Girl on the Other Side

by Deborah Kerbel

Tabby Freeman and Lora Froggett go to the same school, but they live in totally opposite worlds. Tabby is rich, pretty, and the most popular girl in her class. But behind closed doors, her "perfect” life is rapidly coming apart at the seams.
On the other side, Lora is smart, timid, and the constant target of bullies. While struggling to survive the piranha-infested halls of her school, she becomes increasingly nervous that somebody might discover the unbearable truth about what’s been happening to her family.
Despite their differences, Tabby and Lora have something in common — they’re both harbouring dark secrets and a lot of pain. Although they’ve never been friends, a series of strange events causes their lives to crash together in ways neither could have ever imagined. And when the dust finally settles and all their secrets are forced out into the light, will the girls be saved … or destroyed?

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Canada, Realistic Fiction

147 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Deborah Kerbel was born in London, England, but grew up in Toronto, Canada.
A finalist for the 2012 Governor General's Literary Award, the 2010 Canadian Library Association YA Book of the Year Award, 2019 Blue Spruce Award Honour Book, and winner of the 2020 IODE Jean Throop Book Award, Deborah is the author of ten books for young readers of all ages.
Currently, Deborah lives and writes in Thornhill, Ontario, with her husband, two book loving teens, and a schnoodle named Fred.
Visit her at www.deborahkerbel.ca

Reviews

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's face it, high schoolers can be real assholes. Not all of course, but with the pressure to be in, sometimes the only way of being cool is by bringing others down. Girl on the Other Side by Deborah Kerbel is a short, gut-punch of a book featuring the intertwining of characters Lora Froggett and Tabby Freeman, two girls who lead drastically different lives. Tabby is basically a queen bee, think Mean Girls. Lora is a social outcast.
Read the rest of my review here

[Briana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Original review post here:
http://thebookpixie.blogspot.com/2009...

After addressing the issue of cultural differences in Mackenzie, Lost and Found, Deborah Kerbel goes on to tackle the problem of bullying and social differences in Girl on the Other Side, her second novel for young adults. It is the powerful, gripping story of how two vastly different girls' lives collide and change forever.

Tabby and Lora were such utterly realistic and genuinely depicted characters that they could have easily been actual people. They were both very complex with neither of them being at all how they first appeared. I formed an instant connection and understanding with them, especially Lora. However, I was most intrigued by Tabby who surprised me with her slightly resentful feelings towards her own wealth and social status. She was far from the happy, care-free girl I was expecting, instead having her own share of sadness. Tabby and Lora are perfect examples of just how deceiving appearances can be.

And speaking of deceiving appearances, for such a small book in both size and length, Girl on the Other Side sure packs a punch. I found myself surprised by its depth, though I really shouldn't have been after having read Kerbel's first book. Girl on the Other Side was fast paced and even suspenseful, though not in the usual sense of the word. I was given only a taste at a time of what was going to happen next and still left wondering how, compelling me to continue until reaching the end.

Bullying is a swiftly spreading problem in both schools and online. Girl on the Other Side's portrayal of bullying, and the lives of those involved, is so believable in not only dialogue, but in context as well. Kerbel wrote in such a way that I found the emotions and thoughts of the girls instantly familiar to me. It was so insightful to see how differently each girl viewed the same people and situations. Her use of imagery was also a great aspect of this book with everything being so well described that I could instantly form a mental image of it all, particularly the girls. I really couldn't have asked for more.

Girl on the Other Side had a beautiful, though slightly unexpected, ending. Normally when I read a shorter book, by the end I'm still left feeling like there could have been another good 50 or more pages. That was not the case with this one which actually felt longer than what it was. I was surprised by how perfectly everything fit into only 148 pages of actual story. I also felt the poems at the end were a great finishing touch.

Girl on the Other Side is an engaging and insightful story that I would recommend to anyone and everyone. Deborah Kerbel definitely has a knack for writing about the real and important issues in life and still making the story an enjoyable one. Though she's only written two book so far, I believe it is safe to say that she is definitely one of my favorite authors now. If you haven't read one of her books then you need to run, not walk, to the nearest book store or library and pick one up.

[Gisbelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice short story about two girls who live such different live, yet they also have someone in common - family problems.

I really enjoyed this book. The pace is nice and the characters are well-developed. However, at times I felt like it did not properly mention the solutions to bullying, besides standing for one's self and the school didn't help stop those students mistreating both Tabby and Lora, other than one teacher.

[Tova Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Everyone with a teenaged girl should read this book. Two thumbs up!

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tabby Freeman and Lora Froggett would never suspect they had anything in common outside of the school they attend. Tabby comes from the wealthiest family in town and consequently, is on the most popular girls in school. But popularity and a comfortable lifestyle mean nothing to Tabby; those things can’t save her from the choking lack of real friends and people who truly care about her. Lora is intelligent, extremely shy, and constantly bullied. Getting through every day is a chore since it’s not only school she has to deal with but taking care of her younger siblings when she gets home. Both Tabby and Lora are stuck in their own little secrets worlds of despair and private pain. Bu what will happen when these secrets are forced out into the open? Will these girls continue down their dark paths, or will they be saved?

Girl on the Other Side is supposed to be the story of two not-so-different girls from opposite ends of the social spectrum. Though the theme of equality holds true for the end of the story, it wasn’t quite to smoothly placed in the beginning and middle. To be honest, most of the first parts of this book left a lot to be desired. Initially presented, Tabby is smug and self assured in her supreme popularity while Lora thinks she is the only student of intelligent thought in the school; they only thing they share in common at this point is how annoying they are. Sadly, their attitudes don’t improve much until the very end of the story when they realize tragedy affects everyone. This was problematic for me because with characters that jaded and fixated on how horrid their troubles are, growth isn’t just expected, it’s demanded. At the same time, though, this growth has to make sense. Lora’s growth, if she underwent any at all, was hardly discernable, and I couldn’t quite reconcile Tabby’s new kindness towards Lora with her past uncalled for cruelty. Perhaps I’m being a little too harsh, but I was a little disappointed that it felt Kerbel was trying too hard to be deep and profound that the story never quite reached there.

Though a little disappointing for me, fans of Kerbel’s earlier writing in Mackenzie, Lost and Found may still enjoy Girl on the Other Side.

reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Girl on the Other Side was an interesting and fast paced read about two not so unalike girls.

I liked how the characters in this were represented by two different types of girls. Lora being the social misfit whose life constantly feels like a fight and Tabby the supposed it girl who doesn’t feel nearly as good about herself as she thinks she should. While I did feel both fell into cliché roles at times, I did overall enjoy reading about them and their struggles with issues not present at the surface. Since, it brought for a decent read. Also, I also did like how Tabby developed into not being as self absorbed as she was before along with how Lora and she eventually became short of freinds, I guess you would say, because of the issues they were dealing with.

The plot was fast paced which I also liked and surprisingly enough the switching narratives worked quite well with the story. Though, I didn't particularly like how the story was so short (a mere 184 pages) because I felt that there was a lot more left to say especially with how rushed the ending was.

In all, Girl on the Other Side is a decent read but not something I would suggest you run out to buy, instead wait for a library copy. On the flip side of that, I am hoping to read Deborah's debut novel sometime soon because I've heard a lot of great things about it. So, maybe I'll be awed by that one instead.

Grade: B

[Debbie Ohi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I identified with bits of both Tabby and Lora, and I -know- I've met them both, back in school. I found Tabby the most fascinating character. At first she seems like a stereotypical "rich bitch" but then the reader starts glimpsing hints of the more complex aspects of her personality. I wanted to keep hating Tabby for her role in the bullying, but couldn't help but feel for her as she struggled to cope with a home situation that only seemed get worse.

I enjoyed seeing various situations and people through the eyes of Tabby and Lora -- their conflicting perspectives are an eye-opening reminder of how important it is to think for yourself. The issues of bullying, both in person and cyber-bulling, are also addressed in the story.

An engrossing and enjoyable read!

[Trisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very good - if a little simple - look at bullying and the affect it has. Each girl in the story, Tabby and Lora, live very differently. But, both of their lives are miserable and make them unhappy for different reasons.

I really appreciated the straight forward writing and storyline. You weren't left guessing about the characters or the end. I also really liked the end and how it was all wrapped up.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable teen drama about two different girls coping with equally challenging life problems related to family crises and school bullying. A good pick for reluctant readers who don't enjoy paranormal.

[Radish · Rating 3 out of 5]

Girl on the Other Side is a story about bullying, dysfunctional families, and the importance of being compassionate towards other people. The book is short and so I finished it in a day. I liked it.

I enjoyed the book's insight into bullying, showing the point of view from the bully (Tabby) and the bullied (Lora). I liked how the book does not shy away from the detrimental effects of bullying, specifically how it wears a person down no matter how much they try to act tough. Lora has breakdowns because of the bullying. I could feel the rising pressure from her, how she desperately tries to keep her composure until she eventually breaks down. She’s a character that anyone who was bullied could relate to. I also liked the book’s depiction of dysfunctional families. Tabby’s parents are terrible and she’s upfront about her hatred towards them. I also liked that Tabby’s anger does not waver for most of the book.

Though I did like the book, I still had a few issues with it. Specifically its pacing. The ending was too rushed for me. Most of the book is a flashback and doesn’t spend enough time in the present day. Being in the present day would have allowed more interactions between the girls and truly solidify their understanding that they are not so different from each other. Basically, I wanted them to be friends instead of a quick realization of “Oh we’re the same.”

Despite its pacing issue, Girl on the Other Side is still a decent book.

[Amber ~ The Reading Addict · Rating 3 out of 5]

Girl on the Other Side is a quick read, that's for sure. I finished the book in one sitting. While I wasn't blown away by the plot, which was slightly predictable, I did appreciate the deep look into the lives of two girls fighting their own inner battles.

Two of the most stereotypical girls are represented here. There's Tabby, the popular perfect princess, and Lora, the nerdy loner with no self-confidence. The juxtaposition of the two roles is more than a little cliché. Still, I can see where Kerbel is coming from. Comparing two completely different girls brings to light more similarities than you would think.

Is bullying really that prevalent in high school? Maybe it's just me, but it seems like the torment that Lora undergoes is pretty extreme. I was proud of her as she learned to fight back and stand up for herself. I was also pleased that Tabby underwent a revolution of sorts and fixed her relationship with her parents.

Overall, I really don't have tons to say about Girl on the Other Side. It was a fast read, but it wasn't lighthearted or superficial. Serious problems faced by many teens today are highlighted, and as the reader, I saw the many characteristics that all girls share.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tabby is the girl who has it all; the clothes, the house, the popularity; everything money can buy. Lora doesn't have much, a sick mom, an unfortunate last name and too much to do at home. At one point, their lives cross in a dramatic way. This is a story about how two people who have two seemingly different lives can still face struggles that leave them hurt and tired; and how sometimes the person you relate to the most isn't someone vying for your attention.

This was an enjoyable little read. I liked the contrast between Tabby and Lora's lives, from an outside view, but how when you get down to it they were very alike. Even though it looks like Tabby has it all she doesn't have that family feel and she is instead very drawn to her nanny. Though this seems stereotypical I feel that it is more than likely quite accurate and unfortunate. I would recommend this if you enjoy realistic fiction because this was a nice little story and I am sure you would enjoy it. This is perfectly acceptable for the younger age range that this genre appeals to.

First Line:
"The toilet flushes beside me."

Favorite Line:
"The girls' bathroom is a disgusting place to hang out."

[Leslie (That Chick That Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okie so let’s just go ahead and face it: High School sucks. No matter where you go, no matter what you do, there will always be people teasing others. Kerbel did a good job with this novel and it expresses the true nightmares of what teasing does to someone. We have Tabby, the queen bee and head of the piranhas. She and everyone else go out of their way to tease Lora, by tripping her, calling her different names and even go as far as physical abusing her. This novel is just sooo sad! I read this around the time all of the bullycide going around and it seriously touched my heart. I cried so much and I identified with both Tabby and Lora’s characters because they are both not perfect but they have these qualities that make them so unique and they just make me see myself in both of them. Kerbel did a great job of displaying that no matter if someone has all the money in the world, no one is perfect. Very good novel and I highly recommend it! I give this book 4 out of 5 paws.

[Once · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book showcases High School and what happen there every day. You read about the teasing, bullying and just plain old meanness of those 4 years. Deborah did a great job in describing it throughout the pages. Even though the story is a bit short, the pace of the story is fast paced. I would have liked of course for a longer book seems somethings were a bit rushed. The author does a great job writing about real issues and turning them into a enjoyable story to read.

You meet Tabby the girl who is the stereo typical popular girl that is in high school that tends to pick on all. She is wealthy and pretty but under all that there are secrets. Then you meet Lora is that nerdy girl that everyone always picks on at school. Both the girls are similar even though they don't know it. They both harbor very deep secrets that are forced out into the open. What will happen to them?

http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/2011...

[Ashlyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story is told from Tabby, the rich popular girl, and Lora's, the girl who always gets bullied, point of view. The book was more for a middle school aged girl, which isn't something I would normally read, so that is probably why I did not enjoy the author's writing style. Even though it was short, it seemed like it dragged on and I couldn't finish fast enough. I'm still not sure what the point of the story was. It wasn't very clear to me. I thought it was going to be about how Tabby and Lora become friends and overcome the teasing, but it wasn't. Even though I didn't enjoy it, I thought it was a nice story about bullying.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Girl on the Other Side is a really powerful novel about two girls on opposite sides of the social spectrum. One is a social pariah, and the other is the daughter of the richest family in the town and thus, the most popular girl in school. This book reminds readers that no matter where someone fits in the social ladder of high school, they're thoughts and feelings might not always be what they seem. The sad, but hopeful ending will touch readers of all ages.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Best thing about this book? It's blissfully short! However, despite the brevity, it packs a pretty powerful punch re: teen bullying. Sort of similar to Jackson's "The Lottery," (which I did NOT enjoy) if for no other reason than the perhaps unnecessary reminder that humans often be depressingly inhumane.

[Mandiann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I liked the dual perspective and the character development of both girls. I was a little bit disappointed that the girls did not become friends at the end of the book but I suppose that life can sometimes be disappointing and not every piece of every story can be neatly tied together with a pretty bow.

[Kkharvey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt as though this book had great lead up, and I was enjoying getting to know the characters. It showed a lot of promise for the development of this potential friendship. But the second half of the book left me terribly unfulfilled. It did not seem plausible, nor did I feel that the conflict was accurately concluded. It felt fake and forced.

[Claudia Osmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartfelt novel from beginning to end. I bet anyone who's ever been a teenaged girl will be able to identify with the characters in this book. Heartbreaking, yet hopeful. A great piece of work from another accomplished #torkidlit writer.

[Alexis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this because a friend seemed to enjoy it. It's the story of a rich girl who loses everything, and a poorer girl who watches her fall. I wanted to like it more than I did.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

coming soon....

[Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick and easy read but it was almost too fast - I wish the author would have taken a little more time towards the end.