Book Review: ‘Sisterhood Everlasting’ (#5 Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) by Ann Brashares

I loved The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants books. Because I loved the books, I had a genuine affection for the films. (Although, if I had to compare the two, the books would always win.) What I had thought to be the last book of the series came out almost five years ago, and I was quite satisfied with its ending. So I was surprised when I found out that author Ann Brashares had written another Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants book. Not only had she written another book, but this one was set ten years after the last book ended. That’s what really intrigued me. I was very curious to see how Tibby, Bee, Carmen and Lena were doing in a new part of life. After reading it, I regret that I did. Not to say the book was bad, I did enjoy it. But it felt more like fanfiction than anything else.

As I had mentioned, Sisterhood Everlasting takes place ten years after Forever in Blue. The girls are all about to turn thirty, and they aren’t as happy or well-off as you expected them to be. For one thing, they aren’t living near each other anymore. Carmen is engaged to a TV exec and has a small acting role on a TV series in New York City. Bridget is helping the homeless and living with Eric in California. Lena is painting and teaching in Rhode Island. Finally, Tibby is on the other side of the Earth with Brian, living in Australia. For the past two years, the girls have been trying to keep in contact with each other, in particular Tibby. After not hearing from her in months, they receive plane tickets to Greece and plan for them to all reunite. Lena, Bee and Carmen are beside themselves with excitement, not only are they returning to Santorini, but seeing Tibby again. However, their trip ends up being a terribly life-changing one and has them questioning their own relationships and themselves.

Something incredibly unexpected and terrible happens in Greece. I honestly couldn’t believe it. I don’t want to spoil it for you too much though. But that event is pretty much the catalyst of the novel. In a way, I understand why the author had it happened, but I can’t say that I’m exactly happy about it. Sure, it helped Carmen, Lena and Bee realize some things, but was it really necessary?

This all leads me to question whether or not this book was necessary. To reiterate, I was happy with how Forever in Blue ended. In my mind, they went off to fictional character fairy tale land and lived happily ever after. I kind of wished I stayed ignorant and could still think that. I really loved these characters. All the books came out during my high school years, and I couldn’t help but feel an attachment to these girls. I understood them. While I did have to suspend belief for some of their situations, I felt the characters were real enough. In the latest book, I didn’t feel exactly feel that way. I can’t pinpoint exactly what made them feel less real; it’s more just a general vibe I got from it.

And as for the story, well… I can’t stop shaking my head. Sisterhood Everlasting was little too melodramatic for my tastes. I didn’t agree with some of the plot turns. Some of it was rewarding, most of it wasn’t. Overall, I can’t say I hated the book. It was well-written and engaging. I read it in about two days or so. Yet, I still wish that I remained ignorant of its existence. If you loved The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and how Forever in Blue ended, you may want to hesitate before you read. However, if you really want to know how they are like as adults and what is this BIG thing I keep alluding to, then, go for it and tell me what you thought. I’m all about quelling curiosity, even when it’s not recommended.

Rating: 3/5 stars

Sisterhood Everlasting is now in bookstores. You can purchase it at our TYF Store, powered by Amazon.

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Book info:

Publisher:  Random House (March 6, 2012)
Length: 384 pages, Paperback
Source: NetGalley
Genre: Fiction, Friendship, Romance
Completed: April 2012

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