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Die Bekenntnisse der Sullivan-Schwestern
Die Sullivan-Schwestern haben ein Ihre reiche, tyrannische Großmutter fordert ein schriftliches Bekenntnis all ihrer Missetaten. Andernfalls will sie die gesamte Familie enterben.Also beichten die Norrie hat sich in Robbie verliebt, der acht Jahre älter ist. Aber ist das denn so schlimm? Jane schreibt ein Blog über ihre schreckliche Familie. Aber was kann sie bitte für ihre bösen Vorfahren? Und Sassy glaubt, dass sie unsterblich ist. Schließlich wurde sie schon mehrmals vom Auto angefahren und nie ist ihr was passiert. Ist das jetzt Ketzerei?Drei energische, unerschrockene und ganz unterschiedliche junge Mädchen bekennen ihre kleinen Sünden, die vielleicht gar keine sind.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
39 people are currently reading
2446 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Standiford
42 books416 followersNatalie Standiford, author of "Astrid Sees All," "How to Say Goodbye in Robot," "Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters," "The Secret Tree," "Switched at Birthday," "The Boy on the Bridge," and "The Only Girl in School," has written picture books, nonfiction, chapter books, teen novels, an entry in the 39 Clues series, and even horror novels for young adults. Standiford also plays bass in the rock band Tiger Beat, with fellow YA authors Libba Bray, Daniel Ehrenhaft, and Barnabas Miller.
Find out more at her web site, www.nataliestandiford.com.
Find out more at her web site, www.nataliestandiford.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 386 reviews
October 16, 2012
The premise is interesting enough: the Sullivan family relies on their trust funds, set up by the domineering matriarch of the family, called Almighty. On Christmas, Almighty reveals that one of the family has so offended her that she will immediately disinherit the family and cut off their trust funds, unless the one who offended her confesses and apologizes. Which one? It wouldn't be nearly as fun for Almighty if she told, would it?
Which leads to the gimmick of the book: each of the three Sullivan sisters has a sin to confess, and does so one by one, in what are supposedly letters of apology to their grandmother. I try to be forgiving of literary conceits, but it does strain my suspension of disbelief to buy that each girl would write a roughly 100 page letter, complete with full dialog, when they could just summarize what happened. But I'll let that slide, when I have much bigger issues.
First, the characters. I'm sorry, but the author really needed to work a lot harder for me to feel sorry for this bunch of trust fund babies. I never felt like they'd actually be ruined if they were disinherited (just, you know, made upper middle class. Horrors!) and I never actually felt like somebody as focused on appearances as Almighty would actually disinherit the entire familiy. And none of the girls were that appealing in their individual storylines. Norrie was a blandly typical YA romance heroine. Jane was the only partway bearable one, and she was simply too sour for my taste. Sassy, the youngest of the three, was 15. I say that because throughout the entire book, she never acted as though she were 12, much less 15. Bizarrely, almost uncomfortably immature. A believable storyline in a middle grade book, but she's 15? No.
I also took issue with Norrie's starcrossed romance. Not the romance itself, which was, in isolation, inoffensive. My problem was with her boyfriend. Norrie is seventeen, and in high school. Her boyfriend is 25 and a graduate student. We are not supposed to have a problem with this. Nobody in the book seems to, after all, except in the most shallow ways. (Her older brothers' protest that he must be a dog, because all guys are, and only in passing.) And when Norrie and her boyfriend run off to spend three days in NYC together? Not supposed to have a problem with it. But I do, and when Sassy refers to her newly returned sister as a bride back from her honeymoon, I cringe. A lot.
So, an interesting premise, with unlikeable characters and a problematic romance. Great.
Which leads to the gimmick of the book: each of the three Sullivan sisters has a sin to confess, and does so one by one, in what are supposedly letters of apology to their grandmother. I try to be forgiving of literary conceits, but it does strain my suspension of disbelief to buy that each girl would write a roughly 100 page letter, complete with full dialog, when they could just summarize what happened. But I'll let that slide, when I have much bigger issues.
First, the characters. I'm sorry, but the author really needed to work a lot harder for me to feel sorry for this bunch of trust fund babies. I never felt like they'd actually be ruined if they were disinherited (just, you know, made upper middle class. Horrors!) and I never actually felt like somebody as focused on appearances as Almighty would actually disinherit the entire familiy. And none of the girls were that appealing in their individual storylines. Norrie was a blandly typical YA romance heroine. Jane was the only partway bearable one, and she was simply too sour for my taste. Sassy, the youngest of the three, was 15. I say that because throughout the entire book, she never acted as though she were 12, much less 15. Bizarrely, almost uncomfortably immature. A believable storyline in a middle grade book, but she's 15? No.
I also took issue with Norrie's starcrossed romance. Not the romance itself, which was, in isolation, inoffensive. My problem was with her boyfriend. Norrie is seventeen, and in high school. Her boyfriend is 25 and a graduate student. We are not supposed to have a problem with this. Nobody in the book seems to, after all, except in the most shallow ways. (Her older brothers' protest that he must be a dog, because all guys are, and only in passing.) And when Norrie and her boyfriend run off to spend three days in NYC together? Not supposed to have a problem with it. But I do, and when Sassy refers to her newly returned sister as a bride back from her honeymoon, I cringe. A lot.
So, an interesting premise, with unlikeable characters and a problematic romance. Great.
June 25, 2023
This reads like a perfect mixture of Hilary McKay and Jane Austen. (Style-wise and situation-wise. For instance, doesn't "Almighty Lou" remind you of Lady Catherine?) I had a lot of fun with the story, the characters and the writing - especially the effortlessly witty, but natural dialogues - and I want to get my hands on How to Say Goodbye in Robot even more than before now.
As the description already reveals, "The Confessions" are told from different points of view. I love that, but not everybody does. If you are put off by multi-angled stories because you are bored by repetitions, you do not need to skip this one. The plot touches the same moments now and then (because naturally the sisters meet and there are certain key situations), but basically each sister has her own confession to make, her own voice and her own life. Everything is tangled masterfully and the end surprised me beautifully. (I snorted my self into laughter - and consequently startled a couple of commuters at my bus-stop.)
As the description already reveals, "The Confessions" are told from different points of view. I love that, but not everybody does. If you are put off by multi-angled stories because you are bored by repetitions, you do not need to skip this one. The plot touches the same moments now and then (because naturally the sisters meet and there are certain key situations), but basically each sister has her own confession to make, her own voice and her own life. Everything is tangled masterfully and the end surprised me beautifully. (I snorted my self into laughter - and consequently startled a couple of commuters at my bus-stop.)
March 8, 2018
I read this a few days ago and I don't have much to say except it reminded me of the days when I super-loved YA. Just a few hours with a well told story. No frills or annoyances.
August 29, 2010
I thought I loved How to Say Goodbye in Robot, but this was even more my kind of story. At first I was a little dubious...rich people, yawn. But I quickly realized these were not just rich people. These were ECCENTRIC, FUNNY rich people. Which is a whole other matter. If you've ever read Nancy Mitford's stunning and hilarious novels, that will give you an idea of what you're in for. Except this is Baltimore, not England. (And of course it's not as witty as Nancy, NO ONE IS, but that is okay.) There are so many things about this I loved: that they call their father Daddy-o and their grandmother Almighty, that they have a brother named St. John (I know that's random, but it's such a weird name that you know this will not just be any family), the way Jane was trying to turn a bathroom into a bad girls bathroom and it wasn't working, "It's so late eighties", Sassy's tutoring, Norrie and Robbie's adorable relationship...OH, JUST READ IT!
This is the kind of book I'm going to read again sometime, with a highlighter, so I can mark the best parts.
This is the kind of book I'm going to read again sometime, with a highlighter, so I can mark the best parts.
March 7, 2015
Este es, probablemente, el libro mas estúpido que he leído este año. Dios, ¿es en serio? Primero que nada, esperaba mas, es decir la sinopsis realmente prometía. Tenia buen argumento y todo lo que la autora logró fue esta cosa que acabo de leer. La escritura estuvo bien, si. Todo en cuanto a redacción y eso no estuvo mal, pero fue la historia y todos los giros que dio.
Primero empecemos con que está dividida en tres partes. Tres confesiones. Indispensables para que la abuela, alias "Almighty" vuelva a incluir a todos en su testamento. Esto solo me hace pensar, cuan mediocres son todos en la familia Sullivans que tienen que hacer lo que sea para que les dejen dinero y no quedar en la miseria. Es decir, ¿no trabajan? ¿No pueden valerse por si mismos? Eso deja mucho que pensar.
De cualquier forma, la primera parte o confesión es de Norrie. Todo gira en torno a una relación amorosa -- Fue entretenida hasta cierto punto, pero luego perdió todo sentido y se volvió aburrido.
La segunda parte o confesión es de Jane, quien debo admitir que me cayo bastante bien y es probablemente la única razón por la cual le doy dos estrellas. - - Jane hace una confesión a modo de disculpa, no tan disculpa a mi parecer, es decir solo hecha el cuento y ya, no se disculpa como tal que es lo que quiere su abuela, sino hasta el final de todo al decir "lo siento", adiós.
Y la ultima parte o confesión de Sassy. Que debo recalcar desde ya que NO TERMINE DE LEER por lo mortalmente aburrida que era. -- Tuve que spoliarme porque realmente no lo soporte.
Luego simplemente me salté a la ultima parte, donde se da el veredicto para encontrarme con lo que ya sabia. - - Fue bastante previsible. Y por ultimo la confesión de la abuela a las chicas fue tan patética. No me dio nada. La vieja hasta cierto punto me agradó, pero uno no llega a conocerla realmente, ni siquiera con las confesiones de las chicas, porque simplemente la autora no le saco provecho.
En fin, las dos estrellas son porque me agrado Jane y por la escritura. De resto no les recomiendo este libro PARA NADA. Solo me aburrió a muerte así que ni siquiera puedo decir que pasé un buen rato con el.
Léanlo bajo su propio riesgo.
Primero empecemos con que está dividida en tres partes. Tres confesiones. Indispensables para que la abuela, alias "Almighty" vuelva a incluir a todos en su testamento. Esto solo me hace pensar, cuan mediocres son todos en la familia Sullivans que tienen que hacer lo que sea para que les dejen dinero y no quedar en la miseria. Es decir, ¿no trabajan? ¿No pueden valerse por si mismos? Eso deja mucho que pensar.
De cualquier forma, la primera parte o confesión es de Norrie. Todo gira en torno a una relación amorosa -- Fue entretenida hasta cierto punto, pero luego perdió todo sentido y se volvió aburrido.
La segunda parte o confesión es de Jane, quien debo admitir que me cayo bastante bien y es probablemente la única razón por la cual le doy dos estrellas. - - Jane hace una confesión a modo de disculpa, no tan disculpa a mi parecer, es decir solo hecha el cuento y ya, no se disculpa como tal que es lo que quiere su abuela, sino hasta el final de todo al decir "lo siento", adiós.
Y la ultima parte o confesión de Sassy. Que debo recalcar desde ya que NO TERMINE DE LEER por lo mortalmente aburrida que era. -- Tuve que spoliarme porque realmente no lo soporte.
Luego simplemente me salté a la ultima parte, donde se da el veredicto para encontrarme con lo que ya sabia. - - Fue bastante previsible. Y por ultimo la confesión de la abuela a las chicas fue tan patética. No me dio nada. La vieja hasta cierto punto me agradó, pero uno no llega a conocerla realmente, ni siquiera con las confesiones de las chicas, porque simplemente la autora no le saco provecho.
En fin, las dos estrellas son porque me agrado Jane y por la escritura. De resto no les recomiendo este libro PARA NADA. Solo me aburrió a muerte así que ni siquiera puedo decir que pasé un buen rato con el.
Léanlo bajo su propio riesgo.
June 17, 2013
First, I would like to take a moment to congratulate myself on finishing this book. I must say that I was very disappointed in the direction this book took. I don't feel the need to take my time writing this review as well as I would for others because the book really doesn't deserve it.
On Christmas Day, the Sullivan sisters' grandmother, Almighty, announces that she has not long to live and their family has been cut out of her will. She demands confessions of each family member because someone has deeply offended her. Now this is a huge problem for the Sullivans; without the money they would not be able to continue living as lavishly as they do. So the confessions begin...
Norrie begins with her story. It's rather boring, as they all are. Long story short, she sleeps with this guy seven years older than her, Robertson Pepper, on their third date. Then Norrie runs away with him to New York on the night of her Cotillion and returns three days later with gifts. There are essentially no repercussions. Her parents Ginger and Daddy-o are incompetent parents at best. All three girls say that they don't seem to care much for them.
Jane comes next. She's 16 but the narration makes her seem about 14. She's the "rebellious" one, although the worst Jane does is get her friend to draw a skill and crossbones in pen (PEN, really?) on her neck, and start a blog called myevilfamily.com and basically rants about how awful her family is. It's all very childish.
Lastly, we have Sassy, whom I thought was 9 years old, but it turns out she's 15. Honestly I'd have to say that she's a moron. She thinks she's invincible because she's absentminded and accidentally bounced off a few very slow moving cars. Sassy also seems to think that she has paid for her immortality by causing the death of Wallace, her step-grandfather, who had a blood clot in her heart. And then she wonders why people laugh when she tells them her deluded story.
In the end Almighty just wanted a confession from Takey (what kind of name is that?), who is a little boy that pulled her dog's tail. Almighty is really just a ridiculous old lady.
9 out of 10 would not recommend
On Christmas Day, the Sullivan sisters' grandmother, Almighty, announces that she has not long to live and their family has been cut out of her will. She demands confessions of each family member because someone has deeply offended her. Now this is a huge problem for the Sullivans; without the money they would not be able to continue living as lavishly as they do. So the confessions begin...
Norrie begins with her story. It's rather boring, as they all are. Long story short, she sleeps with this guy seven years older than her, Robertson Pepper, on their third date. Then Norrie runs away with him to New York on the night of her Cotillion and returns three days later with gifts. There are essentially no repercussions. Her parents Ginger and Daddy-o are incompetent parents at best. All three girls say that they don't seem to care much for them.
Jane comes next. She's 16 but the narration makes her seem about 14. She's the "rebellious" one, although the worst Jane does is get her friend to draw a skill and crossbones in pen (PEN, really?) on her neck, and start a blog called myevilfamily.com and basically rants about how awful her family is. It's all very childish.
Lastly, we have Sassy, whom I thought was 9 years old, but it turns out she's 15. Honestly I'd have to say that she's a moron. She thinks she's invincible because she's absentminded and accidentally bounced off a few very slow moving cars. Sassy also seems to think that she has paid for her immortality by causing the death of Wallace, her step-grandfather, who had a blood clot in her heart. And then she wonders why people laugh when she tells them her deluded story.
In the end Almighty just wanted a confession from Takey (what kind of name is that?), who is a little boy that pulled her dog's tail. Almighty is really just a ridiculous old lady.
9 out of 10 would not recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2019
You can also read this review here:https://devouringbooks2017.wordpress....
I am so glad that I stumbled across this book. I picked Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters up at a library book sale for a dollar a while back and finally read it recently. It reminded me why I love some contemporary young adult titles. I read most of this book in one sitting, as I found this book rather hard to set down. The writing is phenomenal and the characters really came to life. This quick read is far too under-rated and you won’t want to miss it.
The plot of this story grabbed my attention from the blurb. Three sisters have to confess to their grandmother what they have done to offend her or risk the whole family be disinherited. As I read each teenage girl’s confessions, their “offending crimes” ranged drastically from one sister to the next and the way the story was written really brought the events to life. I found myself hooked on the different stories the girls told and I was unable to set the book down. I would not recommend starting this book late at night like I did because it can really grab you.
As far as characters go, I really loved Norrie and Jane, the two elder sisters. Their stories were so easy to relate to, despite the fact that they came from immense wealth, they were regular teenage girls. I liked Jane a lot as she had a rebellious streak and was a bit defiant, but I could also see how she grievously offended her grandmother. I had a hard time relating to Sassy though. I don’t know if it was because she was the youngest sister, or if I just didn’t find her story as believable. When I got to her confession I felt like the pace lightened up for me. I didn’t really like the ending either, but for most of the story I was so hooked and entertained.
I highly recommend this for those who enjoy contemporary YA. Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters is a quick read that really comes to life and is pretty entertaining. This book is perfect if you are looking for something light or fast paced after a long or intricate read. I would love to read other books by Natalie Standiford because her writing really is phenomenal.
I am so glad that I stumbled across this book. I picked Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters up at a library book sale for a dollar a while back and finally read it recently. It reminded me why I love some contemporary young adult titles. I read most of this book in one sitting, as I found this book rather hard to set down. The writing is phenomenal and the characters really came to life. This quick read is far too under-rated and you won’t want to miss it.
The plot of this story grabbed my attention from the blurb. Three sisters have to confess to their grandmother what they have done to offend her or risk the whole family be disinherited. As I read each teenage girl’s confessions, their “offending crimes” ranged drastically from one sister to the next and the way the story was written really brought the events to life. I found myself hooked on the different stories the girls told and I was unable to set the book down. I would not recommend starting this book late at night like I did because it can really grab you.
As far as characters go, I really loved Norrie and Jane, the two elder sisters. Their stories were so easy to relate to, despite the fact that they came from immense wealth, they were regular teenage girls. I liked Jane a lot as she had a rebellious streak and was a bit defiant, but I could also see how she grievously offended her grandmother. I had a hard time relating to Sassy though. I don’t know if it was because she was the youngest sister, or if I just didn’t find her story as believable. When I got to her confession I felt like the pace lightened up for me. I didn’t really like the ending either, but for most of the story I was so hooked and entertained.
I highly recommend this for those who enjoy contemporary YA. Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters is a quick read that really comes to life and is pretty entertaining. This book is perfect if you are looking for something light or fast paced after a long or intricate read. I would love to read other books by Natalie Standiford because her writing really is phenomenal.
April 25, 2019
PopSugar Reading Challenge 2019. Reto #23. Un libro acerca de la familia.
Todo iba muy bien las historias de Norrie y Jame me parecieron muy interesantes pero la historia de Sassy y ese final para mí hicieron que la historia decayera y perdiera lo bueno que había logrado.
SPOILERS
Primero no sé cómo sentirme por la relación de Norrie sé que si hubiera leído esta historia más joven no me habría molestado la diferencia de edad pero ahora si me siento incómoda de que un tipo de 25 tenga una relación con una niña de 17, también dejaron muchas cosas sin explicar cómo ¿que es lo que le tenia que decir Shea a Norrie? ¿por qué Robbie no le hablo en todo ese tiempo y luego dijo que ella lo estaba ignorando? ¿Que pasó cuando fueron a NY? ¿Tan siquiera se disculpó con Brooks?, etc.
Todo el plot de Sassy fue como de una niña de 5 años en vez de 15.
Pero lo que de verdad me molesto fue ese final ¿en serio? El de la ofensa fue Takey y luego les mando esa carta diciéndoles que si, que fue su venganza y que siguieran con sus vidas y yo solo podía pensar ¿entonces cual fue el punto de este libro?
Todo iba muy bien las historias de Norrie y Jame me parecieron muy interesantes pero la historia de Sassy y ese final para mí hicieron que la historia decayera y perdiera lo bueno que había logrado.
SPOILERS
Primero no sé cómo sentirme por la relación de Norrie sé que si hubiera leído esta historia más joven no me habría molestado la diferencia de edad pero ahora si me siento incómoda de que un tipo de 25 tenga una relación con una niña de 17, también dejaron muchas cosas sin explicar cómo ¿que es lo que le tenia que decir Shea a Norrie? ¿por qué Robbie no le hablo en todo ese tiempo y luego dijo que ella lo estaba ignorando? ¿Que pasó cuando fueron a NY? ¿Tan siquiera se disculpó con Brooks?, etc.
Todo el plot de Sassy fue como de una niña de 5 años en vez de 15.
Pero lo que de verdad me molesto fue ese final ¿en serio? El de la ofensa fue Takey y luego les mando esa carta diciéndoles que si, que fue su venganza y que siguieran con sus vidas y yo solo podía pensar ¿entonces cual fue el punto de este libro?
March 12, 2015
Ah, a expectativa... Este monstro invisível e indesejável, que - querendo ou não - atormenta 9 entre 10 leitores. Eu tenho uma luta constante e infinita contra ela; muitas vezes eu ganho. Outras vezes, eu perco. No caso de "As Confissões das Irmãs Sullivan", eu tenho a ligeira impressão que perdi. E feio. Mas era meio inevitável. Afinal, depois que você lê "Como Dizer Adeus em Robô", não tinha como esperar algo abaixo de "incrível" para um livro da Natalie Standiford. Pois sim, ela elevou MUITO o nível com aquela história. E "incrível" é apenas um dos adjetivos que uso para descrever o outro romance, que não foi apenas um dos meus Boocrushes de 2013, como também foi uma leitura marcante - tanto por sua história, quanto por seus personagens excêntricos e carismáticos. Então, é claro, eu estava esperando grandes coisas do lançamento de fevereiro da Galera Record. E, justamente por esperar muito, ao terminar o livro, senti que ele - apesar de ser indiscutivelmente diferente - não foi exatamente o que eu esperava.
.
Com isto, eu quero dizer que achei "As Confissões das Irmãs Sullivan" ruim? Não mesmo. Para falar a verdade, é um livro bastante divertido, com uma escrita esperta e um humor ácido. Assim como seu sucessor (já que, sim, para minha total surpresa, "Irmãs Sullivan" foi publicado antes de "Robô"), a escrita da autora é fluída e gostosa, nos apresentando todos os membros desta família excêntrica da alta sociedade de Baltmore através do ponto de vista das três protagonistas diferentes: Norrie (a mais velha, e exemplo), Jane (a rebelde com personalidade forte) e Sassy (a doce e ingênua). Uma característica que me empolgou com relação à "Confissões" é que, apesar dele ser - tecnicamente - um livro único, Natalie Standiford utiliza da premissa dos depoimentos que as meninas precisam dar para a "Poderosa" avó (e mantenedora da família) para assim criar três histórias bem distintas, com focos muito bem delimitados, e que mesmo sendo intrinsecamente diferentes entre si, elas ainda assim conseguem se entrelaçar para formar um contexto maior.
.
Logo pela introdução do romance, o leitor percebe que as meninas cometeram alguma ofensa grave contra a matriarca dos Sullivan, então as meninas irão contar - cada uma, a sua maneira - a razão que levou elas a determinado ato de rebeldia: Norrie, se apaixonando por um rapaz mais velho e de fora da Alta Sociedade de Baltimore; Jane expondo os podres da família através de um blog nem um pouco ortodóxico; e Sassy... bem, ela acredita fixamente que se tornou "imatável".
.
Logo devo dizer que, das três confissões, a minha favorita - sem sombra de dúvidas, foi "A Noite Mais Longa do Ano" de Norrie. Ela é a história mais redonda e linear das três - com começo, meio e fim. Apesar do final emocionante, "Conto de Inverno" (de Sassy) sofreu do mesmo mal que "Minha Família Malvada" (de Jane): Elas dependiam estritamente da conclusão apresentada no epílogo. Enquanto a narrativa da irmã mais velha foi bem conduzida e teve todos os seus momentos importantes bem narrados, as outras duas passavam por situações que claramente eram importantes para o próprio "depoimento" de forma bem superficial - o que, para mim, foi um pecado (principalmente com relação ao desfecho de "Conto de Inverno"). Esta ligeira falta de cuidado demonstrado pela autora meio que deixou um sabor amargo a minha leitura, pois eu sentia que ela poderia ter ousado mais e contornado melhor as nuances dos dilemas das garotas mais novas, e acabou escolhendo um caminho mais rápido - e, infelizmente, não muito interessante.
.
Apesar deste lapso, como disse anteriormente, todas as três narrativas cumprem a sua função de se conectarem entre si e montar o paralelo maior da relação das garotas Sullivan com a elitista avó. Porém, mesmo tendo personagens excêntricos, divertidos momentos nonsenses e um humor sarcástico, a impressão que fica é que esta é uma história menos sútil e muito mais pretensiosa do que "Como Dizer Adeus em Robô". Talvez, se tivesse lido "Irmãs Sullivan" antes de conhecer a história da "Garota Fantasma", esta sensação de "poderia ser melhor" não existisse. Mas, neste caso, a própria autora abre a deixa de que - apesar de bom - o livro poderia ter sido tão incrível quanto o outro. E, para Natalie Standiford, apenas "bom" não parece ser o bastante, ou satisfatório.
.
Com isto, eu quero dizer que achei "As Confissões das Irmãs Sullivan" ruim? Não mesmo. Para falar a verdade, é um livro bastante divertido, com uma escrita esperta e um humor ácido. Assim como seu sucessor (já que, sim, para minha total surpresa, "Irmãs Sullivan" foi publicado antes de "Robô"), a escrita da autora é fluída e gostosa, nos apresentando todos os membros desta família excêntrica da alta sociedade de Baltmore através do ponto de vista das três protagonistas diferentes: Norrie (a mais velha, e exemplo), Jane (a rebelde com personalidade forte) e Sassy (a doce e ingênua). Uma característica que me empolgou com relação à "Confissões" é que, apesar dele ser - tecnicamente - um livro único, Natalie Standiford utiliza da premissa dos depoimentos que as meninas precisam dar para a "Poderosa" avó (e mantenedora da família) para assim criar três histórias bem distintas, com focos muito bem delimitados, e que mesmo sendo intrinsecamente diferentes entre si, elas ainda assim conseguem se entrelaçar para formar um contexto maior.
.
Logo pela introdução do romance, o leitor percebe que as meninas cometeram alguma ofensa grave contra a matriarca dos Sullivan, então as meninas irão contar - cada uma, a sua maneira - a razão que levou elas a determinado ato de rebeldia: Norrie, se apaixonando por um rapaz mais velho e de fora da Alta Sociedade de Baltimore; Jane expondo os podres da família através de um blog nem um pouco ortodóxico; e Sassy... bem, ela acredita fixamente que se tornou "imatável".
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Logo devo dizer que, das três confissões, a minha favorita - sem sombra de dúvidas, foi "A Noite Mais Longa do Ano" de Norrie. Ela é a história mais redonda e linear das três - com começo, meio e fim. Apesar do final emocionante, "Conto de Inverno" (de Sassy) sofreu do mesmo mal que "Minha Família Malvada" (de Jane): Elas dependiam estritamente da conclusão apresentada no epílogo. Enquanto a narrativa da irmã mais velha foi bem conduzida e teve todos os seus momentos importantes bem narrados, as outras duas passavam por situações que claramente eram importantes para o próprio "depoimento" de forma bem superficial - o que, para mim, foi um pecado (principalmente com relação ao desfecho de "Conto de Inverno"). Esta ligeira falta de cuidado demonstrado pela autora meio que deixou um sabor amargo a minha leitura, pois eu sentia que ela poderia ter ousado mais e contornado melhor as nuances dos dilemas das garotas mais novas, e acabou escolhendo um caminho mais rápido - e, infelizmente, não muito interessante.
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Apesar deste lapso, como disse anteriormente, todas as três narrativas cumprem a sua função de se conectarem entre si e montar o paralelo maior da relação das garotas Sullivan com a elitista avó. Porém, mesmo tendo personagens excêntricos, divertidos momentos nonsenses e um humor sarcástico, a impressão que fica é que esta é uma história menos sútil e muito mais pretensiosa do que "Como Dizer Adeus em Robô". Talvez, se tivesse lido "Irmãs Sullivan" antes de conhecer a história da "Garota Fantasma", esta sensação de "poderia ser melhor" não existisse. Mas, neste caso, a própria autora abre a deixa de que - apesar de bom - o livro poderia ter sido tão incrível quanto o outro. E, para Natalie Standiford, apenas "bom" não parece ser o bastante, ou satisfatório.
October 3, 2010
I think it's safe to say that this is going to be one of those "ZOMG! I am going to read this book forever and ever and ever and we'll live in a castle and everything will be so pretty and we'll live happily ever after" kind of reviews. Because you know what? I think I am dealing with a Favourite here. And the use of the capital is intentional because a small f just doesn't cut it. People, this book is just SO darn good it makes me want to buy every single person a copy, even people I don't know.
Okay, so the book takes the form of three letters from the sisters writing to confess to Almighty (yes they call their grandmother Almighty. Yes, this is what book heaven feels like, revel in it), because she had the audacity to cut them from her will. You see, Almighty is this mega rich old lady, a lady of society and class, a lady that rules the social standing order of Baltimore. If you don't know Almighty then your a nobody, and god can only help you if she she knows you and doesn't like you. Over the course of the book, you get to meet and know each of the sisters, they all get enough page time to cement themselves firmly as fully formed, artfully crafted characters who you will come to love. I say will, because there is no discussion on this part. You will love them ALL so MUCH you'll want to shove them in your purse and pull them out for perusal at your leisure.
Norrie, Jane and Sassy are our main girls. And yes they are rich, but not the "we got rich quick" kind of rich; they are born and bred upper class girls, which of course means they are as CRAZY as they come. They were so eccentric which makes for such a hysterical time. Plus, there is nothing like reading a book where the grandmother is so evil that everyone calls her Almighty, even her own son, who the girls call daddy'o by the way. I know what your thinking.....can this book get any more AWESOME. And the fact is, it does, because they have a brother called St John. I KNOW!
I started every new confession thinking I could never like the next sister as much as I did the previous one, and I got shot down every. single. time. I just loved them all oh so MUCH. Every sister had a unique voice and seemed so genuine and REAL. Norrie, who always tried to do what was right and was so sweet, sugar didn't have diddly squat on her. (Norrie, i'm fist pumping you SO HARD right now!!!) To Jane who quite liked to stick it to the man on occasion and stand for what she believed in (Jane, I think we should get together and see if we can make that "Bad Girl Bathroom" thing work, I mean, I have a REAL tattoo). To Sassy who was so bizarre and random that I just wanted to hug her and laugh at her at the same time. (Sassy, I love you, you crazy gal, maybe I can tutor YOU at math, i'm pretty clever).
Confessions has taught me that whatever it is that makes a writer, Standiford has it. In heaps and heaps and heaps. From the dialogue between the sisters, to the interactions with their friends and family, her talent shines through everyting, making a story that made me thankful this woman decided to write. A very much character driven book that delves into family dynamics, I loved this book like you would not believe. One of my All Time Favourites. I will be the first in line to buy whatever Standiford cooks up next.
Okay, so the book takes the form of three letters from the sisters writing to confess to Almighty (yes they call their grandmother Almighty. Yes, this is what book heaven feels like, revel in it), because she had the audacity to cut them from her will. You see, Almighty is this mega rich old lady, a lady of society and class, a lady that rules the social standing order of Baltimore. If you don't know Almighty then your a nobody, and god can only help you if she she knows you and doesn't like you. Over the course of the book, you get to meet and know each of the sisters, they all get enough page time to cement themselves firmly as fully formed, artfully crafted characters who you will come to love. I say will, because there is no discussion on this part. You will love them ALL so MUCH you'll want to shove them in your purse and pull them out for perusal at your leisure.
Norrie, Jane and Sassy are our main girls. And yes they are rich, but not the "we got rich quick" kind of rich; they are born and bred upper class girls, which of course means they are as CRAZY as they come. They were so eccentric which makes for such a hysterical time. Plus, there is nothing like reading a book where the grandmother is so evil that everyone calls her Almighty, even her own son, who the girls call daddy'o by the way. I know what your thinking.....can this book get any more AWESOME. And the fact is, it does, because they have a brother called St John. I KNOW!
I started every new confession thinking I could never like the next sister as much as I did the previous one, and I got shot down every. single. time. I just loved them all oh so MUCH. Every sister had a unique voice and seemed so genuine and REAL. Norrie, who always tried to do what was right and was so sweet, sugar didn't have diddly squat on her. (Norrie, i'm fist pumping you SO HARD right now!!!) To Jane who quite liked to stick it to the man on occasion and stand for what she believed in (Jane, I think we should get together and see if we can make that "Bad Girl Bathroom" thing work, I mean, I have a REAL tattoo). To Sassy who was so bizarre and random that I just wanted to hug her and laugh at her at the same time. (Sassy, I love you, you crazy gal, maybe I can tutor YOU at math, i'm pretty clever).
Confessions has taught me that whatever it is that makes a writer, Standiford has it. In heaps and heaps and heaps. From the dialogue between the sisters, to the interactions with their friends and family, her talent shines through everyting, making a story that made me thankful this woman decided to write. A very much character driven book that delves into family dynamics, I loved this book like you would not believe. One of my All Time Favourites. I will be the first in line to buy whatever Standiford cooks up next.
January 15, 2013
I only actually read the first 1/4 of this book and then skimmed the rest, and read the last chapter. Grandma "Almighty" Beckford has written the Sullivan family out of her will because someone has offended her. A confession must be submitted within a week or they will all remain out forever. Though there are 8 people in the family, fingers are pointed at the 3 teenage girls, Norrie, Jane, and Sassy. The book is mostly comprised of their written confessions to Almighty (I'm serious, they call her that. They also call their father Daddy-O and mother Ginger.) It turns out Norrie, Jane, and Sassy are all poor little rich girls dealing with various issues of growing up under the pressures of high society and life in general. Norrie fell for a guy all wrong for her in the family's eyes and messed up her debutant ball, Jane is tired of playing the social game and is airing the family laundry on the internet and causing trouble at school, and Sassy has gotten it in her head that she is some kind of invincible being because she keeps getting hit by cars and hasn't been killed.
In the end, all is made right in the family financial affairs, though none of the girls actually gets credit for the family redemption. Almighty does thank the girls for their letters in a secret note and also admits that she has shared some of their flaws in the past and confesses that she may have been a little too harsh and judgmental. While somewhat touching, if this were a real family I don't see that letter doing much good. What is needed is a big ol' open and honest heart to heart with everyone face to face. They spend too much of their time playing high society and hiding behind facades. A secret letter doesn't do enough to crack the facades, but I guess it does go about as far as would be expected of an old crotchety woman who is proud and always gets her way.
I will give Natalie Standiford credit, she knows how to write and draw the reader in. She creates interesting and varied characters. However, I could only take so much of the teenage soap opera stuff before deciding not to waste any more of my life in evaluating this book than was absolutely necessary.
Notes on content: Where to begin? Language: check, lots of it and at all sorts of varying degrees. Sexual content: several extramarital sexual relationships are included, it is hinted/stated that various people sleep together but no graphic details beyond heavy kissing are included. Drug/alcohol use: There is a LOT of alcohol consumption by minors at various parties, and several times this is condoned by adults/parents. (Two parents even supply the alcohol for a party and join the teens in drinking.) Jane is a smoker, but others do get on her to quit. One father of a friend is reported as supplying Valium to teens, and another girl is drugged on a date.
In the end, all is made right in the family financial affairs, though none of the girls actually gets credit for the family redemption. Almighty does thank the girls for their letters in a secret note and also admits that she has shared some of their flaws in the past and confesses that she may have been a little too harsh and judgmental. While somewhat touching, if this were a real family I don't see that letter doing much good. What is needed is a big ol' open and honest heart to heart with everyone face to face. They spend too much of their time playing high society and hiding behind facades. A secret letter doesn't do enough to crack the facades, but I guess it does go about as far as would be expected of an old crotchety woman who is proud and always gets her way.
I will give Natalie Standiford credit, she knows how to write and draw the reader in. She creates interesting and varied characters. However, I could only take so much of the teenage soap opera stuff before deciding not to waste any more of my life in evaluating this book than was absolutely necessary.
Notes on content: Where to begin? Language: check, lots of it and at all sorts of varying degrees. Sexual content: several extramarital sexual relationships are included, it is hinted/stated that various people sleep together but no graphic details beyond heavy kissing are included. Drug/alcohol use: There is a LOT of alcohol consumption by minors at various parties, and several times this is condoned by adults/parents. (Two parents even supply the alcohol for a party and join the teens in drinking.) Jane is a smoker, but others do get on her to quit. One father of a friend is reported as supplying Valium to teens, and another girl is drugged on a date.
September 2, 2010
The Good Stuff
* The style of writing is perfectly suited for the story. It sounds like it is actually being written by teenage girls
* Delightfully eccentric and lovable characters
* Nothing stereotypical about the characters (The rich people are not horrific like in most stories)
* Reminded me of the books I read as a teen
* Light, optimistic and downright funny at times
* The sisters are delightful and would love to be friends with them
* Absolutely wonderful ending
* Love the relationships between the girls and their family
The Not so Good Stuff
* Would have liked more back story on Almighty
* Last sisters story felt a little rushed
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"..but mostly she has that thing -- I can't say exactly what it is but it's like knowing you're hot makes you even hotter."
"Lucky guess," Sassy said. "Throughout history, big changes always start with a girl meeting a boy."
"For all I know he's got a Starfleet captain's uniform hidden in there. If he wants to wear it to a debutante party, that's up to him."
"I don't want to waste my life as a rich, spoiled girl. Who knows how long I have before some weirdo takes me hostage in a convenience store and kills me."
What I Learned
* All rich people aren't selfish, rude and evil
Who should/shouldn't read
* Teens will love this as well as adults looking for something to make them feel young again
* Jaded YA readers may not enjoy as it is light with barely any sexuality, violence or severe angst
4/5 Dewey's
* The style of writing is perfectly suited for the story. It sounds like it is actually being written by teenage girls
* Delightfully eccentric and lovable characters
* Nothing stereotypical about the characters (The rich people are not horrific like in most stories)
* Reminded me of the books I read as a teen
* Light, optimistic and downright funny at times
* The sisters are delightful and would love to be friends with them
* Absolutely wonderful ending
* Love the relationships between the girls and their family
The Not so Good Stuff
* Would have liked more back story on Almighty
* Last sisters story felt a little rushed
Favorite Quotes/Passages
"..but mostly she has that thing -- I can't say exactly what it is but it's like knowing you're hot makes you even hotter."
"Lucky guess," Sassy said. "Throughout history, big changes always start with a girl meeting a boy."
"For all I know he's got a Starfleet captain's uniform hidden in there. If he wants to wear it to a debutante party, that's up to him."
"I don't want to waste my life as a rich, spoiled girl. Who knows how long I have before some weirdo takes me hostage in a convenience store and kills me."
What I Learned
* All rich people aren't selfish, rude and evil
Who should/shouldn't read
* Teens will love this as well as adults looking for something to make them feel young again
* Jaded YA readers may not enjoy as it is light with barely any sexuality, violence or severe angst
4/5 Dewey's
November 30, 2010
I feel like the only person who doesn't care for Natalie Standiford's books. Neither this one nor How to Say Goodbye in Robot did anything for me. Standiford's writing is good, her settings and plot are fine, but the characters are just... boring. They all seem so cold and self-involved. Like, the Sullivan sisters are all supposed to be best friends, but it didn't feel like they cared about each other at all. And Norrie's romance? Eh. Unlike what seemingly everyone else thinks, the characters and their relationships don't feel real to me. Maybe it's an East Coast thing. :)
I did like Almighty's history, Ginger's little quirks, and Sassy's friendship with the girl she tutored. It's also cool that the author actually made Jane's blog; it adds an extra dimension to the story.
I did like Almighty's history, Ginger's little quirks, and Sassy's friendship with the girl she tutored. It's also cool that the author actually made Jane's blog; it adds an extra dimension to the story.
November 15, 2011
Random (quick) thoughts:
The humour in this is of the clever-quirky style, while I appreciate it (and it's many genius, smirky tendencies), I am more of a smiley-whimsical humour girl, myself. (ie: this wasn't entirely my thing.)
The story is presented epistolary style yet it doesn't necessarily read like letters ~ it's more chatty and first person (lots of dialogue recorded, etc).
All three sisters had a unique (and equally engaging) POV.
I love stories where random(ish) threads all come together with a twist, so that was kind of cool.
And, that's it from me (signing out).
;) (oi! I am rather overboard with the parenthesis here...)
The humour in this is of the clever-quirky style, while I appreciate it (and it's many genius, smirky tendencies), I am more of a smiley-whimsical humour girl, myself. (ie: this wasn't entirely my thing.)
The story is presented epistolary style yet it doesn't necessarily read like letters ~ it's more chatty and first person (lots of dialogue recorded, etc).
All three sisters had a unique (and equally engaging) POV.
I love stories where random(ish) threads all come together with a twist, so that was kind of cool.
And, that's it from me (signing out).
;) (oi! I am rather overboard with the parenthesis here...)
Read
October 23, 2019Personal response
I think Confessions of the Sullivan sisters is interesting because of the way the story is written as three people tell their stories about the days leading up to their mistakes and how they come to feel sorry for the mistakes.
Plot
The three sisters have all done something to offend their grandmother. Whether or not they are the reason their grandmother has taken everyone in their family out of the will is an entirely different matter. Sassy offended her grandmother by thinking she could cheat death. Jane was disrespectful and posting things to her blog that were damaging to the family. Norie found love in someone who was not rich or from the area. All of them will confess and say they are sorry by the end of the book to their grandmother. Will it be enough to get their family back in the Grandmother’s will?
Characterization
Jane Sullivan is a weird character because she just seems to be rebelling for no reason other than she wants to initially. Upon hearing her side, you see she wants to change the world and decided that exposing her family was the way to do it. She doesn’t seem to believe in a god. However, she does have slight respect for some of the saints that she has learned about. She doesn’t seem to have a strong belief that God isn’t real. She ends up going back to religion and deleting her blog entirely.
Sassy Sullivan evolves strangely throughout the book. She starts out thinking she is immortal because she keeps getting hit by cars and being okay. I thought that Sassy was a lot younger than the other two sisters because of how they described her personality. Upon learning that she is fifeteen it changed my perspective of how she looked and how I thought about her.
Setting
The story takes place in Baltimore, Maryland in more of a present-day setting. The setting is important because it’s making references to towns around it. It does have a few people who were rich and now aren’t rich but still carry the weight of the name. There are still a few people who carry the money as well as the name.
Recommendation
I would recommend this book to people who enjoy seeing characters tell their stories to explain why they did what they did. I think this book is aimed at young teenagers than adults because of the way all the issues are presented. It feels like kids reflecting on their stupid mistakes. I don’t think boys would enjoy this book because a lot of the feelings the three main characters have are very unrelatable to boys.
I think Confessions of the Sullivan sisters is interesting because of the way the story is written as three people tell their stories about the days leading up to their mistakes and how they come to feel sorry for the mistakes.
Plot
The three sisters have all done something to offend their grandmother. Whether or not they are the reason their grandmother has taken everyone in their family out of the will is an entirely different matter. Sassy offended her grandmother by thinking she could cheat death. Jane was disrespectful and posting things to her blog that were damaging to the family. Norie found love in someone who was not rich or from the area. All of them will confess and say they are sorry by the end of the book to their grandmother. Will it be enough to get their family back in the Grandmother’s will?
Characterization
Jane Sullivan is a weird character because she just seems to be rebelling for no reason other than she wants to initially. Upon hearing her side, you see she wants to change the world and decided that exposing her family was the way to do it. She doesn’t seem to believe in a god. However, she does have slight respect for some of the saints that she has learned about. She doesn’t seem to have a strong belief that God isn’t real. She ends up going back to religion and deleting her blog entirely.
Sassy Sullivan evolves strangely throughout the book. She starts out thinking she is immortal because she keeps getting hit by cars and being okay. I thought that Sassy was a lot younger than the other two sisters because of how they described her personality. Upon learning that she is fifeteen it changed my perspective of how she looked and how I thought about her.
Setting
The story takes place in Baltimore, Maryland in more of a present-day setting. The setting is important because it’s making references to towns around it. It does have a few people who were rich and now aren’t rich but still carry the weight of the name. There are still a few people who carry the money as well as the name.
Recommendation
I would recommend this book to people who enjoy seeing characters tell their stories to explain why they did what they did. I think this book is aimed at young teenagers than adults because of the way all the issues are presented. It feels like kids reflecting on their stupid mistakes. I don’t think boys would enjoy this book because a lot of the feelings the three main characters have are very unrelatable to boys.
December 18, 2019
Esperava uma história mais interessante,mas me fez rir em alguns momentos .
September 24, 2015
Well, that was a huge let-down.
There were SO MANY big things going for this book. Angry rich grandparent threatens loss of inheritance? Makes everyone confess? Yes please! I probably would have given this 5 stars if it weren't for the ending, which is so awful is makes all the other flaws stand out too.
1. Why does everyone instantly blame the girls? As soon as Almighty (the grandma) says she's waiting for someone's confession, the Sullivans assume it was one of the daughters. Whyyy? Because it would be a really long book if they included everybody's?
2. Sassy's part felt...off. It was at least half the size of the other two girls' confessions, and she was seriously underdeveloped. And she had so much potential. She thought she's invincible! I feel that way too sometimes. But was there any connection between us? Nope.
3. This one's pretty touch, to be honest. On one hand, I love having a "distant" narration--feeling slightly apart from the characters, as if something terrible has happened and you can't look at it full on. The downside? The distance somehow made me thing this was set in the 50s or something. But there are laptops and cellphones, so I guess it's not.
4. Honestly? I AM SO MAD. I'm angry about the ending. Such wasted potential. XP
5. Utter lack of respect for the Catholic saints. ST. JOAN OF ARC WAS NOT KILLED BY THE CHURCH. I honestly didn't know some people even thought that. How???
6. No one really seems concerned that they could end up penniless. Shouldn't that be super scary?
BUT there are still a lot of good things about this book.
1. See #5. I do love that emotional distance--it often works for me. And it kind of did here.
2. Basically the whole story, except for the last %5. WHY?
Also, what the heck is Cotillion? Seems to be a Southern thing (Baltimore counts as "South"?) It was also in Rebel Belle (which I love). It appears to this Michigander to be kind of like senior prom, except you have to be invited to go. By the school board? Or just someone really rich? Anyone, some people aren't allowed to go. How dumb is that?
The verdict: I love the plot line so much it infuriated me with its lousy ending. It could have been incredible. But it wasn't. I kind of felt the same way about the other book by Natalie Standiford, How to Say Goodbye in Robot, except I think I still like this story more. Rich people make for some interesting characters!
There were SO MANY big things going for this book. Angry rich grandparent threatens loss of inheritance? Makes everyone confess? Yes please! I probably would have given this 5 stars if it weren't for the ending, which is so awful is makes all the other flaws stand out too.
1. Why does everyone instantly blame the girls? As soon as Almighty (the grandma) says she's waiting for someone's confession, the Sullivans assume it was one of the daughters. Whyyy? Because it would be a really long book if they included everybody's?
2. Sassy's part felt...off. It was at least half the size of the other two girls' confessions, and she was seriously underdeveloped. And she had so much potential. She thought she's invincible! I feel that way too sometimes. But was there any connection between us? Nope.
3. This one's pretty touch, to be honest. On one hand, I love having a "distant" narration--feeling slightly apart from the characters, as if something terrible has happened and you can't look at it full on. The downside? The distance somehow made me thing this was set in the 50s or something. But there are laptops and cellphones, so I guess it's not.
4. Honestly? I AM SO MAD. I'm angry about the ending. Such wasted potential. XP
5. Utter lack of respect for the Catholic saints. ST. JOAN OF ARC WAS NOT KILLED BY THE CHURCH. I honestly didn't know some people even thought that. How???
6. No one really seems concerned that they could end up penniless. Shouldn't that be super scary?
BUT there are still a lot of good things about this book.
1. See #5. I do love that emotional distance--it often works for me. And it kind of did here.
2. Basically the whole story, except for the last %5. WHY?
Also, what the heck is Cotillion? Seems to be a Southern thing (Baltimore counts as "South"?) It was also in Rebel Belle (which I love). It appears to this Michigander to be kind of like senior prom, except you have to be invited to go. By the school board? Or just someone really rich? Anyone, some people aren't allowed to go. How dumb is that?
The verdict: I love the plot line so much it infuriated me with its lousy ending. It could have been incredible. But it wasn't. I kind of felt the same way about the other book by Natalie Standiford, How to Say Goodbye in Robot, except I think I still like this story more. Rich people make for some interesting characters!
February 6, 2013
I picked this book up at the library on a whim. Little did I know how...odd it was. First of all, the description is officially the worst one ever, worse than My Name is Rapunzel, which has an AWFUL description. Anyway, here's my new and improved version:
Meet Norrie, Jane, and Sassy. They're the rising generation of the Sullivans, a family in Baltimore, Maryland. They each have a story of their own:
Norrie is in love. She's never felt like this before. The only problem is this: he's 25-and in graduate school-and she's 17 (possibly sixteen). No one approves, not her parents, her friends, or even her sisters. But she's in love, and, as she says, that's her only explanation.
Jane is a character of her own. A rebel trapped in a Catholic school, she tries to express herself only to be rebuked. She doesn't see anything she's doing as wrong, so why does everyone care so much?
Sassy is in a world by herself. Enough said. (Being hit by cars? Really, Natalie Standiford?
Then, on Christmas Day, [cue actual description].
Now, I'm going to be annoyed.
Overall, Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters felt like all of the stereotypical teenage girls stuck together and seeing what the author thinks would happen. I wouldn't recommend it, but obviously someone would or it wouldn't be published right now.
Meet Norrie, Jane, and Sassy. They're the rising generation of the Sullivans, a family in Baltimore, Maryland. They each have a story of their own:
Norrie is in love. She's never felt like this before. The only problem is this: he's 25-and in graduate school-and she's 17 (possibly sixteen). No one approves, not her parents, her friends, or even her sisters. But she's in love, and, as she says, that's her only explanation.
Jane is a character of her own. A rebel trapped in a Catholic school, she tries to express herself only to be rebuked. She doesn't see anything she's doing as wrong, so why does everyone care so much?
Sassy is in a world by herself. Enough said. (Being hit by cars? Really, Natalie Standiford?
Then, on Christmas Day, [cue actual description].
Now, I'm going to be annoyed.
Overall, Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters felt like all of the stereotypical teenage girls stuck together and seeing what the author thinks would happen. I wouldn't recommend it, but obviously someone would or it wouldn't be published right now.
June 1, 2011
Overall: A charming, eccentric and observant read. A gem of a book.
THE STORY AND ITS CHARACTERS
This book focuses on the lives of 3 sisters, who live in a huge old Baltimore house. We meet their friends, their brothers, their parents (Ginger and Daddy-O) and their vices. Yes, each sister has a confession, one confesses to love, one to pride and one to murder.
You’d think this novel would be darkly dangerous, another Pretty Little Liars, but it’s not. It’s much more soulful, it’s the story of a family of eccentrics and yet heart touching. Nothing in this story feels remote. Despite the family’s vast wealth, these characters are true to life and it’s easy to empathise with them.
THE ROMANCE
This is my one ‘bone of contention’. Letter number one, deals with the vice of love and all the havoc it causes. I say ‘vice’ of love because that’s how ‘Almighty’ might see this one, seemingly, as a mistake. Unfortunately, I didn’t share the Norrie’s attraction to her 25 year old beau. He said most of the right things, his actions were admirable, and still... he was 25 and she was 17. Perhaps if the letter was longer, it would have made a difference. This is a beautifully written novel but it’s not a romantic drama/comedy. It’s about people and all the things we feel...
In 130 pages (letter 1) this author couldn’t deliver a master romance, I doubt many writers could. But she does give us a taste of the outline of a something more, and that was enough.
THE PROSE
One of the reasons I enjoyed this book so much was the separate personalities of each girl (as she told her story) and the small, truthful observations each made. It was things as simple as the idea that the world looked different from a bus than from the pavement, and yet all these small ideas made this a truly charming book.
The prose were easy to follow, as was each scene in the book. This novel must had taken a very long time to plot, as each story fits effortlessly into that of the other sisters’.
I laughed (particularly when I read Jane’s letter and excepts from myevilfamily.com), I felt sorrow, I smiled. This book is an emotional hothouse, and yet so true to life. Nothing felt overly dramatic, despite the winsome nature of these characters (*Sassy* et al).
I really liked this book. I will certainly be looking out for more from books from this author. My great hope is that the next book is still 300 odd pages, but also only has one narrator.
THE STORY AND ITS CHARACTERS
This book focuses on the lives of 3 sisters, who live in a huge old Baltimore house. We meet their friends, their brothers, their parents (Ginger and Daddy-O) and their vices. Yes, each sister has a confession, one confesses to love, one to pride and one to murder.
You’d think this novel would be darkly dangerous, another Pretty Little Liars, but it’s not. It’s much more soulful, it’s the story of a family of eccentrics and yet heart touching. Nothing in this story feels remote. Despite the family’s vast wealth, these characters are true to life and it’s easy to empathise with them.
THE ROMANCE
This is my one ‘bone of contention’. Letter number one, deals with the vice of love and all the havoc it causes. I say ‘vice’ of love because that’s how ‘Almighty’ might see this one, seemingly, as a mistake. Unfortunately, I didn’t share the Norrie’s attraction to her 25 year old beau. He said most of the right things, his actions were admirable, and still... he was 25 and she was 17. Perhaps if the letter was longer, it would have made a difference. This is a beautifully written novel but it’s not a romantic drama/comedy. It’s about people and all the things we feel...
In 130 pages (letter 1) this author couldn’t deliver a master romance, I doubt many writers could. But she does give us a taste of the outline of a something more, and that was enough.
THE PROSE
One of the reasons I enjoyed this book so much was the separate personalities of each girl (as she told her story) and the small, truthful observations each made. It was things as simple as the idea that the world looked different from a bus than from the pavement, and yet all these small ideas made this a truly charming book.
The prose were easy to follow, as was each scene in the book. This novel must had taken a very long time to plot, as each story fits effortlessly into that of the other sisters’.
I laughed (particularly when I read Jane’s letter and excepts from myevilfamily.com), I felt sorrow, I smiled. This book is an emotional hothouse, and yet so true to life. Nothing felt overly dramatic, despite the winsome nature of these characters (*Sassy* et al).
I really liked this book. I will certainly be looking out for more from books from this author. My great hope is that the next book is still 300 odd pages, but also only has one narrator.
July 22, 2010
I loved Natalie Standiford's How to Say Goodbye in Robot, so I was very excited to get a chance to read her new book (due out in September) Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters. First, this book is very different from the other one - but I liked it a lot. It was a really fun read.
The Sullivans are an extremely rich Baltimore family - but they have all their wealth because of their filthy rich grandmother whom they call - Almighty - and boy does she live up to that name. She announces to the family on Christmas that she has cut them all out of the will because someone has offended her. She expects a confession from this person by New Year's Day or else it's over - they'll get no money. The Sullivan's have to have the money - it's how they survive. Everyone knows exactly who's the problem - the girls. Each Sullivan sister, Norrie, Jane, and Sassy, has offended Almighty lately, and so their family members make them write up their confessions for Almighty in hopes that the family fortune can be saved.
The book is divided into three parts: one for each sister. As I read, I basically just had to get through one sister's story at a time. So really, the book took me three good reading sessions - but not too long. I liked that it was divided up this way. Standiford created three very different girls. In a family of six, you'd have to create your own personality, and each of these girls is different from the others, but they are sisters, and you feel that bond. I liked each girl for her own story (Norrie and Jane the most....Sassy was just ok for me - not like her name, though). The confessions are full of love, hate, life, death, feelings, and just everything. Even though these kids are filthy rich - they still are dealing with the normal teenage issues like loving someone who isn't what your family would pick, losing friends, and feeling different. But will their grandmother care?
So are these the confessions that Almighty wants? Will the girls be able to put their sins out there and save their family from destruction? Read the confessions and see for yourself. This was a fast, fun read. Not as "deep" as Robot I don't think, but very enjoyable. I will continue to look forward to what Natalie Standiford has for the wonderful world of YA fiction!
The Sullivans are an extremely rich Baltimore family - but they have all their wealth because of their filthy rich grandmother whom they call - Almighty - and boy does she live up to that name. She announces to the family on Christmas that she has cut them all out of the will because someone has offended her. She expects a confession from this person by New Year's Day or else it's over - they'll get no money. The Sullivan's have to have the money - it's how they survive. Everyone knows exactly who's the problem - the girls. Each Sullivan sister, Norrie, Jane, and Sassy, has offended Almighty lately, and so their family members make them write up their confessions for Almighty in hopes that the family fortune can be saved.
The book is divided into three parts: one for each sister. As I read, I basically just had to get through one sister's story at a time. So really, the book took me three good reading sessions - but not too long. I liked that it was divided up this way. Standiford created three very different girls. In a family of six, you'd have to create your own personality, and each of these girls is different from the others, but they are sisters, and you feel that bond. I liked each girl for her own story (Norrie and Jane the most....Sassy was just ok for me - not like her name, though). The confessions are full of love, hate, life, death, feelings, and just everything. Even though these kids are filthy rich - they still are dealing with the normal teenage issues like loving someone who isn't what your family would pick, losing friends, and feeling different. But will their grandmother care?
So are these the confessions that Almighty wants? Will the girls be able to put their sins out there and save their family from destruction? Read the confessions and see for yourself. This was a fast, fun read. Not as "deep" as Robot I don't think, but very enjoyable. I will continue to look forward to what Natalie Standiford has for the wonderful world of YA fiction!
April 24, 2023
EDIT: OMG I have to reread this. I feel like my review is not actually adequate in describing how good-bad this book is. I really really really do not hateread but I find myself compelled into rereading this book weirdly often (not shown on GR), and it really is entertaining and well-plotted, it's just... 1/3 horribad age gap relationship???? alright. Great if you like to read about teenagers fucking up written poorly but well. <-- and if this makes sense to you
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
Oh, this book. This book, this book, this book.
I read it a long time ago, back when I was in middle school, and I remembered vague plot points (even the ending!) but I didn't really remember some. Less tasteful things.
Primarily: lowkey pedophilia apologism.
Norrie, the oldest sister, is seventeen, and she goes out with a twenty-five-year-old named Robbie. I keep going back and forth on how awful this is, but I guess I can just link Demi Lovato's 29 and have done with it. In particular what concerns me is that the relationship is solely justified (and romanticized) through the lens of Norrie's assumed "maturity." This is a real life pedophilia defense; it's why some children 'willingly' get into relationships with adults. They think they're mature enough to handle it. At any rate, painting an age gap that stark as a 'rebellious forbidden teenage romance' is dangerous, and I'm shocked that an adult author writing for teens couldn't understand why.
The rest of the book is really good; good enough that I did re-read the whole thing and likely will re-read the other sisters' stories again (Jane is a lesbian, y'all, mark my words.) The climax was still bad (I promise you will be disappointed, folks, and there is no way to justify it), but I loved Sassy and Jane. I loved Norrie, too, but... the storyline. You know.And calling random girls sluts?? Can we not. Unsure why every YA book feels like the female MCs won't read realistically if they're not being gratuitously misogynistic to each other. I'd like a second book on Jane going to the Cotillon with a lady.... perhaps her friend Bridget...?
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
Oh, this book. This book, this book, this book.
I read it a long time ago, back when I was in middle school, and I remembered vague plot points (even the ending!) but I didn't really remember some. Less tasteful things.
Primarily: lowkey pedophilia apologism.
Norrie, the oldest sister, is seventeen, and she goes out with a twenty-five-year-old named Robbie. I keep going back and forth on how awful this is, but I guess I can just link Demi Lovato's 29 and have done with it. In particular what concerns me is that the relationship is solely justified (and romanticized) through the lens of Norrie's assumed "maturity." This is a real life pedophilia defense; it's why some children 'willingly' get into relationships with adults. They think they're mature enough to handle it. At any rate, painting an age gap that stark as a 'rebellious forbidden teenage romance' is dangerous, and I'm shocked that an adult author writing for teens couldn't understand why.
The rest of the book is really good; good enough that I did re-read the whole thing and likely will re-read the other sisters' stories again (Jane is a lesbian, y'all, mark my words.) The climax was still bad (I promise you will be disappointed, folks, and there is no way to justify it), but I loved Sassy and Jane. I loved Norrie, too, but... the storyline. You know.
September 3, 2010
This is the second book from Standiford, who debuted with How to Say Goodbye in Robot. It will be released this month.
When their grandmother, Almighty Lou, tells the family that she has been offended and will cut them out of the will unless a confession and apology is made, everyone knows that it must be one of the girls who offended her. So the three teen Sullivan sisters write their confessions. One girl confesses to being in love and not following expectations. Another sister confesses to revealing family secrets online. And the youngest sister admits to believing she was immortal with horrifying results. The only question is whether it is the sisters who offended Almighty Lou and if so, which one was it?
Part of the pleasure of this book is discovering the secrets of the girls for yourself, which is why I made my summary so vague. Each girl reveals inner thoughts, complicated emotions, and the struggles of not only adolescence but life. Standiford has a smart, funny tone that imbues all of these girls and their thoughts. It is a pleasure to read a fairly light novel that has depth and intelligence. Even better, the girls are all bright and deep too. Yet they act like teens, think like teens, and are teens completely.
The characterization in the novel is nicely done for the three sisters in particular. They speak with different voices, react to things in their own unique ways and are distinct and intriguing voices. The parents are fascinating characters if a bit one-dimensional. I kept hoping for a view of them beyond what we were seeing. But that is a minor quibble.
A pleasure of a read, this book will do well with teens who enjoy general fiction. The cover will draw in readers of books like the Gossip Girl series, who will discover a book with gorgeous girls AND depth. Appropriate for ages 15-17.
When their grandmother, Almighty Lou, tells the family that she has been offended and will cut them out of the will unless a confession and apology is made, everyone knows that it must be one of the girls who offended her. So the three teen Sullivan sisters write their confessions. One girl confesses to being in love and not following expectations. Another sister confesses to revealing family secrets online. And the youngest sister admits to believing she was immortal with horrifying results. The only question is whether it is the sisters who offended Almighty Lou and if so, which one was it?
Part of the pleasure of this book is discovering the secrets of the girls for yourself, which is why I made my summary so vague. Each girl reveals inner thoughts, complicated emotions, and the struggles of not only adolescence but life. Standiford has a smart, funny tone that imbues all of these girls and their thoughts. It is a pleasure to read a fairly light novel that has depth and intelligence. Even better, the girls are all bright and deep too. Yet they act like teens, think like teens, and are teens completely.
The characterization in the novel is nicely done for the three sisters in particular. They speak with different voices, react to things in their own unique ways and are distinct and intriguing voices. The parents are fascinating characters if a bit one-dimensional. I kept hoping for a view of them beyond what we were seeing. But that is a minor quibble.
A pleasure of a read, this book will do well with teens who enjoy general fiction. The cover will draw in readers of books like the Gossip Girl series, who will discover a book with gorgeous girls AND depth. Appropriate for ages 15-17.
February 22, 2014
The Sullivan family of Baltimore, Maryland is old money. But they are about to loose a large chunk of their inheritance because one of them has offended their grandmother - who they call Almighty. Their are six children, three boys and three girls, ranging in age from six to 21 years old, but it has been decided that it was something that one of the teenage girls did. So each of the girls takes the time to write out a lengthy confession and apology to their grandmother and that is this book. First is 17 year old Norrie who fell in love with the wrong guy. Next is rebellious 16 year old Jane who doesn't seem to care who she offends by writing all about her family on a blog. Finally there is sweet and innocent 15 year old Sassy who believes that she killed Almighty's husband Wallace.
While this was an interesting read it was tedious at time. Norrie's confession seemed to drag on too long and was filled with a lot of gaps. The gaps were filled in as Jane and Sassy told their stories so that kept me reading to the end. I think that alternating the sister's stories might have been better than telling them one after the other. Sassy's story was just a bit unbelievable because it's hard to imagine that a 16 year old girl would really think that she was unable to be hurt and that she caused someone's death. Jane's while over the top at times was the most fun to read. Mostly, it was also interesting to try to guess which granddaughter was the one who had offended Almighty.
While this was an interesting read it was tedious at time. Norrie's confession seemed to drag on too long and was filled with a lot of gaps. The gaps were filled in as Jane and Sassy told their stories so that kept me reading to the end. I think that alternating the sister's stories might have been better than telling them one after the other. Sassy's story was just a bit unbelievable because it's hard to imagine that a 16 year old girl would really think that she was unable to be hurt and that she caused someone's death. Jane's while over the top at times was the most fun to read. Mostly, it was also interesting to try to guess which granddaughter was the one who had offended Almighty.
November 1, 2010
What a fun book. Three sisters, Norrie, Jane, and Sassy, each take a chunk of the book in their confession to their grandmother, Almighty. Each sister is unique and has her own view of what happened in the months leading up to Christmas. It was fun to read about Norrie's months and have small snippets of Jane and Sassy. Then to read Jane and Sassy's confessions and see Norrie through different eyes. While reading Norrie and Jane's confession, Sassy was a mystery. I could hardly wait to read her confession and figure out what was going on in that girls head.
I also loved the family. Almight is quite the character, especially after finishing the book and discovering what she was upset about. The three sisters have two older brothers and one younger who make short appearances throughout and are a riot. Their parents are likable, though distant.
Very entertaining, enjoyable book.
This book actually reminded me a lot of Robin Benway's The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May, and June, which I also enjoyed quite a bit. In both books the oldest sister is the responsible one; the middle is snarky and semi-rebellious and the most fun (in my opinion); the youngest is a wildcard.
I also loved the family. Almight is quite the character, especially after finishing the book and discovering what she was upset about. The three sisters have two older brothers and one younger who make short appearances throughout and are a riot. Their parents are likable, though distant.
Very entertaining, enjoyable book.
This book actually reminded me a lot of Robin Benway's The Extraordinary Secrets of April, May, and June, which I also enjoyed quite a bit. In both books the oldest sister is the responsible one; the middle is snarky and semi-rebellious and the most fun (in my opinion); the youngest is a wildcard.
March 11, 2012
Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters by Natalie Standiford tells the story of three teenage girls who think they have offended their rich grandmother, nicknamed “Almighty Lou.” She has recently announced that she is dying and is cutting her entire family out of her will unless the grandchild she feels has greatly insulted her confesses her “crime.” Three of the grandchildren—Norrie, Jane, and Sassy—recount what they may have done to anger their grandmother so greatly. Norrie ran away from her grandmother’s ball to meet an older boy, Jane blogged about her family and about how evil they are, and Sassy inadvertently caused Almighty’s fifth husband to have a heart attack.
Female readers will most likely enjoy Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters because they will be able to relate to the girls and the problems they face. (However, male readers will probably not like it because almost all the characters are female and they often talk about their boyfriends and issues with their friends.) Readers who enjoy suspense will like this book because they will wonder if the girls’ grandmother will disinherit them, as well as who actually offended their grandmother. The ending will leave readers laughing and eager for a sequel.
Female readers will most likely enjoy Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters because they will be able to relate to the girls and the problems they face. (However, male readers will probably not like it because almost all the characters are female and they often talk about their boyfriends and issues with their friends.) Readers who enjoy suspense will like this book because they will wonder if the girls’ grandmother will disinherit them, as well as who actually offended their grandmother. The ending will leave readers laughing and eager for a sequel.
July 13, 2010
Having *loved* Standiford's last book (_How to Say Goodbye in Robot_), I was anxious to read this one, about the inner workings of one of Baltimore's richest and most powerful families. Almightly Lou, grandmother to the Sullivan children, and head of the family, calls the Sullivans together to let them know that someone in the family has wronged her, and must make amends immediately. The consequences will be dire: the entire family will be cut out of Almighty's will, if there is no apology. The three Sullivan sisters each have something to confess to Almighty, and the book is divided into each sister's written confession. The incidents that each sister describes intersect, and it's interesting to see how each one sees the events from her own perspective.
Standiford writes tremendous dialogue, which propels the novel. Much of the story is told through the words of Norrie, Jane and Sassy. I enjoyed watching how Standiford gave each sister her own distinct voice, and perspective on the family. I wasn't entirely happy with the ending, but I did appreciate the letter that Almighty writes to the sisters at book's end. A very fun read, which I would highly recommend.
Standiford writes tremendous dialogue, which propels the novel. Much of the story is told through the words of Norrie, Jane and Sassy. I enjoyed watching how Standiford gave each sister her own distinct voice, and perspective on the family. I wasn't entirely happy with the ending, but I did appreciate the letter that Almighty writes to the sisters at book's end. A very fun read, which I would highly recommend.
April 26, 2011
This review is also posted on my blog, In The Good Books.
I've never read a book by Natalie Standiford before, but everyone I know who's read them has told me great things about them, so I had high expectations. And I was not let down.
The writing style was light and breezy, easy to read, and engaging. The majority of the book's written in the form of the three sisters' (Norrie, Jane, and Sassy) letters to their grandmother, and so it's written in the casual way you would talk to someone. With the story told through letters, I was concerned I wouldn't get to the characters' heads and miss out on a lot of the plot, but neither of those happened.
The characters were realistically developed. All of them had a unique voice and personality that made her letter easily distinguishable. Their confessions each are genuine, thorough and heartfelt.
The ending was probably the only downside for me. It was kind of anti-climactic, even though I did guess it from the wording of the synopsis. "...her (or his)..."
I give Confessions Of The Sullivan Sisters a 4 out of 5.
I've never read a book by Natalie Standiford before, but everyone I know who's read them has told me great things about them, so I had high expectations. And I was not let down.
The writing style was light and breezy, easy to read, and engaging. The majority of the book's written in the form of the three sisters' (Norrie, Jane, and Sassy) letters to their grandmother, and so it's written in the casual way you would talk to someone. With the story told through letters, I was concerned I wouldn't get to the characters' heads and miss out on a lot of the plot, but neither of those happened.
The characters were realistically developed. All of them had a unique voice and personality that made her letter easily distinguishable. Their confessions each are genuine, thorough and heartfelt.
The ending was probably the only downside for me. It was kind of anti-climactic, even though I did guess it from the wording of the synopsis. "...her (or his)..."
I give Confessions Of The Sullivan Sisters a 4 out of 5.
June 22, 2012
3.5 out of 5 stars
My Summary: The Sullivan family is anything but normal, and they know it. Their grandmother, Almighty, is a rich socialite that demands respect from her grandchildren. But her granddaughters seem to have gone astray, and Christmas morning Almighty announces that unless one of her grandchildren - whom she claims offended her deeply - writes a written apology & confession and delivers it to her by New Years Day, she will cut the entire family out of the will and they will be left penniless.
Norrie, Jane, and Sassy know that the offender is definitely one of them - but which one is it? Because there are more than a few things the Sullivan sisters have to confess....
My Thoughts: This book was, in a word, adorable. I've been wanting to read it for ages and I'm so glad I finally got around to it! Norrie, Jane, and Sassy were great characters - although I have to admit, my favourite was definitely Norrie. It was a light, quick read, and I loved every minute of it.
Final Thoughts: I definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys light contemporary literature, romance, and a little humour. It would make a great beach read!
My Summary: The Sullivan family is anything but normal, and they know it. Their grandmother, Almighty, is a rich socialite that demands respect from her grandchildren. But her granddaughters seem to have gone astray, and Christmas morning Almighty announces that unless one of her grandchildren - whom she claims offended her deeply - writes a written apology & confession and delivers it to her by New Years Day, she will cut the entire family out of the will and they will be left penniless.
Norrie, Jane, and Sassy know that the offender is definitely one of them - but which one is it? Because there are more than a few things the Sullivan sisters have to confess....
My Thoughts: This book was, in a word, adorable. I've been wanting to read it for ages and I'm so glad I finally got around to it! Norrie, Jane, and Sassy were great characters - although I have to admit, my favourite was definitely Norrie. It was a light, quick read, and I loved every minute of it.
Final Thoughts: I definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys light contemporary literature, romance, and a little humour. It would make a great beach read!
October 18, 2010
Almighty has been terribly offended. On Christmas morning, the Sullivan family circles around and learns that there grandmother, Almighty Lou, has a tumor and might not be around much longer. That itself is quite a shock, but when Almighty tells the family that they are being cut out of her will, and from a huge trust fund, and demands that the person responsible must confess by New Years Day, or her money will be donated to her favorite charity...Puppy Ponchos.
Sassy, Norrie and Jane have some confessing to do, and it ain't going to be pretty....
The Confession of the Sullivan Sisters is a great mix of scandals and heart. I really enjoyed this one. Told by three point of views we get hearty confessions and pleads of forgiveness. Each sisters are very unique and I was quite entertained by each of them.
The actual culprit behind the offense was priceless and such a prefect ending to a well thought out story.
This book as just about everything. Awesome writing, wonderful charming characters and a plot that will make you laugh.
Loved it!
Sassy, Norrie and Jane have some confessing to do, and it ain't going to be pretty....
The Confession of the Sullivan Sisters is a great mix of scandals and heart. I really enjoyed this one. Told by three point of views we get hearty confessions and pleads of forgiveness. Each sisters are very unique and I was quite entertained by each of them.
The actual culprit behind the offense was priceless and such a prefect ending to a well thought out story.
This book as just about everything. Awesome writing, wonderful charming characters and a plot that will make you laugh.
Loved it!
October 8, 2015
I thought this book was a really amazing story. My favorite confession was of high school Norrie Sullivan's confession the reason this was my favorite is because i'm really into romance and i thought her confession was pretty cute! I have to admit Jane was one of my favorite characters, the reason why she was my favorite was because she sis not care what anyone thought of her. She always did what she wanted and wasn't afraid of anyone not even Almighty which was pretty scary. I also have to admit that the ending took me by surprise i would have never imagined Takey would have been the one who offended Almighty specially since he wasn't in the book as much. But over all i would honestly read this book more than once i feel like i would get into it all over again. So everyone you should read this amazing book you won't regret i can promise you this.
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