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Sorority Sisters
In 1975, trying to find a place to belong, four young women found each other in the same sorority pledge class. Through parties and pranks; finals and skipped classes; boyfriends and break-ups, they forge a bond that takes them by surprise. No one expected it to last beyond college graduation. But some bonds are too strong to break. Now they’re sisters. And with sisters, it’s not about what happens. It’s about no matter what happens.
400 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2012
14 people are currently reading
687 people want to read
About the author
Claudia Welch
2 books3 followersClaudia Welch graduated from the University of Southern California with a BA in English. While there, she became a member of Alpha Phi, one of the oldest sororities in America. A two-time RITA finalist, she has won numerous writing awards and honors since her first novel was published in 2000 under a pseudonym. She has lived for most of her life in Los Angeles, called Connecticut home for a decade, and currently lives in North Carolina with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
June 8, 2012
Breaking news: I am happy to report that I have found it! Sorority Sisters, by Claudia Welch, is the book I have been looking and waiting for. Let me explain...every year beginning in May I start looking for 'THE' summer read. It needs to have great 3-dimensional characters, a memorable (and believable) plot, and in general be a fun read. As the weather gets warmer I like to plant myself outside with a book as I work on saying 'Bon Voyage' to my pasty skin. I always search for a fun summer read to lose myself in as my daughter plays in her sandbox and my feet dangle in her kiddie pool. My hopes began rising as I started reading Sorority Sisters. It only took me a chapter or two to realize that Claudia Welch had delivered my Summer 2012 read. Thank you Claudia!
Sorority Sisters begins in 1975 and follows four diverse University of Los Angeles students. For various reasons, strangers Karen, Ellen, Laurie, and Diane decide to pledge and join the Beta Pi Sorority. In turn they form strong and loyal friendships with each other that last a lifetime. The women are there for each other through hookups, breakups, midterms, and family strife. They may not be blood related, but the four Beta Pi's form bonds closer than that of their own families.
Each chapter is told in the view point of one of the girls. It is through these different first person points of view that the reader is shown the inner workings of each character. They may put up a barrier to the world but it is through their thoughts that you can see the depth of Karen's neediness, Ellen's sarcastic personality, Laurie's backwardness, and Diane's insecurities. Welch did an excellent job in her smooth chapter/character transitions. I was never in a Sorority but after reading Sorority Sisters I feel like I have a good understanding of how they work. Claudia Welch took her readers through pledging, Rush, and sorority life in general. I'm kinda sad I missed out!
Sorority Sisters doesn't stop when the four graduate. Instead, the novel continues on through marriages, divorces, and motherhood. Let me stop right here and say that I LOVED this about Sorority Sisters. Too many books focus on one point in its characters life. Childhood, or young adulthood, or 'the best time of their lives.' Sorority Sisters follows Karen, Ellen, Laurie, and Diane through life. It was so rewarding for me as the reader to watch them grow and mature, all the while being there for each other. I laughed with them and even cried with them. The story concluded in 2001 in a VERY fitting way that tied everything together.
I wholeheartedly recommend Claudia Welch's Sorority Sisters. I give it 2 thumbs up...if I had 4 thumbs I would rate it that! If there is only one book you read this summer, please let it be this one. Trust me, it will not let you down!
Berkley Books and BookPleasures.com has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book, Sorority Sisters, for the purpose of review.
Sorority Sisters begins in 1975 and follows four diverse University of Los Angeles students. For various reasons, strangers Karen, Ellen, Laurie, and Diane decide to pledge and join the Beta Pi Sorority. In turn they form strong and loyal friendships with each other that last a lifetime. The women are there for each other through hookups, breakups, midterms, and family strife. They may not be blood related, but the four Beta Pi's form bonds closer than that of their own families.
Each chapter is told in the view point of one of the girls. It is through these different first person points of view that the reader is shown the inner workings of each character. They may put up a barrier to the world but it is through their thoughts that you can see the depth of Karen's neediness, Ellen's sarcastic personality, Laurie's backwardness, and Diane's insecurities. Welch did an excellent job in her smooth chapter/character transitions. I was never in a Sorority but after reading Sorority Sisters I feel like I have a good understanding of how they work. Claudia Welch took her readers through pledging, Rush, and sorority life in general. I'm kinda sad I missed out!
Sorority Sisters doesn't stop when the four graduate. Instead, the novel continues on through marriages, divorces, and motherhood. Let me stop right here and say that I LOVED this about Sorority Sisters. Too many books focus on one point in its characters life. Childhood, or young adulthood, or 'the best time of their lives.' Sorority Sisters follows Karen, Ellen, Laurie, and Diane through life. It was so rewarding for me as the reader to watch them grow and mature, all the while being there for each other. I laughed with them and even cried with them. The story concluded in 2001 in a VERY fitting way that tied everything together.
I wholeheartedly recommend Claudia Welch's Sorority Sisters. I give it 2 thumbs up...if I had 4 thumbs I would rate it that! If there is only one book you read this summer, please let it be this one. Trust me, it will not let you down!
Berkley Books and BookPleasures.com has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book, Sorority Sisters, for the purpose of review.
June 27, 2012
The characters Welch creates are interesting and likeable, and she effectively captures the music and mores of the 1970s. But for more than half the book I was an observer moving through various stages of interest rather than a reader caught up in a story that kept me eagerly turning pages. Too many scenes struck me as superficial. Readers who share the sorority experience may find it easier to relate to the characters than I did. Sororities were outlawed at my college, and my years teaching at a university where Greek life was significant came considerably later than the college period covered in this book.
Except for Diane, none of the characters appears invested in their education. College seems composed of rounds of drinking and hooking up, with an occasional reference to cutting class or final examinations. Welch uses first person point-of-view, alternating chapters among the four women, and after a time, the chapters had a second-verse, same-as-the-first feel to me. I frequently had to flip back to chapter beginnings to remind myself of the narrator’s identity.
The novel improved in pace and power once the women graduate. Their voices seemed more distinctive in these later chapters, and certainly their experiences are unique to the individual characters. Consequently, I was a far more engaged reader for the last hundred and fifty pages, moved to tears in places and cheering for the characters’ triumphs in others. I particularly loved the resolution of one romantic element and the long-term happy marriage of another couple. The late chapters of Sorority Sisters were engaging enough to make me want to see more from Claudia Welch, women’s fiction author, but I’m still more enthusiastic about The Truth About Dutton, another in the Courtesan Chronicles from Claudia Dain.
See full review at The Romance Dish:
http://www.theromancedish.com/2012/06...
Except for Diane, none of the characters appears invested in their education. College seems composed of rounds of drinking and hooking up, with an occasional reference to cutting class or final examinations. Welch uses first person point-of-view, alternating chapters among the four women, and after a time, the chapters had a second-verse, same-as-the-first feel to me. I frequently had to flip back to chapter beginnings to remind myself of the narrator’s identity.
The novel improved in pace and power once the women graduate. Their voices seemed more distinctive in these later chapters, and certainly their experiences are unique to the individual characters. Consequently, I was a far more engaged reader for the last hundred and fifty pages, moved to tears in places and cheering for the characters’ triumphs in others. I particularly loved the resolution of one romantic element and the long-term happy marriage of another couple. The late chapters of Sorority Sisters were engaging enough to make me want to see more from Claudia Welch, women’s fiction author, but I’m still more enthusiastic about The Truth About Dutton, another in the Courtesan Chronicles from Claudia Dain.
See full review at The Romance Dish:
http://www.theromancedish.com/2012/06...
June 13, 2012
*I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I liked the story but I think there were way to many characters and it became somewhat muddled. Also, I had to keep going back and forth between chapters to figure out who was who. "The Exclusives" would have been a catchier title for the book.
I liked the story but I think there were way to many characters and it became somewhat muddled. Also, I had to keep going back and forth between chapters to figure out who was who. "The Exclusives" would have been a catchier title for the book.
June 10, 2012
The year is 1975.
Laurie is looking for girl power, even if it means she has to find it at University of Los Angeles's sorority house, Beta Pi. Karen is a prim and proper lady. She does what her mother wants her to do. This is why she joined Beta Pi. Her mother felt she should have lots of friends. Ellen was meant to be a sorority girl. She lives for the parties and drinking. Finally there is Diane. Diane is in ROTC, besides being a Beta Pi. This is because, she almost flunked college and her father told her that he was no longer paying unless she found a way to pay for college. Thus this is part of the reason why Diane is so popular with the guys. The other reason is her looks.
The four women form a bond. Not only just through college but even after college. The women laugh, cry, and help each other raise families together.
I have never been in a sorority. After reading this book, I can understand what the appeal might be to join one...the girlfriends you make for life. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I admit that I had reservations as I instantly wanted to label this book a chick lit before I had read it. I liked the four women. They each brought something fun and entertaining to the group. I must admit although that I liked Ellen a lot. She had spunk. She says what is on her mind. There were times that I wanted to scream at Laurie and her poor taste in men. Both Karen and Diane grew up to be smart, wonderful women. Sorority Sisters is a book worth your time and money. Sorority Sisters will become your new best friend.
Laurie is looking for girl power, even if it means she has to find it at University of Los Angeles's sorority house, Beta Pi. Karen is a prim and proper lady. She does what her mother wants her to do. This is why she joined Beta Pi. Her mother felt she should have lots of friends. Ellen was meant to be a sorority girl. She lives for the parties and drinking. Finally there is Diane. Diane is in ROTC, besides being a Beta Pi. This is because, she almost flunked college and her father told her that he was no longer paying unless she found a way to pay for college. Thus this is part of the reason why Diane is so popular with the guys. The other reason is her looks.
The four women form a bond. Not only just through college but even after college. The women laugh, cry, and help each other raise families together.
I have never been in a sorority. After reading this book, I can understand what the appeal might be to join one...the girlfriends you make for life. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I admit that I had reservations as I instantly wanted to label this book a chick lit before I had read it. I liked the four women. They each brought something fun and entertaining to the group. I must admit although that I liked Ellen a lot. She had spunk. She says what is on her mind. There were times that I wanted to scream at Laurie and her poor taste in men. Both Karen and Diane grew up to be smart, wonderful women. Sorority Sisters is a book worth your time and money. Sorority Sisters will become your new best friend.
June 14, 2012
*I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
This book was very sweet with its sisterly bond between the four main heroines. I found this book enjoyable but it did not keep me glued to it like other books have. But that is not to say you could not get sucked into the lives of these for best friends. Karen, Laurie, Diane, and Ellen were all realistic and are all characters that we could probably say we know in real life. Karen I would have to was my favorite among the girls but all them did have qualities. The way the girls lifted each other up in their darkest moments was beautiful. It actually kind of makes me want to pledge a sorority when I head off to college next fall. The pacing for the book was okay. It felt a bit slow in some parts but still it was a nice read.
This book was very sweet with its sisterly bond between the four main heroines. I found this book enjoyable but it did not keep me glued to it like other books have. But that is not to say you could not get sucked into the lives of these for best friends. Karen, Laurie, Diane, and Ellen were all realistic and are all characters that we could probably say we know in real life. Karen I would have to was my favorite among the girls but all them did have qualities. The way the girls lifted each other up in their darkest moments was beautiful. It actually kind of makes me want to pledge a sorority when I head off to college next fall. The pacing for the book was okay. It felt a bit slow in some parts but still it was a nice read.
September 3, 2012
This will definitely be a filler inner until I am ready to read something with more meat - but I need a brainless book for a bit.
Didn't think I would like this book but I ended up really enjoying it. Following college sorority sisters through their 4 years of college in the 70's had it's funny moments and sad moments. They grew together through college and the original 4 that the story built around added a few more close girlfriends by the end of college. Their lives were tangled together through their adult lives of careers, marriages, divorces, having babies and watching their families grow. It was really quite poignant.
Didn't think I would like this book but I ended up really enjoying it. Following college sorority sisters through their 4 years of college in the 70's had it's funny moments and sad moments. They grew together through college and the original 4 that the story built around added a few more close girlfriends by the end of college. Their lives were tangled together through their adult lives of careers, marriages, divorces, having babies and watching their families grow. It was really quite poignant.
May 14, 2013
This author was obviously in a sorority. She captured the bond of sisterhood in a real way. So often sorority women are portrayed as mindless bubbleheads, but she showed all the facets of real sorority women. For readers who never pledged, this is a beautifully written story of friendship over time...something every woman can relate to. But for those of us who are sisters, it's walk down memory lane, a celebration of greek life and sisterhood, and a reminder to my call my girls once in awhile because I miss them.
January 3, 2014
All women have to read this book.
The 'sisters' in this story are powerful, provative as they go through lifes' ups and downs.
You'll laugh, cry, get angry...but, through it all, you will want this women in your life.
The 'sisters' in this story are powerful, provative as they go through lifes' ups and downs.
You'll laugh, cry, get angry...but, through it all, you will want this women in your life.
July 18, 2013
I loved this book, I,was never in a sorority but it reminded me of my best friends and of college. What a sweet story!
July 30, 2016
Too much sex and drunkenness. There may be a story of sisterhood in there but I gave up trying to find it.
June 21, 2022
Based on the other reviews, you either liked this book or found it hard to follow. I quit after 100 pages in. Many reviews said it gets better, but I have too many other things I want to read to keep on with a book I'm not enjoying. I found the characters too hard to follow and underdeveloped. And I found I just couldn't care about them.
October 27, 2020
Took a little to get into the book - got better as I rrad it.
November 24, 2020
Sometimes hard to follow in terms of narration, this light read (although the ending takes a few dark turns), brought me back to the Adobe three and the drama I shared with my college besties.
Want to read
April 18, 2022DNF
May 23, 2022
DNF. Fatphobic and superficial. Don’t bother.
stopped-reading
April 4, 2023see i love a good no plot just vibes book, but the vibes were nowhere to be found
January 28, 2025
Boring. DNF
October 31, 2013
I’m not sure what I was expecting when I read this book but it certainly wasn’t the story that I got.
This story follows four sorority sisters as they make their way through their college years back in the 70’s and then follows them after their college years. It shows how their friendships started, how they were tested and then how they lasted. I’ve never been in a sorority so it was really cool to read this story and live the Greek life vicariously through Ellen, Karen, Diane and Laurie. Throughout this story, we get to live vicariously through these four women. We see them go through the ups and downs of being in love in college. We see them through different boyfriends, through cat fights and laughter. Through it all, they’re all there for each other.
I loved it.
I wanted to be friends with each of these women. I wanted to hug them close when they got their hearts broken by their boyfriends. I wanted to smack some damn sense into them when they were being buttheads and I wanted to rush across town to hold their hands when they needed me to. Over the course of this book, I got really close to each girl and wanted the best for each of them. I came to love them throughout the book and I thought Welch did a great job of making the reader come to care about these characters. Each women went through different trials in their lives, they came from different backgrounds and yet, they were all such close friends that I wanted in on their friendship. I wanted to be a part of it all.
I can’t really say which woman I connected with the most because I connected with all of them for different reasons. I really enjoyed getting to know each woman. I loved how fiercely Ellen loved each of her sisters. I loved Karen’s code of honor when it came to her friends. I loved getting to know the Diane that nobody saw and I wanted so much for Laurie to find her place in this big ol’ world. I loved that even when they fought, they all cared and I really loved how this book ended. No matter what they went through, they were never alone. Even when the other girls didn’t approve of what was going on in each other’s lives, they were never alone and they were always loved.
This is a story about friendship and about a sisterly bond that is stronger than anything in the world. It’s a story that brings sisters together and makes you grateful and blessed for the sisters you have in your life, whether they’re your real sister or not. I really enjoyed this story and I definitely recommend this book to well, everyone. All of my sisters. =)
This story follows four sorority sisters as they make their way through their college years back in the 70’s and then follows them after their college years. It shows how their friendships started, how they were tested and then how they lasted. I’ve never been in a sorority so it was really cool to read this story and live the Greek life vicariously through Ellen, Karen, Diane and Laurie. Throughout this story, we get to live vicariously through these four women. We see them go through the ups and downs of being in love in college. We see them through different boyfriends, through cat fights and laughter. Through it all, they’re all there for each other.
I loved it.
I wanted to be friends with each of these women. I wanted to hug them close when they got their hearts broken by their boyfriends. I wanted to smack some damn sense into them when they were being buttheads and I wanted to rush across town to hold their hands when they needed me to. Over the course of this book, I got really close to each girl and wanted the best for each of them. I came to love them throughout the book and I thought Welch did a great job of making the reader come to care about these characters. Each women went through different trials in their lives, they came from different backgrounds and yet, they were all such close friends that I wanted in on their friendship. I wanted to be a part of it all.
I can’t really say which woman I connected with the most because I connected with all of them for different reasons. I really enjoyed getting to know each woman. I loved how fiercely Ellen loved each of her sisters. I loved Karen’s code of honor when it came to her friends. I loved getting to know the Diane that nobody saw and I wanted so much for Laurie to find her place in this big ol’ world. I loved that even when they fought, they all cared and I really loved how this book ended. No matter what they went through, they were never alone. Even when the other girls didn’t approve of what was going on in each other’s lives, they were never alone and they were always loved.
This is a story about friendship and about a sisterly bond that is stronger than anything in the world. It’s a story that brings sisters together and makes you grateful and blessed for the sisters you have in your life, whether they’re your real sister or not. I really enjoyed this story and I definitely recommend this book to well, everyone. All of my sisters. =)
July 26, 2012
http://anovelreview.blogspot.com/2012...
It begins in 1975, four girls pledge Beta PI. Each girl is joining the sorority for different reasons:
Karen-her mother said so. Her mother told her it would be a great way to make girlfriends and Karen tends to do whatever her mother tells her to do.
Laurie-is looking to make some girlfriends and ok let’s be honest she wants to accidently on purpose bump into her summer beau, Pete. Pete just happens to be in one of the fraternities the Beta Pi’s socialize with.
Ellen-she is in it for the free beer. And it sure doesn’t help hurt that being in a sorority costs her dad a lot more money!
Diane-well after her first year of school her dad said he was no longer paying for her parting ways, so he suggests she joins the ROTC. After doing so, her mother says she needs to balance it by becoming a member of a sorority.
Over all, these girls are looking to have fun and make some friendships while at school. Little did they know they weren’t just making friends they were making sisters—and sisters are forever.
I have to admit I had a preconceived notion about Sorority Sisters. I for some reason assumed the book would start in the present and would have flashbacks. I was way off. It starts off in 1975 and moves the characters through the years. It really gives the reader a chance to connect to all the girls (The book also goes back and forth between the characters so you get to know them even better).
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters, but towards the end of their college days I began feeling a bit restless. The story didn’t seem to be heading towards a ‘big’ event or moving very fast. But once they graduate the book starts moving at a much faster pace. Just like in real life the older we get the faster it seems to go by! As they move into adulthood, real life hits them with its cold realities and most heartfelt moments.
I laughed. I cried.
A great read about the power of love and friendships. I’m recommending Sorority Sisters (what a great book to grab as it’s getting to be back to school time!)
It begins in 1975, four girls pledge Beta PI. Each girl is joining the sorority for different reasons:
Karen-her mother said so. Her mother told her it would be a great way to make girlfriends and Karen tends to do whatever her mother tells her to do.
Laurie-is looking to make some girlfriends and ok let’s be honest she wants to accidently on purpose bump into her summer beau, Pete. Pete just happens to be in one of the fraternities the Beta Pi’s socialize with.
Ellen-she is in it for the free beer. And it sure doesn’t help hurt that being in a sorority costs her dad a lot more money!
Diane-well after her first year of school her dad said he was no longer paying for her parting ways, so he suggests she joins the ROTC. After doing so, her mother says she needs to balance it by becoming a member of a sorority.
Over all, these girls are looking to have fun and make some friendships while at school. Little did they know they weren’t just making friends they were making sisters—and sisters are forever.
I have to admit I had a preconceived notion about Sorority Sisters. I for some reason assumed the book would start in the present and would have flashbacks. I was way off. It starts off in 1975 and moves the characters through the years. It really gives the reader a chance to connect to all the girls (The book also goes back and forth between the characters so you get to know them even better).
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters, but towards the end of their college days I began feeling a bit restless. The story didn’t seem to be heading towards a ‘big’ event or moving very fast. But once they graduate the book starts moving at a much faster pace. Just like in real life the older we get the faster it seems to go by! As they move into adulthood, real life hits them with its cold realities and most heartfelt moments.
I laughed. I cried.
A great read about the power of love and friendships. I’m recommending Sorority Sisters (what a great book to grab as it’s getting to be back to school time!)
January 18, 2014
Reviewed by Angie
Book provided by NetGalley for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Oh. My. Goodness. If it were possible for me to just say I ABSOLUTELY FRIGGIN’ LOVED IT, YOU MUST ALL GO GET A COPY NOW and be done with my review, that’d be my review. But since that doesn’t work, let me just say that this is a book that I will re-read at least once a year just so that I can rejoin the girls upon their journey through Rush, college life, romances, and then adulthood.
There are no real chapters as the book switches narrators through the four main characters: Diane, Ellen, Karen, and Laurie from 1975 until I believe 2000.
I loved how real this book was. You felt like you were going through Rush with them, meeting boys, occasionally attending class, and getting drunk at the 4 0. My heart broke when a romance ended badly or when something happened in one of the girl’s lives that changed them.
Most of all I loved how absolutely amazing their bond was throughout their lives. They made me thankful for my own group of friends whom I’m pretty sure I’ll still be friends with twenty years from now.
I hope that there’s a sequel for the younger generation…otherwise, I may need to talk my husband into insurance for my Kindle as I’m afraid my tears – both from laughing so hard and from heartbreak – may short circuit it one of these days!
I loved everything about Sorority Sisters and recommend this for anyone who enjoys Chick Lit and friendship that lasts longer than most marriages.
Book provided by NetGalley for review
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Oh. My. Goodness. If it were possible for me to just say I ABSOLUTELY FRIGGIN’ LOVED IT, YOU MUST ALL GO GET A COPY NOW and be done with my review, that’d be my review. But since that doesn’t work, let me just say that this is a book that I will re-read at least once a year just so that I can rejoin the girls upon their journey through Rush, college life, romances, and then adulthood.
There are no real chapters as the book switches narrators through the four main characters: Diane, Ellen, Karen, and Laurie from 1975 until I believe 2000.
I loved how real this book was. You felt like you were going through Rush with them, meeting boys, occasionally attending class, and getting drunk at the 4 0. My heart broke when a romance ended badly or when something happened in one of the girl’s lives that changed them.
Most of all I loved how absolutely amazing their bond was throughout their lives. They made me thankful for my own group of friends whom I’m pretty sure I’ll still be friends with twenty years from now.
I hope that there’s a sequel for the younger generation…otherwise, I may need to talk my husband into insurance for my Kindle as I’m afraid my tears – both from laughing so hard and from heartbreak – may short circuit it one of these days!
I loved everything about Sorority Sisters and recommend this for anyone who enjoys Chick Lit and friendship that lasts longer than most marriages.
March 15, 2016
Having been in a sorority myself, I'm always interested in reading sorority fiction. Sorority Sisters begins in the 1970's and includes some 70's references which I thought added to the story. Sororities often follow old rituals and while reading I recognized some from when I pledged in 2007. I love when I can identify with a story. I also learned some new things, for example, where flowers with a candle with an engagement ring is passed around and whoever blows out the candle is the newly engaged sister.
At first, though, I was having trouble keeping the four girls straight. Their voices and wit were too similar. Telling them apart became easier once they were out of college and into their adult lives. I also had trouble keeping their college guys straight because although their personalities were different, their names seemed too alike! My only other complaint was were startling.
My favorite part of the book centered around their remaining days of college. A couple of the girls really looked around and savored the moment before moving on. I think that's so important whether it's the end of college, your wedding day, etc.
3.5 stars for Sorority Sisters - a bittersweet read that had me pulling out my sorority scrapbook and reconnecting with a couple of my own sisters.
At first, though, I was having trouble keeping the four girls straight. Their voices and wit were too similar. Telling them apart became easier once they were out of college and into their adult lives. I also had trouble keeping their college guys straight because although their personalities were different, their names seemed too alike! My only other complaint was were startling.
My favorite part of the book centered around their remaining days of college. A couple of the girls really looked around and savored the moment before moving on. I think that's so important whether it's the end of college, your wedding day, etc.
3.5 stars for Sorority Sisters - a bittersweet read that had me pulling out my sorority scrapbook and reconnecting with a couple of my own sisters.
August 5, 2012
This was an almost-had-to-force-myself-to-finish read. The first two-thirds of the book was just boring. I kept waiting for something - anything - to happen. I mean, a group of young women in college in the 70's... bring on the over-the-top drama. But no. It was just the dating trials and tribulations of four girls. Yawn.
There was also a disbelief factor for me. These girls were attending college and obtaining 4-year degrees but what they were really majoring in was Finding a Husband 101. (Or a one character put it, getting a MRS degree.) Was this 1977 or 1957? I found it hard to swallow that four young women, in college in California, in the midst of the sexual revolution (or even at the tail end of it) were so utterly preoccupied with a guy putting a ring on it before graduation. One was particularly despondent when by senior year she wasn't engaged or even - gasp! - pinned. Come on. This was not the sugar-sweet, post-war, gee whiz 1950's. This was post-Woodstock, post-Viet Nam... the innocence was gone. This kind of mentality just did *not* ring true for me.
The last third of the book picked up some. Once their lives expanded beyond the confines of college. That's when the friendships they'd formed were tested and and honored.
There was also a disbelief factor for me. These girls were attending college and obtaining 4-year degrees but what they were really majoring in was Finding a Husband 101. (Or a one character put it, getting a MRS degree.) Was this 1977 or 1957? I found it hard to swallow that four young women, in college in California, in the midst of the sexual revolution (or even at the tail end of it) were so utterly preoccupied with a guy putting a ring on it before graduation. One was particularly despondent when by senior year she wasn't engaged or even - gasp! - pinned. Come on. This was not the sugar-sweet, post-war, gee whiz 1950's. This was post-Woodstock, post-Viet Nam... the innocence was gone. This kind of mentality just did *not* ring true for me.
The last third of the book picked up some. Once their lives expanded beyond the confines of college. That's when the friendships they'd formed were tested and and honored.
May 16, 2019
Whether or not you've ever been in a sorority, this novel will resonate. If you have, the descriptions of college sorority life will bring smiles and nods of familiarity. If not, you can likely relate to the development and maintenance of friendships that are nurtured over the years. Welch's novel will make readers laugh, cry, and long for a group of friends that stick together through thick and thin.
SUMMARY: Four women join a sorority in 1975, each for her own unique reason. Laurie's home life has been distant, she would love friends to be as close as family. Diane is beautiful and confident, but struggling to live up to family expectations. Karen is following her mother's lead for the correct path in life. Ellen is just looking for a good time and friends to go along with it. Over the course of their college careers and into the future, these four women discover the meaning of true friendship and what sisterhood, even if not by blood, is all about.
SUMMARY: Four women join a sorority in 1975, each for her own unique reason. Laurie's home life has been distant, she would love friends to be as close as family. Diane is beautiful and confident, but struggling to live up to family expectations. Karen is following her mother's lead for the correct path in life. Ellen is just looking for a good time and friends to go along with it. Over the course of their college careers and into the future, these four women discover the meaning of true friendship and what sisterhood, even if not by blood, is all about.
May 14, 2013
I learned about this book during my sorority reunion this year and I must say, this book brought back some good memories. I read this by the pool while on vacation. Perfect book to read while on vacation!
The four major characters in this book attended school during the same timeframe that I went to school. Everyone joins a sorority for different reasons, but the friendships that are formed become lifelong friendships. The characters truly become a "family". Just as true in real sorority life.
The theme song of the house, "She's a Brick House", definitely brought a smile to my face. I remember everyone going crazy dancing to that song as well. Also, the candlelight pinning/engagement storyline brought back fond memories as well.
I really liked how the book followed the girls after they left college. It shows the importance of maintaining friendships even after our college years.
The four major characters in this book attended school during the same timeframe that I went to school. Everyone joins a sorority for different reasons, but the friendships that are formed become lifelong friendships. The characters truly become a "family". Just as true in real sorority life.
The theme song of the house, "She's a Brick House", definitely brought a smile to my face. I remember everyone going crazy dancing to that song as well. Also, the candlelight pinning/engagement storyline brought back fond memories as well.
I really liked how the book followed the girls after they left college. It shows the importance of maintaining friendships even after our college years.
October 16, 2012
I read about this book here on Goodreads, and I put in a request at the library. This is women's literature at its best. The novel is about four women and their friends who meet in college when they pledge the same sorority. The plot is described by each of the main characters, and I always enjoy this type of writing when we are allowed to experience the events from the unique perspective of each indidvidual. The time frame follows the women through college and beyond, and we see how they are affected by life, love, and loss. My female friendships are very important to me, and this bood shows how crucial these bonds can be. When boyfriends and husbands leave, and parents are unreliable, girlfriends stay and help you navigate through the worst of what life has in store. This would have been a great vacation read, but I didn't find out about it until a week ago...lol. Nevertheless, I recommend this book to anyone who values friendship and love.
October 4, 2012
SORORITY SISTERS was a story told by the point of four different girls that pledged Beta Pi at ULA in 1975. The book read almost like a journal. I enjoyed the stories of love, loss, forgiveness and friendship that was told throughout the book. I loved having a different point of view, and being able to feel all the emotions from all the girls. You will cheer them on, laugh with them, cry with them and at the end you feel like you were part of an “exclusive” group. SORORITY SISTERS took us through the lives of these girls from 1975-2001. The story was first told by Karen and ends with Karen telling the story of the life of an “exclusive member.” This book is a must read. One of the few books I will keep to read over and over again. This book was received for the purpose of an honest review.
Rating: 4.5
Heat Rating: Mild
REVIEWED BY Rae
Rating: 4.5
Heat Rating: Mild
REVIEWED BY Rae
June 2, 2018
I LOVE LOVE LOVED this book! I laughed. I cried (multiple times). I fell in love with all these girls and could identify with all of them at different parts throughout the story. It had me re-living some of my memories from my college days. It had me appreciating my girl friends and wondering how all our lives were going to play out over the next few years.
The book follows four main characters over about 30 years of their life. It follows them through their college days to adulthood. It had me gasping and telling parts of the stories to my friends. And seriously I cried multiple times.
I started it last weekend at the beach and left the book at the beach to finish it the next weekend and I was actually sad to leave the characters behind and anxious to know what happened to them.
Put this one on your "to-read" list for sure!
The book follows four main characters over about 30 years of their life. It follows them through their college days to adulthood. It had me gasping and telling parts of the stories to my friends. And seriously I cried multiple times.
I started it last weekend at the beach and left the book at the beach to finish it the next weekend and I was actually sad to leave the characters behind and anxious to know what happened to them.
Put this one on your "to-read" list for sure!
July 17, 2013
Apparently, I'm a huge fan of books about female friendship that stands the test of time. This one reminds me of Summer Sisters (Judy Blume), Best Friends (Martha Moody), and Commencement (J. Courtney Sullivan) -- all of which I devoured. The characters were engaging in equal measure (strangely enough, I didn't have a favorite, and I'm one who generally picks favorites among a cast of characters). I thought switching narrators among the cast of characters was effective, although it might have been nice to read a chapter written by Megan.
I couldn't figure out the symbolism of yellow and white in the novel, and that's bugging me.
Overall, a quick, entertaining story that was a perfect summer read.
I couldn't figure out the symbolism of yellow and white in the novel, and that's bugging me.
Overall, a quick, entertaining story that was a perfect summer read.
November 1, 2012
This is light, wonderful fluff -- an easy weekend read. But underneath sometimes-too-predictable plot is the story's true heart: real, lasting friendship. It was easy to identify with pieces of all the characters and probably even easier as a sorority girl. The brief glimpse into sorority life brought back my memories (rush, pledging, moving in), but the women's bond extends beyond just those formed in the Greek system. It's been 12 years since I graduated, my group is spread out on two continents bit we still have a mini reunion every year. This book reminded me how thankful I am sto have such wonderful women in my life.
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