Book #99 Read in 2014 Sisters by Raina Telgemeier (YA) This graphic novel is a sequel to Smile, also a graphic novel. I really liked Smile but Sisters left me a bit disappointed. In Sisters, Raina and her sister and brother and mother are driving cross-country to visit family. Raina and her sister never get along so neither are really looking forward to being trapped in a moving vehicle together for a week. There is sparring back and forth. This book had potential to be a bit more meaty (mother and father having marital problems) but that potential was never really addressed and the ending felt abrupt...it left me wanting more. That being said, I think a middle school reader would be ok with it. Cute read. http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com

Raina always wanted a sister, but when she finally gets one, she has trouble finding common ground with her. As they venture out on a trip together with their mother and young brother, several incidents cause the two sisters aggravation

Sisters is a cute graphic novel that illustrates all of the frustrations caused by a sibling and also the realities in life that force them to look at each other in a new light. The characters in this book are well developed and the graphics are very appealing. The plot is very timely and comes across as realistic. Overall, Sisters is an engaging graphic novel, covering relevant topics.

Originally read September 1, 2014 A long time ago, I actually got Sisters on NetGalley, but this was around when I was struggling with book reviews and decided to take a break for a while to concentrate on my academic projects. The ARC I got of the book was in black and white, so it's only now that I am seeing this book in full colour as it is meant to be read. The colours make a huge difference! Telgemeier's work is always filled with bright, saturated colours, and it really brings her art to life. Sisters is another autobiographical work about Telgemeier's youth. The focus is on a week long roadtrip that she takes with her siblings and mother. The tension arises largely from her chaotic relationship with her sister, but also the crowded house that she lives in, and the strained interactions of her family. Unlike Smile, the story seems less focused on a singular event, but of feelings and frustrations that come to a head during the road trip. In many ways, the book feels very "middle of the series", and I do hope that we see another volume that deals with the greater family issues that she teases at. As is, this volume feels a bit lacking as there is no strong climax or denouement. Though not quite as powerful as its predecessor Smile, Sisters is still a great novel for the younger comics crowd!