THE OTHER SISTER

Based on her own experience, though told from a different point of view, Underdahl offers a vivid and moving story about an unusual family reunion. Fifteen-year-old Josey’s life is turned upside down when her mother confesses that 25 years ago, she and Josey’s father had a child they were forced to give up for adoption. Now that child, Audrey, has made contact, inadvertently usurping Josey’s position in the family as well as her sense of self. Not only does Audrey look uncannily like her younger sister, she’s studying to be a psychologist, which is what Josey wants to do. But Josey’s most frightening concern is one she can barely articulate: Will Audrey take her place in their mother’s heart? Some time alone with Audrey leads to sympathy and compassion as Josey comes to understand the delicate nature of Audrey’s quest: to get to know biological family without undermining her adoptive one. Gently touching and ultimately hopeful, Underdahl lets the reader know that while the past can’t be erased, a new and loving present can be created. (Fiction. 12-14)