I'll Be There discussion

This story focuses on Sam & Riddle Border and Emily Bell. Sam and Riddle are always on the road with their insane father. When Sam and Emily meet, the connection’s instant. They now must fight for a normal life together away from Sam’s schizophrenic father all while keeping young Riddle safe.
In “I’ll Be There” by Holly Goldberg Sloan there are many conflicts. The main conflict, however is Sam and Emily staying together. From the moment they meet there is an incredible connection but conflict immediately arises. At first, Emily can’t find Sam after their encounter. After they finally reconnect even more conflict comes along. The couple must keep their relationship a secret from Sam’s crazy dad. Sam and his younger brother Riddle are at Emily’s house when their dad finds out. As soon as they get home, they are whisked away to the mountains. The final conflict is Sam and Riddle’s journey to get back to the Bell’s. After escaping their father and being split up in the wood’s, both boys make it back to the Bell’s in their own ways. This conflict teaches that when you find love, fight for it with all you got.
The point of view in “I’ll Be There” by Holly Goldberg Sloan was a big part of moving the story along. The entire story is told in 3rd person and moves from character to character. Because it changes from different character’s points of views, the story is much more exciting. There also is a lot of dramatic irony because of this writing method. We get to see how much each character feels on a much more personal level. The point of view was an important part of the story.
Personally, I loved this book. The way it was told, the amazing characters, and the great theme were just few of the many great things about I’ll Be There. It was a story of love and determination. There is not a thing I would change. I loved the raw emotion of the book and also the pure relief you feel at the end. One quote that sums up the end is, “And she wrapped her arms around him, and even if he wasn’t real, she was never ever going to let him go” (Sloan, pg 382). This is after Sam and Emily are reunited after she thought he was dead. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys realistic fiction.