Sibling Rivalry

Sibling relationships fascinate me and many authors feel the same way. A sibling is someone that you will always have a connection to, even when they are making you crazy, someone you love even when you don’t like them very much, an enemy and an ally. Little Women will always be one of my favorite books in this genre but its fun to read some modern explorations of these relationships.

The Weird Sisters-Eleanor Brown

Three sisters move home at the same time after years away from the nest, allegedly to help their mother in her battle with cancer but each has a secret that has left her with no other options. All three have been named by their father, a Shakespeare scholar, after famous women from his plays. They spend much of their time communicating through the words of Shakespeare and fighting the characteristics of their namesakes. With very little in common, roles set since childhood and their looming secrets, the women find it difficult to deal with each other. The sisters must come to peace with themselves and each other in order to move forward in their lives.

The Summer We Read Gatsby-Danielle Ganek

Two half sisters inherit a Southampton cottage from a bohemian aunt. While the more buttoned-up sister is anxious to sell the house, the flamboyant sister insists they spend one last summer at the beach together. They move into the house for a summer of reuniting with past flings, trying to discover a lost treasure, handling their aunt’s houseguest/artist in residence who does not wish to leave, throwing their aunt’s traditional parties and learning more about themselves. The two sisters help each other to experience the world fully and you will be ready to purchase a beach house when you finish the book.

Watermelon, Angels, Rachel’s Holiday, Anybody Out There-Marian Keyes

Marian Keyes is the master of sister fiction. She introduces us to the Irish Walsh sisters in Watermelon and each book that follows goes further into their stories. These books are definitely in the beach read category but are very enjoyable with some giggles and crying along the way. Her most recent books have been a little darker but I enjoy her Irish sense of humor and style.