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Then I Met My Sister
It's not exactly easy living in a shrine to your dead sister. Since birth, I've known that everyone loved Shannon. She was perfect--beautiful, smart, talented. And me? Not so much. My parents always expected me to live up to her greatness. But I could never measure up to her, so why even try?
This summer, I've started reading the journal Shannon kept just before she died . . . and suddenly nothing is what I thought it was. The more secrets I learn about Shannon and our family, the more everything changes. And as it turns out, facing the truth is no cakewalk, either.
This summer, I've started reading the journal Shannon kept just before she died . . . and suddenly nothing is what I thought it was. The more secrets I learn about Shannon and our family, the more everything changes. And as it turns out, facing the truth is no cakewalk, either.
269 pages, Paperback
First published April 8, 2011
26 people are currently reading
1601 people want to read
About the author
Christine Hurley Deriso
14 books73 followers“Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.”—William Wordsworth
One thing that strikes me about my writing is that the process has changed very little since I first started jotting down stories around age six. An idea fills my head and whines, cajoles, begs or bullies until I pay attention. Sometimes the ideas are so charming that I scoop them up in a hug. Other times, they’re so annoying that I snap, “What?” at their insistence. But either way, I can no more walk away from one than I could walk away from a child in need.
The ideas originate in my head, but they seem to have a mind, an essence, an existence of their own. I feel more like a vessel than an owner. Succumbing to these ideas’ insistence to flow through me is profoundly joyful, but also utterly involuntary. And that hasn’t changed since I was six.
What has changed, I hope, is my wisdom, my insight, my courage . . . my head’s ability to make enough sense of these ideas to shape them into something meaningful, even the ones that scare me. Especially the ones that scare me.
I’m guessing you’ll glean from my books that I love all words, any words.
Whether I’m writing for a young child, a tween, a young adult or a Ph.D., I try hard to move my reader . . . to make his world a little bigger or his heart a little fuller. Hopefully both.
So there you have it: I love words and I love ideas, and if I didn’t love them, they’d badger me anyhow.
Thanks for sharing the experience with me.
One thing that strikes me about my writing is that the process has changed very little since I first started jotting down stories around age six. An idea fills my head and whines, cajoles, begs or bullies until I pay attention. Sometimes the ideas are so charming that I scoop them up in a hug. Other times, they’re so annoying that I snap, “What?” at their insistence. But either way, I can no more walk away from one than I could walk away from a child in need.
The ideas originate in my head, but they seem to have a mind, an essence, an existence of their own. I feel more like a vessel than an owner. Succumbing to these ideas’ insistence to flow through me is profoundly joyful, but also utterly involuntary. And that hasn’t changed since I was six.
What has changed, I hope, is my wisdom, my insight, my courage . . . my head’s ability to make enough sense of these ideas to shape them into something meaningful, even the ones that scare me. Especially the ones that scare me.
I’m guessing you’ll glean from my books that I love all words, any words.
Whether I’m writing for a young child, a tween, a young adult or a Ph.D., I try hard to move my reader . . . to make his world a little bigger or his heart a little fuller. Hopefully both.
So there you have it: I love words and I love ideas, and if I didn’t love them, they’d badger me anyhow.
Thanks for sharing the experience with me.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
August 27, 2011
Summer has always been in the shadow of the sister she never met. Shannon was perfect, beautiful, and ambitious, but she died unexpectedly the first day of her senior year. Summer was born not long afterwards, as a sort of a replacement for dead sibling, but she never fully lives up to her sister, not even bothering to try. Shannon never seemed like a real person to Summer, she was just a face in a frame, a name on a plaque, a forbidden topic for her parents, and a burden over her shoulders. That is, until Summer's aunt gives her the journal her sister kept the summer before she died. Summer finally has a chance to get to know her sister, but is it a chance Summer is going to take? It becomes clear from the first page that Shannon isn't the person she thought she was, and Summer isn't sure she's ready for her sister to become a real being.
Then I Met My Sister is a good story about impressions. We all judge people based on a glance or an assumption. Sometimes its easy to think of people in a superficial way, rather to than to acknowledge their secrets and thoughts and feelings. Summer is content resenting her overbearing mother and her meek father, and doesn't really want to see them any other way, which Shannon's journal is forcing her to do. Summer thinks she is beyond judging people, when she hides behind it herself.
This is a pretty average YA novel, although it does have more substance than most. The topics, although not edgy, are not completely light-hearted either. The book makes you think, makes you acknowledge that your parents aren't just parents, and siblings just aren't siblings, they are people. They make mistakes and they can surprise you.
Then I Met My Sister is a good story about impressions. We all judge people based on a glance or an assumption. Sometimes its easy to think of people in a superficial way, rather to than to acknowledge their secrets and thoughts and feelings. Summer is content resenting her overbearing mother and her meek father, and doesn't really want to see them any other way, which Shannon's journal is forcing her to do. Summer thinks she is beyond judging people, when she hides behind it herself.
This is a pretty average YA novel, although it does have more substance than most. The topics, although not edgy, are not completely light-hearted either. The book makes you think, makes you acknowledge that your parents aren't just parents, and siblings just aren't siblings, they are people. They make mistakes and they can surprise you.
April 22, 2011
Hmm...I don't really know what to say about this book. I enjoyed the book. But it wasn't anything to either rave or rant about. I mean, it was definitely a quick read and was interesting. But I guess I was hoping to really feel and get into the characters. But they were just that to me--characters.
My favorite character though, was Gibs. Such a sweet guy and you could totally tell he had a thing for Summer. But she was so absorbed in her sister's diary that she couldn't see it (not that I blame her). And her whole family dynamic was so weird. Summer says she was born because her sister died which makes me feel like her mother would be a caring and maternal type but she's completely cold and closed off (which I am so not used to...my mom is the total opposite). And her dad just seemed kinda weak. But I did love Shannon. I liked that she seemed real by battling the desire to be perfect with the desire to just be a normal teen.
This is definitely a character-driven book. The only action is really one little surprise at the end, but I wouldn't even call that action. Just something to throw in a twist. All this writing kinda makes it sound like I didn't like the book, which isn't true at all. I did enjoy it.
My favorite character though, was Gibs. Such a sweet guy and you could totally tell he had a thing for Summer. But she was so absorbed in her sister's diary that she couldn't see it (not that I blame her). And her whole family dynamic was so weird. Summer says she was born because her sister died which makes me feel like her mother would be a caring and maternal type but she's completely cold and closed off (which I am so not used to...my mom is the total opposite). And her dad just seemed kinda weak. But I did love Shannon. I liked that she seemed real by battling the desire to be perfect with the desire to just be a normal teen.
This is definitely a character-driven book. The only action is really one little surprise at the end, but I wouldn't even call that action. Just something to throw in a twist. All this writing kinda makes it sound like I didn't like the book, which isn't true at all. I did enjoy it.
August 19, 2015
Summer's sister, Shannon, died before she was born. Summer feels like she's grown up in a memorial to her perfect sister, a constant disappointment to her parents. And then her aunt gives her Shannon's journal from the summer before she died. Suddenly, Shannon is more than a static image to Summer.
Shannon's journal wasn't actually all that interesting to me. It's a pretty standard story about a sheltered girl with really bad taste in guys. Her boyfriend is such transparently bad news that it's almost painful. Even Summer spends much of her time in disbelief that she could be so naive. I was much more interested in Shannon's side of things. For one, she's a more interesting character. More than that, I liked seeing her growth. She learns to see more of her parents, and of herself, than she'd previously been able to see. No, it isn't the most exciting story in the world, but it's well done.
I did go back and forth on one aspect of the book. It felt kind of forced to me that Summer was adamant about reading Shannon's diary in chronological order, given that Shannon says she wants to die in one of the first entries that Summer flips to. An entry written just a few days before Shannon's death. At first, I couldn't believe that she wouldn't just read the last few entries. That's what I would do, if I'd seen an entry like that in a dead relative's journal! As the story went on, it became somewhat more believable that she'd avoid the last few pages, but I never quite bought it. Still, kind of a minor thing.
Shannon's journal wasn't actually all that interesting to me. It's a pretty standard story about a sheltered girl with really bad taste in guys. Her boyfriend is such transparently bad news that it's almost painful. Even Summer spends much of her time in disbelief that she could be so naive. I was much more interested in Shannon's side of things. For one, she's a more interesting character. More than that, I liked seeing her growth. She learns to see more of her parents, and of herself, than she'd previously been able to see. No, it isn't the most exciting story in the world, but it's well done.
I did go back and forth on one aspect of the book. It felt kind of forced to me that Summer was adamant about reading Shannon's diary in chronological order, given that Shannon says she wants to die in one of the first entries that Summer flips to. An entry written just a few days before Shannon's death. At first, I couldn't believe that she wouldn't just read the last few entries. That's what I would do, if I'd seen an entry like that in a dead relative's journal! As the story went on, it became somewhat more believable that she'd avoid the last few pages, but I never quite bought it. Still, kind of a minor thing.
September 20, 2011
I really, really enjoyed reading this book and I'm surprised it's not more popular. It has a genuine, realistic protagonist and a very interesting storyline. I almost immediately engaged with Summer and I devoured this book - it's one that I found hard to put down. Summer and her sister's relationship was definitely unique as well as touching. The subplot of Summer and Gibson's relationship was also really sweet and I think that it worked well - putting more of a happier tone amongst the sad feelings from Summer's discovery of her sister's true past. The characters in this book were well developed and the writing was good. Deriso gives a good insight into a realistic family life and deals well with a family who, after years, are still coming to terms with the death of a loved one. I'd definitely recommend this book.
March 10, 2011
I had to read Then I Met My Sister on a deadline. A shared ARC was passed around to the participants of Deriso's blog tour, so I had to read it as fast as I could to send it off to the next reader. Sometimes reading on deadline can be a real drudge - forcing yourself to read page after page when you'd rather be doing something else. Luckily, that was not a problem with Then I Met My Sister. I plowed through this book in a day, having to force myself to put the book down!
I connected with Summer from the first page. She has a sarcastic, dark take on pretty much everything, which is a voice style that I always enjoy. Summer lives in the shadow of her sister Shannon who died nine months before Summer was born. Consciously or unconsciously, Summer has gone out of her way to be everything she thought Shannon was not. Shannon got good grades, so Summer barely gets by. Shannon had a wall full of trophies - she did everything and universally excelled. Summer excels in laziness and quitting. Shannon was kind and obedient to her parents. Summer is outspoken and challenges her mother about everything. It's pretty hard to live up to the perfect sister, so Summer doesn't even try.
The summer before Summer's senior year of high school - when she finally is going to surpass Shannon's age - Summer's aunt gives her a journal that Shannon kept the last few months of her life. It turns out Shannon wasn't so perfect. After overachieving for so long, Shannon finally cracked. She abandoned her good friends and took up with a jerky boyfriend and rebel new best friend, constantly fought her mother, and fought herself. She'd lived for other people for so long that she didn't know who she was anymore.
I thought Summer's family dynamics were fascinating. And I loved how the diary helped Summer learn secrets about her family that tore them down but eventually helped build them back up. Summer's mom is incredibly controlling and can't accept Summer for who she is. The diary helps Summer understand why. Summer's dad is boring yet dependable, but the diary shows another side of him. I love how Summer's relationship with her parents both changes and doesn't change. It was fascinating to see how her parent's flaws affected Shannon's life and how they now affect Summer. I also love how all of the characters grew through the novel, yet essentially stay the same. There was forward momentum but no kiss-cry-everything's-perfect-now endings that always make me roll my eyes.
The only plot other than Summer's exploration of her sister's journal, was her growing relationship with her friend Gibs. Such a wonderful character. Super smart, kind, thoughtful, handsome, funny. An all around great friend. I love how he supported Summer, but also challenged her. He looked at her family from the outside in and had insights that Summer wasn't capable of seeing. Even better, there's a positively squeal-worthy moment between them on the beach. Look forward to it.
If Then I Met My Sister has a weakness, it would be a lack of action or a strong plot line. The book is really a character exploration. Summer's perception of her sister changing from cardboard cut-out to three-dimensional person and Summer's perception of herself changing from unworthy to full of potential. The only plot is the relationship with Gibs, but even that is a mini-character exploration. Their interactions are dialogue-heavy and often revolve around Shannon and Summer's family. This didn't bother me at all. I loved delving into a family, getting to know their secrets, and seeing them start to turn into something better. But others might get frustrated.
I highly recommend Then I Met My Sister. You'll love Summer's voice. This funny, frustrating, lovable girl makes the book worth reading. Add to that a great guy and a family haunted by their past, and you have a really interesting novel.
Rating: 4 / 5
I connected with Summer from the first page. She has a sarcastic, dark take on pretty much everything, which is a voice style that I always enjoy. Summer lives in the shadow of her sister Shannon who died nine months before Summer was born. Consciously or unconsciously, Summer has gone out of her way to be everything she thought Shannon was not. Shannon got good grades, so Summer barely gets by. Shannon had a wall full of trophies - she did everything and universally excelled. Summer excels in laziness and quitting. Shannon was kind and obedient to her parents. Summer is outspoken and challenges her mother about everything. It's pretty hard to live up to the perfect sister, so Summer doesn't even try.
The summer before Summer's senior year of high school - when she finally is going to surpass Shannon's age - Summer's aunt gives her a journal that Shannon kept the last few months of her life. It turns out Shannon wasn't so perfect. After overachieving for so long, Shannon finally cracked. She abandoned her good friends and took up with a jerky boyfriend and rebel new best friend, constantly fought her mother, and fought herself. She'd lived for other people for so long that she didn't know who she was anymore.
I thought Summer's family dynamics were fascinating. And I loved how the diary helped Summer learn secrets about her family that tore them down but eventually helped build them back up. Summer's mom is incredibly controlling and can't accept Summer for who she is. The diary helps Summer understand why. Summer's dad is boring yet dependable, but the diary shows another side of him. I love how Summer's relationship with her parents both changes and doesn't change. It was fascinating to see how her parent's flaws affected Shannon's life and how they now affect Summer. I also love how all of the characters grew through the novel, yet essentially stay the same. There was forward momentum but no kiss-cry-everything's-perfect-now endings that always make me roll my eyes.
The only plot other than Summer's exploration of her sister's journal, was her growing relationship with her friend Gibs. Such a wonderful character. Super smart, kind, thoughtful, handsome, funny. An all around great friend. I love how he supported Summer, but also challenged her. He looked at her family from the outside in and had insights that Summer wasn't capable of seeing. Even better, there's a positively squeal-worthy moment between them on the beach. Look forward to it.
If Then I Met My Sister has a weakness, it would be a lack of action or a strong plot line. The book is really a character exploration. Summer's perception of her sister changing from cardboard cut-out to three-dimensional person and Summer's perception of herself changing from unworthy to full of potential. The only plot is the relationship with Gibs, but even that is a mini-character exploration. Their interactions are dialogue-heavy and often revolve around Shannon and Summer's family. This didn't bother me at all. I loved delving into a family, getting to know their secrets, and seeing them start to turn into something better. But others might get frustrated.
I highly recommend Then I Met My Sister. You'll love Summer's voice. This funny, frustrating, lovable girl makes the book worth reading. Add to that a great guy and a family haunted by their past, and you have a really interesting novel.
Rating: 4 / 5
January 8, 2015
I would recommend this book to high school females. I say that because there are some swear words and the whole story the book is based upon is very deep. The book also shows how family should always stick together and how some people aren't always who you thought they were/are.
I really enjoyed this book because it was a very real scenario, and it showed how real people would deal with a situation as intense as this one. It also showed that in life things will change, some for the better and some for the worst; and that the people who always stick by you are the people you need in your life.
In the beginning of the book you meet Summer, her parents, and her sister Shannon. After meeting the family, you find out that Summer never met Shannon because she died in a car accident. You also find out that the only reason that Summer is here is because Shannon died. In everyone's eyes Shannon was the "perfect" daughter. To Summer, she will never compare to Shannon; she'll never be good enough, smart enough, nice enough, etc. In school Shannon was taking a lot of hard classes, whereas Summer was not even close. Also the only person Summer can talk to is her friend, Gibson or Gibs. During the summer before Summer's senior year of high school, Summer's mother made her work at her Aunt Nic's flower shop. One of the first days of work, Aunt Nic gave Summer Shannon's journal. Shannon wrote this journal the summer that she died, which was the summer before her senior year. Right when Summer got the journal she didn't know what she was going to do with it, so she called up Gibs. Gibs told her to read it so she could get to know her sister. While she had this, her parents didn't know, they didn't even know that Shannon had written it. In the journal, Summer finds out that Shannon wasn't exactly the daughter that she thought she was. During this summer, Shannon started rebelling; she stopped hanging out with her best friend Eve, become friends with Jamie, and started dating a bad boy, Chris. While she thought her life was great, her mom made her go to a therapist. Shannon didn't think it was helping, until her last session when she could just be herself and truly be happy. Everyday Summer would read an entry, and it got to be difficult because now she actually was getting to know the sister she never got to meet. After every entry she read, she would call Gibs to be comforted since she couldn't talk to her parents.
When fourth of July came close, Gibs asked Summer to go to his family's beach house with them and she said yes. When they were at the beach house, then Gibs confessed his love for Summer and after that they started dating. When they got home, Summer finished the journal with Gibs. After finishing the journal, she met with the people that meant the most to Shannon. Summer met Eve, Chris, and one of her favorite teachers. And the book ended with Summer starting the day of the anniversary of Shannon's death.
I really enjoyed this book because it was a very real scenario, and it showed how real people would deal with a situation as intense as this one. It also showed that in life things will change, some for the better and some for the worst; and that the people who always stick by you are the people you need in your life.
In the beginning of the book you meet Summer, her parents, and her sister Shannon. After meeting the family, you find out that Summer never met Shannon because she died in a car accident. You also find out that the only reason that Summer is here is because Shannon died. In everyone's eyes Shannon was the "perfect" daughter. To Summer, she will never compare to Shannon; she'll never be good enough, smart enough, nice enough, etc. In school Shannon was taking a lot of hard classes, whereas Summer was not even close. Also the only person Summer can talk to is her friend, Gibson or Gibs. During the summer before Summer's senior year of high school, Summer's mother made her work at her Aunt Nic's flower shop. One of the first days of work, Aunt Nic gave Summer Shannon's journal. Shannon wrote this journal the summer that she died, which was the summer before her senior year. Right when Summer got the journal she didn't know what she was going to do with it, so she called up Gibs. Gibs told her to read it so she could get to know her sister. While she had this, her parents didn't know, they didn't even know that Shannon had written it. In the journal, Summer finds out that Shannon wasn't exactly the daughter that she thought she was. During this summer, Shannon started rebelling; she stopped hanging out with her best friend Eve, become friends with Jamie, and started dating a bad boy, Chris. While she thought her life was great, her mom made her go to a therapist. Shannon didn't think it was helping, until her last session when she could just be herself and truly be happy. Everyday Summer would read an entry, and it got to be difficult because now she actually was getting to know the sister she never got to meet. After every entry she read, she would call Gibs to be comforted since she couldn't talk to her parents.
When fourth of July came close, Gibs asked Summer to go to his family's beach house with them and she said yes. When they were at the beach house, then Gibs confessed his love for Summer and after that they started dating. When they got home, Summer finished the journal with Gibs. After finishing the journal, she met with the people that meant the most to Shannon. Summer met Eve, Chris, and one of her favorite teachers. And the book ended with Summer starting the day of the anniversary of Shannon's death.
April 28, 2011
It was the cover of Then I met my Sister that caught my attention, then it was the synopsis that drew me in, and then it was the incredible storyline that hooked me.
I immediately felt a connection with Summer because I could relate to her. I understood what she was going through when it came to having a sibling that passed away before you were born. It was great to have that personal connection with her. Summer was always being compared to her dead sister, Shannon. An over-achiever, pretty, popular, near perfect teenager. But all those thoughts Summer had of her sister being the perfect, golden child changes when Summer receives her sister's journal as a birthday gift from her aunt. Summer soon realizes that her sister isn't exactly who she thought she was. It was an incredible reading experience reading the journal along with her. Not only is Shannon meeting her sister for the first time, we are as well.
The flow of the writing was perfect. It was simple and not overdone. There are so many great qualities of this book that make it a great read. It takes you on an emotional journey of self discovery, not only with Shannon but with Summer and her family. I love reading books about self growth and transformation and this book is just that.
The cover of this book alone is enough to peek your interest but there is so much more behind the pretty cover, there is a lovely story.
I immediately felt a connection with Summer because I could relate to her. I understood what she was going through when it came to having a sibling that passed away before you were born. It was great to have that personal connection with her. Summer was always being compared to her dead sister, Shannon. An over-achiever, pretty, popular, near perfect teenager. But all those thoughts Summer had of her sister being the perfect, golden child changes when Summer receives her sister's journal as a birthday gift from her aunt. Summer soon realizes that her sister isn't exactly who she thought she was. It was an incredible reading experience reading the journal along with her. Not only is Shannon meeting her sister for the first time, we are as well.
The flow of the writing was perfect. It was simple and not overdone. There are so many great qualities of this book that make it a great read. It takes you on an emotional journey of self discovery, not only with Shannon but with Summer and her family. I love reading books about self growth and transformation and this book is just that.
The cover of this book alone is enough to peek your interest but there is so much more behind the pretty cover, there is a lovely story.
July 2, 2013
So, I've just finished the book. I did (as I expected) cry, especially towards the end. Like most books, this has given me more about life to think on. The truth is, you never know when you'll die. Thus best to make the best out of every moment. Also, everyone has a reason for why they behave the way they do. I felt true respect for Shannon and Summer's mom.
I loved how Christine Hurley Deriso used Summer's POV to narrate the story. I love getting more information about what the characters are feeling, thinking.
Summer's not perfect, but honestly who is? Even Gibs has his own problems. It's just a way of how we deal with it, I guess. I was surprised at Shannon's choice. But that was how she wanted to deal with it. I think if the same thing happened to me, I wonder what I would eventually choose.
I leave with a quote from the book, that is going to become my advice to myself.
"But don't live in the past. For your own sake. Okay?"
I loved how Christine Hurley Deriso used Summer's POV to narrate the story. I love getting more information about what the characters are feeling, thinking.
Summer's not perfect, but honestly who is? Even Gibs has his own problems. It's just a way of how we deal with it, I guess. I was surprised at Shannon's choice. But that was how she wanted to deal with it. I think if the same thing happened to me, I wonder what I would eventually choose.
I leave with a quote from the book, that is going to become my advice to myself.
"But don't live in the past. For your own sake. Okay?"
October 31, 2017
Personal Response:
Then I met My Sister is overall a nicely written book. In the beginning of the book, It took me a while to read since it wasn’t that interesting. During the end I read through it fairly quickly since it had more information that made me want to read more. In my opinion, I think there could’ve been more details. Overall, this book wasn’t too bad, and for the most part I enjoyed reading it.
Plot Summary:
Summer was a normal highschool student with average grades. Her mom was very controlling according to Summer, and her dad was very laid back. Summers’ friend, Gibson, was the total opposite of her with above average grades. Before Summer was born her older sister, Shannon, died in a car accident. All Summer ever heard about was her sister and how amazing she was. On Summer’s birthday, her aunt gave her Shannon’s old journal. When she started reading it, she was introduced an actual real person with emotions and was shocked when she found out that Shannon was not who her parents said she was. Yes Shannon did get very good grades, but she was not happy with her life and trying to be perfect all the time. During the end, Gibson and Summer start dating, and Summer and her family became more open with each other.
Characterization:
Summer: In the beginning of the book, she was insecure and gave up on a lot of things. During the end she became more confident that she was special in her family and started trying in school again.
Summer’s Mom: In the beginning, she was not as open with her family and barely showed any emotions. During the end, she was shown that showing emotions is not being weak. She also was more listening to Summer.
Recommendations:
I would recommend this book to anyone in high school, mainly girls. It wasn’t the best book I have read, but some people would probably enjoy reading it more than me. I rated this book 4 out of 5, because of the lack of some details and because it didn’t intrigue me that much.
Then I met My Sister is overall a nicely written book. In the beginning of the book, It took me a while to read since it wasn’t that interesting. During the end I read through it fairly quickly since it had more information that made me want to read more. In my opinion, I think there could’ve been more details. Overall, this book wasn’t too bad, and for the most part I enjoyed reading it.
Plot Summary:
Summer was a normal highschool student with average grades. Her mom was very controlling according to Summer, and her dad was very laid back. Summers’ friend, Gibson, was the total opposite of her with above average grades. Before Summer was born her older sister, Shannon, died in a car accident. All Summer ever heard about was her sister and how amazing she was. On Summer’s birthday, her aunt gave her Shannon’s old journal. When she started reading it, she was introduced an actual real person with emotions and was shocked when she found out that Shannon was not who her parents said she was. Yes Shannon did get very good grades, but she was not happy with her life and trying to be perfect all the time. During the end, Gibson and Summer start dating, and Summer and her family became more open with each other.
Characterization:
Summer: In the beginning of the book, she was insecure and gave up on a lot of things. During the end she became more confident that she was special in her family and started trying in school again.
Summer’s Mom: In the beginning, she was not as open with her family and barely showed any emotions. During the end, she was shown that showing emotions is not being weak. She also was more listening to Summer.
Recommendations:
I would recommend this book to anyone in high school, mainly girls. It wasn’t the best book I have read, but some people would probably enjoy reading it more than me. I rated this book 4 out of 5, because of the lack of some details and because it didn’t intrigue me that much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Currently reading
March 3, 2020This book was very good. I enjoyed the plot and story line very much. I think the characters were well developed. Overall, it kept my attention.
September 6, 2017
Personal Response: I think this was a really good book. It kept me reading. It was a book that I really enjoyed reading. I liked how there was always something different each chapter. Each chapter was a different journal entry about the girls life before she died.
Plot Summary: In Then I Met My Sister Summer always knew her sister as a perfect daughter and perfect student, until one day her Aunt Nicole gave her her sister Shannon's journal. Shannon wrote in this journal every day before she died. Summer's parents never knew what she had written in the journal. When Nicole gave the journal to Summer she was not sure if she wanted to read it or not. Summer had her best friend Gibson (Gibs), he helped her decide if she wanted to read the journal. Summer decides to read the journal and then she finds out that the summer of Shannons death she had completely changed. Summer never would have expected her journal to be the way it is. Shannon was not that perfect daughter or students anymore. She was friends with different people, her boyfriend was not the type of boyfriend girls dream of. Shannon was not who she was the year before. Summer was now finding out about things that happened in her family she did not know about before. Summer now wished she could have met her sister for real, and told her things that could have kept her alive.
Characterization: Summer was a girl who did not really do well in school. Her friend Gibs helped her with her end of the year final exam. Summer thought she was never going to pass it but to her amazement she did with the help of Gibs. Throughout this book Gibs and Summer grew closer as friends. Soon enough they started dating. Summer was also finding out about her sister and asking her parents questions about her. Summer was also kind of changing because of her sister. She was not changing in a bad way, but in a good way. She learned about her sister so it kind of made her want to be the way her sister was before she change. Summer wanted to succeed in her Senior year, unlike her first three years of high school. Summer planned to do good this year.
Recommendation: I think that many people should read this book. It will keep them on the edge of their seats. It is a great book for those looking for a kind of mystery book.
Plot Summary: In Then I Met My Sister Summer always knew her sister as a perfect daughter and perfect student, until one day her Aunt Nicole gave her her sister Shannon's journal. Shannon wrote in this journal every day before she died. Summer's parents never knew what she had written in the journal. When Nicole gave the journal to Summer she was not sure if she wanted to read it or not. Summer had her best friend Gibson (Gibs), he helped her decide if she wanted to read the journal. Summer decides to read the journal and then she finds out that the summer of Shannons death she had completely changed. Summer never would have expected her journal to be the way it is. Shannon was not that perfect daughter or students anymore. She was friends with different people, her boyfriend was not the type of boyfriend girls dream of. Shannon was not who she was the year before. Summer was now finding out about things that happened in her family she did not know about before. Summer now wished she could have met her sister for real, and told her things that could have kept her alive.
Characterization: Summer was a girl who did not really do well in school. Her friend Gibs helped her with her end of the year final exam. Summer thought she was never going to pass it but to her amazement she did with the help of Gibs. Throughout this book Gibs and Summer grew closer as friends. Soon enough they started dating. Summer was also finding out about her sister and asking her parents questions about her. Summer was also kind of changing because of her sister. She was not changing in a bad way, but in a good way. She learned about her sister so it kind of made her want to be the way her sister was before she change. Summer wanted to succeed in her Senior year, unlike her first three years of high school. Summer planned to do good this year.
Recommendation: I think that many people should read this book. It will keep them on the edge of their seats. It is a great book for those looking for a kind of mystery book.
September 22, 2011
I picked this up on a whim at the library and ended up loving it! I could have read it in one sitting, but I started it before I went to bed and got about halfway through before I was too tired to keep going, then finished it this morning. I had never heard of the author, Christine Hurley Deriso, or even seen the book on any blogs, which surprises me. I thought the storyline was really intriguing and I did not want to put it down because I was always eager to know what was going to happen next.
I really liked the main character, Summer, and her friend Gibs, who is sweet, smart, and nerdy (just my type!). I found them both likable and enjoyed Summer's sarcastic, yet honest, outlook on high school and life in general. I'd definitely like to get this for my classroom library at school and will be recommending it come fall!
I really liked the main character, Summer, and her friend Gibs, who is sweet, smart, and nerdy (just my type!). I found them both likable and enjoyed Summer's sarcastic, yet honest, outlook on high school and life in general. I'd definitely like to get this for my classroom library at school and will be recommending it come fall!
August 5, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was a great look into the minds of a typical teen girl. I would have given this great read 5 stars, but there was some swearing and a TON of taking the Lord's name in vain. Several uses on every page. I know it probably sounds juvenile to be affected by that, but it does bother me. So I couldn't give this a 5 star in good conscience. Otherwise a great read.
September 6, 2014
It would have been a 3.5, had there been an option for it...was just different from the usual young adult novel, but then did tend to get unbelievable at places...a short quick read which doesn't end on a perfect ending scene...sometimes you never get the answers but the journey to find the answer teaches you lot more than you had thought...
December 21, 2014
I started this book about a month ago. I'm a slow reader, depending on the genre. I thought the climax would have been much bigger, but overall, it's a decent read. The subject matter presented this dark idea of resurrecting someone through words, but it was far from it.
October 10, 2012
Inhalt
Summer steht im Schatten ihrer verstorbenen Schwester. Shannon war hübsch, zielstrebig, ehrgeizig, ein Ass in der Schule. Und Summer ist stets darum bemüht, genau das zu sein, was ihre Schwester nie war. Anders, unscheinbar, durchschnittlich in der Schule. Ganz zum Missfallen ihrer Mutter Susanne. Denn für das Familienoberhaupt muss für die Außenwelt alles perfekt und glänzend sein. So liegt sie ihrer Tochter ständig damit in den Ohren, wie wenig sie doch nach Shannon kommt und wie vorbildhaft ihre erste Tochter stets gewesen ist.
Doch Summer hatte nie die Gelegenheit ihre Schwester Shannon kennenzulernen, denn sie starb vor ihrer Geburt. An ihrem 17. Geburtstag, soll Summer endlich die Gelegenheit bekommen zu erfahren, was für eine Person ihre große Schwester tatsächlich war. Tante Nic schenkt ihr Shannons Tagebuch, was sie bis zu ihrem tragischen Unfalltod geführt hat. Überrascht muss Summer feststellen, dass ihre verstorbene Schwester gar nicht so vollkommen war, wie Summers Umfeld ihr ununterbrochen weiß machen möchte. Nein, auch Shannon konnte rebellisch sein, hat sich gern auf gefährliche Schulkameraden eingelassen und war mit Sicherheit nicht so glücklich mit ihrem Leben, wie ihre Familie stets angenommen hat. Ein sehr entscheidender Satz fällt Summer während des ersten Lesens von Shannons Tagebuch direkt in die Augen…”Ich will mich umbringen!”.
Meinung
Das Cover von ‘Nichts ist so perfekt wie das Leben’ spiegelt schon genau wieder, worum es in der Geschichte geht. Zwei Mädchen, die sich vom Äußeren sehr ähneln, aber tief in ihrem Inneren doch völlig unterschiedliche Dinge im Leben wollen. Nicht nur das Design an sich ist ein richtiger Hingucker, auch in Natura ist das Cover etwas ganz besonders. Normalerweise gehe ich in meinen Bewertungen nicht so genau ins Detail, was die Gestaltung eines Buchs angeht, doch die von ‘Nichts ist so perfekt wie das Leben’ muss einfach erwähnt werden. Denn der Fotoausschnitt ist von der Beschaffenheit ganz anders, als der Rest des Buchs. Fährt man mit seinen Fingern über das ausgeschnittene Gesicht, fühlt sich dieser Bereich tatsächlich wie die Oberfläche eines Fotos an. So bringt das Cover also nicht nur Optischen die Gegensätze und Gemeinsamkeiten der Schwestern Summer und Shannon auf den Punkt.
Nun zur Handlung. Ich war tatsächlich von Anfang an von der Geschichte gefesselt. Das war natürlich größtenteils der Handlung zuzuschreiben. Denn das Buch verbirgt in sich so viele unterschiedliche Facetten. Glaubt man nach dem Lesen des Klappentexts, das Buch hält eine spannende und wendungsreiche Geschichte bereit, so ist das aber noch längst nicht alles, was ‘Nichts ist so perfekt wie das Leben’ dem Leser tatsächlich bietet. Natürlich ist es aufregend, gemeinsam mit der Protagonistin Summer zu erfahren, was sich wirklich im Kopf ihrer verstorbenen Schwester abgespielt hat. Doch mich hat viel mehr begeistert, wie tiefgründig und berührend die Geschichte ist.
Anhand der Tagebucheinträge, die gekonnt in die eigentliche Handlung einfließen, erhält die gesamte Geschichte nämlich ohne Unterlass einen zum Nachdenken anregenden Touch, der wirklich unter die Haut geht. Mit einer sehr angenehm jugendlichen Sprache erzählt uns die verstorbene Shannon in ihrem Tagebuch, was sie in den letzten Wochen ihres jungen Lebens beschäftigt hat. Shannon war stets darum bemüht, den Vorstellungen ihrer Mitmenschen gerecht zu werden, bis sie sich selbst, ihre eigene Identität verloren hat. Sie beschreibt dabei ihre eigenen Gefühle und Erlebnisse so intensiv, dass man als Leser genauso geschockt und teilweise tieftraurig die Erzählungen des Mädchens verfolgt, wie es Summer selbst im Buch tut.
Doch das Leben von Shannon ist längst nicht alles, was Christine Hurley Deriso in ihrer Geschichte aufgreift. Natürlich steht Summer im Mittelpunkt der Geschichte. War die Protagonistin noch zu Anfang der Handlung sehr schlecht auf Shannon zu sprechen, weil alle Welt Vergleiche zwischen den Schwestern zieht, so verändert sich ihre Meinung, je weiter sie im Tagebuch von Shannon liest. Und so stößt Summer auch auf weitere Geheimnisse der Familie, die sie am liebsten nie erfahren hätte. ‘Nichts ist so perfekt wie das Leben’ beinhaltet neben der Lebensgeschichte von Shannon auch eine gesamte Familiengeschichte, die nicht weniger gefühlvoll vonstattengeht. Die Autorin lädt den Leser also auf eine sehr emotionale und dramatische Reise ein, die gerade wegen der intensiven Erzählweise zu einem Pageturner wird.
Genauso mitreißend und einnehmend waren für mich die Figuren des Buchs, doch haben es mir nicht alle von Anfang an leicht gemacht. Mit der Protagonistin selbst, konnte ich mich zunächst gar nicht anfreunden. Einerseits hatte ich völlig Verständnis für ihr aufmüpfiges und anstrengendes Verhalten, denn ich kann mir nur zu gut vorstellen, wie schwer es für einen Teenager sein muss, anscheinend nie gut genug für ihre Eltern zu sein und ständig kritisiert zu werden. Doch an vielen Stellen hat mir die Einstellung von Summer den Lesespaß genommen. Gerade wenn es um eine andere Figur, ihren besten Freund Gibson ging, habe ich mir oft gewünscht, Summer würde ein etwas erwachseneres und umsichtigeres Verhalten an den Tag legen. Denn Gibson ist wohl eine der liebenswertesten Figuren, die ich je in einem Buch kennenlernen durfte. Er ist hochintelligent, stets um das Wohl seiner Freunde bemüht und unheimlich süß. Ein richtiger Goldschatz eben. So hätte ich Summer am liebsten einmal den Kopf durchgewaschen, um ihr klar zu machen, dass es der wunderbare Gibson ist, den sie wieder einmal von der Seite anmacht. Ihr bester Freund, der mit ihr Pferde stehlen würde. Summer war bisweilen unfair und unglaublich egoistisch, was in meinen Augen schlechte Eigenschaften sind. Doch muss man der Autorin auch zu Gute halten, dass Summer als Protagonistin durch das Lesen des Tagebuchs eine enorme Entwicklung vollzieht und sie zu einem besseren Menschen macht.
Fazit
‘Nichts ist so perfekt wie das Leben’ erzählt nicht nur die Geschichte zweier Schwestern, die sich nie kennenlernen durften. Vielmehr ist das Buch eine Familiengeschichte, die dem Leser davon berichtet, wie sich das Innere eines Menschen durch den Verlust eines geliebten Menschen verändern kann. Mitreißend, emotional und sehr gefühlvoll kann der Leser auf 320 Seiten miterleben, wie eine junge Frau langsam erwachsen wird, zu sich selbst findet und herausfindet, was das Leben alles bereit hält. ‘Nichts ist so perfekt wie das Leben’ erzählt eindrucksvoll mit vielen traurigen, aber auch romantischen Momenten, dass man sein Leben in die Hand nehmen muss, für seine eigenen Taten verantwortlich ist, vor allem aber nicht in der Vergangenheit verharren, sondern seine Zukunft nicht aus den Augen verlieren sollte.
Summer steht im Schatten ihrer verstorbenen Schwester. Shannon war hübsch, zielstrebig, ehrgeizig, ein Ass in der Schule. Und Summer ist stets darum bemüht, genau das zu sein, was ihre Schwester nie war. Anders, unscheinbar, durchschnittlich in der Schule. Ganz zum Missfallen ihrer Mutter Susanne. Denn für das Familienoberhaupt muss für die Außenwelt alles perfekt und glänzend sein. So liegt sie ihrer Tochter ständig damit in den Ohren, wie wenig sie doch nach Shannon kommt und wie vorbildhaft ihre erste Tochter stets gewesen ist.
Doch Summer hatte nie die Gelegenheit ihre Schwester Shannon kennenzulernen, denn sie starb vor ihrer Geburt. An ihrem 17. Geburtstag, soll Summer endlich die Gelegenheit bekommen zu erfahren, was für eine Person ihre große Schwester tatsächlich war. Tante Nic schenkt ihr Shannons Tagebuch, was sie bis zu ihrem tragischen Unfalltod geführt hat. Überrascht muss Summer feststellen, dass ihre verstorbene Schwester gar nicht so vollkommen war, wie Summers Umfeld ihr ununterbrochen weiß machen möchte. Nein, auch Shannon konnte rebellisch sein, hat sich gern auf gefährliche Schulkameraden eingelassen und war mit Sicherheit nicht so glücklich mit ihrem Leben, wie ihre Familie stets angenommen hat. Ein sehr entscheidender Satz fällt Summer während des ersten Lesens von Shannons Tagebuch direkt in die Augen…”Ich will mich umbringen!”.
Meinung
Das Cover von ‘Nichts ist so perfekt wie das Leben’ spiegelt schon genau wieder, worum es in der Geschichte geht. Zwei Mädchen, die sich vom Äußeren sehr ähneln, aber tief in ihrem Inneren doch völlig unterschiedliche Dinge im Leben wollen. Nicht nur das Design an sich ist ein richtiger Hingucker, auch in Natura ist das Cover etwas ganz besonders. Normalerweise gehe ich in meinen Bewertungen nicht so genau ins Detail, was die Gestaltung eines Buchs angeht, doch die von ‘Nichts ist so perfekt wie das Leben’ muss einfach erwähnt werden. Denn der Fotoausschnitt ist von der Beschaffenheit ganz anders, als der Rest des Buchs. Fährt man mit seinen Fingern über das ausgeschnittene Gesicht, fühlt sich dieser Bereich tatsächlich wie die Oberfläche eines Fotos an. So bringt das Cover also nicht nur Optischen die Gegensätze und Gemeinsamkeiten der Schwestern Summer und Shannon auf den Punkt.
Nun zur Handlung. Ich war tatsächlich von Anfang an von der Geschichte gefesselt. Das war natürlich größtenteils der Handlung zuzuschreiben. Denn das Buch verbirgt in sich so viele unterschiedliche Facetten. Glaubt man nach dem Lesen des Klappentexts, das Buch hält eine spannende und wendungsreiche Geschichte bereit, so ist das aber noch längst nicht alles, was ‘Nichts ist so perfekt wie das Leben’ dem Leser tatsächlich bietet. Natürlich ist es aufregend, gemeinsam mit der Protagonistin Summer zu erfahren, was sich wirklich im Kopf ihrer verstorbenen Schwester abgespielt hat. Doch mich hat viel mehr begeistert, wie tiefgründig und berührend die Geschichte ist.
Anhand der Tagebucheinträge, die gekonnt in die eigentliche Handlung einfließen, erhält die gesamte Geschichte nämlich ohne Unterlass einen zum Nachdenken anregenden Touch, der wirklich unter die Haut geht. Mit einer sehr angenehm jugendlichen Sprache erzählt uns die verstorbene Shannon in ihrem Tagebuch, was sie in den letzten Wochen ihres jungen Lebens beschäftigt hat. Shannon war stets darum bemüht, den Vorstellungen ihrer Mitmenschen gerecht zu werden, bis sie sich selbst, ihre eigene Identität verloren hat. Sie beschreibt dabei ihre eigenen Gefühle und Erlebnisse so intensiv, dass man als Leser genauso geschockt und teilweise tieftraurig die Erzählungen des Mädchens verfolgt, wie es Summer selbst im Buch tut.
Doch das Leben von Shannon ist längst nicht alles, was Christine Hurley Deriso in ihrer Geschichte aufgreift. Natürlich steht Summer im Mittelpunkt der Geschichte. War die Protagonistin noch zu Anfang der Handlung sehr schlecht auf Shannon zu sprechen, weil alle Welt Vergleiche zwischen den Schwestern zieht, so verändert sich ihre Meinung, je weiter sie im Tagebuch von Shannon liest. Und so stößt Summer auch auf weitere Geheimnisse der Familie, die sie am liebsten nie erfahren hätte. ‘Nichts ist so perfekt wie das Leben’ beinhaltet neben der Lebensgeschichte von Shannon auch eine gesamte Familiengeschichte, die nicht weniger gefühlvoll vonstattengeht. Die Autorin lädt den Leser also auf eine sehr emotionale und dramatische Reise ein, die gerade wegen der intensiven Erzählweise zu einem Pageturner wird.
Genauso mitreißend und einnehmend waren für mich die Figuren des Buchs, doch haben es mir nicht alle von Anfang an leicht gemacht. Mit der Protagonistin selbst, konnte ich mich zunächst gar nicht anfreunden. Einerseits hatte ich völlig Verständnis für ihr aufmüpfiges und anstrengendes Verhalten, denn ich kann mir nur zu gut vorstellen, wie schwer es für einen Teenager sein muss, anscheinend nie gut genug für ihre Eltern zu sein und ständig kritisiert zu werden. Doch an vielen Stellen hat mir die Einstellung von Summer den Lesespaß genommen. Gerade wenn es um eine andere Figur, ihren besten Freund Gibson ging, habe ich mir oft gewünscht, Summer würde ein etwas erwachseneres und umsichtigeres Verhalten an den Tag legen. Denn Gibson ist wohl eine der liebenswertesten Figuren, die ich je in einem Buch kennenlernen durfte. Er ist hochintelligent, stets um das Wohl seiner Freunde bemüht und unheimlich süß. Ein richtiger Goldschatz eben. So hätte ich Summer am liebsten einmal den Kopf durchgewaschen, um ihr klar zu machen, dass es der wunderbare Gibson ist, den sie wieder einmal von der Seite anmacht. Ihr bester Freund, der mit ihr Pferde stehlen würde. Summer war bisweilen unfair und unglaublich egoistisch, was in meinen Augen schlechte Eigenschaften sind. Doch muss man der Autorin auch zu Gute halten, dass Summer als Protagonistin durch das Lesen des Tagebuchs eine enorme Entwicklung vollzieht und sie zu einem besseren Menschen macht.
Fazit
‘Nichts ist so perfekt wie das Leben’ erzählt nicht nur die Geschichte zweier Schwestern, die sich nie kennenlernen durften. Vielmehr ist das Buch eine Familiengeschichte, die dem Leser davon berichtet, wie sich das Innere eines Menschen durch den Verlust eines geliebten Menschen verändern kann. Mitreißend, emotional und sehr gefühlvoll kann der Leser auf 320 Seiten miterleben, wie eine junge Frau langsam erwachsen wird, zu sich selbst findet und herausfindet, was das Leben alles bereit hält. ‘Nichts ist so perfekt wie das Leben’ erzählt eindrucksvoll mit vielen traurigen, aber auch romantischen Momenten, dass man sein Leben in die Hand nehmen muss, für seine eigenen Taten verantwortlich ist, vor allem aber nicht in der Vergangenheit verharren, sondern seine Zukunft nicht aus den Augen verlieren sollte.
March 31, 2019
A rebellious 17-year-old resents her long-dead sister in this sensitive and engaging family drama. Summer knows she’s smart, but she almost deliberately earns Cs in school to prove that she’s not the same as Shannon, her apparently perfect honor-student sister, who was killed in a car accident the year before Summer was born. Additionally, Summer resents her control-freak mother, who constantly seems to compare the two girls and who has built a household shrine to her dead daughter. When her aunt gives her Shannon’s diary, however, Summer gains a whole new perspective on herself and on her relatives, learning that Shannon resented their mother just as much as she does and also seriously rebelled against her. Indeed, Shannon confronted a problem Summer didn't think possible in her family. The most pressing question for Summer, however, will be to discover if Shannon committed suicide. Deriso illuminates a complex family that, despite the faults of every member, emerges as strong and loving. As Summer reads Shannon’s diary, readers see two similar girls making different choices, especially in friends and boyfriends. The continuing diary entries create an element of suspense, as readers know the fate of the girl who wrote it. Despite their similarity, the characters of the two girls remain distinct. An absorbing story teens will connect with.
October 21, 2020
Simples, mas maravilhoso
Este livro é a prova de que você não precisa escrever um livro cheio de segredos e reviravoltas para ser bom. Sei de algumas pessoas que se decepcionaram por ele não ser muito mais do que a sinopse mostra, mas eu amei justamente por retratar a vida real tão singelamente. É, a nossa vida não é como de novela, filmes e seriados sempre com um barraco, um suspense, um gancho.
Este livro pode ser definido como "mostrou pouco, mas mostrou bem". Porque só conhecemos a Shannon do último ano, mas de uma forma que nos faz gostar dela. Summer a acha idiota e infantil, mas ela faz nosso papel na leitura detectado sinais que os personagens, no centro da história, não conseguem.
Gostei também da forma como o romance se apresentou: com dicas ao longo do livro até de fato acontecer. E de como retrataram os pais de Shannon e Summer.
Esperava um drama daqueles. e felizmente a escritora nos mostrou algo muito mais sutil e palpável do que isso.
Este livro é a prova de que você não precisa escrever um livro cheio de segredos e reviravoltas para ser bom. Sei de algumas pessoas que se decepcionaram por ele não ser muito mais do que a sinopse mostra, mas eu amei justamente por retratar a vida real tão singelamente. É, a nossa vida não é como de novela, filmes e seriados sempre com um barraco, um suspense, um gancho.
Este livro pode ser definido como "mostrou pouco, mas mostrou bem". Porque só conhecemos a Shannon do último ano, mas de uma forma que nos faz gostar dela. Summer a acha idiota e infantil, mas ela faz nosso papel na leitura detectado sinais que os personagens, no centro da história, não conseguem.
Gostei também da forma como o romance se apresentou: com dicas ao longo do livro até de fato acontecer. E de como retrataram os pais de Shannon e Summer.
Esperava um drama daqueles. e felizmente a escritora nos mostrou algo muito mais sutil e palpável do que isso.
November 11, 2023
Okay, haters don't come at me!!! But this book DESERVES a ♾️/5. This book was sooo good. It's basically different from the genres that I read. I did not expected it to be such a GREAT book. I am a heavy romance reader and a CoHo!! So, it's very unexpected.
Now, the book starts and we can see Summer (the main character) having teen issues and arguing with her mother. As time goes by she gets Shannon (her dead sister)'s journal. And the rest is history. But this is a must read!! And not to mention Gibs and Summer are one of my favourite couplessss 🫶🏻👄💅
Now, the book starts and we can see Summer (the main character) having teen issues and arguing with her mother. As time goes by she gets Shannon (her dead sister)'s journal. And the rest is history. But this is a must read!! And not to mention Gibs and Summer are one of my favourite couplessss 🫶🏻👄💅
May 24, 2025
Comecei a ler o livro na segunda tentativa pensando “Nossa, só vou ler ele livro besta aqui, passar o tempo” e eu acabei descobrindo um livro extremamente… íntimo, viceral até. Toca na minha alma a relação dela, a morte da irmã deixando ela na sombra durante toda a vida, e o sentimento de insuficiência. Até ela ganhar de aniversário o diário do último verão da irmã, e descobrir que a irmã não era tão perfeita assim. Muito bom mesmo e bem escrito, ótimo livro que fala bastante sobre relações familiares de uma forma “próxima” do leitor
December 30, 2025
É bom!. A protagonista é muito chata na maioria das vezes e parece ter 12 anos com algumas atitudes, o amigo em volta dela até critica isso nela! ou seja ate os outros personagens pecebem que ela é chata kkk. Achei algumas partes do livro meio infantis, tipo ela só ficar falando do diario o tempo todo mas o livro é envolta disso. E por mais que o romance dela tenha ficado em segundo plano e ela ter decidido do nada " eu quero ele ", achei que teve quimica e foi as partes que fiquei de sorrisinho. 3,8
August 24, 2022
3,25 ✨
Weder schlecht, noch richtig gut...
Die Figuren sind zwar authentisch, aber konnten mich nicht ganz mitreißen bzw in mein Herz schleichen.
Die Story ist vorhersehbar, aber trotzdem ganz süß und hoffnungsvoll auch wenn natürlich viel Melancholie und Nachdenklichkeit mitschwingt.
Kann man Lesen, aber man verpasst sonst auch nichts.
Weder schlecht, noch richtig gut...
Die Figuren sind zwar authentisch, aber konnten mich nicht ganz mitreißen bzw in mein Herz schleichen.
Die Story ist vorhersehbar, aber trotzdem ganz süß und hoffnungsvoll auch wenn natürlich viel Melancholie und Nachdenklichkeit mitschwingt.
Kann man Lesen, aber man verpasst sonst auch nichts.
January 11, 2023
o livro tem uma história bacana, com uma leitura leve e rápida. fui me apegando aos personagens mas o final é extremamente sem graça. esperava que a irmã tivesse forjado a morte ou que tivesse cometido suicídio, mas não. a história tinha tudo pra ser perfeita.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2023
Quick 1 day read. Overall, a good book. I think this is a good coming of age book directed at high schoolers. I like how it explores relationships at all levels - family, friends, and romantic. There was nothing particularly spectacular about the book but it wasn’t bad!
May 10, 2018
Don’t judge a book by its cover...this cover does not even CLOSE justify how great this book is. Hope this author keeps writing...they’re amazing.
August 7, 2018
I loved this book about a teenager who read her dead sister's journal. It uncovered many family secrets and suddenly nothing is quite what she thought it was.
Read
July 14, 2019I enjoyed reading this book. It was very heartwarming and emotional. A great book to see life for a teenage girl through her eyes.
August 24, 2019
Swears in it
December 9, 2019
It got a bit boring at times, but overall, I loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews