If You Were There

Description
It’s the summer of 1994, and Jason Parker can’t figure out why he’s not excited about a break in high school classes. He fills his days with movies, video games, and family visits. Or clashes, depending on his dad’s attitude. But he primarily drives his car around the small town looking for something - anything, really. From birth, he’s learned his small town and family are a mix of integrity and dignity with cruelty and fear. It’s a place where everyone knows everything about their neighbors, but the most prevalent emotion is loneliness. When he meets an intriguing young woman, he glimpses a different life and future. That relationship fills him with hope for something different, something he’s always wanted but the thought was out of reach. For the first time in his life, he embraces a potential future of love, happiness, and security. After the romance abruptly ends, the rest of his life is guided by that relationship. Sometimes Jason ignores that guidance, and sometimes he welcomes it. If You Were There is not only about Jason’s life but is also about how people deal with unexpected choices.

This was a very touching book, where hope can win. I would recommend it.
Thank you, NetGalley for the advance copy for review.

If You Were There followed the life of 16 year old Jason Parker in the summer of `94. There was nothing to do that summer but hang with his best friend, David, watch movies, and play video games. Until one day he meets Jessica Adams. Like all teenage romances it was a world wind of emotions. They fell quickly for each other. It gave Jason a new outlook on life, for the first time. He could see a positive future. When the romance ended suddenly, it began to shape his life and all the negative choices he made.

This story started out really sweet. When Jason met Jessica everything happened so fast. They were inseparable in such a short amount of time. Exchanging “I love you” very early on in the relationship. It took me back to my teenage years when that love seemed all encompassing. When the story took a turn for the worst, I was completely heartbroken. As an adult, I can’t imagine dealing with what Jason had to face. This wasn’t your typical, feel good romance. It was real life. There were ups and a crap load of downs. This story was ultimately about how you deal with the cards you are dealt and how those decisions affect your life. It was beautifully written.