I sometimes find life so eerie.

I’ve been looking forward to @cocomellors’ newest title since last year, narrowly dodging book reviews and refusing to read the blurb because I wanted to start it with a blank head. As I write this, a certain strain of agony pits me, the kind of pain Coco writes about as she describes Nicky’s struggle with endometriosis. I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow—an injection I receive every three months to manage the same kind of devastation Nicky could not escape unscathed. To say this book felt fated would be a wild understatement. It came to me at exactly the right time and place.

Once again, Coco dazzles—with the same kind of understanding and profundity of the human psyche and emotion. She weaves a tale of sisterhood and love; the kind you don’t choose, but has carved its permanence onto your skin. She talks about addiction and substance abuse with immense empathy, bringing light to an extremely important issue whilst maintaining that air of humanity.

She gives us a tale of four sisters—but she also gives us a love story; the kind that runs deep in your blood and pushes you up when life pulls you down; until you’re left, gasping for breath—the surface a tension you penetrate with immense relief. There’s grief and love and compassion and imperfection—the complexity of life as a woman, a sister, a friend, a lover, a human being.

It goes without saying that this is a 5, infinity book for me. The best I’ve read this year.

I'm uncertain if Coco Mellers has a great personal experience with daddy and/or mommy issues or if she just exploits the most common traumas she finds on the internet but, depending on whichever is good for you, the story will carry a different meaning.

In simplest words, if you think she’s changed her writing style from her last book, you couldn't be wronger. It's also possible to see this as a way of narrating the lives of normal people with normal life difficulties but, again, it's up to you to choose how to interpret the story.
What I can guarantee you is that at some deeper, still-processing-the-idea level, she decided that hope would have been the main reason behind all of this, in total opposition to her last book.

I know this doesn't really mean anything, coming from an only child, but, aside from their personal issues and their tries in processing their sister’s death, this story perfectly describes what having a sister - or more than one - is like.
I mean, if one of the people I love the most on this earth would tell me something so mean and unfair like often happens between sisters, be certain she’ll never see me again.
But the bond between sisters is mostly impossible to properly describe, even if CH goes very close to portray that relationship.

Thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.

Thank you @netgalley for the Advanced Reader Copy of Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors. This is the story of four sisters. They grew up in New York City with pretty neglectful parents, and took care of each other as best they could. Now that they are adults, they are living very different lives. And one of the sisters has just died. So they are all learning how to cope without her, and how to relate to each other. They face a lot of hardship, but are lucky to have each other. I really enjoyed this book, went in with no expectations. #bluesisters #cocomellors #netgalley #advancedreadercopy #bookstagram #booklover #reader #bookblog #lovetoread #fictionreader #bookreview #bookrecommendation #readersofinstagram #bookloversofinstagram #takeapagefrommybook #readallthebooks #booksbooksbooks #booksofinstagram #bookwormproblems #bookaholic #booknerd #whattoread #readingtime #bookaddict #ilovetoread #ilovebooks #needtoread #readallday

As someone who enjoys plot-driven books, I have to applaud Coco Mellors for writing such a beautiful novel in which only a few major events happen. Much of the book is reflective, peeling back the curtain to the family’s history, little by little. The characters come alive, and I found myself wanting to keep learning about each sister rather than waiting to see what happened next. Nicky’s back story of endometriosis was also so devastating, and really sheds light on an invisible disease.

The three sisters are distinct and the relationship between each are fascinating, but I found the side characters not as interesting (except for Chiti, whose dynamics with Avery was more complex than it let on at the beginning). The book alternates between the three sisters, and I found the pacing and balance to be natural.

The book does a great job in mixing intensity with humor, especially when it touches on tough topics like addiction. Mellor is a master of tension and release through her writing, always keeping you on your toes because you don’t know if you’ll chuckle or tear up at the next sentence.

The three sisters are not necessarily interesting or likable, but I think the immersive writing style helps you get into the character’s headspace. These three women are realistic characters (cliched at times) who are intense but also cringe-worthy and sometimes downright destructive. I do feel like I understand them and how their place in the family shaped them. I understand their relationship dynamics, and I understand and feel their grief. The premise of the novel is simple, but Mellors executed it very well.

I do feel like the ending of the book felt rushed, but it did a good job wrapping things up without boring “perfect endings.” The way the book explored motherhood at the end, between Avery and their mother, was very interesting especially contrasted with Nicky’s desire to have children. There was a grammar mistake: a “you’re” that should be a “your” in chapter 9 during Avery and Chiti’s fight, which I’m sure will be fixed for the final publication.

Thank you very much to Net Galley and Random House Publishing Group for the advanced copy to review!

A big "thank you" to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for the ARC of Blue Sisters in exchange for my honest review!

Blue Sisters tells the story of well...the Blue Sisters - Avery, Bonnie, Nicky, and Lucky - who all are vastly different characters who lead very different lives from each other. After one of them suddenly passes away the remaining three are left to deal with their respective grief and that unique bond that is simply just: sisters.

I really enjoyed how honest Mellors writing is (at times even uncomfortably so). Humans are messy and relationships can be hard and this author didn't shy away from that, which made the novel feel incredibly real. I also enjoyed how in depth Mellors explored the characters personalities based on their birth order and relationships (or lack thereof) with their dysfunctional parents. I especially loved Bonnie's character.

As someone who is no stranger to grief this novel really hit home. It was raw and real, which felt oddly comforting at times. Mellors did a fantastic job and I will definitely be keeping my eye out for her future work.

Thank you so much for this ARC! I loved this book. I have not enjoyed a book this much in a long time. All the characters are intriguing and, although flawed, likable. It was an easy read but had deep storylines. Trigger warning for drug use, sexual assault and death. Anyone that enjoys a family drama should pick this one up!

This book really did something for me: I have two sisters and reading the different POVs really made me think of my own two sisters. Normally I despise multiple POVs but this really worked. It was a messy book but I really, really connected with it and the characters. I cried too. Just read it

tldr; brb calling my sisters

thank you netgalley for sending me an ARC! i am not being paid for this review 🫡

i just really liked this omg... usually in books told from multiple POVs there's always one or two that i don't like but but all 3 of the Blue sisters' had me #reading. a short but powerful story of sisters left in the wake of their sister's death as they grieve and struggle through addiction, love, and purpose. i felt the end was a bit rushed but i'm still going 5 stars!!!!! 🌟

I loved this book! It is the story of 3 sisters and ultimately how they are dealing with death of their 4th sister now that they have to clean out the childhood apartment where they all grew up. I love seeing how the relationships played out while also getting a look into each sister's lives individually. Def gave me 'Hello, Beautiful' vibes. Grab this one when it comes out in September.

This reminded me of "Pineapple Street," a book I absolutely adored last year. This family is both less affluent and less happy than the Pineapple Street crew, but they nonetheless hang together and help each other out even while reeling from the death of their sister from an accidental overdose. The perspectives shift between the eldest sister, a married lawyer who blows up her life; the middle sister, a former boxing champ who fled after a bad match; and the youngest sister, a model with substance abuse issues. It did drag in a few parts but overall was really enjoyable.

I always wanted a sister and reading this book made me want to experience that relationship even more. Avery, Lucky, and Bonnie experience the death of their sister, Nicky, in different ways. But her death brings them even closer. This book also deals with addiction, an experience I, of course, would not want. The author has such a way with words. Beautifully written. Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to Reagan ARC of this book.

I started this book a little before my reading slump set in but it was truly a book that got me out of it. Blue Sisters follows the lives of three sisters; Lucky, Bonnie, and Avery. As a big fan of Little Women and generally always wanting a sister, I love complex stories of siblings.

I read Coco Mellors’ book Cleopatra and Frankenstein early this year and although I really enjoy her writing, I wasn’t a big fan of the characters so it was hard for me to truly get invested in the book. However with Blue Sisters, I really loved the time we got to spend with each sister and let us, as the reader, get to know Avery, Lucky, and Bonnie for all their flaws and upsides. The sisters’ relationship is really a great read but I also really enjoyed the relationship each sister has to other characters in the book so it really rounded out the story. It’s a book that deals with grief, healing from trauma, and taking accountability. Also, as with Cleopatra and Frankenstein, you could see the author’s love for New York City and I really enjoyed the way NYC was a backdrop in this book.

I rate Blue Sister 4/5 stars and will definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys literally fiction or stories about siblings.

Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors is a beautifully written book about the complexities and challenges of 3 sisters following the death of their fourth sister.

I loved each of the characters and enjoyed reading about how each of them dealt with grief and individual life purposes. Blue Sisters was seamlessly able to touch on so many subjects at once (ie - familial conflict, romance, career shifts, addiction, motherhood, and more). It was perfectly packed with diverse perspectives and experiences.

I didn’t want it to end!

I rated Frankenstein and cleopatra 5 stars earlier this year, but had a couple issues with the switching character narratives. However I feel as though Coco truly mastered this style in Blue Sisters. It all blended so nicely and organically, and I fully fell in love with each of the sisters. Coco Mellors really went all out with this one, and I can’t wait for her next publication!!

Blue sisters will definitely be added to my favorites shelf!

A gorgeously written family drama that had me hooked. I loved Coco Mellors’ previous novel, and was thrilled to get the opportunity to read Blue Sisters. The character study in the story is meticulously and expertly done. Mellors is one of those authors who makes her characters feel like real people, complete with nuance and flaws. It was a very realistic portrayal of addiction and what that can do to a family, but at the same time had such beautifully written prose and fleshed out characters. Definitely recommend.

I’ve never read a book that portrayed sisterly love so deeply and clearly. I loved it! Very heavy read but the characters and their bonds are so clear, and the ending was both uplifting and realistic. I’m definitely going to read other books by this author. Loved her descriptive but well paced writing.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy

This kind of slow moving, vibey read is either something I end up loving or giving up on partway through. Unfortunately, Blue Sisters fell into the latter category. Even for literary fiction, I couldn't hang with the opaqueness of the novel.

Thank you to Random House Publishing and NetGalley for approving me for this ARC! It was my most anticipated read of the year, and it absolutely did not disappoint.

Coco has a way of writing that is so comforting and so deeply human. She makes me relate to characters that I share no experiences with, and every time I read her work I walk away viewing the world a little kinder.

This book is a beautiful reminder that you never know what someone else is going through. The characters are so well developed, it felt like I’ve known them since childhood. She managed to paint a picture of each of these women so vividly and clearly within these pages, I already miss them now that it’s over. It was so easy to identify with pieces of all each of them. Avery, Bonnie, Nicky, and Lucky all taught me something. I learned from all of them, I grieved for all of them, I cheered each of them on.

I shed a tear 6 times from prologue to acknowledgments. I highlighted so many things that I can’t wait to come back to. I can’t wait to hold the physical copy in my hands!!

I truly can’t recommend this book enough.

Welp, this is definitely a Coco Mellors book. Frustrating yet (mostly) likable characters, immersive worlds, palm sweat inducing descriptions of drug taking, and some sections that felt a bit cliche.

I did not get the hate for Cleopatra and Frankenstein. I started that book and was immediately sucked in to the world of these flawed characters trying to navigate life while getting very, very hurt. It reminded me of Girls (Jessa would have attended those parties) and Juno (the dialogue) and also that old HBO show High Maintenance (the chapters that serve as standalone character studies). Sure, the characters are hedonistic and would probably suck in real life, but aren't we all unlikable in our 20s (I guess 30s too)? I've never let a character's "likability" completely derail my reading experience, but anyway...

Blue Sisters started the same. Do you remember a couple years ago when tv journalism would refer to certain shows as "hangout shows"? I'm thinking of Happy Endings, Insecure, Lodge 49. What they meant was that when you watch the show, you feel like you're hanging out with the characters who also do some hanging out themselves. I'd like to nominate Coco's two novels as hangout fiction. It's not that the plot is nonexistent or that the characters are only just sitting around, but rather it's that you feel like you're hanging out with the characters when you're reading.

I found the oldest sister, Avery, the most compelling. When other characters made poor decisions, I might have sighed but kept reading. When Avery made a poor decision (some of her conversations with her wife), I felt like I was witnessing a car crash. Avery felt like a real person that I know and have spoken with.

Lucky, the youngest, has some wild scenes and sure likes to get fucked up. Some of Lucky's chapters reminded me of the HBO show Industry. It's 7am, you're still up, the birds are chirping, guilt and shame are peering around the corner. I'm not sure if I should broadcast this but I'm a stickler for accurate depictions of drug use and often roll my eyes at their depictions in media. This book has some good ones - and by 'good,' I mean they'll make your heart beat faster and your anxiety spike.

The book lagged in the middle and toward the end for me. There are some descriptions of sobriety, AA, and "recovery" that felt a bit cliche. Too neat and tidy. There's a good number of references to "getting clean." To me, this feels like dated language because 'clean' implies a person is dirty when they're using. This feels punitive and shaming to me. I think we should support any and all ways that work for someone battling with addiction and I don't mean to police the language but it stood out to me as an example of an important topic dealt with in a somewhat cliche way.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a well done exploration of grief and the way it manifests differently in each of us. It also touches on the complexity of family dynamics, guilt, and addiction. The characters are well written and their flaws make them feel more realistic. I don't often read books like this, but I really enjoyed it! This is the first book I've read by the author and I would definitely check out more of their work.

Blue Sisters gently tugged on my heartstrings. These sisters are dealing with the trauma of losing their fourth sister and figuring out how to navigate life and their relationships together a year later. I found that it was raw and Coco was not afraid of showing the sisters in their real (and screwed up) ways of handling their grief. Avery, Bonnie, & Lucky Blue are seemingly lost and unsure what to do with themselves and their lives after this loss, and this story takes you along from each of their point of views and their converging paths. I enjoyed it and thought the epilogue was so sweet and *hopeful* .

Thank you to Netgalley & publisher for providing me with this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.