The Tracks

by Sally Royer-Derr

Nothing Stays the Same Forever

New house, new town, and still reeling from her father’s recent death, Emily finds solace from her loneliness by the train tracks in the woods behind her house. She finds a kindred soul in Tommy, who also hangs out by the tracks, and they develop a friendship, needed by both.

As spring moves into summer, Emily enjoys spending time with Tommy and the adventures they have, but wonders about the secrets he keeps from her. He’s the best friend she’s ever had, but why can’t she completely trust him?

Genres: Young Adult

221 pages, Paperback

Published March 28, 2021

Reviews

[Karina Schumm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a free ebook version of this in a giveaway.

This is a really pleasant read with interesting characters. I loved the relationship between Tommy and Emily, it felt well developed.

The “twist” wasn’t so much of a twist because I figured it out pretty early on and there were a few inconsistencies in relation to his backstory. I also wish that the dad had a bigger reaction to seeing his son as a ghost.

[Grace Shurr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Just when you think you know what’s going to happen, you’re totally thrown off guard by an unexpected and suspenseful plot twist. I wanted more after reading The Tracks. I kept thinking about this book for days after I read it. Loved it!! My favorite Sally Royer Derr book!!

[Tammy Field · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a great storyline! I love the connection between the characters. A must read!

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for my digital copy.

[Doug · Rating 3 out of 5]

I honestly hated this book until the end, and then I didn’t. I don’t recall another book where I had that experience, so I’m a little out of sorts.

[Barbieprivilege · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging and quick read. I figured out the twist but still enjoyed reading the book.

I won this in a Goodreads giveaway.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a free eBook version of this in a Goodreads giveaway.

This story was okay. We start with a teenage girl named Emily - whose father recently died. Because he didn't have life insurance, they could no longer afford to stay where they were, and she, her mother, and her older brother had to move. Their new 'home' is a trailer (though Emily would be unlikely, at the start, to call it that). Most of the story takes place on the train tracks nearby, where she likes to walk. There, she meets a boy named Tommy. That kickstarts the most pivotal relationship of this tale.

This is a real coming-of-age story. One thing this 'novella' had going for it - was relatable teenage characters going through relatable life and family drama. (It resonated with my own 'teenage' experiences.) I wish it'd been longer so they'd been fleshed out more. I was really into Tommy as a character and would've loved to see some of - if not all - the story from his POV.

The twist in this book comes around the mid-point. But I'm unsure if it was meant to be a twist since I knew it from the beginning, even without being clued in; maybe there was foreshadowing I missed, or it was supposed to be that obvious. The end felt a bit anticlimactic. But, once again, that could be because I wanted it to be a bit longer.

I also love the focus on friendship over romance between the two main characters despite them being a teenage boy and girl. Most of my best friends growing up were boys. Putting two people of opposite sex together doesn't always have to lead to a romantic relationship. Platonic relationships are just as important and just as valid.

Overall, this was a comforting read that kept me engaged. I would recommend it to teenagers feeling a little lost or going through a new change in life.