My Sister Rosa Paperback – December 26, 2017

One thing I can say after finishing My Sister Rosa is that I have never read a book like this before. It was well-written, delightfully creepy and discussed a unique and interesting concept in YA literature. When I picked up this book, I was expecting what I usually find in most psychological thrillers- a fast-paced plot with underdeveloped characters. I was pleasantly surprised to find a well-paced story with some great character depth from our narrator, Che.We start the story with Che and Rosa moving to New York. They have moved around most of their lives, due to their parents starting and failing multiple businesses. Originally from Australia, Che has a hard time adjusting. He misses his friends, his gym and his old life. On top of that, Che’s first priority is taking care of his younger sister, Rosa. Except Rosa is not a normal younger sister, she is a sociopath. Che and Rosa have creepy private conversations where he makes her promise to not do “bad things” because Rosa has no empathy and does not fully understand the difference between right and wrong. Che realizes the truth even though the rest of the family does not understand: Rosa is a ticking bomb and it is only a matter of time before she does something unforgivable. However it is also realistic because despite what Che knows about Rosa, he still loves her. As twisted as that may be, she is still his baby sister.“Didn’t anyone ask you where your parents are?”“They asked. Especially about my parents.”“What did you tell them?”“I said I ate them.”“Jesus, Rosa.”What I really enjoyed about this book is that is was more than Che and Rosa’s creepy conversations, and more than Rosa doing morally questionable things. There was Che’s dysfunctional parents and infuriating mother who was constantly in denial about their situation. Che’s life revolved around boxing, although his parents never wanted him to spar because it was considered violent. There was also Che’s budding relationship with fellow boxer Sojourner, and how he balanced that while keeping Rosa a secret. There was a colorful cast of characters aside form Che and Rosa, including Leilani, Elon, Maya and Seimone. They all contributed to the plot- Che trying to adjust to life as a teenage boy while carrying this burden of his psychopath sister.Rosa’s condition was not overdone and actually very believable. She was creepy, unfeeling and incredibly intelligent. She never did anything *too* bad- she stole things, lied, manipulated and Che felt responsible for keeping her in line, always fearing the worst. As the reader, I absolutely bought into Che’s worries and also feared the worst from Rosa. Che’s depiction as a teenage boy was incredibly realistic and normal that I found myself following the story and hoping everything would turn out okay. However, the entire story has this overshadowing sense of foreboding, and I just knew something was going to happen.I was not expecting the ending at all but in retrospect it was really fitting with the overall feel of the story. Rosa’s depiction of a sociopath was frighteningly realistic (not that I’m an expert, but I definitely bought into the story) and Larbalstier did an excellent job of creating a cohesive, well-developed psychological thriller.

This book is chilling and I enjoyed reading it, but whoever compared it to The Silence of the Lambs has to be out of their mind. Just sayin'.Some of the plot twists are predictable, and some I never saw coming. The predictable ones didn't spoil it, though. I do have sort of a rage hate-on for the ending, although I'm not sure any other ending would have been believable.I do wish there had been more room for characterization, particularly of David and Sally. They are major players in the plot, and yet we know very little about them. Ye Olde first person POV strikes again.Rosa is completely horrifying, but fascinating. Little kids have always given me the creeps, and she ranks right up there with the creepiest.3.5 stars; would read again.TL;DR: I had fun reading this book. It's not really scary, but it is interesting. I'm wondering if there'll be a sequel.

Normally I don't like stories written in first person and YA reading is not something I am drawn to. This book, however, pulled me in almost from the beginning. A 17-year old boy has spent almost the entirety of his 10 year old sister's life watching over her so that she doesn't harm anyone. He is positive that she is a psychopath with no conscience who enjoys harming others. Rosa is a math and chess genius, charming, and looks like a modern day Shirley Temple. She is able to fool almost everyone she meets. Che, on the other hand, is a more or less typical teen boy who is interested in boxing and just wants to live a normal life. He resents his parents vagabond existence and, at first, resents their move to New York City. Soon, he makes new friends and starts to enjoy NYC living until he realizes that Rosa is up to something that could be deadly. This book kept me reading and entertained and the ending, although not a cliffhanger, made me wonder if there would be another book about Rosa and Che. I certainly hope so.Although this is a YA novel, language (f-bombs) and sexual situations may offend some readers

This book is absoolutely riveting. There isn't a boring page in it. I read it in one sitting.The protagonist, Che, is very realistically created with a plight that's both fascinating and heartwrenchingly frightening. His plight is written in first person format and he nearly jumps off the pages in his telling of his taIe. I found all of the characters and varying dynamics to be exceptionally compelling. There is real dimension and creative finesse that puts one in Che's shoes and weaves a brilliantly conceived tale.I admire the way that the author demonstrates the lack of true black and white. His sister Rosa is the terrifying reality that 1 in 25 people are sociopaths. Her relationship with her brother is an glimpse into the mind of those who mask their true lack of humanity. She is deftly rendered and her unpredictability is chillingly in control of Che's entire life.There are a great many twists and turns in the novel. I was caught off guard by a goodly amount. The whole book is a great idea for a story that is put together admirably and meticulously, much to the benefit of the the reader. I love to read. However, what I love even more is finding a book that truly stands out. "My Sister Rosa" is, in my humble opinion, a truly unique and stand-out book that I recommend wholeheartedly to both teen and adult readers. Two thumbs, way up!

Right from the beginning Rosa is captivating... This blonde ringlet, psychopath 10 year old! Then as elements about Rosa unfold, the creepiness escalates. This book was suspenseful and a very compelling reading. The entire book is a ticking time bomb... you know something really bad is going to happen, you just don’t know when, where or how. I was continually surprised by Rosa and also by the story reveals, just when you think you know what’s about to happen, there is a twist and the plot turns unexpectedly. I found the book was unpredictable and that the ending - mind blowing! I'm avoiding spoilers here... But wow! The story is told from the perspective of Che, a lovely, thoughtful, young man - the 17 year old brother of Rosa and who has a sense of responsibility way beyond his years. I simply adored Che and trusted him in equal measure to my terror of Rosa. Rosa & Che's " parentals" are either deluded or in denial, possibly both... If you're into the darker side and love a Mind Bender - this book is absolutely fabulous, with well drawn and relatable characters and a fabulous sense of place...

A totally engrossing book about a brother protecting (as well as fearing for) his little sister who just happens to be a blossoming psychopath. I finished this book in barely two days, COUL D NOT put it down. Although I did guess the ending midway through, and there are some problematic points, I was thoroughly entertained. Must read.

This book surprised me. I didn't realise that I was reading a book for young adults until I was quite a way through. The plot is good with more than a semblance to The Bad Seed. The characters are engaging and it is an easy book to read.

This book took so long to get to any interesting storyline I found myself skimming. Too much teen angst with the promise of the"evil sister" about to be revealed frustrating read that I plowed through out of bloody mindedness to just get it finished

The book was well written with the plot and story line holding through to the end. A good length and an easy read.

A disturbing tale, well written; but as young adult fiction it requires guided reading for younger teens

Really enjoyed this book. Couldn't put it down and have recommended it to a few friends.