Rating: 
Summary: Very well written, a "couldn't put it down " book
Review: I think that this would be a good book for high school students to read when discussing the civil rights subject. It gives a perspective that lots of people tend to try and overlook. I lived in Benton Heights (suburb of Benton Harbor) until I was 12 years old and then in Berrien Springs (about eight miles from BH/SJ) until I went to college in 1978. Currently I have two family members in St Joseph, one in Berrien Springs, one in Sodus (about 2 miles from Benton Harbor)and one in Stevensville (2 miles from St. Joseph). Growing up in the area and then reading this book was apalling. When I grew up (born in 1960), I don't remember as much racial tension as this book touted. I now live in San Antonio, TX. I was in the BH/SJ area during Christmas '98 and that is when I read this book. I also went to church with my parents in Fairplain (very close to Benton Harbor). I looked around this church and could not believe what I saw. Every person in the church was caucasian. No hispanics, no asians, no blacks, no Indians. This was fairly close to a town that is 92% black. If the blacks don't even attend a local church - what can be said about the residents of the town. I couldn't believe some of the things that I read. I was so angry at the amount of racism that has surfaced in the area, I was seriously tempted to write a letter to the editor of the News Palladium to say that I am glad that I don't live in an area high in racial tension anymore. Where I live now - there are at least 4 different races living on my street - a culdesac with about 22 houses total. Everyone gets along - black, caucasian, asian, hispanic. Even though I grew up as a caucasian in Benton Heights (and even attended Hull School for 2 years which was mentioned in the book), I never felt that I was racist. It would have been easy to, but I guess that my belief that God made everyone did not allow me to hate anyone because of their race, religion, gender or any other bias. I just couldn't believe that all that stuff was happening in a place that I didn't think ever had racial problems. I knew Benton Harbor had a large black population but I didn't realize that it was 92% and that SJ was 95% white. I grew up thinking that racism was only in the deep south with the Rosa Parks bus incident and the separate drinking fountains and all of the bussing. I never saw that while growing up in the BH/SJ area.
Rating:
Summary: A thought provking look into the tragedy of a young man.
Review: I think this book allows for an accurate look into an unfortunate and often true racial tensions that have long been ignored in this country. Kotlowitz has done his homework and presents a story in a hartfelt maner that will remain with the reader for a very long time to follow. I personally was asigned this book as required reading for a class on state and local government and would highly recomend that it becomes a part of high school required reading. The book makes you realy think about your own racial stereotypes and briefly allows you to see the same issue from a different perspective. I think we all feel the same seperation that these two towns have experienced at some point in our lives. Maybee we are all more similar to one anther than we think.
Rating:
Summary: a good read. a sad story
Review: I want to agree with the other online reviewer who picked out the quote about the "budding librarian". As a school librarian myself, one who does not wear glasses or button her shirts all the way too the top, I also know that Mr. Kotlowitz should know better. I would bet that he's used plenty of libraries in his research and if he can't find anything better to say about the people who've assisted him than that, shame on him. It was the one place in his otherwise fine book that made me question whether he was really as good a writer as I've thought. By the way, many of us are now called library media specialists since when we're not putting our hair up in buns we are teaching patrons how to use the Internet, access computer databases and send e-mail!
Rating:
Summary: An enthralling mystery. A very sad story.
Review: I was moved by many aspects of this book. I wish we could finally find out what happened to Eric. This is a quick read that stayed with me. A sad ending to a very young man's life.
Rating: 
Summary: I can't shake my disappointment...
Review: In a way I'm pleased that so many other readers think highly of this book, as I admire Kotlowitz for tackling this subject and respect his good intentions. But "The Other Side of the River" falls so far short of the very high standard he set with the marvelous "There Are No Children Here" that I can't help but feel let down. Beyond that, I found that this book meandered and drifted. It was as if the author had expected to uncover more clues to the truth (not just the mysterious death but to how different races can better get along, how communities in decline can solve their problems, etc) than he ended up finding. It struck me that he may have gotten pretty deep into his project when he found his material was not as profound or meaningful as he had expected. He kept up the shell of the story and the expectant, portentous tone, but never really delivered. I hope Kotlowitz will continue to explore these themes and subjects and I look forward to a third book that hits the mark like his first.
Rating:
Summary: I'm in the middle of the book right now...
Review: It would be a lie to say I can't put it down (I obviously have) but at the same time it is a terribly engrossing book. Mr. Kotlowitz is a graduate of my university, I grew up spending my summers at my grandparent;s house in Lakeside, MI (about half an hour south of the BH/SJ area), and I had heard wonderful things about "there are no children here." Therefore I was triply interested in this book. I actually bought it as a Christmas present for my father, began reading it on the plane to Michigan and have zipped through it. The beauty of this book it the descriptions of the stark contrasts between lifestyles. These contrasts are what are truly universal and hopefully the reader's eyes will be opened to them. Race relations improve, certainly, but much of (particularly white, upper-middle class America) has been lulled into a false sense of security. The author's descriptions of the towns is insightful and accurate, as is his analysis of events. He seems to fairly judge the motivations of the people involved and present a fascinating as well as heart-breaking case. It is imperative that the reader remember that this work is NON-fiction and that the attitudes and events in Benton Harbor and St. Joe are sadly not limited to Southwest Michigan. They are every town and every community to some extent. I would highly reccommend that if you enjoy Kotlowitz's books, you should read everything you can get your hands on by Jonathan Kozol. Two authors who write about injustice with empathy and talent.
Rating: 
Summary: It Will Make You Think!
Review: Kotlowitz set out to investigate the mysterious death of Eric McGinnis, and ended up writing a superb narrative on the American racial divide. The setting is adjacent but mutually suspicious communities in southwestern Michigan. St. Joseph (population 9,300) is mostly white and middle class, while across the narrow river Benton Harbor (13,000) is largely black, poor, and crime-ridden. McGinnis, a black teen from Benton Harbor, vanished one evening in 1991 after fleeing from a man in downtown St. Joseph whose car he'd allegedly broken into. Days later McGinnis turned up in the river. Perhaps he was beaten, but this fleet young man could easily outrace his hefty pursuer. As the author investigates what happened, he finds opinions hardened by race and community bias rather than by the facts (shades of O.J. Simpson). Kotlowitz also finds allegations of police misconduct and biased housing patterns, plus smug indifference by some whites, and certain blacks that cry racism at every turn. Kotlowitz writes about tragedy and race without casting blame or seeking favor. For that reason alone one should read his outstanding narrative. Sadly, the author never discovers how McGinnis died, or the key to healing our racial divide.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding, Tragic, Thoughtful
Review: Kotlowitz set out to investigate the mysterious death of Eric McGinnis, and ended up writing a superb narrative on the American racial divide. The setting is adjacent but mutually suspicious communities in southwestern Michigan. St. Joseph (population 9,300) is mostly white and middle class, while across the narrow river Benton Harbor (13,000) is largely black, poor, and crime-ridden. McGinnis, a black teen from Benton Harbor, vanished one evening in 1991 after fleeing from a man in downtown St. Joseph whose car he'd allegedly broken into. Days later McGinnis turned up in the river. Perhaps he was beaten, but this fleet young man could easily outrace his hefty pursuer. As the author investigates what happened, he finds opinions hardened by race and community bias rather than by the facts (shades of O.J. Simpson). Kotlowitz also finds allegations of police misconduct and biased housing patterns, plus smug indifference by some whites, and certain blacks that cry racism at every turn. Kotlowitz writes about tragedy and race without casting blame or seeking favor. For that reason alone one should read his outstanding narrative. Sadly, the author never discovers how McGinnis died, or the key to healing our racial divide.
Rating:
Summary: Great book, a lot of information.
Review: Kotlowitz shines in this novel. He really lets one know of the racial travesties that can occur in our society. He lets the public know that there are still racial tensions in this country.
Rating:
Summary: Accurate and absorbing, trust Kotlowitz to write the truth.
Review: Kotlowitz's descriptions of St. Joe and Benton Harbor are accurate - reflecting my own extensive knowledge of both cities during the last four decades. To simply see both cities is to begin the journey Kotlowitz reports and feels. Kotlowitz delivers a strong story and strong medicine. I'll think about Eric McGinness the rest of my life.
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