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The Year I Turned Sixteen #1-4
The Year I Turned Sixteen
Turning sixteen is an unforgettable milestone, and each of these four sisters has her own story to tell. Rose, the oldest, feels like she has the most responsibility when her father dies, and yearns to be true to herself. Daisy wants to break free from her family, but trouble arises when she falls for a bad boy. Laurel struggles with the loss of a close relative and finds herself drawn to a boy who may actually understand. And Lily, the youngest sister, feels like nothing could be more difficult than actually being herself. These four books in one special bind-up make for a great value—and an even better read.
720 pages, Paperback
First published January 4, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 221 reviews
September 16, 2015
I expected to like this book. I didn't expect to love it. But, as usual, the friend that recommended it to me was right. I LOVED it. This is possibly on my list of favorite books of all time! It's so...real. I could read it ten times and not be bored. It's about growing up, and change, and life. And it's wonderfully written, in my opinion.
But, I think I should review it book by book, considering it's a volume of four.
Rose: Rose's book was great. Rose is a relatable narrator, and her story may have been predictable, but I liked it that way. I hated Parker, and loved Stephen and definitely loved the scene towards the end with Stephen trying to sing with Rose's sisters to get her attention. It was so sweet!
Daisy: I loved the character Daisy in Rose's book, but in her own book you could see that she wasn't half as cheerful and "perfect" as the rest of them thought she was. In fact, she was flawed and having a harder time than the rest of them with the death of her father. The sports injury was just the last straw. Now, although I didn't like some of Daisy's decisions in this book, I understood why she made them. I hated Peter, hated him. But maybe the reader is supposed to, I don't know. I really really liked Ben, he cancer patient, and I really enjoyed the scenes with him in them. And in the end, Daisy is more or less back to her usual self, but with a few more lessons learned.
Laurel: Now, if you don't want spoilers, you shouldn't be reading this anyway, but here would be the place to stop if you are. Laurel's book is incredibly sad, because Daisy dies. And it's really, really sad. My friend (the one that recommended this book to me) probably thinks I'm crazy because I bawled when Daisy died. Outright bawled. Maybe some people who read this book won't cry over that scene, and won't get attached to the characters, but I did. Majorly. But after Daisy's death, the rest of Laurel's book was less sad. Which was good. I'd liked Jack in the previous books, but in this one he just got on my nerve. He bothered me, how pushy and clingy he was, and I practically cheered when Laurel broke up with him. And I liked Carlos better anyway. Daisy and Laurel's books probably moved the fastest plot wise, because I read them in a day (with many other things to do that day).
Lily: This was my favorite of the books. Lily was the best narrator, and I could relate to her the most. I'm most like Lily, so her story was even more interesting to me than the rest of them. (I've also got an older sister who my teachers like to compare me to, even though I'm nothing like her, and I've also always loved writing) It was interesting how they painted Lily in the first three books as the sister who most knew who she was, but in Lily's own book she is is having a sort of identity crisis. But despite my intense dislike for Seth from the beginning, and Lily's brief time following his group around, it all worked out well in the end. The writing class was always interesting, and I loved how Lily found the journals of Flora Walker. And Daniel, I loved him too. One of my favorite characters, for sure. Lily's book wrapped up the whole running story of the four sisters really well.
Overall, it was a really good book. It was a moderately light and simple read, but it was memorable, at least to me. I'll probably read it again soon, because I really liked the stories and the characters. I recommend it to any fans of YA chick-lit, or stories about growing up. Fans of Sarah Dessen would probably enjoy this one as well. And if your looking for a summer-y kind of book that is somewhat serious, than I recommend this to you too.
*** A year after I wrote this review, I gave Rose's book (which takes place a few months after the death of their father) another read-through. This time, it was even better, if only because it was more relatable. In the past year since I read this the first time, my father died, and suddenly Rose's story became more...close to home, I guess is the phrase. Anyway, I recommend it even more highly now, because it's brilliant, and the emotions are real. Now, I should probably re-read the other three books as well. I'm sure they're just as good the second time around.
But, I think I should review it book by book, considering it's a volume of four.
Rose: Rose's book was great. Rose is a relatable narrator, and her story may have been predictable, but I liked it that way. I hated Parker, and loved Stephen and definitely loved the scene towards the end with Stephen trying to sing with Rose's sisters to get her attention. It was so sweet!
Daisy: I loved the character Daisy in Rose's book, but in her own book you could see that she wasn't half as cheerful and "perfect" as the rest of them thought she was. In fact, she was flawed and having a harder time than the rest of them with the death of her father. The sports injury was just the last straw. Now, although I didn't like some of Daisy's decisions in this book, I understood why she made them. I hated Peter, hated him. But maybe the reader is supposed to, I don't know. I really really liked Ben, he cancer patient, and I really enjoyed the scenes with him in them. And in the end, Daisy is more or less back to her usual self, but with a few more lessons learned.
Laurel: Now, if you don't want spoilers, you shouldn't be reading this anyway, but here would be the place to stop if you are. Laurel's book is incredibly sad, because Daisy dies. And it's really, really sad. My friend (the one that recommended this book to me) probably thinks I'm crazy because I bawled when Daisy died. Outright bawled. Maybe some people who read this book won't cry over that scene, and won't get attached to the characters, but I did. Majorly. But after Daisy's death, the rest of Laurel's book was less sad. Which was good. I'd liked Jack in the previous books, but in this one he just got on my nerve. He bothered me, how pushy and clingy he was, and I practically cheered when Laurel broke up with him. And I liked Carlos better anyway. Daisy and Laurel's books probably moved the fastest plot wise, because I read them in a day (with many other things to do that day).
Lily: This was my favorite of the books. Lily was the best narrator, and I could relate to her the most. I'm most like Lily, so her story was even more interesting to me than the rest of them. (I've also got an older sister who my teachers like to compare me to, even though I'm nothing like her, and I've also always loved writing) It was interesting how they painted Lily in the first three books as the sister who most knew who she was, but in Lily's own book she is is having a sort of identity crisis. But despite my intense dislike for Seth from the beginning, and Lily's brief time following his group around, it all worked out well in the end. The writing class was always interesting, and I loved how Lily found the journals of Flora Walker. And Daniel, I loved him too. One of my favorite characters, for sure. Lily's book wrapped up the whole running story of the four sisters really well.
Overall, it was a really good book. It was a moderately light and simple read, but it was memorable, at least to me. I'll probably read it again soon, because I really liked the stories and the characters. I recommend it to any fans of YA chick-lit, or stories about growing up. Fans of Sarah Dessen would probably enjoy this one as well. And if your looking for a summer-y kind of book that is somewhat serious, than I recommend this to you too.
*** A year after I wrote this review, I gave Rose's book (which takes place a few months after the death of their father) another read-through. This time, it was even better, if only because it was more relatable. In the past year since I read this the first time, my father died, and suddenly Rose's story became more...close to home, I guess is the phrase. Anyway, I recommend it even more highly now, because it's brilliant, and the emotions are real. Now, I should probably re-read the other three books as well. I'm sure they're just as good the second time around.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2010
Okay, I must admit...the main reason I bought this book was because it was so big. Lol...It's a whopping 700+ pages! Well, I learned my lesson...bigger is not always better. ;)
I kept waiting for something to start happening and the story to get going and then I realized I was 100 pages in and this *is* what was happening. I read YA books all the time, but maybe you really had to be 16 to get this one and unfortunately, I am way beyond that.
I had to force myself to finish this, especially after Laurel's story. I was tempted to put the book in the freezer, like Joey on Friends, after that. Yes, I cried in her story. It was incredibly sad and definitely the best written part of the book. I had to put her story down right in the middle and go read some Harry Potter just to make myself happy again lol.
So...would I recommend it? Sure, if you're a sixteen year old girl. I can absolutely see my younger self going all emo and OMG-SHE-TOTALLY-GETS-ME!! at that age over this. :) Other than that? No, probably not.
I kept waiting for something to start happening and the story to get going and then I realized I was 100 pages in and this *is* what was happening. I read YA books all the time, but maybe you really had to be 16 to get this one and unfortunately, I am way beyond that.
I had to force myself to finish this, especially after Laurel's story. I was tempted to put the book in the freezer, like Joey on Friends, after that. Yes, I cried in her story. It was incredibly sad and definitely the best written part of the book. I had to put her story down right in the middle and go read some Harry Potter just to make myself happy again lol.
So...would I recommend it? Sure, if you're a sixteen year old girl. I can absolutely see my younger self going all emo and OMG-SHE-TOTALLY-GETS-ME!! at that age over this. :) Other than that? No, probably not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2011
For me the book was boring and overly predictable. Yah, sure the book was heartwarming. But, does heartwarming always have to equate to cheesy. Come on a section of the book actually read like this,
"Anyway," mom concluded as we walked to her parked car, "I guess the important thing is to be who you want to be and not who other people want you to be."
"You mean, like peer pressure?" I asked.
In case you didn't catch it, the mom was talking about peer pressure. Thank you, Dr. Phil. Reading this section literally took me back to those boring anti-bullying campaigns I had to pretend to care about in sixth grade. I guess if you want to indcoctrinate a group of pre-teens to be cuddly and sensitive, this is a great book. But, if you are like me, this book needs a reality check into the real, and sometimes prickly, world. Please, can a book be heartwarming without all of the random cheesy obviousness?
"Anyway," mom concluded as we walked to her parked car, "I guess the important thing is to be who you want to be and not who other people want you to be."
"You mean, like peer pressure?" I asked.
In case you didn't catch it, the mom was talking about peer pressure. Thank you, Dr. Phil. Reading this section literally took me back to those boring anti-bullying campaigns I had to pretend to care about in sixth grade. I guess if you want to indcoctrinate a group of pre-teens to be cuddly and sensitive, this is a great book. But, if you are like me, this book needs a reality check into the real, and sometimes prickly, world. Please, can a book be heartwarming without all of the random cheesy obviousness?
June 19, 2010
This book contains four different stories, of four sister, each when they turn 16 in their point of view. I'm going to give a quick summary on their stories trying not to give spoilers away.
Rose's Story:
Rose is the oldest of the four sisters. She's a singer and looks forward to going to summer camp, where she will be a counselor and be able to practice her singing along with everyone there. Circumstances prevent her from going. She feels bad about not being able to go and ashamed of her families struggle. She pretends to be someone who's not, to keep her boyfriend. Throughout her journey, she finds out who her real friends are and what love really is.
Daisy's Story:
Daisy is the 2nd oldest child. She is the jock in the family. After the before-mentioned circumstances she becomes the person in the family who's always upbeat, keeps her head up, and does what she can to help, along with getting straight A's in school and being in three different sports throughout her school year. The year she turns 16, she realizes that people think that she's perfect. She feels as though nobody really knows her and that she needs to be the strong one in the family, always stretching herself a bit too much. During a soccer game, she tears her knee ligament, preventing her to finish the season, and not being in sports for three months. Soon after, things seem to start falling apart from her. She gets a boyfriend who her family doesn't seem to approve, changes her look, and starts caring for different things. Throughout her journey, she is able to learn, similar to her sister Rose, who her real friends are, who she is, and able to get things off her chest to make her free from everything she's had pent up inside all those years.
Laurel's Story: (This one made me bawl)
Laurel, 3rd born sister, is the shy one in the family. She is able to make friends easier with animals (always caring for them) then with people. When she was younger Jack moves to town, finds some baby animals and Laurel helps take care of them, making them friends for those many years. On her 16th birthday, things seem to be perfect. Her oldest sisters are away in college, but are able to come back home for Laurel's birthday. That night, something horrible happens and she must, as the book says, "deal with a terrible loss of someone close." She is not able to deal so much with everything that's going on, Jack helps her move on and they become a couple. Laurel feels that when she's with Jack, things are better, she doesn't feel as sad, forgetting about her family doing her thing with Jack. The place where she feels more like herself is at the Wildlife Rescue Center in town, where she gets to work with animals and gain experience. Throughout her journey, she is able to see things in a different light, see herself differently and believe in the choices she makes.
Lily's Story:
Being the youngest, Lily is the writer. Since she was little she was creating her own stories, and dressing up in different clothes not caring what others thought. Now 16, Lily is the only one left at home in the family, while her sisters are away in college, making their life. Lily starts to feel lost, she doesn't know who she is or where she belongs. She takes a writing course, where her crush, Seth, is also taking. She doesn't like to share her writing, but has to share it as part of the class. The first time she reads her story, which is supposed to be sad and somber, people in her class start giggling. Since Lily doesn't want to be laughed at, she changes her voice to make her story seem sarcastic and funny. That, in the end, helps her join the IN crowd and get Seth's attention. She looses contact with her friends, always dresses in black (something she would never do before), and has to be someone who at first she thing it's her. Throughout her story, Lily realizes that everyone goes through phases that lead you through different paths. As well as being happy with yourself, can get you very far.
Rose's Story:
Rose is the oldest of the four sisters. She's a singer and looks forward to going to summer camp, where she will be a counselor and be able to practice her singing along with everyone there. Circumstances prevent her from going. She feels bad about not being able to go and ashamed of her families struggle. She pretends to be someone who's not, to keep her boyfriend. Throughout her journey, she finds out who her real friends are and what love really is.
Daisy's Story:
Daisy is the 2nd oldest child. She is the jock in the family. After the before-mentioned circumstances she becomes the person in the family who's always upbeat, keeps her head up, and does what she can to help, along with getting straight A's in school and being in three different sports throughout her school year. The year she turns 16, she realizes that people think that she's perfect. She feels as though nobody really knows her and that she needs to be the strong one in the family, always stretching herself a bit too much. During a soccer game, she tears her knee ligament, preventing her to finish the season, and not being in sports for three months. Soon after, things seem to start falling apart from her. She gets a boyfriend who her family doesn't seem to approve, changes her look, and starts caring for different things. Throughout her journey, she is able to learn, similar to her sister Rose, who her real friends are, who she is, and able to get things off her chest to make her free from everything she's had pent up inside all those years.
Laurel's Story: (This one made me bawl)
Laurel, 3rd born sister, is the shy one in the family. She is able to make friends easier with animals (always caring for them) then with people. When she was younger Jack moves to town, finds some baby animals and Laurel helps take care of them, making them friends for those many years. On her 16th birthday, things seem to be perfect. Her oldest sisters are away in college, but are able to come back home for Laurel's birthday. That night, something horrible happens and she must, as the book says, "deal with a terrible loss of someone close." She is not able to deal so much with everything that's going on, Jack helps her move on and they become a couple. Laurel feels that when she's with Jack, things are better, she doesn't feel as sad, forgetting about her family doing her thing with Jack. The place where she feels more like herself is at the Wildlife Rescue Center in town, where she gets to work with animals and gain experience. Throughout her journey, she is able to see things in a different light, see herself differently and believe in the choices she makes.
Lily's Story:
Being the youngest, Lily is the writer. Since she was little she was creating her own stories, and dressing up in different clothes not caring what others thought. Now 16, Lily is the only one left at home in the family, while her sisters are away in college, making their life. Lily starts to feel lost, she doesn't know who she is or where she belongs. She takes a writing course, where her crush, Seth, is also taking. She doesn't like to share her writing, but has to share it as part of the class. The first time she reads her story, which is supposed to be sad and somber, people in her class start giggling. Since Lily doesn't want to be laughed at, she changes her voice to make her story seem sarcastic and funny. That, in the end, helps her join the IN crowd and get Seth's attention. She looses contact with her friends, always dresses in black (something she would never do before), and has to be someone who at first she thing it's her. Throughout her story, Lily realizes that everyone goes through phases that lead you through different paths. As well as being happy with yourself, can get you very far.
February 10, 2017
That's life. It's not all wrapped up with a tidy bow - it's crazy and disorganized and unpredictable, and so are the people who live it.”
Overall Thoughts
Until Next Time,
Emerald BookWorm
Overall Thoughts
While writing this review it's been awhile since I've read this book but I could never forget this story and how it made me feel. This was the first book recommendation I ever got from a "BookTube" video. I read this when I was 16 and completely loved it. Everything about this story is magical. I loved the sister dynamics, I loved getting to read from every sisters point of view, how different they are, seeing them change and grow from the others point of view, the real life problems, the love. I could go on. Point being, this story is special and I will never forget it. Will read again someday <3
Until Next Time,
Emerald BookWorm
October 14, 2013
I great enjoyed this book and could read it many times without getting bored. It is a fantastic read very heartwarming and a great base in a classic
I realized the last time I read through the book that is was a loose retelling of Louisa May Alcott's Little Woman. The first similarity is of course Jo and Laurel. Both tomboys, both feeling like thy don't fit in and neither wanting to marry. Also there is the boy that they should fall in love with Jo to Laurie and Laurel to Jack but they end both end up with an older man they work with. Also Jo and Beth are close as Laurel and Daisy and both are destroyed when Beth and Daisy die.
Meg and Rose are very similar they both work in jobs for an upper class person. They both live their poor lives at home but attend high society parties. They both marry into a higher social class and their first child has "Daisy in their names.
Beth and Daisy are both charitable people the perfect daughter and have the special thing they are great at. Beth it is music and Daisy is sports. Their death is horrible and causes great duress in the family and one sister the most.
Amy and Lilly are quite similar. Both creative and the baby of the family. They can both be quite spoiled and throw tantrums. There is also the rivalry with Jo and Laurel respectively. They are also both in love with their older sisters best friend. Amy is in love with Jo's best friend Laurie and Lily is in love with Laurel's best friend Jack.
This book is a great read and is not so close to Little Women on the surface. I highly recommend this great read.
I realized the last time I read through the book that is was a loose retelling of Louisa May Alcott's Little Woman. The first similarity is of course Jo and Laurel. Both tomboys, both feeling like thy don't fit in and neither wanting to marry. Also there is the boy that they should fall in love with Jo to Laurie and Laurel to Jack but they end both end up with an older man they work with. Also Jo and Beth are close as Laurel and Daisy and both are destroyed when Beth and Daisy die.
Meg and Rose are very similar they both work in jobs for an upper class person. They both live their poor lives at home but attend high society parties. They both marry into a higher social class and their first child has "Daisy in their names.
Beth and Daisy are both charitable people the perfect daughter and have the special thing they are great at. Beth it is music and Daisy is sports. Their death is horrible and causes great duress in the family and one sister the most.
Amy and Lilly are quite similar. Both creative and the baby of the family. They can both be quite spoiled and throw tantrums. There is also the rivalry with Jo and Laurel respectively. They are also both in love with their older sisters best friend. Amy is in love with Jo's best friend Laurie and Lily is in love with Laurel's best friend Jack.
This book is a great read and is not so close to Little Women on the surface. I highly recommend this great read.
December 28, 2010
Four books in one.
Dec. 21-22 "Rose"
I'd like to find the original book of "Rose" b/c this series was originally out in the 90s but in the omnibus edition the musical references have been updated.
I didn't really like the character Rose. She made some choices that made me want to scream. In the remaining 3 books she's a secondary character so maybe I'll end up liking her.
Dec. 22-23 and then didn't touch until Dec. 26 "Daisy"
I didn't really like this character either. Since I have two more books to go in the series I'm hoping I like all of the characters in the end.
Dec. 27 "Laurel"
I couldn't put this one down. If I wrote why I'd have to mark that this contains spoilers. I was a little sad when I got to the end of this story. I started reading it while on break at work and I didn't want to go back to work.
Dec. 27th "Lily"
Lily is probably my second favorite sister after Laurel. I liked how must of the story lines wrapped up in this book although I do wish there was a 5th book where all the sisters were grown up. There should be a new series called "The Year I turned 30".
I had bought this at Half Price Books. I'm going to donate it to the library where I work. We can always use good YA books.
Dec. 21-22 "Rose"
I'd like to find the original book of "Rose" b/c this series was originally out in the 90s but in the omnibus edition the musical references have been updated.
I didn't really like the character Rose. She made some choices that made me want to scream. In the remaining 3 books she's a secondary character so maybe I'll end up liking her.
Dec. 22-23 and then didn't touch until Dec. 26 "Daisy"
I didn't really like this character either. Since I have two more books to go in the series I'm hoping I like all of the characters in the end.
Dec. 27 "Laurel"
I couldn't put this one down. If I wrote why I'd have to mark that this contains spoilers. I was a little sad when I got to the end of this story. I started reading it while on break at work and I didn't want to go back to work.
Dec. 27th "Lily"
Lily is probably my second favorite sister after Laurel. I liked how must of the story lines wrapped up in this book although I do wish there was a 5th book where all the sisters were grown up. There should be a new series called "The Year I turned 30".
I had bought this at Half Price Books. I'm going to donate it to the library where I work. We can always use good YA books.
February 16, 2011
This book was 700 pages of pure bordem. The people who designed the covers and decided what they were going to say on the back did a good job, I mean, who would'nt of picked this up? But you can predict everything. Seriously, ITS EXCATLY THE SAME FOR EACH GIRL!!!!! Girl has a crush on a guy; has a best friend guy; guy is not right for her; kiss the other guy. I MEAN PUH-LEAZ. Never read this book. Ever.
September 29, 2012
All this was was four story about four sisters who from some strange odd reason all seem to go through a HUGE transformation the year they turn sixteen , which is a little unrealistic to me. And all they do is whine whine whine.
I can honestly say i really disliked this book, and i usually don't dislike books. ever.
I can honestly say i really disliked this book, and i usually don't dislike books. ever.
August 9, 2012
An in-depth and inspiring stories of 4 sisters, their bumpy lives after they turn sixteen.
Four different stories, four different heartbreaks, four different passion, and four different solutions (:
iloveit
Four different stories, four different heartbreaks, four different passion, and four different solutions (:
iloveit
May 27, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. I couldn't put it down and I was so sad when it ended. It describes life perfectly with all its twists and turns. It was nice cause I could relate to all the characters at some level. I loved how you could see all the sisters growing up even when it focuses on one sister in particular. I also love how it does a full circle where it starts with them losing something but in the end, they gain something back. This book is absolutely one of the best books I have ever read. Plus the cover is really pretty.
April 21, 2018
4.5 stars out of five!
Even though this type of book is not usually what I read, I enjoyed it. Even though it was very long, (which didn’t bother me) I though this was a fun and easy read. I recommend this book to late middle school/ early High school girls. I will definitely reread this book!
Even though this type of book is not usually what I read, I enjoyed it. Even though it was very long, (which didn’t bother me) I though this was a fun and easy read. I recommend this book to late middle school/ early High school girls. I will definitely reread this book!
February 11, 2024
sweetest storyline & very wholesome. lowkey made me tear up in some parts. feels like you are friends with the four sisters and are living life with them.
August 21, 2013
It was beautiful! I loved all of it. I was four books in one so the 700 total pages seemed a little overwhelming, but I ended up really liking it.
Part one, Rose, was great. Rose had just turned 16 about three months after her father died in a storm. Her family was heading into tough times and Rose was a little confused about who she is. Rose's boyfriend was making her doubt who she was a what a great person she is. Then she found Stephen, the older brother of her archenemy and things mellowed out and became pretty good for her.
Part two, Daisy, was different. I didn't connect with this one as much, but Daisy was over extending herself trying to excel at everything she did. After injuring herself in soccer she felt as though life was a little meaningless and she was doing too much. She met Peter a high school drop out and a loser in my opinion. Peter made her think she was doing too much and she was being 'oppressed by the man' in a sense. Ben, a boy only a year younger than Daisy who was at the hospital Daisy worked at because of cancer convinced her that she doesn't have to be perfect but that doesn't mean hanging out with the wrong crowd. Essentially she turns her life back around by starting back up in sports and the reader is lead to believe she also starts dating Ben.
Part three, Laurel, this one was really depressing. Laurel is turning 16, at her party she finds out her oldest sister Rose is engaged to Stephen and she gets a puppy form her best friend Jack. Back to their busy lives, Daisy, Rose and Stephen all leave that day. But in and accident that night driving back to college Daisy dies. The whole family is quite grief stricken. After sometime Jack and Laurel become a couple. But, Laurel isn't comfortable with it. She really wants to go back to them being just friends. Thinking it is for the best Laurel dumps him saying she would rather be his friend than his girlfriend. Jack gives her the cold shoulder for a while. Through this Laurel being an animal lover is working at her local wildlife rescue center becoming attached to an orphaned seal named Lefty and developing a crush on 19 year old Carlos. This part ends with Roses wedding and the memory of Daisy.
Part four, Lily, I felt I could really relate to. Lily is the youngest of the family and feels trapped in the shadow of her sisters. She has always been funky and outgoing but when a writing class comes along Lily thinks she needs to change her style. Along with her style attitude and writing Lily changes 'crowds' to fit in with her new boyfriend Seth. Lily is really trying to fins out who she is and with little help from her sisters she has no one to turn to. Except, her writing partner Daniel. With news of a child for Rose and Stephen Lily begins to reconnect with her sister Daisy although she is gone. Through this she finds herself. After being dumped by Seth for a more 'intellectual' girl Lily is able to become Daniel's girlfriend. Rose's baby is born and she names her Daisy after her sister. Rose, Stephen, and little baby Daisy buy the family's old house.
I really liked being able to relate to the stories, particularly Rose and Lily's. I also loved seeing how things changed for the other sisters when the focus was on another sister.
Part one, Rose, was great. Rose had just turned 16 about three months after her father died in a storm. Her family was heading into tough times and Rose was a little confused about who she is. Rose's boyfriend was making her doubt who she was a what a great person she is. Then she found Stephen, the older brother of her archenemy and things mellowed out and became pretty good for her.
Part two, Daisy, was different. I didn't connect with this one as much, but Daisy was over extending herself trying to excel at everything she did. After injuring herself in soccer she felt as though life was a little meaningless and she was doing too much. She met Peter a high school drop out and a loser in my opinion. Peter made her think she was doing too much and she was being 'oppressed by the man' in a sense. Ben, a boy only a year younger than Daisy who was at the hospital Daisy worked at because of cancer convinced her that she doesn't have to be perfect but that doesn't mean hanging out with the wrong crowd. Essentially she turns her life back around by starting back up in sports and the reader is lead to believe she also starts dating Ben.
Part three, Laurel, this one was really depressing. Laurel is turning 16, at her party she finds out her oldest sister Rose is engaged to Stephen and she gets a puppy form her best friend Jack. Back to their busy lives, Daisy, Rose and Stephen all leave that day. But in and accident that night driving back to college Daisy dies. The whole family is quite grief stricken. After sometime Jack and Laurel become a couple. But, Laurel isn't comfortable with it. She really wants to go back to them being just friends. Thinking it is for the best Laurel dumps him saying she would rather be his friend than his girlfriend. Jack gives her the cold shoulder for a while. Through this Laurel being an animal lover is working at her local wildlife rescue center becoming attached to an orphaned seal named Lefty and developing a crush on 19 year old Carlos. This part ends with Roses wedding and the memory of Daisy.
Part four, Lily, I felt I could really relate to. Lily is the youngest of the family and feels trapped in the shadow of her sisters. She has always been funky and outgoing but when a writing class comes along Lily thinks she needs to change her style. Along with her style attitude and writing Lily changes 'crowds' to fit in with her new boyfriend Seth. Lily is really trying to fins out who she is and with little help from her sisters she has no one to turn to. Except, her writing partner Daniel. With news of a child for Rose and Stephen Lily begins to reconnect with her sister Daisy although she is gone. Through this she finds herself. After being dumped by Seth for a more 'intellectual' girl Lily is able to become Daniel's girlfriend. Rose's baby is born and she names her Daisy after her sister. Rose, Stephen, and little baby Daisy buy the family's old house.
I really liked being able to relate to the stories, particularly Rose and Lily's. I also loved seeing how things changed for the other sisters when the focus was on another sister.
September 15, 2015
So, this book sets up the YA clichés like bowling pins and then knocks them all down. In every book, there is the crap boyfriend she starts out with, the good boyfriend she ends up with, the conflict with an authority figure, the figuring things out, the deciding to be better than the way you were before, etc. etc. etc. You can see the plot points coming from space, and by the end of the fourth story, you knew exactly what was coming and when.
The characters don't really act much like teenagers, inasmuch as they rebel for a while but then quickly and happily go back to acting like "normal" teenagers, get along with Mom, blah blah blah. There's kind of a rote quality to it, and the way everyone ends up happy and placid kind of makes me think that maybe there wasn't too much thought into how the stories could vary.
Minus, of course, one thing.
With the addition of that one (admittedly large) thing, the whole tone of the stories change, and that's for the better. Sure, they still stay schlocky and cliché, but in a relatable way. I recommend this book if you like stories about growing up as a teenage girl. It won't blow you away, but you will be entertained.
The characters don't really act much like teenagers, inasmuch as they rebel for a while but then quickly and happily go back to acting like "normal" teenagers, get along with Mom, blah blah blah. There's kind of a rote quality to it, and the way everyone ends up happy and placid kind of makes me think that maybe there wasn't too much thought into how the stories could vary.
Minus, of course, one thing.
With the addition of that one (admittedly large) thing, the whole tone of the stories change, and that's for the better. Sure, they still stay schlocky and cliché, but in a relatable way. I recommend this book if you like stories about growing up as a teenage girl. It won't blow you away, but you will be entertained.
January 30, 2012
I just finished this today! Whew. I started this just as I was heading into a book rut. If that makes sense.. Reading Rose's book didn't help all that much either. But I got more time to devour into the book and even though it was predictable (with the whole Parker relationship stuff) it turned into a really good book. Then I couldn't stop reading. Daisy's book was very interesting compared to Rose. You could tell Daisy was really trying to find her identity. The things she had to go through to find it was pretty harsh. It was nice for her to finally find it. Heading onto Laurel's story, I was excited to see what else this book could provide. SPOILER ALERT aheadd. Next thing I know, it's Laurel's 16th birthday party and out of the blue Daisy dies. Honestly I was stunned. Why? What was the purpose of her dying? It was sad. I literally had to sit there for a while and absorb what happened. My heart broke for this family. Losing one person is hard enough, imagine two. I really do wonder what would have happened to the story if Daisy didn't die. I'm really upset she died.. Really wish she didn't have to. I'm rambling now.. :P Besides the Daisy factor, Laurel's story was just as good as Daisy's. Maybe not as good but yeah. I noticed a part in the relationship in this book. The girl's first boyfriends (Parker, Peter, Jack, Seth) never worked out and there was always someone else that had feelings for them. They're oblivious to notice it in the first place. The only person that didn't really have another significant other to lean back on was Daisy. But things were cut short for her - can't really blame her. Lily's book was quite interesting. Her personality definitely shines the most out of the four girls. The girls are all grown up now, and I couldn't help but wonder... what would Daisy be doing if she was still alive? Rose's pregnant, Laurel's in college studying prevet, Lily's almost in college.. So yeah overall good book! I think this is the longest I have ever reviewed a book. WHOOT!
April 27, 2010
This novel with four stories about four sisters is very entertaining. Currently, i have finished the first story, about the oldest of four sisters, Rose. Rose's sixteenth birthday comes right after the death of her father, and her family isn't in such a great situation after his death. Rose realizes that her current boyfriend is not the one she really loves but instead is her new friend, Stephen. But as the story goes on, we find out that money has become a big issue and Rose, as the oldest, must help her mother deal. She gets a job while pushing her dream of becoming a singer, to the side. When everything begins to change and the family must move to a cheaper apartment, Rose begins to think everything is going wrong. But while searching in her sisters for the same feeling, she begins to see that they are excited for her and her new boyfriend, instead of fretting over the big move.
I think Rose's story was very interesting and i cannot wait to start on the next chapter, about Daisy, who is second oldest. Althought i think that Daisy's story might be a little more interesting, i still have 3 other sisters to go. I like thhis book because it keeps me interested because there wont always be one point of view. I get to read about what all the sisters think, and all of the stories have slight connections tot he last because even though its in a different time than the last, they are all still connected as sisters.
Rose is an interesting character because she learns something abotu herself during the course of the story. She has all her friends in the beginning and she thinks she has the boyfriend. But when she starts to see little flaws in her boyfriend, she finds that she doesn't need him. Rose is a very strong person to deal with what had happened to her family. Her fther dieing, left an empty place in the sister's lives and none of them can return to the way they were before if not for each other.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2011
The Walker family consists of four sisters, each who are becoming sixteen. In each section of the book, we follow each sister in age order. Rose is first to become sixteen in her family, and there is much tragedy in her life. She recently lost her father, and things aren't going very well with her boyfriend, Parker Kemp. She wants to be happy, but can't seem to be happy. And when she learns that her family must rely on foodstamps, she begins to feel embarrassed and wishes her father were still alive. After Rose comes Daisy, who is also having a difficult time in her life. Proceeding Daisy are Laurel and Lily. Laurel is so close to nature and loves taking care of wild animals. Lily enjoys dressing up and acting unusual. How will each of these sisters' sweet sixteens be? How much will their lives change?
I enjoyed this book a lot. At first, I thought it was too much to read, since there are exactly 700 pages to it. However, once I started reading, I was drawn into the story and couldn't stop. Each part is in the perspective of the different sisters, and it was really interesting to see how their lives were and what happened to them while they were sixteen. The only problem I had was that there was the repeated problem with boyfriends for every sister except for Daisy. Each sister would have a boyfriend who they thought was amazing, but then realized that they weren't happy. They would then break up with them and hook up with another guy who they would remain loyal to and be with for the rest of the story. It was slightly annoying after it happened to Laurel, but it was only a minor detail that didn't really turn me off for the rest of the book.
I enjoyed this book a lot. At first, I thought it was too much to read, since there are exactly 700 pages to it. However, once I started reading, I was drawn into the story and couldn't stop. Each part is in the perspective of the different sisters, and it was really interesting to see how their lives were and what happened to them while they were sixteen. The only problem I had was that there was the repeated problem with boyfriends for every sister except for Daisy. Each sister would have a boyfriend who they thought was amazing, but then realized that they weren't happy. They would then break up with them and hook up with another guy who they would remain loyal to and be with for the rest of the story. It was slightly annoying after it happened to Laurel, but it was only a minor detail that didn't really turn me off for the rest of the book.
May 3, 2012
I absolutely loved this book! I didn't want to read it before because of the length, but after I started reading it I couldn't stop. It took me less than a week to read it...that's how addicting it is.
I love the characters in this book. Laurel was my favorite because I can relate to her love of animals. Rose was the girly-girl of her sisters and her willingness to try and make a relationship work is admirable. However, if my boyfriend was as much of a jerk as hers, I would dump him way before she did. Daisy was an interesting character as well, and it was weird to see how much she changed after she had gotten into a relationship. Lily was relate able to because every teenager in high school wants to fit in with the IN-crowd.
I would definitely recommend this book because it is one of my favorites. It is cool how the story lines intertwine, and you get a full story of each character as well as tidbits about each character in the individual stories.
I love the characters in this book. Laurel was my favorite because I can relate to her love of animals. Rose was the girly-girl of her sisters and her willingness to try and make a relationship work is admirable. However, if my boyfriend was as much of a jerk as hers, I would dump him way before she did. Daisy was an interesting character as well, and it was weird to see how much she changed after she had gotten into a relationship. Lily was relate able to because every teenager in high school wants to fit in with the IN-crowd.
I would definitely recommend this book because it is one of my favorites. It is cool how the story lines intertwine, and you get a full story of each character as well as tidbits about each character in the individual stories.
July 10, 2010
Wow...a 700 page book in two days!
At first I was only reading this book because it's my largest novel, and I wanted to get it 'over with'. After beginning to read however, I was really glad I chose it just because it was a charming book! These four sisters were very real to me and having to deal with real situations. The book is long, but the voices of the girls is so easy that you get right through it.
I thought the writing was great and sometimes was a bit melodramatic, but it was still good. At times you could tell that it was written in the 90's because of some language, but then they'd add something contemporary to make it more updated.
This book was excellent and I think all readers will find something they relate to with each sister, if not all of them, A great read for anyone who is looking for their place in life and embarking on a journey to find your inner self.
At first I was only reading this book because it's my largest novel, and I wanted to get it 'over with'. After beginning to read however, I was really glad I chose it just because it was a charming book! These four sisters were very real to me and having to deal with real situations. The book is long, but the voices of the girls is so easy that you get right through it.
I thought the writing was great and sometimes was a bit melodramatic, but it was still good. At times you could tell that it was written in the 90's because of some language, but then they'd add something contemporary to make it more updated.
This book was excellent and I think all readers will find something they relate to with each sister, if not all of them, A great read for anyone who is looking for their place in life and embarking on a journey to find your inner self.
September 11, 2020
When I began reading The Year I Turned Sixteen, I was unaware that the book was a compilation of four books published over a year. Each one takes the perspective of a sister as she turns sixteen and works through a personal crisis.
Rose starts the series, and immediately sets the tone with a lot of cliches. While things get slightly better with Daisy (who was the only character with any personality), the plot and character emotions took a turn for the worse in Laurel and Lily.
Bonus points, however, for
Rose starts the series, and immediately sets the tone with a lot of cliches. While things get slightly better with Daisy (who was the only character with any personality), the plot and character emotions took a turn for the worse in Laurel and Lily.
Bonus points, however, for
January 16, 2016
This is a chunkster, at 700 pages. Yet it wasn't overwhelming at all.
This story was very charming, and what my hubby would label as chick lit. Definitely for girls and boys wouldn't really relate to it.
It's about four sisters, and each one of them is someone you can relate to. Either you were her, or know her, or want to be her. They each have attributes that you love and hate which makes them feel alive when you read it.
I related most to Laurel, one of the middle children. But that isn't to say I didn't feel some connection to all the other girls.
A really great and family oriented read! I think young girls will eat it right up!
3.5/5
This story was very charming, and what my hubby would label as chick lit. Definitely for girls and boys wouldn't really relate to it.
It's about four sisters, and each one of them is someone you can relate to. Either you were her, or know her, or want to be her. They each have attributes that you love and hate which makes them feel alive when you read it.
I related most to Laurel, one of the middle children. But that isn't to say I didn't feel some connection to all the other girls.
A really great and family oriented read! I think young girls will eat it right up!
3.5/5
May 22, 2025
2025 Update: Raising my rating to 4 stars.
A solid 3.5 stars. I recall reading this when I was younger, and was surprised that I remember so much of it. It was heartwarming, that it for sure, but very cliché at times. Every one of the Walker sisters sounded similar, despite the fact that the author was trying to give them distinct voices and interests. It was just very...sweet, but a little too sweet at times. I would recommend this for younger teens.
A solid 3.5 stars. I recall reading this when I was younger, and was surprised that I remember so much of it. It was heartwarming, that it for sure, but very cliché at times. Every one of the Walker sisters sounded similar, despite the fact that the author was trying to give them distinct voices and interests. It was just very...sweet, but a little too sweet at times. I would recommend this for younger teens.
August 16, 2016
This was a heartwarming read and I enjoyed each of the sisters' stories. I liked the fact that all of them did not end up with their initial boyfriends, showing that the right person does not always appear immediately and it can take time to find the one.
October 9, 2018
Loved this book, and I am proud to say that I read this when I was sixteen and it really opened my eyes on so many subjects. Not only on boys, but learning how to be yourself. I truly do appreciate this author for making this book series and will re-read.
Read
January 19, 2016Cool.
February 17, 2021
I read all four books meshed in one book so I was able to easily switch POVs to each sister. I rated it 3/5, but don't be fooled. Even though it wasn't the best most amazing book ever, it still made an impact on me. I wasn't expecting it, but it actually taught me some good lessons, gave some wholesome moments, and made me think about life.
I rated it 3/5, because it's needlessly dragged out. I know that slice-of-life books may generally feel long because you're watching daily life. But this book was as big as a Twilight book so I expected important plot points and a climax and that yearning to keep reading, but it just didn't come. I had to force myself to finish it. It was getting really boring after some time. The second reason it's rated this way is because it's cheesy to a highly unrealistic level. The author made her point and sent her message but repeated it over and over throughout the rest of the book and it grated. The characters were also way too similar to each other in the sense that their story structure was almost exactly the same for each sister. Each sister got their first job at 16, dated a mean boy, went through a phase, and realized that they only needed their family's love and they realize they love themselves for who they are without pleasing anyone else. It really wasn't necessary to repeat the same slogan for four books. FOUR.
If you like slice-of-life books and want a break from really hard-to-read books, sure you can read this. It certainly gave me a break. But it isn't something I would read again. The character development was overused and cheesy, the lessons were repeated, and it was painfully long. Sorry, not sorry. Good luck!
I rated it 3/5, because it's needlessly dragged out. I know that slice-of-life books may generally feel long because you're watching daily life. But this book was as big as a Twilight book so I expected important plot points and a climax and that yearning to keep reading, but it just didn't come. I had to force myself to finish it. It was getting really boring after some time. The second reason it's rated this way is because it's cheesy to a highly unrealistic level. The author made her point and sent her message but repeated it over and over throughout the rest of the book and it grated. The characters were also way too similar to each other in the sense that their story structure was almost exactly the same for each sister. Each sister got their first job at 16, dated a mean boy, went through a phase, and realized that they only needed their family's love and they realize they love themselves for who they are without pleasing anyone else. It really wasn't necessary to repeat the same slogan for four books. FOUR.
If you like slice-of-life books and want a break from really hard-to-read books, sure you can read this. It certainly gave me a break. But it isn't something I would read again. The character development was overused and cheesy, the lessons were repeated, and it was painfully long. Sorry, not sorry. Good luck!
September 29, 2025
their is four stories in one and each had its own ups and downs with lessons each of the girls learned when they turned 16 and older.
Rose review
I liked reading about how the girls learned to handle a loss in their family and the financial problems that they faced due to it. Rose learned valuable lessons that she will always remember
Daisy review
I liked reading about daisy and learn more about her personality, daisy learned some valuable lessons about being true to who you are. While it took a while for her to learn the lesson and their was a lot of ups and downs for her with the help of her family and family she was able to overcome the challenges.
Laurel review
This one was the most depressing and laurel learned some lessons about love among other things but the most important one was she had to learn how to cope with so much tragedy. I loved the animal parts in it and how other people have helped her when she needed it.
Lily review
This one was intense, and it had lessons from the other sisters that lily learned the hard way which helped her also learn who she was and that it was ok not to have everything figured out right away about who she is.
The epilogue in this was absolutely perfect and a great way to tie all the stories in one together and bring it back full circle but on a happier note.
Rose review
I liked reading about how the girls learned to handle a loss in their family and the financial problems that they faced due to it. Rose learned valuable lessons that she will always remember
Daisy review
I liked reading about daisy and learn more about her personality, daisy learned some valuable lessons about being true to who you are. While it took a while for her to learn the lesson and their was a lot of ups and downs for her with the help of her family and family she was able to overcome the challenges.
Laurel review
This one was the most depressing and laurel learned some lessons about love among other things but the most important one was she had to learn how to cope with so much tragedy. I loved the animal parts in it and how other people have helped her when she needed it.
Lily review
This one was intense, and it had lessons from the other sisters that lily learned the hard way which helped her also learn who she was and that it was ok not to have everything figured out right away about who she is.
The epilogue in this was absolutely perfect and a great way to tie all the stories in one together and bring it back full circle but on a happier note.
July 4, 2018
At first, when I read this book, I get slightly irritated with the way Rose is portrayed. It is probably because of how in love she is it seems dumb but I've never been in love so I couldn't judge. Then comes Daisy with her bad decisions and her constant denial (which all the four sisters possessed). I think she's being irrelevant with her rebel attitude but then I understand a bit that her grief and the pressure to be the perfect one kind of suffocate her and stressed her out. With Laurel, I cried the hardest out of the four because it's just so sad to deal with loses in the family when you're so tight with each other. Her thoughts on being such a screw up is just sad because she's not one but she's too afraid to take a step. Then comes Lily with her needs to be among the crowd that she didn't realised she's got a different way to stand out. I've realised the sisters despite the loses are strong-willed and despite the hardships they've always realised in the end that being who they are, accepting themselves for who they are are what matters the most.
I think this is a really good book if you're looking for good family relationships and figuring out yourself.
I think this is a really good book if you're looking for good family relationships and figuring out yourself.
January 3, 2021
I last read this book when I was in sixth grade. I wanted to re-read it since I often cite it as one of my favorites (Mainly because of the concept - 4 sisters during their 16th year) It was easy to get wrapped up in the lives of the sisters. I felt like I knew them. It was an entertaining and enjoyable story for sure. I would rank the stories though as follows:
1. Rose
2. Lily
3. Laurel
4. Daisy
I put Daisy’s last because honestly her entire dilemma could have been nipped in the bud had the mom had a conversation with the girl and asked her to what her deal was. I really didn’t like how passive the mom was. As loving and sisterly as they all were it seemed like none of them were capable of being honest and giving good advice when needed.
This book remains a fav still but again because of the concept and the characters not necessarily the story itself.
1. Rose
2. Lily
3. Laurel
4. Daisy
I put Daisy’s last because honestly her entire dilemma could have been nipped in the bud had the mom had a conversation with the girl and asked her to what her deal was. I really didn’t like how passive the mom was. As loving and sisterly as they all were it seemed like none of them were capable of being honest and giving good advice when needed.
This book remains a fav still but again because of the concept and the characters not necessarily the story itself.
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