Introduction
This paper aims at reviewing Rachel Simon’s book, Riding the Bus with My Sister. In addition, the disorder that this writer has detected within the book is also provided, along with a verdict of whether or not the writer can recommend others to read it.
Summary
The book revolves around two characters, Rachel, and her sister Beth.
Rachel, who is a teacher by profession, may be described as a woman with a busy schedule. Beth on the other hand is a spirited, energetic woman who is independent and is in a long-term romantic relationship. Their parents had broken up while they were still young and so they were living separate lives. In her story, Rachel states how Beth is always a happy lady who enjoys spending her days riding the buses in her Pennsylvania City. While riding the buses, Beth develops a good relationship with drivers and passengers on board. In this case, the bus drivers act as Rachel’s mentors, while the passengers depict the community in which she lives in. Apart from Sundays, Beth does not miss riding the buses (Simon, 2002, p. 118). At one time, Beth requests Rachel to accompany her on the buses for an entire year. Rachel in return accepts the proposal and accompanies her sister for a year although not on frequent days. This acts as an opportunity for the two sisters to sort out their distance relationship. As time goes by, the two sisters unite and manage to profoundly change one another. It is at this time that Rachel learns a great deal about herself and how narrowly she had hitherto viewed the world. She gets the chance to meet with Beth’s friends (drivers) and learns a lot from them. Although Beth is liked by the drivers, not all of them tolerate her (Simon, 2002, p. 118). Unsympathetic passengers sometimes scream at her because of being too talkative. Rachel realizes that Beth’s world is a much lively and stronger network than hers which is hectic and tedious. Eventually, Rachel admits about the frustrations of relating to her sister although she begins to appreciate her.
Disorder
Rachel’s story is broken into smaller chapters and includes brief but important flashbacks which serve not only to break up the story but also introduces critical background to explain the characters more fully. Rachel’s book is beautifully written and is filled with interesting and moving insights. The author does a wonderful job writing in a way that makes a reader visualize events clearly. Riding The Bus with My Sister is one of those books written in such a descriptive way that it’s almost as if a film version of the book is running in one’s mind when reading. Going through the book, the writer takes us through what can at best be described as a journey riddled with intimacy. The ensuing life lessons learnt from the book reverberates across the various age groups. The message is especially ideal for individuals who at one time or the other in their lives have had to deal with their emotions.
Rachel is very honest about the failures she has endured along the way, in addition to having misgivings. The fact that this truth lacks a touch of sentimentalism is quite refreshing. Rachel’s quest to learn more about her sister’s disability is one of the most compelling parts in the book. Beth’s situation is very sad being that she is older than her sister Rachel. As the younger sister, the author shows responsibility to her sister who is supposed to be caring about her instead. It is so unfortunate that the parents of these two sisters divorced at that time when they were supposed to be there for Beth.
Recommendation
Going through this book, one cannot help but notice the numerous enlightening moments and insights that it offers the reader. However, the story seems to be one sided as Rachel tends to talk more about herself than her sister Beth. The writer should have concentrated a little more about her sister. Rachel’s story is quite informative as it touches on fundamental learning lessons that people go through in life. Although the story is not sentimental, the writer should avoid using jerky sentences.
Conclusion
Rachel’s book is really inspiring because her story relates to what actually happens in real life. Although she was a busy teacher, Rachel spared some of her time to spend time with her sister Beth. This must have been a difficult choice for her to make because she talks of how stubborn her sister was. She accepts to accompany Beth on bus riding even though she was always committed and busy. If she never cared about her sister, the author would have neglected her sister who was bothering her. Rachel admits in her story that she was frustrated with her sister’s stubbornness which shows that she is honest about herself. She does not pretend about her feelings as she even says she later appreciated her sister (Simon, 2002, p. 121). It was a brilliant idea for Rachel to accompany her sister on the buses because it gave both of them the chance to be close to one another and rebuild their relationship. For the years that they were together with her sister Beth, Rachel was able to refocus on their formative years as children, and how the tow enjoyed their company back then. They grew up together while they were still young and still had memories of their childhood. This book does not only inspire because of Rachel but also the drivers who were able to accommodate Beth. Being that she was stubborn, some people could not tolerate her while others became her favorite (Fitzgerald, 2010, par. 4).
Reference
Fitzgerald, T. (2010). Riding the bus with my sister. Web.
Simon, R. (2002). Riding The Bus with My Sister: a true life journey. New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt