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There are currently 18 member reviews
for While My Sister Sleeps
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Lynn (Pittsburgh PA)
A great Young Adult pick......
I have to admit that when this book arrived in my mailbox, my 15 year old daughter scooped it up and read it before I did. She had just finished reading Barbara Delinsky's previous book, "The Secret Between Us" and really enjoyed it. She gave a great review for this one as well.
I, on the other hand, felt that it was just average. The beginning was slow and I felt that it was going to be predictable. The story line does become more complicated with some twists and more depth so I was glad that I stuck with it. The novel deals with how a family deals with a tragedy that befalls it's "favorite daughter" . She is an Olympic marathon runner who fatefully has a heart attack while training and falls into a coma. The dire situation brings forth several family secrets as well as many issues between siblings, mother, father, husband and wife.
It was an easy, quick read and as it got moving, became more enjoyable. I can't help but compare it to "My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Picoult which deals with a similar story line and explores some of the same issues. "My Sister's Keeper" was much more suspenseful and thought provoking though.
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Sandra (Philadelphia PA)
While My Sister Sleeps
I thought this was just a fair read, nothing extraordinary. Something in the style, story telling, and character building, left me wanting and expecting more. It did, however, bring up many issues and observations worthy of discussion.
The book, for me, raised many questions….How do we connect as a family? How does any sibling get over being in the shadow of another? Is resentment a common thread that runs through families? How does one deal with a controlling parent? When should a secret be revealed, if ever? Is the truth always the best way to deal with issues? When and how should we determine to end a life? How do we feel about organ donation?
This book shows how people react differently in times of crisis. It shows how letting go is the most unbelievable heartbreaking thing to do. It confirms that emotions can play a major part in every decision we make in life. It lets us see how we often can take care of plants and animals, yet do not know how to nurture and foster relationships in our own lives.
I think that this book will start the wheels going, a mile a minute,in everyone’s mind. I know that my mind was consumed with many questions about my own decision making and family relationships.
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Lori (Nutter Fort WV)
How can she sleep with so much talking?
During what could potentially be a fascinating story about a nightmare-scenario crisis in the Snow family, the author repeatedly throws an attention-deficit plagued dialogue at the reader. Although the plot was compelling and I had no trouble sticking with the book until the end - with few exceptions, the characters never felt complete. It is an easy and forgettable read which I would recommend only if you are seeking shallow treatment of a very compelling situation.
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Doris (Mountain Iron MN)
While My Sister Sleeps
The first few chapters of this book are so depressing I almost didn't finish reading it. Because I don't like to give up on a book, I continued and am glad I did.
There are many surprising twists in the plot as the reader gets to know more of each family member.
This book is a good, quick read which you won't soon forget.
