I do have a few issues with the writing, mostly in that it takes her a couple chapters to get going and then, throughout the book and even still, I have to constantly review each character and his/her story, like it isn’t drawn strongly enough or something.

But I like the story and I like the characters and I think it is particularly strong in that the girls act like girls really do act instead of like cardboard cutouts or something.

And I particularly liked this look into mothers and daughters. And tears were falling through the last five chapters at least.

I read it in French last spring and thought it was the weakest of the serie (I read the first two books in French and then bought the last ones in English). My favorite character, Bridget, had a mostly boring story and none of the other stories connected with me (though Lena’s story is really heartbreaking).

But on re-read, it was like I saw this book in a whole new light (and I don’t think it really has to do with reading it in the original language, though that probably helps). The “boring Bee” storyline became my dear Bee putting ground back under her feet and really growing as a person. I despaired at Tibby being cruel and un-her (though I despair at Tibby a lot, it seems). Lena’s story was still wrenching. It’s just Carmen with whom I can’t seem to relate, but her story was still interesting.

I do still think it’s my least favorite, though, but I can really see how important a stone it is in these girls’ wall (how poetic). Girls in Pants remains my favorite, where almost every storyline got to me!