I love the author Alice Hoffman. I think I’ve read all her books. She is such an excellent writer and her characters are portrayed so vividly and multi-dimensionally. I was thrilled when I saw The Story Sisters: A Novel on the new acquisitions rack at my library. This novel is the story of three unique sisters, from childhood into adulthood. Each sister is deeply and vividly portrayed: talented, beautiful, flawed, and deeply human.

The reason that this is a “quick” review is that I cannot really say much more about the story without giving it away. This plot had many turns and twists. And let me be clear – this was not a light and happy read. These girls/women definitely had their moments of being troubled, tortured, and full of angst. There is abuse in this book – both physical and drug. It is not a knee slapper. However, it is beautifully written. Alice Hoffman has the ability to write events without “giving it all away” – and this makes this novel such an unforgettable and emotional read.

So – while I didn’t get the warm fuzzies from this book – I did really like it. It reminded a bit of how I felt when I read Niffenegger’s Her Fearful Symmetry. I recommend it to those who like that type of “deep read”.

I give it 4 1/2 Stars!

And let me revisit The Christmas Cookie Club which I mentioned in my Christmas books post earlier this week. I loved it! Each chapter tells the story of a different member of the group and also gives the recipe for the cookie she brings, along with a bit of “food history”. It’s a great book about the bonds of female friendship, and it’s a holiday themed book that is well-written! Yeah!