Ray and Sasha share the same room, the same space, and even the same sisters, but they have never met. They have spent all their summers in an old house of Long Island, but never at the same time. Sasha’s dad used to be married to Ray’s mom in a marriage that ended with such bitterness and resentment that they haven’t spoken in nearly seventeen years. Finally, through the events of one summer, the siblings try to show their parents the importance of forgiveness and love.
The Whole Thing Together is a story of complex family relationships and split homes, but the characters infuse a sad story with hope. Ray and Sasha along with their three shared sisters--Emma, Mattie, and Quinn--show that families ties can bind in spite of anger and hurt. Well written with interesting characters, this book deals with hard issues in an admirable way, but is best for mature readers.
Recommended ages--16 and up