Yes, it has once again come time for the annual DSN YA Fest! I am so excited to spend the month of June talking only about YA books of all kinds, and first up is Family of Liars by E. Lockhart. Many will remember, and may even have read, 2014's We Were Liars, where we were first introduced to the Sinclair family, and their time at their summer island.
The Situation: It is summertime, which means the Sinclair family has once again gathered at Beechwood Island, just off the coast of Massachusetts. While Carrie is in her kitchen, the ghost of her dead son, Johnny, decides to visit, as he has done before. He insists on Carrie telling him the story of the worst thing she has ever done. She has never told this story to anyone, but believes it is one Johnny really needs to hear. So Carrie goes back to the summer of 1987, when Beechwood Island looked different; when Carrie's mother was still alive; when Carrie was haunted by a different ghost; and when the boys came to visit.
The Problem: Seventeen year-old Carrie Sinclair was the older sister that took care of the younger two. Even when she felt cast aside by her younger sisters, or was sick of their selfishness, she showed up when they needed her. And they were each always ready to remind the others to "be a credit to the family," like their father wanted. But when three boys show up at the island as guests of her cousin, Carrie's already delicate world is thrown off balance. Her cousin Yardley warns her about Pfeff, the charmer with the dark hair, but Carrie almost cannot help looking at him, and wanting him to look at her. This desire only grows until jealousy takes hold, and things take a turn. Twenty-seven years before the summer that would claim her son's life, Carrie and her sisters buried a secret that will haunt her for decades.
Genre, Themes, History: This is a young adult fiction novel that precedes the events in We Were Liars by nearly three decades. Just like in the previous book, this one opens up with the Sinclair Family Tree, and a map of Beechwood Island. Readers of the previous book will note the differences, most notable of which is the inclusion of Carrie's Uncle Dean and his family, both in the family tree and on the map. Carrie then tells the story of a summer that was carefully planned by her mother, who is the consummate hostess, and how that order was disrupted by the appearance of three boys. And while the Sinclair family is clearly close, there are secrets and grievances that threaten to push them apart. The Sinclairs are proof that looks can be deceiving, and also, there is nothing like having a family that will do anything for you.
My Verdict: Much like with the first book, reviews have been mixed, and I can certainly see why. One issue is that the Sinclairs are as privileged as they come, so any sort of complaining that comes from them can easily be met with an eye-roll. And when the justifications start coming in for their actions, reader sympathy may be hard to come by. But perhaps an even greater issue with the book is how hard it is to even be interested in what is happening. It is a gloriously lazy summer on a rich family's private island, filled with family events like a lemon hunt, and dramatic teenagers. The promise of a terrible secret is what keeps the pages turning, as well as a slight hope something more will happen once that secret is revealed. The extra insight may be worth it for those who read the previous book, but it may be best to not expect anything too earth-shattering.
Favorite Moment: I enjoyed any moment when Carrie stood up for herself, which, in my opinion, did not happen nearly enough.
Favorite Character: Carrie's cousin Yardley is more self-assured and resolute than most girls her age. She is even willing to stand up to her own father at the potential cost of her future.
Recommended Reading: I do wonder if there is anyone out there who will read this book first, and then read We Were Liars second. I am curious to know what that experience is like.
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