Spotlight Wednesday: I'LL BE THERE by Holly Sloan Goldberg

This week, we're shining the spotlight on a fairly new release by Holly Sloan Goldberg called I'll Be There (Little, Brown).

Here's the description of the book from Goodreads:

Raised by an unstable father who keeps the family constantly on the move, Sam Border hasn't been in a classroom since the second grade. He's always been the rock for his younger brother Riddle, who stopped speaking long ago and instead makes sense of the world through his strange and intricate drawings. It's said that the two boys speak with one voice--and that voice is Sam's.

Then, Sam meets Emily Bell, and everything changes. The two share an immediate and intense attraction, and soon Sam and Riddle find themselves welcomed into the Bell's home. Faced with normalcy for the first time, they know it's too good to last.

Told from multiple perspectives, Holly Goldberg Sloan's debut novel offers readers fresh voices and a gripping story, with vivid glimpses into the lives of many unique characters. Beautifully written and emotionally profound, I'll Be There is a story about connections both big and small, and deftly explores the many ways that our lives are woven together.

***

I have to tell you, I loved, loved, LOVED this book. I fell head over heels for the characters, and cared about them like I haven't cared about characters in a long time. And what Goldberg is so good at is creating tension so we worry about the characters. A lot. The suspense in this book almost killed me at times, which is what makes a great story, yes?

I really think we'll see this one on some awards lists in the future. I hope so anyway. Check out what these reviewers had to say about I'll Be There, Goldberg's debut YA novel.

"A harrowing survival story.... Sam and Riddle are wonderfully appealing characters....  A highly suspenseful read with a dynamic, cinematic quality that keeps the pages turning to the satisfying conclusion." --BOOKLIST 4/1/11

"Sloan, a film writer and director (Angels in the Outfield and Made in America ), has fashioned a cast of memorable characters with compelling stories and relationships."   --KIRKUS 4/1/11

"Readers will love the sense of karmic justice and the depth of character in this beautiful and moving story about how two boys journey toward home." -- ROMANTIC TIMES 3/31/11 


The back of the book is filled with blurbs from some amazing authors - Gayle Forman, Sara Zarr, Matthew Quick and more. If you love contemporary novels, what are you waiting for? This one's for you!

Want to read a preview? If so, go HERE.