An amazing story about love, loss, and life's purpose all wrapped up in a history of the Golden Gate Bridge and motorcycles. If you didn't want to learn to ride a motorcycle before, you will after, and that's not even the point. There were multiple points where the story brought me to tears and where I felt so in touch with the main character and his search for purpose and understanding in life that it has me considering just giving it all up, buying a bike, and riding away in search of answers.

3.5 stars. This is a thought-provoking read based on devastating loss, the process toward healing, and finding hope along the way. The character, Dave Riley, sums up this novel beautifully: “Why do terrible days occur before wonderful days? Could it be with life that, in order to savor the joy, we must dine first at the table of despair?”

The Other Side of the Bridge is written from two different POV from different sides of the bridge, bringing both individuals together in a very unique way. I assumed I had the book figured out from the beginning, but was pleasantly surprised by the twist.

The characters are relatable to anyone who has experienced loss. One thing loss has taught me is that recovery is not a predictable process. We cope with loss in different ways. We heal from loss in our own unique way.

The author weaves in little known facts about the famous Golden Gate Bridge that I found fascinating. I didn't know any information about how the bridge was built or even those who lost their lives in pursuit of it.

I rated this 3.5 stars for two reasons: 1) I didn’t like the sappy, Hallmark ending; and 2) although I liked Wright’s character, Katie Connelly, I struggled connecting with her on a deep level.

Since first reading Wright’s novel, “The Rent Collector” I have gone on to read more of his other novels (Letters for Emily and The Orphan Keeper) and I have enjoyed each. Cameron Wright has a unique way of writing that touches your heart.

Content
(S) No sex.
(L) Some mild swearing (shocker for a Cameron Wright novel)
(V) Death scene. Fighting.

Loved how the two stories touched but remained separate, though I was surprised by the ending! A good read for all ages, a book that makes you think.

The Other Side of the Bridge is another beautifully written story by Camron Wright. I loved how this book was written. The author did a brilliant job of leaving the end of a chapter by hooking me to read more and more. I enjoyed the alternating stories of Dave and Katie. Katie was researching the bridge that was maintained by her father until his death. And Dave, having to cope with the death of his family and how he is drawn to the bridge. I loved the connection of their stories at the end and I will admit, I cried and cried. The book was different than I expected, in a wonderful way. I thoroughly enjoyed Dave and Katie's journey.

Was really annoyed by some of the early writing (particularly the first scene introducing Dave's family) and not understanding they style choice in why one POV is first person present tense and the other POV third person past tense. But I did get past the writing and enjoyed the story. A story about grief and connection, and finding answers at the Golden Gate Bridge. I went in expecting the main characters to have more interaction. Nevertheless, the ending was satisfying. Each found their own answers, their own ending.

When I started this book, I thought it was "eh." But there is a huge event that changes the book to make it more meaningful. While this book is not very deep, I enjoyed it so it gets 4 stars.

Lots of things I liked about this book. The ending wasn’t quite was I was hoping for, but I’m going to think about it some more and maybe my opinion will change. Definitely recommend it though.

Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings

Two people have reason to be in awe of the Golden Gate Bridge. Each are led to go there to find answers for their futures.

There are two storylines in this book. Katie Connelly lives in San Francisco and is mourning the loss of her father. She is tasked to write a history of the bridge and through the task she is reconnecting with her father and learns a lot about the bridge and how it contributed to her father's death. Dave Riley lives in New York City and has always earned to drive a motorcycle across the bridge and after a tragedy befalls him and his family this dream becomes a reality.

This is the story of two individuals with ties to the Golden Gate bridge's construction via family members. It is told from two different viewpoints which was a smidge confusing to me at first, but it did not take long to get into the swing of the characters and their lives.

Kate intrigued me and I found her passion for research interesting. Of course, at one point it becomes an obsession for her when trying to find Patrick O'Riley after discovering his journal in her father's study.

Dave Riley seems to have it all until he loses everything. I can't imagine how he dealt with the tragedy that happens and the journey he begins to find himself.

Now you might think that this is a story where Kate and Dave will meet and begin a relationship but it isn't (ok so that is a little bit of a spoiler) but it isn't and is rather a journey for each into the past and looking towards the future. It is also about growth and branching out of their current lives and experience more of what life has to offer.

There is a lot of history about the Golden Gate Bridge in this book and I found it all to be very fascinating. I didn't know a lot about how it was built or even those that might have lost their lives in that pursuit. I am thankful to the author for sharing this information with us.

This book might make you think about your own life and the direction it is heading and if that is where you want it to go or if you need to make a change.