I'll Be There in Mock Printz 2026

Jun 22, 2012 Abigail rated it really liked it

wh, I'm listening to the song as I write this, so that certainly colors my post-book thinking a little. "Where there is love, I'll be there..." Michael Jackson, when'd you stop being so cute? But I digress.

Anyway. This book, in most ways, is perfect, and the problems with it are all mechanical. This is the author's debut novel so I feel like, maybe, if she were more experienced, this book would have been truly, truly perfect.

The characters are fascinating. I loved Emily as of page 4, where you h wh, I'm listening to the song as I write this, so that certainly colors my post-book thinking a little. "Where there is love, I'll be there..." Michael Jackson, when'd you stop being so cute? But I digress.

Anyway. This book, in most ways, is perfect, and the problems with it are all mechanical. This is the author's debut novel so I feel like, maybe, if she were more experienced, this book would have been truly, truly perfect.

The characters are fascinating. I loved Emily as of page 4, where you hear how she collects people's stories. That's just... gah. Like every writer's love, I'm telling you.

But I never fell for the characters, Sam and adorable Riddle included. I mean I loved them in a passive way, but I never felt that aching in my chest that I feel when I truly LOVE a character. And I don't know why. I think, for whatever reason, their relationships are so perfect in concept that the mediocre writing and storytelling just can't convey them.

I love that we find out Riddle's going home to them before we find out about Sam. I love the references to the song.

What didn't I like? Well, there are lots of flaws, trust me. I don't see the need to vilify Bobby, first of all. Second of all, the relationship between Riddle and Sam is no Soda/Pony relationship. You don't feel it as much as see it (in my opinion, anyway), which is... a problem. A little. I feel like she's telling us how important they are to each other but, for some reason, her writing doesn't convey the love that other brother books do.

Also, the switching of perspectives. Yeah. That reminded me a little of the writing in As Easy As Falling Off the Face of the Earth (actually, this book on a whole reminded me in spirit of that), and it was pissy. I mean, I liked the little tie-ins at the end, but eh. They made the book drag and drag, and like 90% of its problems would be no more if she'd simply not done that.

Still, as I said, those complains are all mechanic. Her writing and story-telling abilities. They have nothing to do with the concept or the sweetness of the book as a whole, or the inclusion of the beautiful Jackson 5 song. "Just let go of your shoulders, honey!" (Sorry, this is like the third time I've listened to it in a row now, and I'm quoting the punchier parts of it).

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Jan 16, 2012 Caroline Bartels rated it it was amazing

LOVED THIS!!! Everything about it...sure it's hokey, sure there are too many coincidences and happy tie up moments at the end, but damn you feel good while you are reading it. For me, it's everything a young adult romance/adventure/family drama should be with super crisp writing and absolutely spot on character development. Fab! And my top pick over YA stuff I've read recently and loved like Forbidden and Hush. ...more

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Oct 12, 2011 Kelsey rated it really liked it

Shelves: tough-issues, middle-school, high-school, romance

Age: Middle-High School

"Emily Bell believes in destiny. To her, being forced to sing a solo in the church choir--despite her average voice--is fate: because it's while she's singing that she first sees Sam. At first sight, they are connected.
Sam Border wishes he could escape, but there's nowhere for him to run. He and his little brother, Riddle, have spent their entire lives constantly uprooted by their unstable father. That is, until Sam sees Emily. That's when everything changes.
As Sam and Rid ...more

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