"A fascinating and informative read."
*The Boston Globe
"A RICH SOURCE OF FASCINATING MATERIAL about the complex realities of siblinghood and a valuable commentary on the impact that these little-studied relationships have upon our lives."
*The New Republic
"Many books have attempted to tackle the complex theme of sibling connection. But rather than look at the minutae of these relationships, journalist Susan Scarf Merrell examines the big issues that all siblings wrestle with in their own unique ways *in particular the Three Cs: Competition, Cooperation, and Comparison. What she discovered was that no matter what kind of relationship we now have with our siblings *close or distant, loving or hostile *our histories with them exert a profound effect on our current relationship with lovers, friends, coworkers, and our own children. Drawing on the most current research; the work of psychologists, psychiatrists, and family experts; and stories from brothers and sisters themselves, Merrell illustrates that through siblings, we come to know both the worst and the very best that lurks within each of us.
"Susan Merrell brilliantly illuminates how the peculiar mix of biology, history, and intimacy makes our attachments to siblings so essential to knowing ourselves."
*Mary Kay Blakely
Author of American Mom
Why do siblings raised in the same family environment often have wildly differing memories of childhood? How does birth order really affect life in the family? Why do siblings of the same gender tend to identify with different parents?
In this thoughtful and remarkable exploration of siblings of all varieties, journalist Susan Scarf Merrell brings to light some of the most painful, joyous, and confusing aspects of siblinghood as revealed in dozens of interviews.
No matter what kind of relationship we now have with our siblings--close or distant, loving or hostile--our histories with them exert a profound effect on our current relationships with lovers, friends, coworkers, even our own children. Utilizing the most current research and the work of psychologists, psychiatrists, and family experts, Merrell reminds us that sibling relationships are not just a blood tie, but a lifelong connection of infinite variety and fascination.
