(mother)" She used to tell me to get my nose out of my book and go get some fresh air.

I've always loved sister stories in fiction, from the time I was little, reading about Beezus and Ramona. I've always wanted to write a sister story.

My wants are simple: a job that I like and a guy whom I love.

My relationship with my sister is so central to my life. She's my closest friend, my biggest supporter, and I know she would say the same about me.

I wondered why I was so startled by the encounter when there was something that seemed utterly inevitable about the moment. Not in any grand, destined sense; just in the quiet, stubborn way that unfinished business has of imposing its will on the unwilling.

Everyone wants to belong, or be a part of something bigger than themselves, but it's important to follow your heart and be true to yourself in the process.

Nothing is ever perfect. It is what you make of it.