While My Sister Sleeps

By: Barbara Delinsky

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Length: 10 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

Molly and Robin Snow are sisters, and like all sisters they share a deep bond that sustains them through good times and bad. Their careers are flourishing - Molly is a horticulturist and Robin is a world-class runner - and they are in the prime of their lives. So when Molly receives the news that Robin has suffered a massive heart attack, she couldn't be more shocked. At the hospital, the Snow family receives a grim prognosis: Robin may never regain consciousness.

As Robin's parents and siblings struggle to cope, the complex nature of their relationship is put to the ultimate test. Molly has always lived in Robin's shadow, and her feelings for her have run the gamut, from love to resentment and back. The last time they spoke, they argued. But now there is so much more at stake. Molly's parents fold under the devastating circumstances, and her brother retreats into the cool reserve that is shattering his own family.

It's up to Molly to make the tough decisions, and she soon makes discoveries that destroy some of her most cherished beliefs about the sister she thought she knew.

©2009 Barbara Delinsky (P)2009 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Delinsky's popularity should ensure demand for this engaging exploration of every family's worst nightmare." ( Booklist)

Kind of a disspointment

The beginning was good, then it seemed like she got away from the main subject. I really think it could have been written better. The narration is great. It was just okay in my book.

Great Read

I really liked this book. Just goes to show that a close family is capable of dealing with the most difficult situations and that love can be found in the most strangest ways. While listening to the book, it was as if I was there feeling the same emotions the family felt. I'm glad I chose this book.

Introspective Excellent

I loved this book because it showed multiple perspectives of a family grief, and loss. It also showed that families need to communicate more and that life is precious and should not be taken for granted.

Somewhat dated

Olympic hopeful Robin has a massive heart attack while training. Now brain dead, her sister Molly, their parents and brother wrestle with personal and family problems while awaiting the inevitable.

I read WHILE MY SISTER SLEEPS years ago and remember enjoying it, so when Kindle had it as a daily deal for $1.99, I figured I’d reread. Barbara Delinsky, a prolific writer, is at her best when writing about relationships. I didn’t enjoy WHILE MY SISTER SLEEPS as much as my memory of the book, perhaps because the story felt dated in how we think and talk about the end of life, when the body exists and the mind is gone. Maybe I watch too much Grey’s Anatomy, but I would have liked more about organ donation.

Still, Delinsky never fails to deliver a well written story.