Shred Sisters

A Novel

By: Betsy Lerner

Narrated by: Rebecca Lowman

From Betsy Lerner, celebrated author of The Bridge Ladies, comes a wry and riveting debut novel about family, mental illness, and a hard-won path between two sisters.

It is said that when one person in a family is unstable, the whole family is destabilized. Meet the Shreds. Olivia is the sister in the spotlight until her stunning confidence becomes erratic and unpredictable, a hurricane leaving people wrecked in her wake. Younger sister Amy, cautious and studious to the core, believes in facts, proof, and the empirical world. None of that explains what’s happening to Ollie, whose physical beauty and charisma mask the mental illness that will shatter Amy’s carefully constructed life.

As Amy comes of age and seeks to find her place—first in academics, then New York publishing, and through a series of troubled relationships—every step brings collisions with Ollie, who slips in and out of the Shred family without warning. Yet for all that threatens their sibling bond, Amy and Ollie cannot escape or deny the inextricable sister knot that binds them.

Spanning two decades, Shred Sisters is an intimate and bittersweet story exploring the fierce complexities of sisterhood, mental health, loss, and love. If anything is true it’s what Amy learns on her to self-acceptance: No one will love you more or hurt you more than a sister.

©2024 Betsy Lerner (P)2024 Simon & Schuster Audio

The story…is it true?

I valued the insights into bipolar disorder and the mental health system. I found the narrator’s tone mostly flat and irritating. I think I would’ve liked the book much better in print.

Very good

It was poignant. It was beautiful. It was sad and it left me feeling very wanting. I can relate to a lot of her experiences with her sibling and her parents, but I felt like she was not a character I identify with.

It started out so well and then...

25% of the book is solid. The first part. Then it becomes a far fetched, spoiled detail of who bonketh who. Olivia's mental illness, if not her power to infilterate the rich and famous, is legit. The rest is disappointing. Still, keeps you engaged half the time. So 3.5 out of 5.

Mental health challenges for the family

Sisters one mentally ill, the challenge of
Trying to be a normal young woman in the family.

Compelling

Beautifully written and read. All the complexity of the sister relationship with the mental health monsters looming over

Forgive yourself

The main character, Amy struggles with life and difficulty in decision making. I felt a tremendous amount of empathy for her as the story tells you why. Amy's parents sole focus was on her sister,who suffered mental illness. They had no idea they were injuring Amy repeatedly. Her sisters behavior left Amy scarred. In the end, forgiveness is the healing balm for Amy. Most important, self forgiveness propels her try again at life. I loved this book. I flew through it in no time. I highly recommend it.

Sibling realities

This was a fine story, not generally my cup of tea but recommended to me by someone who very much recognized some of the dynamics and wanted me to see them as well. As well written and well delivered and overall a simple story of family dynamics, with all the very complex nuance that goes along with it in any situation. I definitely got out of it what I needed to, and I am glad I listened to it.

Not funny

This book was not “raucously funny” as stated on cover. I thought it was depressing and mundane. Narrator had monotone voice

Storytelling

I was very impressed at how it was presented. I’m that sister. I’ve often been told I should write about my growing up…but never imagined a grim story could be told in such an upbeat and positive tone.

The bland storyline- I know it’s harsh

Boring. I almost fell asleep driving while listening to this. Maybe use as a sleep aid?