Reading Recommendation: MY BIG SISTER IS SO BOSSY SHE SAYS YOU CAN'T READ THIS BOOK

First of all, I cannot tell a lie. MY BIG SISTER IS SO BOSSY SHE SAYS YOU CAN'T READ THIS BOOK is written by one of my very dearest friends, Mary Hershey. That she happens to be such a marvelous author is merely icing on the cake. This is one of those rare books that is both humorous and poignant, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

In addition to being horribly bossed around by her domineering sister, poor Effaline Maloney is lonely and hungry for a new best friend. Her search for someone to fill the hole in her life is hilarious and touching and completely captures that absolute longing we all experienced as kids as we desperately wished for that one, perfect person with whom we could share our worries, hopes, and secrets. Effie quickly finds herself torn between her bossy big sister and doing the right thing. As she struggles to break out of her role as an easily bossed, somewhat naive little sibling, she has to learn to take charge of her life and come to terms with the recent losses that have occured. She does this with humor and pluck and with a truly unique voice. The book sheds gentle insights on siblings, loss, grief, and friendship, and managed to keep me laughing the whole time. Truly a remarkable feat!!