Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner

The Ties That Bind and Break

You know that feeling when you’re on a rollercoaster, and your stomach drops as you plummet down that first big hill? That’s what reading Betsy Lerner’s debut novel, “Shred Sisters,” feels like. It’s a heart-stopping, gut-wrenching ride through the complex landscape of sisterhood and mental illness. Lerner, known for her non-fiction works like “The Forest for the Trees” and “The Bridge Ladies,” has crafted a story that’ll make you laugh, cry, and probably want to call your sister (if you’ve got one).

A Tale of Two Sisters

At its core, “Shred Sisters” is the story of Amy and Olivia Shred, two sisters as different as night and day. Olivia, the older sister, is a force of nature—beautiful, charismatic, and utterly unpredictable. She’s the kind of person who’d jump off a cliff into a reservoir without a second thought. Amy, on the other hand, is the cautious one, the studious little sister who dreams of winning a Nobel Prize and unlocking the mysteries of the mind.

But here’s the kicker: Olivia’s got no brakes. Her stunning confidence morphs into something erratic and unpredictable, leaving a trail of destruction in her wake. It’s like watching a hurricane form—you know it’s gonna be bad, but you can’t look away.

The Shred Family Circus

Lerner takes us on a wild ride through two decades of the Shred family’s life. We watch as Amy navigates the treacherous waters of adolescence, always in Olivia’s shadow. There’s a particularly cringe-worthy scene where Amy gets bullied in the band room that’ll make you want to reach through the pages and give her a hug.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Lerner’s got a knack for finding humor in the darkest situations. Take, for example, the family’s ill-fated trip to Washington, D.C. It’s a comedy of errors that ends with Olivia cawing at crows in a rest stop parking lot. You’ll laugh, but you’ll also feel the undercurrent of tension that runs through the family.

Mental Health: The Elephant in the Room

Let’s talk about the big, fat elephant in the room: mental illness. Lerner doesn’t shy away from the ugly realities of living with and loving someone with bipolar disorder. She shows us the manic highs—Olivia’s infectious energy and creativity—and the devastating lows—her hospitalizations and disappearances.

The Ripple Effect

What’s really fascinating is how Lerner illustrates the ripple effect of mental illness on a family. It’s like dropping a stone in a pond—the waves just keep spreading. We see how Olivia’s condition affects not just her, but Amy, their parents, and even extended family and friends.

There’s a particularly poignant moment when Amy realizes that her mother has been subtly preparing her to be Olivia’s caretaker. It’s a gut punch of a realization, and Lerner handles it with a deft touch.

The Science of Sisterhood

Amy’s journey from aspiring scientist to book editor serves as a fascinating counterpoint to Olivia’s struggles. Lerner uses Amy’s scientific background to explore the nature vs. nurture debate in mental illness. It’s like watching a real-time experiment unfold—how much of Olivia’s behavior is due to her illness, and how much is just… Olivia?

Love, Loss, and Everything in Between

“Shred Sisters” isn’t just about mental illness, though. At its heart, it’s a love story—the complicated, messy love between sisters. Lerner captures the push-pull dynamic perfectly. One minute, Amy and Olivia are thick as thieves, sharing secrets and inside jokes. The next, they’re at each other’s throats.

The Men in Their Lives

Lerner doesn’t skimp on the romantic relationships either. Amy’s ill-fated marriage to Marc and her affair with TJ are particularly well-drawn. And let’s not forget Josh, Amy’s first true friend and eventual husband (albeit briefly). These relationships serve as a counterpoint to the central sister relationship, showing how our family dynamics can shape our romantic lives.

The Absent Mother

One of the most intriguing characters in the book is, paradoxically, one who’s absent for much of it: the Shred sisters’ mother. Lerner uses her absence to explore themes of abandonment and the long-lasting effects of childhood trauma. It’s like a phantom limb—you can feel the mother’s presence (or lack thereof) throughout the story.

Lerner’s Prose: A Double-Edged Sword

Let’s talk style for a minute. Lerner’s prose is like a finely honed blade—sharp, precise, and occasionally cutting. She’s got a knack for nailing a character or a situation in just a few words. Take this description of Amy’s high school tormentors: “I secretly named them the FAA, Future Assholes of America.” Ouch, but also… yeah, we’ve all known those kids.

But here’s the thing: sometimes that precision can feel a bit clinical. There are moments when you wish Lerner would loosen up a bit, let the emotions flow a little more freely. It’s like she’s holding back, keeping us at arm’s length from the rawness of the sisters’ experiences.

The Time-Jumping Tango

Lerner’s not afraid to play with time, either. The narrative jumps back and forth, giving us glimpses of the sisters’ childhood, their tumultuous young adulthood, and their eventual reconciliation. It’s like putting together a jigsaw puzzle—each piece reveals a little more of the bigger picture.

Sometimes this works brilliantly, creating suspense and allowing for some killer foreshadowing. Other times, it can be a bit disorienting. You might find yourself flipping back a few pages to figure out where (and when) you are in the story.

The Supporting Cast: More Than Just Background Noise

While Amy and Olivia are undoubtedly the stars of the show, Lerner’s supporting cast is far from forgettable. There’s Hunt, Olivia’s long-suffering producer boyfriend, who keeps taking her back no matter how many times she disappears. And let’s not forget Anita, the father’s new wife, who manages to both help and hinder the family dynamics.

The Unsung Hero: Paul the Therapist

One character who deserves special mention is Paul, Amy’s therapist. In a book full of larger-than-life personalities, Paul is a calm, steady presence. His sessions with Amy provide some of the book’s most insightful moments, allowing us to dive deep into Amy’s psyche.

The Verdict: A Sister Act Worth Watching

So, what’s the final verdict on “Shred Sisters”? It’s like that friend who always tells you the truth, even when it hurts—sometimes uncomfortable, often enlightening, and ultimately, invaluable.

Lerner has crafted a story that feels both intensely personal and universally relatable. Whether you’ve got a sister or not, whether you’ve dealt with mental illness or not, you’ll find something to connect with in this book.

Who Should Read This?

• Anyone with a sister (especially if she drives you crazy)
• People interested in mental health and its impact on families
• Fans of complex, character-driven fiction
• Those who enjoy a good cry (seriously, keep the tissues handy)

Who Might Want to Skip It?

• Readers looking for a light, breezy read
• Those triggered by depictions of mental illness or family conflict
• People who prefer plot-driven narratives over character studies

The Final Word

“Shred Sisters” isn’t an easy read, but it’s a rewarding one. Lerner has given us a raw, honest look at the complexities of sisterhood and the impact of mental illness on families. It’s a book that’ll stick with you long after you’ve turned the last page, making you ponder your own relationships and the invisible threads that bind us to our loved ones.

In the end, Lerner leaves us with a powerful truth: No one will love you or hurt you more than a sister. It’s a sentiment that rings true whether you’ve got a sister or not. Because really, aren’t we all looking for that person who knows us better than we know ourselves, who’ll stick by us through thick and thin, even when we’re at our most unlovable?

“Shred Sisters” is a testament to the power of that bond, in all its messy, complicated glory. It’s not always pretty, but it’s real. And in a world of Instagram-perfect relationships, that realness is refreshing as hell.

So go ahead, pick up “Shred Sisters.” Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for the phone to call your own sister (or brother, or best friend) when you’re done. After all, isn’t that what great books do? They make us feel a little less alone in this big, crazy world.

And who knows? Maybe, like Amy and Olivia, you’ll find that the person who drives you the craziest is also the one who understands you the best. Now that’s a sister act worth watching.