The Sibling Effect

Narrator Pete Larkin's tone is fresh and open, a fitting style for this book in which the author draws on his own family relationships to discuss the bonds between siblings. Larkin's upbeat tone is particularly useful in some of the confessional sections of the book that recount less-than-happy moments. The author includes observations about his parents' divorce and remarriages, and his resulting relationships with half-brothers and now half-sisters. He draws on generalities regarding such relationships and discusses research related to his topics and experiences that may have broader applicability (or not). Throughout, Larkin is conversational and maintains an easygoing style. J.E.M. (c) AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine