I'll Be There

Title: I’ll Be There

Author: Holly Goldberg Sloan

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Pages: 400

Read Time: 5 Days 

Tag Words: 2011 Debut Author, Contemp, Cover Lover

My Summary:

Sam and Riddle lead an unconventional life, being dragged from place to place by their crazy father, never connecting with anyone.

One Sunday when Sam finds himself in a church, listening to a girl sing he feels he’s found the connection he’s been missing so long, but how long can it last?

My Review:

The problem: I wasn’t convinced. 

The even bigger problem: I SO wanted to be. I wanted to love this book, and I didn’t, and I can’t quite fathom why not! 

This book, the direction the writing took, the characters and their quirks the passion between the pages, it all seemed right up my alley, however I still feel trapped on one side of the glass, with the book, and it’s characters, on the other.

 I just wasn’t convinced, instead I was bored. The writing felt tedious, rather than magical. The characters felt improbable, though I usually love characters who break a mold or two along their journey. 

I just wasn’t captivated. I wanted to be, but something was missing in this book. I wish I could tell you what it was, but after waiting too long to write this review, time has run out. And yet I still don’t understand why I’m not raving over this tale like a mad woman. 

Notes on the Names:

Sam, Riddle, Grace. 

Riddle’s name isn’t really riddle, but he was always a puzzle to his father. That’s my favorite idea from the book. 

Thoughts on the Cover:

I LOVE this cover. That may be why I am so sad not to love this book, because I love the cover and now it will never have a place on the Mod Podge Bookshelf

Parental Book Review *spoilers*

A la Reading Teen, thanks Andye!

Content:

• Sexual Content:  Moderate
• Profanity:  Moderate
• Violence:  Moderate
• Other Notables:  Moderate

For more details, click here.