, and the fact she is bound by them, and only the truth can set her free.
Law Walker is the son of a Harvard Professor. He is a geek, prefers to talk more about Terra-Cotta then video games and sports. He is confused about his race, having both black and white blood. He has had a crush on Katie ever since Seventh Grade- and because of his controlling parents, never got the chance to take their friendship further- ‘cause they never wanted him to date a poor white girl. Now they’re in high-school, and when Law sees her scary drawing and realizes that Katie is not insane, but she has a gift. And he will do anything to set her, his people, and himself free.
This book was a complete thrill-ride. Law and Katie struggle to make the right decisions, for their parents, themselves, and their friends. Their relationship is developed extremely well- slow, then rushed, then slowed down again. An almost sexual experience is driven by fear and results in distrust- a beyond ‘real’ scenario. Their search to free the souls of the slaves is done well, and the description- the detail and the feelings are beautiful.
One of the characters that I connected with, honestly, was George. He is alone, confused, and ignorant of the power he has in his hands. Law, just the same, is alone and confused- and throughout the book, he begins to realize where he comes from and the pain is ancestors had to endure to get him to where he is today. He questions his parents, his faith, and what he believes in, and in the end he realizes he is able to make his own decisions, and he is African-American, and being an architect isn’t going to change that. Katie faces truth, death, forgiveness, and freedom, and it completes her. She is the most powerful girl protagonist I have read about in a long time, mostly because isn’t afraid, she faces her past, who she is, and slavery, and she changes the course of the story because of it. It’s simply captivating.
Law Walker is the son of a Harvard Professor. He is a geek, prefers to talk more about Terra-Cotta then video games and sports. He is confused about his race, having both black and white blood. He has had a crush on Katie ever since Seventh Grade- and because of his controlling parents, never got the chance to take their friendship further- ‘cause they never wanted him to date a poor white girl. Now they’re in high-school, and when Law sees her scary drawing and realizes that Katie is not insane, but she has a gift. And he will do anything to set her, his people, and himself free.
This book was a complete thrill-ride. Law and Katie struggle to make the right decisions, for their parents, themselves, and their friends. Their relationship is developed extremely well- slow, then rushed, then slowed down again. An almost sexual experience is driven by fear and results in distrust- a beyond ‘real’ scenario. Their search to free the souls of the slaves is done well, and the description- the detail and the feelings are beautiful.
One of the characters that I connected with, honestly, was George. He is alone, confused, and ignorant of the power he has in his hands. Law, just the same, is alone and confused- and throughout the book, he begins to realize where he comes from and the pain is ancestors had to endure to get him to where he is today. He questions his parents, his faith, and what he believes in, and in the end he realizes he is able to make his own decisions, and he is African-American, and being an architect isn’t going to change that. Katie faces truth, death, forgiveness, and freedom, and it completes her. She is the most powerful girl protagonist I have read about in a long time, mostly because isn’t afraid, she faces her past, who she is, and slavery, and she changes the course of the story because of it. It’s simply captivating.
October 7, 2015
I have mixed feelings about “The Other Side of Dark.” This book was pretty interesting to read, and it led you towards a different path than what you’d expect. You have the main character Katie Mullens struggling to cope with the death of her mother and you have Law Walker fighting an internal battle about his identity. Katie is able to see ghosts, and the only person she tells this revelation is Law.
In the beginning, it was interesting. You had this girl who could see the unrested dead but as time went on, the story kept taking different routes leading you confused at times. For example, you start off with the story of Katie and how she copes with the death of her mother. Throughout the story, you see Katie trying to call onto her mother but she ends up never seeing her. I didn’t see the connection on why her mother was an important aspect of the story. Honestly, referencing the mother frequently stirred up confusion on the direction of the story.
The characters felt dull to me. There wasn’t much depth to them to allow a development to form. I guess you could count the ending when Law finally accepted himself as a form of development, but it wasn’t enough to create a distinct image. The person he was in the beginning is almost the same as the person he was at the end. All he realized was he wanted to be an architect and not what his father wanted him to be. My favorite character in the story is George. He was such a beautiful and light spirit that warmed the pages with his glow. His scenes were the scenes I honestly looked forward to the most. His loyalty is something so powerful and it says so much about him.
My favorite scene in the book has to be the climax when Katie freed the slave’s spirits by calling onto their true names. “… if you speak a man’s name after his death, his spirit is healed and can go to rest.” Everything in that moment was unraveled, and you as the reader felt your own spirit being healed and finally put to rest. Two thumbs up for this scene!
This story was different from what I’d expected it to be. I like how unique it was, but my issues with this story spoke louder than the moments I read. Would I recommend this story? I don’t know. If you like historical fiction and ghosts, then yes I would. Otherwise, I’d suggest reading something else.
In the beginning, it was interesting. You had this girl who could see the unrested dead but as time went on, the story kept taking different routes leading you confused at times. For example, you start off with the story of Katie and how she copes with the death of her mother. Throughout the story, you see Katie trying to call onto her mother but she ends up never seeing her. I didn’t see the connection on why her mother was an important aspect of the story. Honestly, referencing the mother frequently stirred up confusion on the direction of the story.
The characters felt dull to me. There wasn’t much depth to them to allow a development to form. I guess you could count the ending when Law finally accepted himself as a form of development, but it wasn’t enough to create a distinct image. The person he was in the beginning is almost the same as the person he was at the end. All he realized was he wanted to be an architect and not what his father wanted him to be. My favorite character in the story is George. He was such a beautiful and light spirit that warmed the pages with his glow. His scenes were the scenes I honestly looked forward to the most. His loyalty is something so powerful and it says so much about him.
My favorite scene in the book has to be the climax when Katie freed the slave’s spirits by calling onto their true names. “… if you speak a man’s name after his death, his spirit is healed and can go to rest.” Everything in that moment was unraveled, and you as the reader felt your own spirit being healed and finally put to rest. Two thumbs up for this scene!
This story was different from what I’d expected it to be. I like how unique it was, but my issues with this story spoke louder than the moments I read. Would I recommend this story? I don’t know. If you like historical fiction and ghosts, then yes I would. Otherwise, I’d suggest reading something else.
July 29, 2011
I really like that book. It touches the hard subject of slavery and mix races alliance so, if you are looking for something funny or light, don’t even consider that book. However if you are looking for a touching story mixing some serious and sadly real event as Slavery, mixed with paranormal (Katie and her ‘gift’ to see ghost) and an underlying romance (Katie and Law) this story is for you.
This story had lots of mixed reviews so I hesitated for a while. Some people found it boring and I can somehow see why even if it was not my case at all. it’s true that the story is a bit slow, it’s building slowlg setting History, explaining some slavery facts…If you are not expecting this fiction mixed with hard reality you might find it boring.
The story is set by two protagonists Katie and Law. They couldn’t be more different but at the same time they fit together perfectly.
Katy had a hard life, but she is brave strong and passionate. Her heart is really at the good place and she wants to do what’s right. I really liked Katie and wanted so bad for her life to get back on track.
Law….ah Law, what can I say about him? He is a confused boy. His father is very controlling and Law is just under his grip, doing what is father wants him to do….Defend the black cause, ask for reparation. But Law is confused at a moment he states “I’m too white to be black and I’m too black to be an architect”
Both characters evolve through the story and some event help Law to grow some back bone and to stand up for himself and Katie ‘his white girl” as he call her.
The plot is pretty good and it keeps you guessing up to the end. There is no major flaw in the continuity of the story even if I wished the final would have been more “climatic” and the romance….well it was secondary but also a little anticlimactic too.
In conclusion if you like real History mixed with fantasy I’m sure you will enjoy that book. It’s not a MUST buy but I really think it’s worth it if you get a chance.
This story had lots of mixed reviews so I hesitated for a while. Some people found it boring and I can somehow see why even if it was not my case at all. it’s true that the story is a bit slow, it’s building slowlg setting History, explaining some slavery facts…If you are not expecting this fiction mixed with hard reality you might find it boring.
The story is set by two protagonists Katie and Law. They couldn’t be more different but at the same time they fit together perfectly.
Katy had a hard life, but she is brave strong and passionate. Her heart is really at the good place and she wants to do what’s right. I really liked Katie and wanted so bad for her life to get back on track.
Law….ah Law, what can I say about him? He is a confused boy. His father is very controlling and Law is just under his grip, doing what is father wants him to do….Defend the black cause, ask for reparation. But Law is confused at a moment he states “I’m too white to be black and I’m too black to be an architect”
Both characters evolve through the story and some event help Law to grow some back bone and to stand up for himself and Katie ‘his white girl” as he call her.
The plot is pretty good and it keeps you guessing up to the end. There is no major flaw in the continuity of the story even if I wished the final would have been more “climatic” and the romance….well it was secondary but also a little anticlimactic too.
In conclusion if you like real History mixed with fantasy I’m sure you will enjoy that book. It’s not a MUST buy but I really think it’s worth it if you get a chance.
October 23, 2011
This book made me think a lot about ghost stories. Where do ghosts come from (fictional or real.) At what point does a house become "haunted?" Why do ghosts disturb us?
This is the narrative we know: A violent or agonized death leaves its traces in a house, and the goal or the mystery/ghost story is to find out what happened, to whom, and why, in order for the ghost to be put to rest. The ghost seeks justice. The ghost longs for a name, and needs to have its story told. That burning need for justice is so strong that it trancends even death.
In my town, if you go to a certain address on Charlotte street, you will find no house. There are houses on either side of the lot, houses across the street, but this single lot has been razed, and no one has built on it in over 20 years. Bob Berdella imprisoned, tortured, raped and murdered several young men in that house and buried their remains on the grounds. His last victim escaped. Police found detailed, cold-blooded accounts of each victim's tortures written out in a diary. Berdella was arrested and convicted, and he died in prison.
So what do you do with an empty house like this? No one would buy it. People came by to stare at it and photograph it. It sat empty for two years, until a wealthy man purchased the property, had the house demolished, and gave the title to the neighborhood association. Still, no one will build a new house on the lot. What was done was so evil that it poisoned the place. It is radioactive, even after the murderer died, and his victims were identified and laid to rest.
Are we frightened of ghosts? Are we frightened of ourselves? Are we frightened of Evil? Is the lot some kind of unspoken memorial? A memorial to what? To atrocity? For whatever reason, never discussed, we cannot pave over this place and pretend that what happened there didn't happen.
The Other Side of Dark makes you look.
This is the narrative we know: A violent or agonized death leaves its traces in a house, and the goal or the mystery/ghost story is to find out what happened, to whom, and why, in order for the ghost to be put to rest. The ghost seeks justice. The ghost longs for a name, and needs to have its story told. That burning need for justice is so strong that it trancends even death.
In my town, if you go to a certain address on Charlotte street, you will find no house. There are houses on either side of the lot, houses across the street, but this single lot has been razed, and no one has built on it in over 20 years. Bob Berdella imprisoned, tortured, raped and murdered several young men in that house and buried their remains on the grounds. His last victim escaped. Police found detailed, cold-blooded accounts of each victim's tortures written out in a diary. Berdella was arrested and convicted, and he died in prison.
So what do you do with an empty house like this? No one would buy it. People came by to stare at it and photograph it. It sat empty for two years, until a wealthy man purchased the property, had the house demolished, and gave the title to the neighborhood association. Still, no one will build a new house on the lot. What was done was so evil that it poisoned the place. It is radioactive, even after the murderer died, and his victims were identified and laid to rest.
Are we frightened of ghosts? Are we frightened of ourselves? Are we frightened of Evil? Is the lot some kind of unspoken memorial? A memorial to what? To atrocity? For whatever reason, never discussed, we cannot pave over this place and pretend that what happened there didn't happen.
The Other Side of Dark makes you look.
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