The Wrong Side of the Tracks

Books 1 and 2

By: Mike Wells

Narrated by: Mark Torres

Length: 7 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

Fourteen-year-old Stephen moves into a tough neighborhood and soon finds himself in love with Kristine, one of the prettiest girls in his class. Kristine appears to like him, too, but Stephen learns she "belongs" to a big, mean football player who's three years older. Despite warnings from his best friend, Stephen moves ahead anyway. All hell breaks loose. Will Stephen allow himself to be shoved into the background, or will he win the girl he truly loves?

©2011 Mike Wells (P)2014 Mike Wells Books

A VERY SPECIAL FRIENDSHIP!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would all of Mike Wells books...he is an incredible writer and story teller!

What did you like best about this story?

The friendship between Steven and Ben!

Which character – as performed by Mark Torres – was your favorite?

I am going to say Ben, but Steven is a very close second!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I wanted to, but it took me 2 days!

Any additional comments?

** I was given s free copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review **

I love Mike Wells...he writes a story that sucks you in, and makes you want more!

I have been given the very fortunate opportunity to listen to all of Mike's work on audio, and this being the last one available to me on audible...I am depressed....I need more!!! lol

This is a story about 2 young men in there teens and finding a lifelong friendship with each other...Ben has a hard home life...alcoholic dad, and a run a round mom...he is abused both mentally and physically...and left to care for his younger brother..he has a rep as a bad ass..but deep down he is a sensitive, smart and talented artist...He befriends Steven who is new to the neighborhood and helps him grow as a person and together they learn some very valuable life lessons...

GREAT STORY!! I RECOMMEND!!!

Thank You Audiobookblast(dot)com

I'm just a poor boy, nobody loves me

Where does The Wrong Side of the Tracks rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I have a hard time ranking this with other books I've listened to, as 'coming of age' stories aren't something I've ever listened to before. I WILL say that this was an extremely poignant and well-written story, and the voice actor did a tremendous job with it. He has the perfect voice for this context. I probably wouldn't enjoy listening to him read erotica, though.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Wrong Side of the Tracks?

The tank car roll. The last one. That's going to stick in my head for awhile.

Which character – as performed by Mark Torres – was your favorite?

Christine. I love it when male voice actors can get a female infection in their deep voice, and have it be believable.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I tried. But at 11:30 last night, I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer, and had to finish it this morning.

Any additional comments?

I think this would be a good book to give your kids to read or listen to. Especially if you live near train tracks. It might help them realize that they're not invincible. It also gives a little perspective to bullying and class snobbery.

A family book with lessons to learn!

I loved this book. I would classify it as a young adult read, but I believe it is a family read, maybe between PG-13 and a R rating (only due to a few words). There are many things in here to discuss as a family on what went wrong & what would be the right way to handle things. I think these kind of stories are pretty close to reality for some of our kids and need to be discussed.

Steven is a good kid at the age of 14.He is a friend to Ben across the street who is 17 and always getting into to some kind of trouble. Ben is a good kid, but a bad influence on those around him. Ben does things the wrong way and he always gets blamed for everything. Read along, as a family on the adventures and troubles the boys go thru and the lessons Steven learns from them.

The author, Mike Wells did a fantastic job writing this 2 story book! It has adventure, fun, great plot and some much to teach kids. The narrator, Mark Torres did a great job delivering these stories to us flawlessly. With his multiple voices and accents and he really sounded like kids talking, clearly is so entertaining, it will hold everyone's interest! Good job guys!