Girls in Pants: The Third Summer of the Sisterhood - Ann Brashares

This is definitely a book that gives you the feeling of having finally tied up some loose ends left dangling from the previous books of the series. Though perhaps not as impetuous or surprising as the first two were, it was, nonetheless, an enjoyable read if you have already finished the earlier books in this, so far, three-part series by Ann Brashares. Assuming this last fact, you will understand why my summary is, of course, in four seperate parts. :)

TIBBY: This more reclusive character has been through some pretty tough times in the first and second, but in this third, she is in a somewhat less traumatizing situation; her dorky, but lovable "just-friends" Brian has, as I'm sure you guessed had to happen eventually, decided to try something new - telling Tibby, finally, that he likes her as more than just a friend. But, instead of immediately responded similarly as some might expect, Tibby freaks out at the sudden change in her life and takes some time to reconsider the situation.

CARMEN: Carmen is still her usual, snappy self, but when she agrees to watch Lena's Grandmother (who is cranky and impossible over her bitterness at being forced to leave Italy and come to America when her husband dies), and now we see a different, more caring, though maybe not more patient side to Carmen as she cares for Lena's Grandma. However, she is conflicted when a new friend sees ONLY this side of her, and gets the wrong impression, as nice as it is, that Carmen is some type of Saint.

LENA: The sensitive artist side is pushing through as she learns about her family, especially her father, in an art project she takes on. The project is her ticket to follow the dream of art school that her same family doesn't support. Now Lena is conflicted with whether she should follow her own dreams and talents, or that which her father desires for her.

BRIDGET: As we are watching all the other "sisters" growing up and acting much more mature, we notice it most prominently in the fast-paced Bridget. When she finds out who her fellow coach is (now that it's her turn to be the soccer coach) she discovers a new maturity and thought that had been absent a couple of years ago in handling the situation. I don't want to give any of this story plot away too much, but let's just say that you'll be pleasantly surprised at how well Ann Brashares has developed her characters' growth with the time that has passed in her books.

All these girls are having different, though all conflicted, emotions that do make this book a readable version of a "chick-flick." However, if you happen to be in the mood for a more down-to-earth version of this genre, and especially liked the first two books in this series, I would recommend it. Unlike some authors, Ann seems to have a remarkable capacity for developing her serie's in such a way as that you don't end up disapointed that the second or third books weren't as good as the first or first two were.

Chelsea Grimme

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