I'll Be There

Best book I've read in a LONG time!

I read A LOT.. seriously, finishing multiple books daily... but with all those books, really, this is the best book I've read since the Hunger Games!

Beautifuly written... ohmigosh.. I get excited just thinking about it...!!!! MUST READ!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Excellent!

Sam has spent most of his life looking out for his younger brother Riddle. Raised by a father more interested in taking advantage of people and getting whatever he wants illegally, meant that Sam and Riddle were shuffled from one place to the next.

Their contact with people living normal lives was severely limited. Using the excuse that he homeschooled his children allowed their father to keep them isolated. But it was more than mere isolation since the two boys were not only forced to stay indoors during the day to avoid being reported for truancy, but were also left on their own to scavenge for food in restaurant dumpsters.

Sam developed a strong sense of responsibility for Riddle and suffered abuse at the hands of his father as he tried to protect his young brother. Riddle withdrew, and instead of talking, communicated through mechanically technical drawings made on the pages of old telephone books. Neither boy realized their lives could be better.

Sam's path crossed with Emily's because of his love of music. He slipped into the back pew of her family's church on the Sunday she was to sing a solo. Being in the choir was fine with Emily, but singing a solo terrified her. Her voice wasn't exactly remarkable, and after her debut, she rushed from the church into a back alley. Sam was drawn to follow her. Something about her vulnerability made him offer comfort as she vomited behind the church.

What follows is a story filled with remarkable connections. Beautifully told by first time novelist Holly Goldberg Sloan, I'LL BE THERE is a fantastic story. Readers will immediately bond with Sam, Riddle, and Emily as their story unfolds. Intense emotions, heartbreaking twists and turns, and the perfect amount of tension-breaking humor combine to make this one of the best books I've had the pleasure to read.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

FREAKING AMAZING!!!!!!!!

the best book i read this entire summer!!! super tender and romantic and sweet!!! it's amazing, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. all the characters are real feeling and the story is touching!!!!!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE IT

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A Magical Story of 3 individuals and destiny

Though I'll Be There isn't a book that dips into the paranormal realm, there is definitely a magical aspect of this story.

I have never read a book written how Holly Goldberg Sloan decided to write I'll Be There. It wasn't overly descriptive, and if you didn't connect to the story I could see how it could come across as vague and unorganized. Though, for me, I adored the style and connected well with the characters, rather than on a personal I've experienced that matter it was more of a I have to know what happens to them sort of way. The dialog was a bit tricky too, most of the dialog came in the basic paragraph form of telling me what was said rather than running through the entirety of a conversation. The first time I noticed this, I actually reread the paragraph and gave the book a cross look, but I quickly got over it when it became obvious to me that this is how the book was supposed to be written, should have been written, it was part of the magic that was Emily, Sam and Riddle.

Sam and Riddle's situation is sad and unfortunate at best. The two boys do what they can to get by but it sure didn't seem like, up to that point, that there was anyone rooting for them to succeed in life and definitely wasn't caring for them how a parent should. Despite their situation, Sam took care of Riddle the best he could and did as their father said to spare either of them the repercussions of angering their severely unstable and just plain crazy father. The dynamic between the brothers is sweet and shows us the true characters of the boys, proving that the apple sometimes does fall far from the tree. Sam's voice is the one we hear until destiny has other plans but when we do hear and see Riddle's it is obvious that Sam and Riddle are two of the most grateful characters I have ever come across.

Emily is a character, like Sam and Riddle, who I instantly fell in love with. She did her best to be who everyone wanted her to be but she did have a backbone and with time that showed. With a heart of gold, this story would have never blossomed into the rocky adventure of Sam and Riddle and Emily's first love if it weren't for Emily and her head strong, heart driven beliefs on destiny, love, and helping others. Emily's parents played a big part part in this story, were realistic, and you could tell it was them who shaped their daughter to be such an amazing young woman. There were no disappearing parents for Emily, like we see in a lot of YA fiction, and that small detail alone made this book all that more fulfilling and realistic.

I'll Be There is a magical tale of family, hope and love. The writing of this story is brilliant, and while everyone may not get it, I did! If you have a chance to read I'll Be There I encourage you to do so. There is something about a book based on innocence and how the world can eat you alive if it wasn't for the heart and support of others and possibly a bit of fate and destiny, weaving lives together before you have a chance to protest. This emotionally profound book is definitely in need of a second read.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

I'll Be There is a modern day fairy tale. The book is a great re

I'll Be There is a modern day fairy tale.
The book is a great read, and I recommend it for those who wouldn't mind a calm, easy-going story. Well, you may get a little surprise at the end of the book, but you'll have to read to find out. Personally I could imagine this doing really well as a movie, maybe even better than a book, but it's still a great read nonetheless.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

pure and simple genius

A love story like I haven't read in a long while.Pure genius!!!!!!!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Love r This book is truly Seriously AM Stupendous read

I read this book over my cousin's shoulder until she let me borrow it.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Amazing Read!

I was up at all hours reading this!! I just could not stop!! The themes are great and it's a perfect love story! I LOVE THIS BOOK!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Beyond Disapponting ... giant dud!

When I read the summary I was really excited to read this book, but it was ultimately a dud! The point of view is constantly shifting, and sometimes I was given information that wasn't even necessary and was utterly pointless!! I mean who cares if the clenaing lady had a vacume cleaner from the 1970's or that the detective wish he hand't worn tennis shoes that day--ugh! I mean who cares! How is that information helping the story? Answer, it's not! This book was frustrating! It read like cliff notes--but without a point or direction! Save your time on this one, or if you're realllllyyyy desperate for an annoying and disconnected read then save your money and just check it out from your local library.

1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

One of the best!!

Just finished reading this book. It is really good. It takes some good unexpected turns. There are also heart wrenching parts where you will feel the power of brotherhood.

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