Hahahaha I just looked back at my review of the first book, and I had made a point to say how much I disliked the audiobook and would be sure to read the rest of the series in print. I didn't have any real issues with the narration this time, but it seemed like a sadder story than the first book so I guess the dourness of the narrator's voice worked better.

I can't say how many times I cried while listening to this as I drove home from Christmas. Each member of the Sisterhood had her own interesting, poignant story, but I felt that the mothers of the Sisterhood had a deeper part to play in this installment. I was brought to tears thinking specifically of all the ways we are cruel and unfeeling toward our mothers at various points in our lives, and how mothers patiently accept this as part of their love for their children. Ann Brashares has a way of writing female emotions and relationships that are so elegant and truthful, but she doesn't shortchange the plot for the sake of introspection. Any girl, regardless of age, should read this series. That's not to say there aren't things that frustrate you (what did Bridget THINK would happen by meeting her grandmother under an assumed identity?), but I thought this second book was particularly emotionally wonderful.

Actual Rating 3.5 Stars.

I picked this whole series up in a second hand book shop for a few dollars as I quite liked the first book and the movie that followed. This was more of the same - but just set a year later.

In the first book I hung on every word of Lena's story and her trip to Santorini (still a sore point as the movie totally botched the whole story of that...anyway moving on :-P....). However, in this book I was totally immersed in Bree's story and would just keep reading to get to the next section on Bree. Bree is such a strong and dominant character - but also very broken - so having her fall apart to come back stronger was quite impacting.

Carmen and Tibby's stories were pretty average for the whole book and I could see the ending coming for Lena's story the second her Mum's back story with Eugene was introduced quite early on in the book - so it was just waiting for the inevitable ending to happen. It was a "nice" book but it left me quite unsatisfied as it was all a little too superficial in its dealing of some big issues. So I ended with a feeling that I more than liked it - but didn't quite love it. A half star rating it is. Will get to the final two books sometime later this year and finally get to watch the second movie.

Reading Challenge
Aussie Reader's 2020 Autumn Challenge: Read a book with a day/month/season in the title
Aussie Reader's 2020 May Genre Challenge: Read a YA book

Digging into a little young adult fiction. There is something about this genre that screams summer to me more than even the typical beach reads, and not simply because the series literally takes place over the course of a summer. You might be inclined to think that a summertime read geared toward teens would be an easy breezy read but don't be deceived. There is some heft to the plot content.

What I liked about The Second Summer of the Sisterhood:
Re: the characters - After not really connecting to Bee in the first book, I thoroughly enjoyed her in this one. I found the ways in which she was vulnerable and the connections that she sought as a result touching. And Lena. Oh, sweet Lena. If you've never experienced truly shattering romantic heartbreak at an age when you were ill-equipped by life experience and emotional maturity to process the scope of feeling everything, then it would be easy to dismiss Lena as foolish and her story with much eyerolling. But if you've been there yourself, this story will punch you straight in the gut, because that is an experience you will never forget. I felt Lena's pain with a rawness that shocked me.
Re: the content - As I already mentioned, Bee's story was touching and Lena's was gut-wrenching. As for Tibby and Carmen, while they were both epic brats (for entirely different reasons), I liked that there was growth in their resolutions. However, Carmen and I could not be friends. She stresses me out.

What I didn't care for:
Lack of depth - This applies mostly to Tibby. I felt like she didn't get enough attention. Not that she didn't have a complete story, because she did, but it felt like there was so much more that could have been done with it.

I appreciated that this book wasn't all fluff and mooning over boys. It wasn't a challenging read; even though there were some heavier parts, it was a good summer book. It moved right along and kept me engaged.

I honestly thought this second installment was just as much fun as the first! Sure, it's a little predictable at times, but that's not always a bad thing. It's the characters that really make the book, and they have all gone through quite a bit of growth so far.

Turns out not all Sisterhood summers can be exciting ones. Carmen nannies in Bethesda, Lena works retail, Bee cleans out an attic, and Tibby goes to summer camp. Everyone--and I mean, EVERYONE--is mean to their mom.

Hilarious Highlights:
+ The number of times Wisconsin Avenue is mentioned.
+ How chill everyone is about Brian sleeping on the floor of Tibby's dorm room all summer.
+ Bridgette choosing "Gilda" as her alias and no one saying, "1897 called, they want their Eastern European housekeeper back."
+ That one time Lena and Costco made out naked on the LAWN BY THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL. HAHAHAHAHA

I think this was my favorite even though I have gotten to the rest of them. LOL I think this was more of the girls actually growing and knowing that things in life happen that we can’t change but maybe move from it but also it does help when you have very good friends that are always there for you.

“Nada le quita el sabor a la mantequilla de cacahuate como el amor no correspondido”.
“En cualquier sitio en cualquier momento. Si estás pensando en mí, puedes estar segura de que estoy pensando en ti”.

Simple y fluyendo. Lista para la siguiente entrega.

Wow, what a whirlwind, the second summer was just as exciting as the first but definitely more emotion-filled. The girls seem to hone in on their own personal journeys and the theme is about their mothers. It is a beautifully woven story that had me tearing up at some parts and it helped me to see different aspects of the girls’ personalities and strengths. At times it was a bit slow which can make the story drag out, but for the most part I really enjoyed myself. Can’t wait to read the third installment.

I didn't like this one as much as the first book and I'm not sure if that's because I was so familiar with the first book due to the movie, or what.

Carmen - I can relate to her the most, but her plot was kind of melodramatic this time in my opinion. One thing I really don't understand is her relationship with her step-brother. When did they get close?

Tibby - I was pretty disappointed in Tibby, and while it's realistic that she wouldn't have changed overnight after the events of book 1, I just was annoyed with her storyline 90% of the time.

Lena - I seriously cannot deal with the insta-love going on with her story. She was literally in love with someone who'd said all of 5 words to her.

Bridget - I loved Bridget's story the most in this book. It had the most meaning, but unfortunately, there are parts to her story that were so laughable to me that it undermined the depth.

I don't know, I just want more showing to back up all the telling. At least, in my experience I remain unconvinced of a lot of what the girls are going through. Carmen is the only character who I feel any connection with because she is always so emotionally charged. I feel like I really know why she feels how she does and see her raw reactions. There is so much potential in Tibby and Bridget's stories and while I'm told 'this is a sad thing' over and over, I'm not really seeing them reacting.

We spend so little time in each character's POV before it switches to the next girl that I feel like I'm only getting to know them on a surface level despite the very important topics the book is trying to get at. I listened to this on audio and the POV switches were terrible in that format because they ran together.

I do want to point out that there are a lot of dated attitudes in this series (lack of body positivity, and use of the 'r' word in casual insults are examples from this book), so this could be something some readers won't enjoy. But I grew up in the same years these characters did and the books are a product of that time period (early 2000s).

The sisterhood series will always be my favorite! Only giving four stars because of the anti-fat bus and stereotypes about Latina people.

so far i really enjoy this book! it is one of my favorites<3 i would recommend it to Lady's 13 and up, because there are some things that are just not for younger people! once you read this book it will just remind you of friendship,love,compassion,relationships, and so much more! this book is just really touching! hope you like my review and i hope you read this book!

Re-Read
The only thing I had remembered from this one was that it was my least favorite of the series. This reread reminded me why. While the first one was fresh and relatable this one felt super stale. The girls showed more growth and maturity in book 1 than they do in this follow-up. It's been a year, this is the second summer with the pants, and the girls are somehow more immature and juvenile.

Carmen struggling with her dad remarrying and rebuilding his life without telling her was a great journey to follow. In here she's sad her mother is starting to date someone. Like, we already went through this? And Carmen should be much more chill in this situation?

Bridget coped with her Mother's loss in an unhealthy way in book 1 and realized a lot about her self and came to terms with that loss; however here, she decides to dye her hair and find her grandmother and not tell her who she is. For whatever reason. Also she starts playing soccer again.

Tibby didn't learn anything from Bailey passing away apparently and had a regression. She suddenly changes how she talks and acts to impress these two posers which was something she hated in the first book. She was always the one on her own and now she's a follower? So weird.

And then Lena is just sad about Kostos the whole book. Until she's not but then she is again.

I know this is directed to teen girls but honestly the characters just whined and there was nothing fun here to engage readers.