What Happened to My Sister by Elizabeth Flock
- Method of Obtaining: I received my copy from the publisher via TLC Book Tours.
- Published by: Ballentine Books
- Release Date: 8/7/2012
Nine-year-old Carrie Parker and her mother, Libby, are making a fresh start in the small town of Hartsville, North Carolina, ready to put their turbulent past behind them. Violence has shattered their family and left Libby nearly unable to cope. And while Carrie once took comfort in her beloved sister, Emma, her mother has now forbidden even the mention of her name.
When Carrie meets Ruth, Honor, and Cricket Chaplin, these three generations of warmhearted women seem to have the loving home Carrie has always dreamed of. But as Carrie and Cricket become fast friends, neither can escape the pull of their families’ secrets—and uncovering the truth will transform the Chaplins and the Parkers forever.
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Reason for Reading:
- The summary caught my eye.
I also recommend:
- Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman
- Don’t Breathe a Word by Jennifer McMahon
This book blew me away. In a very good way. What Happened to My Sister by Elizabeth Flock is the continuation of a story titled Emma and Me, but I did not know that. I had never read anything by Flock, and picked up What Happened to My Sister knowing very little about it.
That did not at all distract from the powerful impact this book had on me.
It always astonishes me when authors are able to really get inside the head of young, abused girls. Carrie, or Caroline, has been abused in nearly every way you can imagine, and she is so beat down by those who are supposed to love and care for her, that when she speaks so politely or matter-of-factly about eating paper with ketchup that my heart just aches and aches for her. I found myself wondering if I would be able to recognize her, like Honor, the other main character in this book.
What Happened to My Sister moves between two narratives, but doesn’t take the traditional route of alternating chapters. The story goes on through as many chapters needed for Carrie before moving to Honor and picking up – so instead of feeling disjointed, it moves smoothly through the timeline. It worked so amazingly well, people.
It’s hard to gush and recommend a book like this without wondering how it will impact others who pick it up – so let me warn you. The story here is of some really heavy matter. It will bruise, if not break your heart, to read Carrie’s story. It’s not a light, or humorous read – but it’s a book that should be read and discussed. It made me examine my own heart, and opened my eyes, and has given me a nudge to start seeing those around me in public places. The Carrie’s of our world are out there, and they need as much help as they can get.
About the Author
Former print journalist Elizabeth Flock reported for TIME and PEOPLE magazines before becoming an on-air correspondent for CBS News. Her acclaimed debut novel, BUT INSIDE I’M SCREAMING, chronically the psychological struggles of a young television reporter in New York, was released in 2003. Her second novel, ME & EMMA, became a New York Times bestseller and was an Indiebound (formerly Booksense) Notable Book of 2005. EVERYTHING MUST GO, Elizabeth’s third novel, loosely based on a clothing store in Connecticut, was published in 2007. Elizabeth’s books have been translated into seven languages and published in twelve countries.
Her fourth novel, SLEEPWALKING IN DAYLIGHT, came out in 2009, and was chosen as an Indie Next List (formerly Booksense) title. WHAT HAPPENED TO MY SISTER, a follow-up to ME & EMMA, will be published by Random House on August 7, 2012.
Elizabeth Flock lives in New York City.
For more reviews on What Happened to My Sister by Elizabeth Flock,
please visit the book tour.
GIVEAWAY!
What Happened to My Sister Giveaway
Thanks for the wonderful review. I am glad to hear the it left such an impact on you, and I look forward to reading it as well.
This sounds like a beautiful, if sad, read. I’d love to give it a try
I know what you mean about recommending books like this – you sort of have to add a warning to your recommendation because of the heavy content. This sounds like a powerful read for sure!
Thanks for being on the tour.
The review sounds wonderful and the premise is awesome! PLUS I LOVED Saving CeeCee Honeycutt – so if its anywhere near as amazing as that, I’m definitely in!
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Fantastic!