When I was in elementary and middle school, the "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" book series by Ann Brashares was extremely popular among my friends. We read them all when they were released, and then we reread them a few months later.
The magic of Bridget, Lena, Carmen and Tibby's friendship was real to us, and we were envious of how close they were as we pretended to have that same bond. The pants they shared were even more magical, and we wished — more than believed — it was possible for something as simple as jeans to be that powerful.
Four books were written about the Sisterhood. Each one was more "grown up" than the last, but all of them had a definite preteen feel to them. That is, until Brashares released "Sisterhood Everlasting" this summer.
"Sisterhood Everlasting" is the final chapter of the series and the book few people expected to be written. It wasn't necessary to the series to have "Everlasting" released so many years after the last book, but I am nevertheless pleased with the result.
"Everlasting" continues the story of Lena, Bridget, Tibby and Carmen years later, the summer before they turn 30. The problems they face are similar in some ways to the ones they have dealt with before, but in many ways they are much different because of their age.
The girls have been separated across the country and world, but their friendship remained over the years. When the foursome all head to Greece for a reunion, their worlds are turned upside down when tragedy strikes. This book is the most emotional of all the "Sisterhood" books, but the ending makes all the sorrow worthwhile.
At times, the storyline is nearly identical to some of the other books in the series, but Brashares's writing has improved drastically with each book, so no part of the story seemed juvenile. I enjoyed every minute of reading this book, and it tied all the books together in a way the fourth "Sisterhood" book did not.
It's always hard when a stage of your life is over, and for me, the final installment of "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" signifies a conclusion to part of my childhood. Thus, "Everlasting" was bittersweet, but I can't imagine a better ending for some of my childhood heroes.
I would recommend "Sisterhood Everlasting" for anyone who was a fan of the series.
rachelstaats@dailynebraskan.com
Grade: A
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