Review: The September Sisters by Jillian Cantor

Title: The September Sisters
Author: Jillian Cantor
Publisher: HarperTeen
Date Published: 2009
Type of Book: Young Adult
Main Themes: Family/problems, Friendship, Missing children, Sisters, First love
Pages: 361
Plot (From inside cover):
"Abigail Reed and her younger sister, Becky, are always at each other's throats. Their mother calls them the September Sisters, because their birthdays are only a day apart, and pretends they're best friends. But really, they delight in making each other miserable. Then Becky disappears in the middle of the night, and a torn gold chain with a sapphire heart charm is the only clue to the mystery of her kidnapping. Abby struggles to cope with her own feelings of guilt and loss as she tries to keep her family together. When her world is at its bleakest, Abby meets a new neighbor, Tommy, who is dealing with his own loss, and the two of them discover that love can bloom, even when it's surrouded by thorns."

This book was haunting and absolutely breathtaking. I had to know what had happened to Becky and couldn't put it down until I found out.

I was particularly interested in Abby's story because I have two sisters. We often fought when we were younger (and still do at times), just as Abby and Becky do, but we are at an age now where we can appreciate each other. Abby and Becky never had a chance to reach that age before Becky disappears, so it add an interesting and heartwrenching element to the plot. I could definitely relate to their relationship.

The first love element of the plot is amazingly written and fits perfectly into the plot line. It didn't seem fake or forced, but, instead, real and necessary.

Ratings (Out of 10):
Plot: 10
Charaters: 10
Writing style: 10
Romance: 10
Originality/Memorable: 10
Total: 50/50 (A)

I highly recommend this book! It reminded me of The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold: haunting and lyrical. It is not a book that one will easily forget!