We Are The Goldens by new to me author Dana Reinhardt explores relationships with two closely knit sisters at the center. Nell and her older sister Layla have always been close, more than sisters, they are an extension of one another. When Layla starts to change and become secretive and withdrawn, Nell notices and when she discovers that Layla is involved with one of the teachers, Nell struggles with what she should do. She loves Layla and wants her to be happy but she knows its wrong and knows she has to do something about it.
The entire book is written from Nells point of view as if she is speaking to Layla, almost like a letter. Through Nells recollections and perspective, we learn about Laylas relationship with her teacher, Mr. B and about Nells infatuation with Sam Fitzpayne. We meet Nells best friend, Felix. I didnt care for Layla. I felt she took advantage of Nell and put her in an awkward position by expecting her to keep her secret. I thought she was selfish and as the elder sister, Layla should have been a better role model. Where Layla falls short, Felix was fabulous. He is a wonderful best friend and the author touches lightly on them being more in the future. I would have liked to see more of that explored because I thought Felix and Nell had great chemistry as friends.
I felt bad for Nell. She loves her sister and wants to be happy for her but she struggles through the entire story to decide what to do. The entire situation is a Kobayashi Maru. No matter what Nell does, she will come out the loser. We learn at the very end of the book what Nell decides to do but there are too many unanswered questions with no closure. I would have liked to read the outcome of Laylas situation, the condition of Felixs dad, the budding relationship between Felix and Nell and what happens with Sam Fitzpayne.
Overall, I enjoyed this book but I do not care for loose ends in a stand-alone story. I recommend this book for the good writing and interesting story. It moves at an acceptable pace and Nell and Felix make the story worth reading. If loose ends and unanswered questions at the end of book bother you, this may not be the book for you.
The entire book is written from Nells point of view as if she is speaking to Layla, almost like a letter. Through Nells recollections and perspective, we learn about Laylas relationship with her teacher, Mr. B and about Nells infatuation with Sam Fitzpayne. We meet Nells best friend, Felix. I didnt care for Layla. I felt she took advantage of Nell and put her in an awkward position by expecting her to keep her secret. I thought she was selfish and as the elder sister, Layla should have been a better role model. Where Layla falls short, Felix was fabulous. He is a wonderful best friend and the author touches lightly on them being more in the future. I would have liked to see more of that explored because I thought Felix and Nell had great chemistry as friends.
I felt bad for Nell. She loves her sister and wants to be happy for her but she struggles through the entire story to decide what to do. The entire situation is a Kobayashi Maru. No matter what Nell does, she will come out the loser. We learn at the very end of the book what Nell decides to do but there are too many unanswered questions with no closure. I would have liked to read the outcome of Laylas situation, the condition of Felixs dad, the budding relationship between Felix and Nell and what happens with Sam Fitzpayne.
Overall, I enjoyed this book but I do not care for loose ends in a stand-alone story. I recommend this book for the good writing and interesting story. It moves at an acceptable pace and Nell and Felix make the story worth reading. If loose ends and unanswered questions at the end of book bother you, this may not be the book for you.
Mediocre book in my opinion. I wasn't really into the writing style or the whole theme of the book. I do think it has an important subject that would make it a great read for young adults.
The story is about 2 sisters who were very close. As the older sister, Layla, goes into her junior year in high school, she starts distancing herself from her younger sister, Nell. This causes a lot of issues with Nell because she always saw her life intertwined with her sister's. Eventually, she finds out why Layla is acting the way she is and is now asked by Layla to keep a secret that slowly eats her up inside. She is torn between the loyalty to her sister and what she believes to be right.
The book is written as if Nell just wrote it for her sister to explain everything that was going on and why it did. Personally, I found this kind of ridiculous. Why would she write her sister this whole book. Some of the things didn't even need to be mentioned to her but you could tell it was added for the readers benefit. It just didn't work for me. I found myself through the 1st half just wishing it would just end. It did pick up a bit more for the 2nd half. The characters were okay. I did love Felix (Nell's best friend) and their relationship together. Reading about those 2 were my favorite parts.
As I stated before, it wasn't my cup of tea but think it would be great for young adults.
The story is about 2 sisters who were very close. As the older sister, Layla, goes into her junior year in high school, she starts distancing herself from her younger sister, Nell. This causes a lot of issues with Nell because she always saw her life intertwined with her sister's. Eventually, she finds out why Layla is acting the way she is and is now asked by Layla to keep a secret that slowly eats her up inside. She is torn between the loyalty to her sister and what she believes to be right.
The book is written as if Nell just wrote it for her sister to explain everything that was going on and why it did. Personally, I found this kind of ridiculous. Why would she write her sister this whole book. Some of the things didn't even need to be mentioned to her but you could tell it was added for the readers benefit. It just didn't work for me. I found myself through the 1st half just wishing it would just end. It did pick up a bit more for the 2nd half. The characters were okay. I did love Felix (Nell's best friend) and their relationship together. Reading about those 2 were my favorite parts.
As I stated before, it wasn't my cup of tea but think it would be great for young adults.
