“Book Review of I’ll
Meet You There by Heather Demetrios”
by Vanditha Krishnan
I just finished writing a review of
Something Real, also by Heather Demetrios, and I found it so fascinating that I
checked out another one of her contemporaries, I’ll Meet You There. Now this
one actually has a cheesy title with an even cheesier cover, but I read it
regardless. It was definitely a great decision, and it was MUCH better than its
predecessor.
Plot: Skylar Evans has had one main goal
throughout her life, and it’s not that easy to accomplish. She wants to get out
of her tiny, isolated town of Creek View, California, and begin a new life. Of
course, that’s where she runs into problems; some are much worse than others.
For one, she reunites with her high school classmate, Josh, who’s had some
problems of his own. He returns from the military with one leg but has a much
better, disciplined personality. And when high school graduation comes up, her
mother suddenly loses her job and begins drinking heavily -- again. Skylar
slowly realizes that staying in Creek View is not necessarily a choice. She
connects with Josh through struggles and belonging in this heartwarming novel,
and both of them begin to build an everlasting friendship.
Characters: Skylar’s pain
was tangible in every way; her arduous journey through poverty proved to be
relatable to many teens. After her mother's raging alcoholism worsens, we feel
nothing but regret and sorrow, and as readers, we want to help her. That’s
where Josh comes in. He’s like that second puzzle piece that slides
right into the other one. He desperately wants to get out of Creek View as
well, but he’s dragged into his family’s tedious business and has too many
traumatic memories from the military to count. Dylan and Chris
were nice friends, and they truly cared for Skylar and helped her through
difficult times.
Thoughts: The book illustrated
many distressing conflicts, especially about Skylar’s life growing up poor. I
loved the addition of Josh’s terrible experience in the military, and it added
insight to how scarring life in the military could be. I’d say that this novel
ranks much more superior in the world of great books compared to Demetrios’
other novel, Something Real, mainly because of the characters’ opposite personalities,
yet the synchronization of their goals and aspirations. It’s a quick read, but
definitely a good one!
My Rating: 9/10
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