Blue Sisters: A Read with Jenna Pick: A Novel

Three sisters are reunited one year after their fourth sister's tragic and unexpected death. Deep grief separated the remaining sisters for over a year until they are drawn back to their childhood home and face this grief and each other. All the Blue sisters are about as different as four people can be. Each with their own stories and complex personalities. The writers character development with each sister is so well done and each of the sister have chapters dedicated to their points of view and unique stories and experiences. Even though the sisters are very different, they also all have a certain understanding of each other because some of what each sister struggles with stems from past trauma caused by family addiction, and struggles with confidence and discovering their true selves. I find that some of the best novels I have read are ones that make the reader uncomfortable and are not terribly enjoyable to read at times.@cocomellors is an author that makes me feel this way. This is the second book I have read of hers. First being, "Cleopatra and Frankenstein". Both books were similar in this way. Her writing really makes you empathize with the characters and their stories and both deal with tough subjects. There are times I cry, laugh, and cringe when reading these two books. I have found though, that ultimately these are the books that I think about for a long time and tend to love. Blue Sisters speaks to grief, forgiveness and what addiction does generationally to families. I heard the author talk about her own past addiction struggles and I feel like the way she has written this topic is done in a way that only someone with experience around this could do. The story ultimately ends in a hopeful way with each sister discovering parts of themselves and making each ask what they want out of this life. Beautifully written.

very beautiful. some ethically questionable relationships lol. some of my favorite quotes:

“As long as you are alive, it is never too late to be found”

“‘Two therapists walk into a bar’ she said. ‘You’re good, says the first therapist. How am I?’”

“thousands of other girls, lifted together on a tide of riotous, unapologetic joy, the feeling that to be a girl with other girls was not some weakness, as they had been told, but a power, the best and luckiest power on earth”

Beautifully written but a read that will have you feeling a vast ray of emotions. Would not recommend if you are in a negative head space.

There are many great books that aren’t about sunshine and butterflies. I can handle it. But, with nonfiction that covers the unpleasantness of life, there isn’t a screw turning to make sure we are getting the point. If the screw is in the deft hand of a magnificent fiction writer, it can gut you. To be clear, I don’t feel actually gutted here but I do feel sad about these imaginary people whose lives should be good but are so bad instead. When it comes to Lucky, I have met that girl and feel for her. Outside beauty. Inside hollow. Pouring in whatever is around to fill the space or deaden it. Bonnie is my favorite. Driven, disciplined, successful but molded too tightly in the form of a boxer that her soul doesn’t have space for nurturing. We know our shares of Bonnies as well. Nicky. To say her end was a tragedy is an understatement. Then, there is always an Avery. The one who carries burdens like an adult, doesn’t check out, but probably wishes she had a loving mommy’s shoulder to cry on. Very flawed, very real characters. Pacing is too slow at times, but this is about character building not thrilling. I think I’ll go outside now and watch the butterflies feed on the last of my zinnias. Many thanks to Random House Publishing—Ballantine and NetGalley for providing this eARC.