4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Written by Michelle Cummings, The Reel Sisters is the beautiful and touching story of a group of women who share a strong friendship and love fly fishing. Originally from Kansas, Sophie fell in love with fly fishing during her twenties, moved to Colorado, bought some land, and started a greenhouse and nursery business. Veronica is the CEO of her own company, Executive Coaching for Women. After meeting Sophie in an airplane, she started practicing fly fishing, which changed her career. Amanda, whose husband is stationed at Fort Carson, went one day to Sophie's pumpkin patch. After another visit with her fifth-grade class to the greenhouse, Sophie invited her to fly fish. Amanda loved it and was a natural. Rose is the leader of the group and the owner of the cabin, located next to the Arkansas River, where the ladies meet to fly fish and get away from it all. Melody is a young photographer with a peculiar personality and who joins the group unexpectedly.
The Reel Sisters is a fictional novel about fly fishing and the power of friendship through great and hard times. Cummings created a diverse and dynamic cast of strong female characters who come together through the sport of fly fishing. Each of the women has a distinct personality and life story. Cummings masterfully weaved their stories while making fly fishing the center of the story. In addition, the serene and sublime setting of the novel in Colorado, particularly near the Arkansas River, gives an organic depth to the book.
My favorite element of the book was the amazing cast of characters. The story is narrated from the perspective of each of the women, allowing the reader to get to known them. My favorite character was Rose because she shares her cabin with the ladies, making it a place for the sisterhood. She also imparts wisdom while keeping her wit. I enjoyed Sophie's earthy vibe. I admired Veronica's tenacity and discipline. I liked Amanda's resiliency and positive attitude. Lastly, it was fun reading about Melody's odd personality.
My other favorite element of the book was its setting. It was a joy reading about fly fishing, mountains, rivers, landscapes, and fish. At first, I thought the book was going to be boring. I had never read a book about fishing before. However, I found myself immersed in the natural setting of the story. I even rented out the film A River Runs Through It, which Sophie mentions inspired her to get fly fishing lessons. Reading The Reel Sisters is literally a breath of fresh air.
The only thing I did not like about the book was its ending. The women's stories are so powerful, the setting is beautiful, and the bond of sisterhood is strong. While reading, I thought the book was marvelous. As a result, I did not take well how it ends. I understand, nonetheless, there is a lesson to take away from it. Overall, the whole book uses fly fishing as a metaphor to life. The end of the story works the same way.
Without a doubt, I rate The Reel Sisters by Michelle Cummings 4 out of 4 stars because it has strong and diverse female characters, the setting of the story is gorgeous, and the author depicts a wonderful sisterhood. The book only has a few minor errors and one incorrect use of perspective. I recommend this book to those who enjoy reading about strong women, fly fishing, nature, and friendship.
******
The Reel Sisters
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Yolimari's review? Post a comment saying so!