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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
I'll tell you one thing. Hatchet ain't got nothin' on Riddle and Sam. They are the ultimate survivors. This book was kind of Hatchet, if Hatchet's dad was kind of a crazy mofo.
First, the good. Sloan's voice is strong and original. Her writing style is distinctive, which is not something I encounter all that often. I loved that the song "I'll Be There" by the Jackson 5 unites the story. It made me want to listen to it right after I finished th ebook (making my roommate raise her eyebrows in question). I liked that there was a strong philosophy of karma throughout the story.
But, Holly! Girl! I wanted more dialogue. I liked that I was all in everyone's heads but it was a little weird. I do wonder if adults will like it more than teens as a result of the lack of dialogue. Without dialogue, I felt like it made it harder for me to really imagine Emily and Sam's relationship.
First, the good. Sloan's voice is strong and original. Her writing style is distinctive, which is not something I encounter all that often. I loved that the song "I'll Be There" by the Jackson 5 unites the story. It made me want to listen to it right after I finished th ebook (making my roommate raise her eyebrows in question). I liked that there was a strong philosophy of karma throughout the story.
But, Holly! Girl! I wanted more dialogue. I liked that I was all in everyone's heads but it was a little weird. I do wonder if adults will like it more than teens as a result of the lack of dialogue. Without dialogue, I felt like it made it harder for me to really imagine Emily and Sam's relationship.
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Bobby 💀 Sam & Riddle 🩷
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse
This was a heart wrenching story that had me in tears. I was so torn by the horrible conditions these kids had to live in. Being a lover and advocate for children, it breaks my heart to know that there are children living like this.
Aside from the amazingly written plot, the characters were beautifully and realistically captured through the writing. They were well-developed and all but one of the children were lovable. And more importantly, there was character development.
An amazing read and I can’t wait to read more from the author.
Aside from the amazingly written plot, the characters were beautifully and realistically captured through the writing. They were well-developed and all but one of the children were lovable. And more importantly, there was character development.
An amazing read and I can’t wait to read more from the author.
fast-paced
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Oh my dear Lord that was good. I mean I've read my fair share of good books but this one just launched itself to my top 15 easily. I just love how everything came together in the end and the slight taste of irony was amazing. Kudos to Holly Goldberg Sloan, because man she's talented. Seriously go read this book.
RIDDLE IS MY FAVORITE CHARACTER AND BOBBY ELLIS IS HILARIOUS. (although, i don't like bobby ellis very much)
Ooh, easy to read 3rd person POV that frequently changes character perspectives and is still easy to read while also having an engaging and intriguing plot? This has my stamp of approval. 8/10
Pretty good read for the YA/romance genre -- no gratuitous teen-anything and a fair bit of complex character development. I rounded up from 3.5, considering I'm not exactly the target audience for this genre and I was pleasantly surprised at the depth (though somewhat telegraphed) of plot development too.
This is a very special book.
Sam "Smith" hardly remembers his mother's face anymore. Over the 10 years he's been on the run with his father who abducted him and his brother, Riddle, his memory of her has faded along with his hope of her (and normalcy) returning. The "Smith"s move constantly on Clarence's whims and based on his criminality in the town. Presently, Sam finds himself in a town where he is noticed for the first time ever and not just noticed, but loved by a young lady named Emily who could change his life. I'll Be There is about love in the end. Brotherly love. Romantic love. Motherly love.
This is one of those books you leave feeling fuzzy all over with tear streaks down your cheeks. The voices and presences of all the characters make you become part of the novel and truly care what happens to Sam and Riddle.
I loved the way the book was constructed. Holly Goldberg Sloan shifts between characters' voices throughout giving you all points of view of the situation. (As an intensive reading teacher, I will say that it would take a strong reader to be able to keep up with all of the changes.)
Oh- and I loved how the pets played a roll in the book. So awesome!
And I will have to say that I think Riddle is probably the most dedicated, loyal and wonderful brother in any book ever. I love that boy.
Sam "Smith" hardly remembers his mother's face anymore. Over the 10 years he's been on the run with his father who abducted him and his brother, Riddle, his memory of her has faded along with his hope of her (and normalcy) returning. The "Smith"s move constantly on Clarence's whims and based on his criminality in the town. Presently, Sam finds himself in a town where he is noticed for the first time ever and not just noticed, but loved by a young lady named Emily who could change his life. I'll Be There is about love in the end. Brotherly love. Romantic love. Motherly love.
This is one of those books you leave feeling fuzzy all over with tear streaks down your cheeks. The voices and presences of all the characters make you become part of the novel and truly care what happens to Sam and Riddle.
I loved the way the book was constructed. Holly Goldberg Sloan shifts between characters' voices throughout giving you all points of view of the situation. (As an intensive reading teacher, I will say that it would take a strong reader to be able to keep up with all of the changes.)
Oh- and I loved how the pets played a roll in the book. So awesome!
And I will have to say that I think Riddle is probably the most dedicated, loyal and wonderful brother in any book ever. I love that boy.