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Somewhere Different Now: Coming of Age, Interracial Friendship, and the Search for Courage
A cherished interracial friendship under threat. A creepy imposter conjured from the past. Where do you turn when you don’t know who to trust?
Fourteen-year-old Annie Cahill has been subjected to her father’s rage one too many times.
When she accidentally drops a glass milk bottle and chips the white porcelain surface of the kitchen sink in her father’s brand-new suburban house, he erupts in fury and gives her the beating of her life.
The next day, crying bitter tears, Annie sets out to look for a place of her own. Exploring a steep, rocky wash that ascends a nearby mesa, she finds the perfect an abandoned lean-to sheltering the entrance to a shallow cave. She names it “Annie’s Place.”
All is well until Annie discovers that a destitute Black girl by the name of Clydeen has taken over her secret hideout. Longing to make friends with someone her own age, Annie welcomes the traumatized girl and risks everything to provide for her. Stealing from her family’s larder, Annie is perpetually aware of the dire consequences she will face should her violent, racist father get the slightest whiff of what she’s up to.
Against all odds, Annie and Clydeen establish an unbreakable bond — or so they think. But as their time on the mesa comes to an end, old fears, suspicions, and misunderstandings resurface, and their hard-won friendship begins to unravel.
Until . . .
. . . from out of nowhere, a bizarre stranger invades their secret encampment.
Why has this stranger come, and what will it mean for Annie and Clydeen? To find out buy a copy of the book today. Dive into an engrossing tale of a forbidden friendship arising in the midst of the white supremacist ethos that existed in the early years post-World War II.
Fourteen-year-old Annie Cahill has been subjected to her father’s rage one too many times.
When she accidentally drops a glass milk bottle and chips the white porcelain surface of the kitchen sink in her father’s brand-new suburban house, he erupts in fury and gives her the beating of her life.
The next day, crying bitter tears, Annie sets out to look for a place of her own. Exploring a steep, rocky wash that ascends a nearby mesa, she finds the perfect an abandoned lean-to sheltering the entrance to a shallow cave. She names it “Annie’s Place.”
All is well until Annie discovers that a destitute Black girl by the name of Clydeen has taken over her secret hideout. Longing to make friends with someone her own age, Annie welcomes the traumatized girl and risks everything to provide for her. Stealing from her family’s larder, Annie is perpetually aware of the dire consequences she will face should her violent, racist father get the slightest whiff of what she’s up to.
Against all odds, Annie and Clydeen establish an unbreakable bond — or so they think. But as their time on the mesa comes to an end, old fears, suspicions, and misunderstandings resurface, and their hard-won friendship begins to unravel.
Until . . .
. . . from out of nowhere, a bizarre stranger invades their secret encampment.
Why has this stranger come, and what will it mean for Annie and Clydeen? To find out buy a copy of the book today. Dive into an engrossing tale of a forbidden friendship arising in the midst of the white supremacist ethos that existed in the early years post-World War II.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 4, 2021
17 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Donna Peizer
1 book3 followersDonna’s creative writing journey began late in life, but has somehow miraculously produced her first novel, Somewhere Different Now. Donna is the mother of three grown children, all girls. A life-long learner and spiritual seeker, she enjoys meditation, deep conversations, various outdoor activities and playing the Native American-style flute.
She was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming and spent many magnificent summers with her grandparents at a remote one-room cabin in the Medicine Bow National Forest. She lived the remainder of the year with her family in the Denver area, which is where the story she tells takes place.
She received a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of Colorado. In those days, career paths open to women were few, and eventually, she realized how temperamentally unsuited she was to her chosen profession. She became an entrepreneur and owned a small business for many years. In 1983, she entered law school and graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1986 with a law degree, a state bar card and a job. During the course of her career, she did a great deal of both legal and technical writing, none of which was the least bit helpful in writing a novel.
She is retired and lives with her dog, Toby, in the beautiful Sierra foothills of northern California.
She was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming and spent many magnificent summers with her grandparents at a remote one-room cabin in the Medicine Bow National Forest. She lived the remainder of the year with her family in the Denver area, which is where the story she tells takes place.
She received a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of Colorado. In those days, career paths open to women were few, and eventually, she realized how temperamentally unsuited she was to her chosen profession. She became an entrepreneur and owned a small business for many years. In 1983, she entered law school and graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1986 with a law degree, a state bar card and a job. During the course of her career, she did a great deal of both legal and technical writing, none of which was the least bit helpful in writing a novel.
She is retired and lives with her dog, Toby, in the beautiful Sierra foothills of northern California.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 20, 2021
Annie just wants to be needed. She had this in her old neighborhood, being able to take care of the local kids and play around. No need to stick around home with her jerk of a father, Stanley, or the mom who lets it happen, Vivian. It’s her little place in the world and she likes it that way. That is until her father decides it is time to move after a family of color starts building their house across the street. Spurred on by racist hate, Stanley uproots his family and begins again. The only problem is, Annie has lost her special place in the world. Having lost her friends, her home, her dog, Annie is not happy, and after a traumatizing incident with her father, Annie begins to test how far she can go in this new place of hers. Along the way, she’ll meet some new friends and learn that parents don’t always know what’s best.
When I tell you that Somewhere Different Now had me on the edge of my seat, I mean it. This riveting historical fiction novel contains the prevalent issues we face in our everyday lives. Abusive parents, growing up to soon, racism, and the innocence of childhood. It's all expertly woven together in this provocative novel.
Author Donna Peizer tells an excellent story of what it means to break the rules for the right reasons. Trying to tell the story of a post World War II era as well as the tentative friendship between a white girl and a black girl is no easy feat. Not everyone can do it with as much mastery as Donna Peizer does.
Somewhere Different Now is an enthralling coming of age story following two strong female protagonists that will inspire readers. This is an excellent novel for readers who loves character driven drama in a compelling story packed with thoughtful social commentary.
When I tell you that Somewhere Different Now had me on the edge of my seat, I mean it. This riveting historical fiction novel contains the prevalent issues we face in our everyday lives. Abusive parents, growing up to soon, racism, and the innocence of childhood. It's all expertly woven together in this provocative novel.
Author Donna Peizer tells an excellent story of what it means to break the rules for the right reasons. Trying to tell the story of a post World War II era as well as the tentative friendship between a white girl and a black girl is no easy feat. Not everyone can do it with as much mastery as Donna Peizer does.
Somewhere Different Now is an enthralling coming of age story following two strong female protagonists that will inspire readers. This is an excellent novel for readers who loves character driven drama in a compelling story packed with thoughtful social commentary.
February 15, 2022
I'm in love with this story. The setting is perfect to demonstrate how important it is to be colorblind when making friends. A story about found family and sticking out for the ones you care about. Two girls with nothing in common create a special space where they can be their best selves and learn from one another. I can honestly say that this book is nothing but magical.
February 13, 2022
Loved loved this amazing book!
The friendship between these two girls I absolutely adored. I wish I had a close friend like that.
I had a little trouble with the language in how they talked but even then I still couldn't put it down. It's as if their story called out to me and I just had to finish it. I'm so glad I did because now I feel like they're my close friends.
This new to me author has done an excellent job of explaining certain things and I especially loved the setting.
I definitely highly recommend this book!
You'll not want to put it down once you start.
Do have a box of tissues though.
Some scenes will also make you smile too.
Of course my favorite thing was how the 2 girls enjoyed literature.
I've learned much throughout the book as well. It's these kind of stories that I love.
It's going to be hard to find another good book after this one because I'm still thinking about this one!
5 stars!
My thanks for a copy of this book.
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
The friendship between these two girls I absolutely adored. I wish I had a close friend like that.
I had a little trouble with the language in how they talked but even then I still couldn't put it down. It's as if their story called out to me and I just had to finish it. I'm so glad I did because now I feel like they're my close friends.
This new to me author has done an excellent job of explaining certain things and I especially loved the setting.
I definitely highly recommend this book!
You'll not want to put it down once you start.
Do have a box of tissues though.
Some scenes will also make you smile too.
Of course my favorite thing was how the 2 girls enjoyed literature.
I've learned much throughout the book as well. It's these kind of stories that I love.
It's going to be hard to find another good book after this one because I'm still thinking about this one!
5 stars!
My thanks for a copy of this book.
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
March 2, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley, Donna Peizwe and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
An emotive, heartbreaking and thought-provoking story of 2 young girls confused as to why there's prejudice in the world. I loved how the topic of racism is approached in this, and think it's done in a way where younger readers are able to understand, as well as educate themselves.
An emotive, heartbreaking and thought-provoking story of 2 young girls confused as to why there's prejudice in the world. I loved how the topic of racism is approached in this, and think it's done in a way where younger readers are able to understand, as well as educate themselves.
March 7, 2022
Somewhere Different Now is a story of two very different girls coming together and coming of age post-WWII, confronting racist ideas. I was intrigued by the description of this book and I really wanted to love it. In general, I found the main characters easy to love and I was interested in what was going to happen to each of them. However, the story was a bit too slow-moving for me. It seemed we learn about the troubles the girls face, then spend the majority of the book watching them go back and forth about what to do. Finally, the resolution comes suddenly and the story comes to an end without us really knowing what happens to Annie or Clydeen, or their friendship beyond the immediate present. I liked the story and was invested in the characters, but I was left wanting better pacing and a stronger resolution for the girls.
March 10, 2022
Somewhere Different Now
by Donna Peizer
Pub Date 03 Dec 2021
BooksGoSocial
Historical Fiction | Teens & YA
I am reviewing a copy of Somewhere Different Now through BooksGoSocial and Netgalley:
In the 1950’s, the consequences of racism, threaten to destroy a hard-won inter-racial friendship between two energetic, quick-witted teens, who struggle to come to grips with their differences.
While Annie Cahill, a middle classed white girl, and Clydeen Hollifield, a Black girl recently arrived from the cotton fields of Texas, have taken refuge over the summer in a rocky hideout high on a mesa in rural Colorado. The two have grown to care deeply for one another, but as the summer comes to an end, their bond is tested to the max. Annie is terrified that her abusive, rabidly racist father will discover their relationship. She finds herself caught between the dictates of her upbringing and loyalty to her friend. Clydeen, on the other hand, is paralyzed by her distrust of white people, even Annie at times, but it appears that finding her missing mother will require her to reach out for their help.
when all seems lost and it looks like Annie and Clydeen's relationship may come to a disastrous and painful end, their secret hideout is invaded by a former World War II resistance fighter. Who is this stranger from out of nowhere, and what does he want? Is he simply the kind, brotherly figure he appears to be, or are there more mysterious dynamics at play?
I give Somewhere Different Now five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
by Donna Peizer
Pub Date 03 Dec 2021
BooksGoSocial
Historical Fiction | Teens & YA
I am reviewing a copy of Somewhere Different Now through BooksGoSocial and Netgalley:
In the 1950’s, the consequences of racism, threaten to destroy a hard-won inter-racial friendship between two energetic, quick-witted teens, who struggle to come to grips with their differences.
While Annie Cahill, a middle classed white girl, and Clydeen Hollifield, a Black girl recently arrived from the cotton fields of Texas, have taken refuge over the summer in a rocky hideout high on a mesa in rural Colorado. The two have grown to care deeply for one another, but as the summer comes to an end, their bond is tested to the max. Annie is terrified that her abusive, rabidly racist father will discover their relationship. She finds herself caught between the dictates of her upbringing and loyalty to her friend. Clydeen, on the other hand, is paralyzed by her distrust of white people, even Annie at times, but it appears that finding her missing mother will require her to reach out for their help.
when all seems lost and it looks like Annie and Clydeen's relationship may come to a disastrous and painful end, their secret hideout is invaded by a former World War II resistance fighter. Who is this stranger from out of nowhere, and what does he want? Is he simply the kind, brotherly figure he appears to be, or are there more mysterious dynamics at play?
I give Somewhere Different Now five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
November 26, 2023
"Somewhere Different Now" offers a touching and thought-provoking exploration of friendship and societal divides. Annie Cahill's journey, set against the backdrop of post-World War II suburbia, is a compelling narrative of self-discovery and connection.
The unlikely friendship that blossoms between Annie and Clydeen Hollifield is the heart of the story, and it is beautifully portrayed. Their struggles and triumphs in navigating the racial tensions of their society add depth and relevance to the plot.
However, there are a few criticisms to consider. The pacing of the story can be somewhat uneven, with certain sections moving slowly while others are more dynamic. Additionally, the introduction of a mysterious stranger feels somewhat abrupt and may leave readers wanting more context and development.
In conclusion, "Somewhere Different Now" is a poignant and engaging read that highlights the power of friendship in the face of societal barriers. Despite minor pacing issues and the introduction of the enigmatic character, the book successfully delves into the complexities of post-war suburban life and the challenges of bridging racial divides. It's a heartwarming and relevant story that resonates with readers seeking a meaningful narrative.
The unlikely friendship that blossoms between Annie and Clydeen Hollifield is the heart of the story, and it is beautifully portrayed. Their struggles and triumphs in navigating the racial tensions of their society add depth and relevance to the plot.
However, there are a few criticisms to consider. The pacing of the story can be somewhat uneven, with certain sections moving slowly while others are more dynamic. Additionally, the introduction of a mysterious stranger feels somewhat abrupt and may leave readers wanting more context and development.
In conclusion, "Somewhere Different Now" is a poignant and engaging read that highlights the power of friendship in the face of societal barriers. Despite minor pacing issues and the introduction of the enigmatic character, the book successfully delves into the complexities of post-war suburban life and the challenges of bridging racial divides. It's a heartwarming and relevant story that resonates with readers seeking a meaningful narrative.
July 8, 2025
Historical, 1940’s, two young teenage girls struggling with their home lives. One black the other white much of the story shares their difficult friendship journey due to racial tension.
I appreciate these two girls and the older woman who enters the story. Problem with the girls, at fourteen these girls were much of the time processing life as a thirty year old adult. Switching back and forth from child to grown women, was frustrating and not believable.
Having said that, I felt the story was drawn out and abruptly ends. I appreciate the author making us aware of just how awful racism was back in the 1940’s. Her sharing her thoughts on the book Huckleberry Fin were very good but way too long.
Also the Tarot card reading took up so much of the book I found myself flipping pages to be done with it.
The author then tries to bring a passage from the Bible into this mix, totally out if context. As a Christian I found this offensive. It’s like the author wanted to appease her Christian audience when she clearly has no clue about what the Bible says or pure Christianity.
It started out good, interesting story, but ruined it for me when these two girls began speaking like adults, Tarot Card dialog and quick ending leaving important information in question.
I appreciate these two girls and the older woman who enters the story. Problem with the girls, at fourteen these girls were much of the time processing life as a thirty year old adult. Switching back and forth from child to grown women, was frustrating and not believable.
Having said that, I felt the story was drawn out and abruptly ends. I appreciate the author making us aware of just how awful racism was back in the 1940’s. Her sharing her thoughts on the book Huckleberry Fin were very good but way too long.
Also the Tarot card reading took up so much of the book I found myself flipping pages to be done with it.
The author then tries to bring a passage from the Bible into this mix, totally out if context. As a Christian I found this offensive. It’s like the author wanted to appease her Christian audience when she clearly has no clue about what the Bible says or pure Christianity.
It started out good, interesting story, but ruined it for me when these two girls began speaking like adults, Tarot Card dialog and quick ending leaving important information in question.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2022
Peizer's Somewhere Different Now is a story that caught my attention from the start. Annie and Clydeen are both intriguing characters on their own. and their friendship makes the story feel whole. The conversations the two girls have on literature felt very real in terms of how we can connect with and interpret stories in a way that is different from others, and how we can learn from hearing others speak on issues that might not connect to us directly.
The book deals with themes of racism and abuse, yet there always seems to be a bit of hope in there that keeps it from becoming too dark or depressing (though it certainly has its moments).
I received a copy of this novel from NetGalley (thanks!) but the views and opinions above are entirely my own.
The book deals with themes of racism and abuse, yet there always seems to be a bit of hope in there that keeps it from becoming too dark or depressing (though it certainly has its moments).
I received a copy of this novel from NetGalley (thanks!) but the views and opinions above are entirely my own.
May 17, 2022
I gave it 4.5 stars.
NetGalley and BooksGoSocial provide this digital review copy.
I love this book, that's the start. It's a historical fiction set post-WW2. But instead of talking about war, it tells you more about racism and friendships between Annie, a white girl, and Clydeen, a colored girl. Even though the pace was slow, I didn't feel bored. Both characters made me enjoy reading about them. Both have their own problems to solve and manage to handle in the end. Love how their behavior and point of view develop. And it's also quite magical too. But I feel like the part where Eva explained those spiritual bits of knowledge she had was kinda overwhelming for a middle grade.
Other than that, I would recommend this book!
NetGalley and BooksGoSocial provide this digital review copy.
I love this book, that's the start. It's a historical fiction set post-WW2. But instead of talking about war, it tells you more about racism and friendships between Annie, a white girl, and Clydeen, a colored girl. Even though the pace was slow, I didn't feel bored. Both characters made me enjoy reading about them. Both have their own problems to solve and manage to handle in the end. Love how their behavior and point of view develop. And it's also quite magical too. But I feel like the part where Eva explained those spiritual bits of knowledge she had was kinda overwhelming for a middle grade.
Other than that, I would recommend this book!
December 18, 2022
Didn't validate itself
I started out loving this book, and the subject matter drew me in immediately. If the author could have added more depth to the original characters without adding the 'unknown visitor', and going off in a completely different direction with that, it would not have been so disappointing.
The turn mode story was so off kilter and confusing, the book lost me. And the subject matter was left unresolved. I have to say, too, that I highly disagree with this author's take on the occult, tarot card reading, spiritualism, etc. I felt this book forced that on its readers to a point that we could be made to feel racist if we weren't in cue with that take on how all things come together. Disappointed for the 2nd half.
I started out loving this book, and the subject matter drew me in immediately. If the author could have added more depth to the original characters without adding the 'unknown visitor', and going off in a completely different direction with that, it would not have been so disappointing.
The turn mode story was so off kilter and confusing, the book lost me. And the subject matter was left unresolved. I have to say, too, that I highly disagree with this author's take on the occult, tarot card reading, spiritualism, etc. I felt this book forced that on its readers to a point that we could be made to feel racist if we weren't in cue with that take on how all things come together. Disappointed for the 2nd half.
May 25, 2022
There's something different now is the story of two girls coming of age post-WWII and confronting racism. The description of this book intrigued me and I really wanted to like it. In general, I liked the main characters and was interested in what was going to happen to them. However, I found it a bit slow-moving.
As we learn about the troubles the girls face, we spend the majority of the book watching them decide what to do. Finally, the story ends abruptly and we don't know what happens to Annie and Clydeen in the future, or their friendship. While I liked the story and the characters, I wanted better pacing and a stronger resolution for the girls.
As we learn about the troubles the girls face, we spend the majority of the book watching them decide what to do. Finally, the story ends abruptly and we don't know what happens to Annie and Clydeen in the future, or their friendship. While I liked the story and the characters, I wanted better pacing and a stronger resolution for the girls.
January 20, 2022
This book was incredible, I couldnt put it down it was completely compelling and I was gripped the whole way through. It was well written with good characters and a good storyline. I adored some of the characters I really took them to my heart especially Annie and Clydeen and the things that they were living through and dealing with were explored so well and in so much detail. It was heartwarming to see their friendship grow and yet there were also some heartbreaking moments. I loved it.
April 17, 2023
"Somewhere Different Now" tells the story of two teenage girls, Annie and Clydeen, who become friends in the Colorado mountains in the summer of 1950.
Despite their differences, Annie and Clydeen develop a strong friendship based on trust and love.
Somewhere Different Now is a compelling read and a promising debut for author Peizer, with its memorable characters, thought-provoking themes, and vivid setting.
Despite their differences, Annie and Clydeen develop a strong friendship based on trust and love.
Somewhere Different Now is a compelling read and a promising debut for author Peizer, with its memorable characters, thought-provoking themes, and vivid setting.
May 6, 2025
I understand the intent and appreciate why this book was written.
My reading notes:
🌷 Annie is lovely
🐌Very slow (not all bad)
🫶 Friendship
💬 Important conversations
💭 Mostly discussions about their different experiences and how the world is
😕 Long-winded dissection of Huckleberry Finn and tarot reading. Both a bit too drawn out for me
♥️ Old-timer author, which I simply adore and am more than happy to support by reading more
My reading notes:
🌷 Annie is lovely
🐌Very slow (not all bad)
🫶 Friendship
💬 Important conversations
💭 Mostly discussions about their different experiences and how the world is
😕 Long-winded dissection of Huckleberry Finn and tarot reading. Both a bit too drawn out for me
♥️ Old-timer author, which I simply adore and am more than happy to support by reading more
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews