Title: The Second Summer of the Sisterhood
Author: Ann Brashares
First published April 22, 2003
373 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780385731058 (ISBN10: 0385731051)
Rating: 3.8
Overview
The Anatomy of Violence: The Biological Roots of Crime by Adrian Raine dives into the science behind criminal behavior. Raine’s pioneering work in neurocriminology investigates the causes and potential cures for crime.
In this compelling book, Raine explores the role of biology in criminal behavior, documenting how early physiological abnormalities can lead to a predisposition to violence. He uses case studies of infamous killers to illustrate how impairments to brain areas can affect our ability to experience fear, make good decisions, and feel guilt.
However, Raine also argues that biology is not destiny and proposes new biosocial treatment approaches that can change the brain and prevent violence. The book raises thought-provoking questions about the legal and ethical dilemmas posed by this research, including the use of early identification of potential offenders and the implications for civil rights and privacy.
The Anatomy of Violence offers a groundbreaking and insightful appraisal of our understanding of criminal behavior, challenging our core human values of free will, responsibility, and punishment. With black-and-white illustrations throughout and a 4-page full-color insert, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the science behind criminal behavior.
About the Author
Ann Brashares grew up in Chevy Chase, Maryland with her three brothers. She attended Sidwell Friends, a Quaker school in the D.C. area and later studied Philosophy at Barnard College, which is part of Columbia University in New York City.
After completing her undergraduate degree, Ann planned to continue studying philosophy in graduate school. However, she took a year off to work as an editor and save money for school.
Ann loved her job so much that she never went back to graduate school. Instead, she stayed in New York City and worked as an editor for many years.
It wasn’t until she wrote her first novel that Ann made the transition from editor to full-time writer. Ann and her husband currently live in New York with their three children.
Editoral Review
Ann Brashares’ The Second Summer of the Sisterhood is a delightful addition to the young adult genre. Published in 2003, this novel is the second installment in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series.
Brashares was born in Alexandria, Virginia in 1967 and this novel cemented her status as a renowned young adult author. The novel revolves around four best friends who are summering apart and the magical pair of jeans that fits all of them wonderfully.
Carmen, Bridget, Lena, and Tibby are now older and about to enter their sophomore year of college, meaning they are facing new trials in their increasingly separate, yet still close-knit lives. As they grow and mature, their life experiences become more diverse.
The novels are set in a summer camp in Baja, California, Williamsburg, Virginia, a small town in Pennsylvania, and Greece. This novel explores a range of themes that are relevant to young adults as they navigate their lives.
Brashares tackles issues of identity, self-doubt, family dynamics, independence, love, and grief. Through relatable and vibrant characters, she takes readers on an emotional roller coaster: from the struggles between Lena and her family over her artistic dreams, to the pain Carmen feels as she watches her father’s new family emerge, and the confusion Bridget feels after discovering her mother’s true life story.
Brashares’ writing style is easygoing and witty which makes for a more engaging reading experience. The prose is fluid and flows smoothly, highlighting the fast pace of the novel’s plot.
The way Brashares handles the relationships between the four friends is another strength: the female characters are given agency and are not defined solely by the romantic relationships they pursue. However, while the novel explores complex themes, it can at times feel a tad contrived.
In the way her characters all experience such significant life events in just one summer, the novel stretches the limits of believability. But Brashares has also done excellently in terms of character construction.
Her characters are well-rounded, multidimensional, and have their own voice. In comparison to the first book in the series, the sequel does not significantly deviate in style or approach; it’s still a youthful, holiday-centric romp with a wide range of emotions.
But as a stand-alone book, it’s an engrossing and enjoyable read that deals with a range of issues of importance and resilience amongst young adults. Overall, The Second Summer of the Sisterhood is a book that will capture the heart of any young adult reader.
Brashares writes with insight, compassion, and humor. The novel is an absolute page-turner that will keep you hooked until the very end, just like the first book in the series.
The target audience is young adult females, but anyone looking for a lighthearted yet poignant read will enjoy this novel. The Second Summer of the Sisterhood rates an A-.
