Crossing the Tracks

“... author Drew Hill has given readers a story that captures an accurate and realistic portrayal of the history of labor unions, civil rights, and neighborhood racial integration. His novel reads like sifting through a shoebox full of black and white photos, like an old family collection that spans the late 1800s to post war America and through the civil rights era.

“The author is sensitive to doling out a balance of disturbing scenes and touching scenes. There are portrayals of lynchings that are handled in ways that are neither sensationalized, fetishized, nor gratuitous; instead, these scenes are meant to reveal how and why Oscar stands for social justice. The Hill family extends kindness to neighbors and to each other. For instance, Melvin’s Uncle Harley builds the boy a violin. Oscar brings home-baked cookies to his Black neighbors, and they talk sports. These moments bring refuge and comfort when the wider world glorifies lynchings and hatred.

“The book’s clear and powerful prose favors portrayals of kindness, generosity, and courage. Oscar Hill’s rise to courage is never overly complicated, nor ostentatious, nor glorified by lyricism or symbolism. Instead, real struggles highlight strong characters who inspire tireless work for social justice. Oscar is a real hero readers can root for and aspire to emulate. Each chapter opens with meaningful quotes from thinkers such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Cynthia Ozick, G.K. Chesterton, and others, making this book pleasantly thought-provoking. As Hill quotes Kant, ‘We are not rich by what we possess, but by what we can do without.’ True as that may be, readers cannot do without reading Crossing the Tracks.

“Quill says: Crossing the Tracks is a true American novel, a work of art that values equality, dignity, and justice for all, arrived at by honest living and hard work to make ends meet.”

“Crossing the Tracks is a work of fiction in the historical fiction, interpersonal dramas, and social issues subgenres. It is best suited to the adult reading audience and mature teens wishing to learn about the dark realities of recent history.”

“Author Drew Hill has crafted an enlightening experience that provides a vivid portrayal of the challenges individuals faced in confronting racial injustice during the Civil Rights Movement whilst also offering a powerful and emotive family drama at its heart. The story’s authenticity and exploration of personal transformation made it a poignant and thought-provoking read that resonated long after the final page, not least because of Hill’s capacity for emotional depth, creating a narrative that captures the essence of a transformative era in American society with the reality of how it directly affects people. The book shines a light on the individual’s struggle against deeply rooted societal norms and offers a perspective on the significance of personal integrity and moral conviction during a tumultuous era in American history. Overall, Crossing the Tracks is a highly recommended read which delves into the complexities of family dynamics, community pressure, and personal growth, presenting a compelling narrative of one man’s journey to overcome prejudice and advocate for change.”

“Crossing the Tracks by Drew Hill is a wonderfully powerful and uplifting recounting of one man’s life and contribution, from first his son and latterly his grandson.”

“Crossing the Tracks reminds us that simple stories about great, moral men are always worth writing about and reading. Author Drew Hill does great justice to his grandfather’s memory and legacy in this moving and deeply motivating story. I particularly appreciated that Oscar’s morality and understanding of his fellow human beings was something innate in him that was only reinforced by his deep faith and his belief in equality. If there was a man who would always ask himself, ‘What would Jesus do?’ then I believe Oscar Hill was that man. I very much enjoyed the exploration of Oscar’s artistic and creative side. Here was a man who worked daily with his hands in a dirty, physical job and yet had a side to him that needed expression, as evidenced by his poems and especially the special copper book ‘A Volume of Love’ that Oscar so lovingly created for his beloved Verna.”

“If there was a lesson to be learned from Oscar’s life, story, and legacy, for me it was this: no matter how insignificant you may feel in the grand scheme of things, it is how you treat others that will always be remembered as your greatest legacy. Oscar Hill treated and loved everyone fairly, honestly, and with great compassion. We can all learn a lot from how this man lived his life and this story is a fitting tribute to an ordinary man with an extraordinary heart.”

“Crossing the Tracks is part biography and part history intertwined with fiction. Drew Hill wrote this story about his own family, and the historic places and events were well-researched. It was exciting to follow the Hill family’s journey through life and read about their influence and effect on people around them. Oscar and Verna were models of faithful service and showed me what it means to love your neighbor as yourself. The story is brilliantly written and filled with humor and life lessons. The Hill family made a difference from their home in Kansas City and had a considerable impact on many lives. This story exceeded my expectations and will stay with me for a long time.”