I'll Be There

I'll Be There

Holly Goldberg Sloan

384 Pages

"You don't think about the future, because it doesn't matter anymore, and you never, ever think about the past, because it is gone. And thinking about what is gone is pain."

The was a Romeo-and-Juliet-esque novel, with the Sam Borden and Emily Bell filling these roles. Sam Borden is a mysterious boy, moving around from place to place with his brother and his father, never attending school. Emily Bell comes from a well-off, respectable family. When Emily's family first meets Sam they decide that there is something off about the boy. They can't force their daughter to not see him, so they decide to use reverse psychology and welcome him with open arms. Little did they know, they would grow to love Sam and his little brother, Riddle. Sam's dad, though, is a different story. When he finds out about Sam's relationship with Emily, he packs up the boys once again. All hope seems to be lost for the two "star-crossed lovers"...

This book was nominated for the Colorado Blue Spruce award, and it is clear why. The characters are absolutely lovable, and the story moves at a quick pace. The clear plot line is Emily and Sam's relationship, but it also includes non-romantic elements, which makes it more of a substantial read. The point of view seemed to change at random times throughout the novel, however, which felt like I wasn't getting the full feelings of each character at one time.

Pages this Semester: 384

"As Emily headed to the back of the bus, she thought to herself that everyone had a story. Tonight she was just one of those people whose story was more interesting."

-Holly Goldberg Sloan