Review: Year My Sister Got Lucky, Aimee Friedman

The Year My Sister Got Lucky
Aimee Friedman

Official Summary:
When Katie and Michaela Wilder are uprooted from NYC and planted in rural Fir Lake, Katie is horrified by their new surroundings: the too-friendly neighbors, the local uniform of sandals paired with socks, the very idea of milking a cow. But while Katie suffers through shopping withdrawal, Michaela transforms into a small-town social firefly, flirting with the hot quarterback and soaking up nature with her new hick-town friends. As in, people who think camping is *fun*. Does Katie even know her sister anymore? And after Michaela hides a jaw-dropping secret from her, does Katie even want to?

What the Pros Say:
PW: "Friedman deftly demonstrates the positives of moving forward and not clinging to the past; she also presents a sister dynamic that many girls-particularly younger sisters-will recognize."
SLJ: "Though the conflict seems perhaps a little too weak to carry a 400-page book, and parts of the plot seem totally unrealistic, the story is still likely to be popular. There's sweetness in Friedman's teen world, and some of her characters are delightful. And who can resist a good sister book?"

What I Say:
I went in expecting something fun and light, and got just what I expected. This one's not particularly memorable, but Katie and Michaela's story is definitely entertaining enough to while away a few hours.

In terms of the story, it's fairly predictable, but there are enough fun details to keep the reader interested. Katie's dislike of Fir Lake is understandable, and as we see her getting to know her new town and the people within it she becomes infinitely more likable. Michaela and Katie, first seen in the tense world of dance, seem to loosen up as their days in Fir Lake continue. Maybe all the fresh air is getting to them?

I doubt I'd reread this, but I don't regret picking it up for a first go-round. If you're looking for something quick and cute that will leave you smiling, try this out!

Intrigued?
Check out Aimee Friedman's website.

More?
Read an interview with Aimee Friedman at Teens Read Too.