There are times when I wish my life was more interesting so I could write a gripping, intriguing memoir. But, alas, I’ve lived a pretty normal boring life with no major catastrophes. Unlike Rachel Simon and her sister. This was a fascinating memoir. Not having much experience with people with metal handicaps (I learned you’re supposed to emphasize the people, not the handicap), it was a real eye-opener. I admire the way Rachel deals with her sister: she’s honest and blunt about her feelings of anger and resentment, yet, you can sense the very deep and unconditional love there. Her sister, Beth, is 11 months younger than Rachel, and spends her days (all day, every day) riding the buses of a Pennsylvania town (Rachel doesn’t ever say what town). As a holiday present, Rachel offers to ride the buses with Beth for an entire year. And during that year she learns a bunch: about herself, about life, about people, about her sister, about love.

It’s an amazing journey. The backstory about her childhood is both fascinating and heartbreaking. And what and how Rachel learns from her sister’s experiences (and from the bus driver) is so totally honest and true that you just want to cheer at the end.

My only beef is with our library again. This book was cataloged as a Young Adult biography and I think that’s misleading. Not that it isn’t appropriate for young adults. I just think putting it in that category would discourage many people from picking it up. And they really should.