REREADING The Second Summer of the Sisterhood

I just finished reading The Second Summer of the Sisterhood. While it did take me longer to finish it in comparison to the first novel, it wasn’t because it sucked so bad. In my own personal opinion, I’d say the suck levels of this book is at a low. With that being said, I don't really have much to say about The Second Summer. I mean, it’s not because little happened, it’s just something that you have to experience on your own. As it’s the second book in the Sisterhood series, there is an assumption that you’ll know the characters. However, if you haven't read the previous book, I'm sure you'll manage just fine. I was actually surprised to see it was a companion novel, not actually a legitimate self-fledged sequel.

Looking back on that though, it makes sense. In other books that are part of a series, the author will summarize what happened previously, usually the first few chapters. This doesn’t happen in The Second Summer. There's actually not specific chapters for each girl, either. Sure there are "chapter"-esque things, always separated by a quote, but it isn't something that's so defined. One moment Lena will be dealing with an issue, and hen Carmen's story will pick up right after in the next paragraph. But sometimes be graced with a letter between the sisters.

Fun fact: Each girl has her own unique “handwriting”.

The book starts off with Lena introducing the story of the pants, with the switch between Carmen noticeable. This isn’t because the change is bad, but because Lena’s personality is shining through. Each girl has own unique voice, and it’s nice to see that. I’d say that Lena is more mature, with a mothering-esque instinct going on. You’re probably thinking wow, you get all that from the first few pages?! BUT even though Lena is mature, that doesn’t mean she’s no fun.

Confession: This book is my favorite in the series, hands down. This could be surprising to some, because compared to the first it doesn't have the same "light" air to it. Actually, to be completely honest, each girl has some serious issues going on. I know, that isn't even a good thing to like, but it made me feel like I could relate to them more. No more did I see Bridget as glamorous and out of reach, but as a human being. No more is Lena just dealing with some passionate love affair, but something tragic as well. Carmen has some personal issues she must deal with and Tibby... Well, Tibby has to find herself. I could identify with each girl and sometimes it wasn't in a pretty light. There were moments when I just stopped reading and said "oh" to myself. I would pinpoint them out exactly right now, but I don't want to get too spoiler-ish.

With all that being said, this book wasn't just about the bad stuff. There was hope. I, as a reader, felt hope. And it wasn't even just for the girls either, but for myself. Ann Brashares did a wonderful job writing a novel that didn't just tell a story, but spoke to the reader as well.

What made the reading experience just that much better was the supporting characters. I feel like I'm reviewing a movie when I call anyone who isn't a sister a supporting character, but it's just what I feel is right to call them. They're there with the characters, not only making the reader laugh when times get tough, but supporting the girls, too. I know I mentioned they were well developed, but this time around, they became even more real. And I know, to create an interesting story, you generally need more characters. This book didn't disappoint, either. Not only were you introduced to a new love interest for Carmen, but one for her mother, as well. (I don't consider this to be a spoiler, because it's on the back of the book.) Tibby's friend Brian was still around, and against all odds, so was Bailey. Bridget had her grandmother and childhood friends, while Lena had her mother's ex-fiance. Each character, even if they were just mentioned by name, you could picture perfectly in your head.

Note: Effie, Lena's sister, she's well liked in my book for this book.

If each book had to be rated, I'd give The Second Summer a 9.5/10. Even the first time around, I liked it more than the first. When I first read it, I liked Lena's story the most, but this time, it was Carmen's. I know I took a strong liking to Tibby during the first adventure, but from what it seems, each girl has her shining moment. I'm pretty sure Bridget's is next, with Girls in Pants. I’m actually getting pretty excited to start reading it, as I’m still feeling capricious that was brought with The Second Summer of the Sisterhood.

Happy Reading,
Julia

Books to read:
Girls in Pants: The Third Summer of the Sisterhood
Forever Blue: The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood