From the author of the bestselling book, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, comes a story for grown ups about family, friendships and love. If you've read any of Brashares books you know that you are in for a book that will work hard to tug at the readers' heartstrings.
Two sisters, Alice and Riley, have always spent their summers on Fire Island. Riley, 24, is the tomboyish one who loves nothing more than being in the ocean. While Alice, 21, is far different from Riley but nevertheless there is no one she loves more than her.
Paul, a friend they grew up with and is actually Riley's best friend, has been gone for a while but has now returned to Fire Island. Just as he's getting used to being back and having to deal with some family issues of his own he and Alice start to listen to their hearts and realize that they share something other than friendship.
Alice being so protective of Riley is careful that her burgeoning relationship with Paul won't leave Riley out in the cold but before they can share the truth about them with her a medical crisis will throw the girls' family in turmoil and leave Alice's relationship in limbo.
While I think Brashares did a good job of exploring the emotional upheaval of first love, I admit I sometimes thought the conflict was a bit forced. I didn't understand why the sisters and Paul didn't just communicate more and then all would have been resolved.
Still for fans of the Sisterhood I think this book works well as a transition point from young adult to adult. For those who want a light summer read this novel, which has some great descriptions of a beach community, will definitely take you away and make you think you are on the beach hearing the ocean waves.
Added on 06/07