There You'll Find Me
on Goodreads (13,941)
What’s inside...
Grief brought Finley to Ireland. Love will lead her home. Finley Sinclair is not your typical eighteen year old. She's witty, tough, and driven. With an upcoming interview at the Manhattan music conservatory, Finley needs to compose her audition piece. But her creativity disappeared with the death of her older brother, Will. She decides to study abroad in Ireland so she can follow Will's travel journal. It's the place he felt closest to God, and she's hopeful being there will help her make peace over losing him. So she agrees to an exchange program and boards the plane. Beckett Rush, teen heartthrob and Hollywood bad boy, is flying to Ireland to finish filming his latest vampire movie. On the flight, he meets Finley. She's the one girl who seems immune to his charm. Undeterred, Beckett convinces her to be his assistant in exchange for his help as a tour guide. Once in Ireland, Finley starts to break down. The loss of her brother and the pressure of school, her audition, and whatever it is that is happening between her and Beckett, leads her to a new and dangerous vice. When is God going to show up for her in this emerald paradise? Then she experiences something that radically changes her perspective on life. Could it be God convincing her that everything she's been looking for has been with her all along?
Age
12-13
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Finley Sinclair
Beckett Rush
Mrs. Sweeney
Discussion points
What aspects of Finley's journey to find herself in Ireland resonate most with you, and why?
How do the characters in the book navigate their struggles and what can we learn from them?
In what ways do the settings in the story enhance the emotional impact of Finley's experiences?
How have the relationships in the book influenced Finley’s perception of family and friendship?
What themes in 'There You'll Find Me' stand out to you and how do they relate to our own lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think deeply about Finley's challenges and triumphs, comparing them to their own experiences. Use the vivid descriptions of Ireland as a gateway to discuss how settings can impact a story’s mood and character development. Highlight the importance of relationships and personal growth, prompting your child to consider how the people in their life influence their own journey.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Finley, demonstrates resilience as she copes with the loss of her brother and finds her own path in a foreign country.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their personal challenges with courage and perseverance, understanding that adversity is a part of life that can be overcome.
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy and understanding
Explanation: Throughout the story, Finley learns to understand and empathize with the struggles of those around her, which helps her in her own healing process.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of seeing the world from others' perspectives and offering kindness and support, fostering a more compassionate community.
Example Lesson: Embracing cultural diversity
Explanation: Set in Ireland, the book exposes Finley—and readers—to a new culture, enriching her experience and perspective.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be curious about and respectful towards different cultures, which is crucial in our globalized world.
Example Lesson: The power of pursuing one's passions
Explanation: Finley’s journey is also one of self-discovery as she connects with her passion for music.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and engage with their own interests and talents, recognizing these as sources of joy and fulfillment.