You're the Best Sister Ever

Rating:
Summary: Observations of the ways a sister brings joy to one's life
Review: A merry and joyful collection, You're The Best Sister Ever by Maria Smedstad is a simple tribute and delightful reading. It is also an excellent giftbook for sisters of all ages. Whimsical color illustrations add a humorous touch to the touching observations of the ways a sister brings joy to one's life, including "between the two of us, someone is bound to remember our relatives' birthdays" and "through you I get to meet more men."

Rating:
Summary: Nuns are "sisters", too
Review: I'm not a sister. I don't have a sister. I'm actually a man. This is by no fault of my own, by the way. That said, my initial attraction to this book might seem somewhat peculiar. Upon reading it however, I was immediately impressed by its honesty and imagination. In a time of "feel good" "coming-of-age" narratives on one end of the spectrum, and shock-value "dark-for-the-sake-of-being-dark" graphic novels on the other, Smedstad's first work manages to dig deeper and, in doing so, sift through the extremely human qualities of actual relationships. When you read this, you get the distinct feeling that these are not cartoon characters, but real people, equipped with both strengths and weaknesses. These sisters are also nicely illustrated by Smedstad's unique drawing style; each graphic situation is fraught with the minutiae and bi-products of everyday life-- cool little details in each drawing that are not to be missed. Finally, the often single-expression dialogues between Hanna and Maria are graced with a biting sense of humor; "You have a beard. Pluck it." After reading this, I was reminded that I too had a beard that needed plucking. And, with this, I realized that I had stumbled upon a book that was also for people who either don't have sisters or aren't likely to become one. Like me.

Rating:
Summary: It's a gem!
Review: If you have a sister about whom you are, admitedly ambivalent, this is a real "feel good" winner. The drawings are cute without being schmarmy and you can tell that Maria feels a real affection for her sister Hanna. Great as a stocking stuffer for your favorite (or only) sister.

Rating:
Summary: Nuns are "sisters", too
Review: If you have a sister about whom you are, admitedly ambivalent, this is a real "feel good" winner. The drawings are cute without being schmarmy and you can tell that Maria feels a real affection for her sister Hanna. Great as a stocking stuffer for your favorite (or only) sister.

Rating:
Summary: It's a gem!
Review: If you have a sister about whom you are, admitedly ambivalent, this is a real "feel good" winner. The drawings are cute without being schmarmy and you can tell that Maria feels a real affection for her sister Hanna. Great as a stocking stuffer for your favorite (or only) sister.