We Are the Goldens by Dana Reinhardt

I am a fan of Dana Reinhardt.  When I found out that she had a new book being published, I was very anxious to read it.  This book did not disappoint.

It seems as though I've been reading a lot of books lately with a theme of sisters.  So many have focused on the bonds between sisters and how they navigate their way through life with - or without - each other.  We Are the Goldens fit into this category.  

Nell has always looked up to her older sister Layla.  They've been close their whole lives; in fact, so close that Nell actually thought her name was Nellayla.  When Nell starts going to City Day, the same high school Layla already attends, Nell thinks it will be the time of her life.  She and Layla will be able to do everything together.

Layla begins to withdraw.  Nell can feel the divide between them growing, and she is sure that Layla is keeping a secret.  When she finds out the sheer magnitude of what it is, she is faced with quite an enormous decision.  Should she stay loyal to her sister, her other half, or should she tell someone and face losing her sister forever?  She sees how the secrets could ruin Layla's life, but she also knows that her life without her sister would be empty.

We Are The Goldens reminded me of Anatomy of Wings.  In both, the sister has a secret and begins acting strange, while the younger sister sits back and watches the demise.  While they had different issues and endings, both books discussed the power of sisterhood and how one decision can change a life.

The Here and Now by Ann Brashares

While I anxiously awaited its publication, I was a little disappointed by this book.  I wanted to find out what happened, but I felt as though some of the plot was underdeveloped.  Parts toward the end even felt rushed.

Prenna and her mother belong to a group of people that come from the future.  They come from a time when a plague and environmental destruction have devastated the earth.  When they arrive in present day, Ethan sees Prenna and instantly falls in love.  However, Prenna is forbidden from forming a relationship with anyone as part of a set of rules set forth by her community. 

Prenna finds out that she is supposed to help reverse an event that is going to occur on May 17, 2014. She and Ethan set out to change the outcome so they can save society.  They go against the rules set forth by Prenna's people.

The end of the book felt rushed, as it could have been developed to a greater degree.  It left me wanting to know more - parts that I thought should have been discussed more.  That being said, it was interesting to read and try to wrap my mind around time travel.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

There are so many great things about this book.  It is a story about the bond between sisters, the importance of family, and the pain - and joy - of being in love.

Lara Jean writes a letter to every boy she has ever loved.  She puts her feelings on paper, addresses the envelope, and then never mails the letter.  One day after her oldest sister Margot leaves to go to school in Scotland, Lara Jean's letters somehow get mailed.  Suddenly Lara Jean has a lot more to worry about than what she's going to make for dinner.

While navigating her way through life without her sister, who always took care of things after their mother died, Lara Jean now has to figure out her love life as well.

This book is so much more than the typical chick lit. It explores the relationships between three sisters who have formed a stronger bond since their mother died.  It touches on the Korean heritage their mother left behind.  It also centers on what it's like to be a teenager figuring out feelings that don't always make sense, especially when those feelings result in love.