We are the Goldens - Dana Reinhardt (+ Giveaway)

We are the Goldens by Dana Reinhardt
Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books
Publication Date: May 27, 2014
Source/Format: Netgalley (Thanks!) || e-galley

[I received this book from the publisher. This in no way affects my review.]

When Nell and Layla were little, Nell used to call them Nellayla. Because to Nell, there was no difference between where she started and her adored big sister ended. They're a unit; divorce made them rely on each other early on, so when one pulls away, what is the other to do? But now, Nell's a freshman in high school and Layla is changing, secretive. And then Nell discovers why. Layla is involved with one of their teachers. And even though Nell tries to support Layla, to understand that she's happy and in love, Nell struggles with her true feelings: it's wrong, and she must do something about it.

I’m consistently drawn to books about sisters, mostly since I have two of my own. We are the Goldens was a bit shorter than I expected, but it was still pretty compelling. Using a second person point of view, liberally sprinkled with recollections in tandem with the present-day confession that runs through the novel, it was a unique read.

Readers are introduced to Nell and, through Nell, her sister Layla. These two have been joined at the hip for most of their lives, with Nell pretty much unable to consider herself as an individual separate from Layla. Everything changes when Nell discovers that Layla has been keeping a secret (a secret that is revealed early on, or at least easy to guess early on). It’s a secret that threatens to change everything – the dynamic between them, the situation with their family, friends and even community. The serious nature of the secret is why We are the Goldens exists – Nell is making a full confession to Layla and to everyone else.

We are the Goldens is one of those contemporary novels written to capture a particular period in a character’s life. Nell is a character struggling with multiple situations all at once. Her main conflicts revolve around stepping up into her own individual identity (apart from Layla), and about what to do in response to Layla’s secret. Her problems and memories all tangle up together in the tale, revealing Nell’s feelings and rationale behind her choice. It was a very interesting way to tackle this story, to say the least.

However, I was not particularly connected to Nell or Layla as individuals. [Fact: My favorite character is actually a secondary one – Felix, Nell’s best friend. He just so happens to be really awesome!] I liked their relationship as sisters a lot though, because it progresses from an extreme closeness to a relationships filled with secrets and the nagging sensation of growing apart. This really felt true to what sister relationships can be like sometimes, so I appreciated that aspect of this book a lot.

I also have reservations about the length of this story. While I do understand that the author is trying to capture all the things going through Nell’s mind as she confesses to her sister, I find myself curious about other things. There’s Felix, and the role he’ll continue to play in Nell’s life. There’s Layla’s secret, which I would have liked to learn more about. These two things are the ones I’m mostly curious about, and feel should have been more detailed.

In the end, We are the Goldens is like a bunch of photographs in a pile – a set of shots framing Nell and Layla’s present situation. Readers will get a pretty good glimpse into their lives, their relationship, their stories. But it will also leave you wanting just a little bit more, too.

What do you think about books written in the second person POV?

Honestly, I don't think I've read very many of them! I'm having a hard time wracking my brain to think of other examples, though I'm sure I've read at least one other title apart from this one. It's a very hard POV to tackle when writing a novel. It feels like a tightrope to me, as the story could either be wind up perfectly balanced, or leaning more towards detachment or too self-involved. I can't form a particularly concrete opinion since I haven't read too many yet, but I can at least say I'm open-minded about trying some more of them.

As a special bonus, I'm hosting a giveaway for a copy of We are the Goldens! Please note that it is US ONLY.

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