Review: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (Sisterhood, #1) by Ann Brashares

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Borrowed
Publication Date: 2001
Publisher: Delacorte
Point of View: 3rd Person & Alternative
Recommended Age: 12+
Pacing: Fast
Genres &  Themes: Young Adult, Contemporary, Summer, Friendship, Coming of Age, Romance, Family

BLURB:

FOUR VERY DIFFERENT FRIENDS. ONE PAIR OF MAGICAL PANTS. AND A SUMMER APART …

We, the Sisterhood, hereby instate the following rules to govern the use of the Traveling Pants:

1. You must never wash the Pants.

2. You must never double-cuff the Pants. It’s tacky. There will never be a time when this will not be tacky.

3. You must never say the word “phat” while wearing the Pants. You must also never think “I am fat” while wearing the Pants.

4. You must never let a boy take off the Pants (although you may take them off yourself in his presence).

5. You must not pick your nose while wearing the Pants. You may, however, scratch casually your nostril while really kind of picking.

6. Upon our reunion, you must follow the proper procedures for documenting your time in the Pants.

7. You must write to your Sisters throughout the summer, no matter how much fun you are having without them.

8. You must pass the Pants along to your Sister according to the specifications set down by the Sisterhood. Failures to comply will result in a sever spanking upon our reunion.

9. You must not wear the Pants with a tucked-in shirt and belt. See rule #2.

10. Remember: Pants = love. Love your pals. Love yourself.

I am extremely surprised. This book should not have moved me as much as it did. It is true that I adore stories in which friendship plays a humongous part, but I have read hundreds of them in the past.

So what makes The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants so special?

The pants, obviously, have a lot to do with my enjoying the story. They symbolize strength, love and courage.

Lena, Carmen, Bridget and Tibby are four teenagers with distinct personalities, wants and needs. Despite all that sets them apart from one another, they share the strongest of friendships.

They are a sisterhood.

The pants are first known to be incredible because it fits all four girls, who are also different in size and shape as well as in personality. Later in the story, the pants start to represent something more.

The girls thought the pants would connect them in a spiritual way, while being apart from one another, but it’s more than that: they draw their strength from it. It comforts them and helps them in dire situations.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants tackles multiple subjects and explores various important themes, such as sexuality, coming-of-age, love, life, family and, of course, friendship.

The girls are not perfect: they are likeable, but flawed in a way that is almost tangible. They make mistakes, want the wrong things, lie, cower in front of unwanted situations and make more mistakes.

But that’s okay. Because that’s what they should be doing. They’re young, therefore making mistakes is normal and, frankly, expected from them. But they’re learning. Constantly. And that’s makes this book fairly authentic and touching.

As I am writing this review, I have already begun my reading of the second book. These girls—Lena, Tibby, Bridget and Carmen—have become, in such a short amount of time, quite dear to me. I need to know more about them and their future life-changing adventures.

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