<b><i>"No matter where you go, there you are."</i></b>

Try as we might we cannot outrun ourselves. This is a lesson that our protagonist Octavian struggles to learn. He has run from his past for so long that he is besieged by anxiety. His only relief comes in the form of reciting KRS-One lyrics. When he finds out that the record store that was his haven and refuge during his youth will soon be closing its doors, he is at first wary of returning home. In addition to the haunting memories of his brother, there is Mina Rose. At one time she was the love of his life, but life was much simpler then. At Rahsaan's Records color did not matter. Life was about the music. On the streets of St. Louis however Octavian's skin color makes him a target with racial tensions putting a wedge between their relationship.

<b>There You Are</b> is told from the perspective of two adults looking back over their lives and their regrets. It is not simply a coming of age or a love story. Written in the format of a mixed tape, <b>There You Are</b> serves not only a lense by which to view race relations, but as a piece of nostalgia to remind us that we are not so different after all.

This book takes place in a divided St. Louis, where Raahsan's Record store stands as a beacon to music lovers, especially those who are struggling to find their place in the world. At the music store, all that matters is music. Race isn't an issue and interracial relationships flourish, while being discouraged outside of the walls. As these teenagers confront some hard realities, like the death of loved ones, and drug addiction, they always come back to the music and the music see them through. Great book!

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This story is based around Octavian Munroe and Mina Rose. They were once lovers but they are now estranged. They have both left their hometown of St. Louis for a fresh start in the wake of grief and heartbreak. Now they both travel back home after a tragedy in search of answers. When the record shop that they fell in love in is closing for good, they both look for closure and answers.

I loved the way that this book told the characters' stories. The author's way of writing evokes emotion from the reader. The way that the characters are intertwined makes for an incredibly powerful story. It's a beautifully written book.

If you are a fan of Nicola Yoon or Angie Thomas's books, then you will definitely enjoy this read. I loved how it gives the reader a strong message and offers a heartwarming story.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I almost forgot what color all of the characters were while reading this story because there were so many races. It was pretty wonderful. The tale took me back to my younger years, teaching in an inner city high school, while loving & appreciating most all of the students. Octavian & Mina, young interracial lovers, the 60s, a much freer time. Music & it’s importance. It’s hard to see this saga end. Thank you Ms Morais and Amberjack Publishing for the gift of a free ARC. I eagerly offer this review.

THERE YOU ARE is the best book I've read this year. It's about music, family, addiction, race, resilience, trauma, love - it's about life! It starts in 2014 St. Louis, just after Michael Brown has been shot and follows the lives of Mina and Octavian, who were in love as teenagers but who haven't seen each other in years. Both Mina and Octavian spent their formative years at Rahaan's, a wonderful music store that was the center of their homemade community. THERE YOU ARE is a beautiful book with characters who are memorable and real and a joy to get to know. I am going to buy this for everyone I know.

In her novel, There You Are, Mathea Morais, explores what it means to be a Person of Colour (POC) in the United States today. Her story of two star-crossed lovers, Octavian and Mina Rose, examines how POCs and whites view each other through the lens of both history and current affairs. Morais has an encyclopedic knowledge of American discography, and uses music as the background to her novel, which is partially set in a St. Louis record store which specializing in vinyl.

There is so much going on in this novel that you will find yourself re-reading parts of it. If you were affected, in any way whatsoever, by the shooting of Micheal Brown by the Ferguson police you will be fascinated by this novel.

I received a free copy of this ebook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Octavian Munroe is haunted by the life and death of his older brother and Mina Rose has never quite fit in. Once lovers, now estranged, they both left their hometown of St. Louis for fresh starts in the wake of grief and heartbreak.

Octavian and Mina travel homeward in the aftermath of the tragedy in search of answers. They seek out the music that once gave their hearts a steady beat and their lives a sense of direction. But the record shop where they fell in love as teenagers is closing for good, sparking a desire for closure as well as answers.

This raw, powerful story of love and loss reckons with how fear shapes even the most fleeting collisions between friends, neighbors, and strangers.

A beautifully written book.