Sisters First: Stories from Our Wild and Wonderful Life

Sisters First, written by the former first daughters, is a memoir that describes growing up within a famous family and the adventures they shared growing up. I suppose the most important thing to say about this book is that it isn’t your typical memoir. It doesn’t cover just the accomplishments and successes of the authors. Instead, it focuses on the closeness of two sisters and how that has influenced their lives and the the love and affection they feel for one another and their family.
Throughout the book, one is treated to warm and personal memories, not just of times when they were in the political limelight but also when they were both trying to forge paths of their own. There are to be sure funny and interesting anecdotes from their time in the White House or times spent with their grandfather when he was President. But I came away with the impression that these two women are appreciative of the opportunities they have had but at the same time have been able to remain true to themselves. I found their accounts of life in the Bush family full of humor and honesty, and I love the fact that they were able to laugh at themselves. They clearly don’t seem to take themselves too seriously, which is probably what makes this such a fascinating and engrossing read. It is apparent throughout that what these two find most important in life is family and each other.