This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
Reviewed by Susan Lobban
Cass Brooks has her life on track, a gorgeous boyfriend and a job she loves. However, one morning as she leaves her flat in a very loved up state, she distractedly walks into the path of an oncoming truck.
When she wakes up paralysed, it is too much for her boyfriend Sean to handle. Left lying in a hospital bed alone, she has too much time to think and comes to the conclusion that her life is now over.
Cass moves back to the childhood home, where her loving family are determined to support her in any way they can. Her mum especially, does not want her daughter to sink into the depths of depression and so orchestrates an “unplanned” trip to Canine Partners, where Cass promptly falls in love again. This time, it's with a loyal golden labrador named Ticket. She soon realizes that she does have a future, even it is not that the one she originally envisaged.
This book really highlights that life can change in a split second. Cass could be any one of us; one minute care free with life on track, the next, your life plan permanently altered. From the moment Cass woke up in hospital unable to move her legs, I felt for her as it is everyone’s worst nightmare. It was interesting to see her reaction; she had been a medical student so was well aware of what was going on. This added a different element to the story and I followed Cass through every emotion good and bad.
There are obvious comparisons to Me Before You by Jo Jo Moyes, however this is a very different read. As soon as Cass discovers Canine Partners, the mood of the book lifts. Cass no longer needed to be dependant on other people, and her canine buddy, Ticket, started to open doors for her both literally and figuratively. I had never heard of this real-life charity, but this added a heartening aspect to the story. Cass is determined to be independent and look forward rather than back. She is continually tested to her limits and her positivity does waver, but she shows us that anything is possible simply by readjusting your expectations.Along the way, Cass makes new friendships and each of them were strongly written. I found myself caring for them just as much as I did for Cass. One big worry for Cass is whether she will find love again. Thankfully on her first trip abroad after the accident, she meets Charlie and along with Cass, I had my hopes up that friendship would blossom to romance. He was just what she needed to bolster her confidence and show that there were people out there that could see past her wheelchair.
By My Side is a wonderfully inspirational read, which makes you think long after you have finished. Cass’s relationships – both human and furry – are truly heartwarming and inspire the reader, whatever their real-life obstacles are.
9/10
Alice Peterson's Website