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    What Happened to My Sister
    What Happened to My Sister
    What Happened to My Sister
    Audiobook9 hours

    What Happened to My Sister

    Written by Elizabeth Flock

    Narrated by Cassandra Campbell

    4/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    Nine-year-old Carrie Parker and her mother, Libby, are making a fresh
    start in the small town of Hartsville, North Carolina, ready to put
    their turbulent past behind them. Violence has shattered their family
    and left Libby nearly unable to cope. And while Carrie once took comfort
    in her beloved sister, Emma, her mother has now forbidden even the
    mention of her name. When Carrie meets Ruth, Honor, and
    Cricket Chaplin, these three generations of warmhearted women seem to
    have the loving home Carrie has always dreamed of. But as Carrie and
    Cricket become fast friends, neither can escape the pull of their
    families' secrets-and uncovering the truth will transform the Chaplins
    and the Parkers forever.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherTantor Media, Inc
    Release dateDec 17, 2012
    ISBN9781452681160
    What Happened to My Sister
    Author

    Elizabeth Flock

    ELIZABETH FLOCK is an Emmy Award–winning journalist whose work has been featured in the New Yorker, the New York Times, and the Atlantic, and on PBS NewsHour and Netflix, among other outlets. She is the host of Blind Plea, a podcast from Lemonada Media about criminalized survival. Her reporting is supported by the Pulitzer Center, PEN America, and the International Women’s Media Foundation. Her first book, The Heart Is a Shifting Sea, won a Nautilus Book Award for books that inspire and make a difference. She lives in Chicago and Los Angeles.

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    Reviews for What Happened to My Sister

    4/5

    117 ratings41 reviews

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    • 4/5
      Carrie and her mother are packing up and leaving Hendersonville after the events at the end of “Emma and Me”. They barely have any money, so it's not easy to start over. In the new town, Carrie meets Cricket and her mother, who are super-nice, but dealing with the loss of their sister/daughter, so when Carrie shows up, looking just like her, they can't help but want to become friends with the 9-year old. I feel like I can't do the summary justice without giving things away from the first book. I really enjoyed this, though. Not quite as much as the first book. It might have been wrapped up a little too neatly at the end, but – at the same time – if the author decided to write a 3rd book, I'd read it. (And despite the feeling that it was wrapped up, there is somewhere to go if there was a third book.)
    • 2/5
      Plain and simple, this sequel to Me & Emma wasn't that good.

      One of the biggest no no's in writing is to "tell", instead of "show." I felt at the end of the book, the author had all of her characters scrambling to "tell" what happened instead of enabling the story to unfold by showing. There were still quite a few unanswered questions as well... example; the whole Charlie Chaplin thing which was just downright strange. Maybe there was something about it, somewhere, but since I was skipping pages, something I hardly ever do, I could have missed it.

      I found Honor's constant internal dialogue irritating as hell. Yes, the author was probably trying to show that she had identified a "voice", for this character, but it was just over the top. And, it seemed to take forever for her to come to some conclusion that Carrie was severely abused. If Carrie was reduced to sucking on ketchup packets, pieces of clay pots and eating dirt, I think she'd have enough sense to see she was abused - on top of the terrible injuries she sustained at the hands of dear old mom. Was Honor blind on top of being a motor mouth?

      And Carrie's mother... If she was as bad as this, somebody in today's society would have spotted the abuse problem a LONG time ago. For example, there was a question in the back of Me & Emma about why the author didn't pinpoint the year or exactly when Carrie and Emma were born, etc. But, she clarified that very well in this book with the laptop, cell phones, internet searching, and Cricket's constant "Geez, alright, alright" sort of answers. A very 21st century kid.

      I can't stand it when I buy a bad book and this one, to me, was one hot mess.
    • 5/5
      After the death of her step father, Carrie and her mother, Libby are getting out of dodge. Lilbby and Carrie end up in the town of Hartsville, North Carolina. Here Libby and Carrie can start over without anyone to judge them. Cricket has not been teh same since her sister passed away. Cricket's mother noticies the change but has tried everything to get Cricket to make friends with kids at her school or to just smile. Nothing has worked thus far. When Cricket meets Carrie, they share an instant connection. Soon Cricket and Carrie are inseparable. Carrie is thinking less of Emma, her sister. Things change for both girls when a deep, dark secret is revealed. Fans of Me and Emma will throughly enjoy What Happened to My Sister. It features Carrie Parker and her mother, Libby from Me and Emma. This book ties up nicely any lingering questions about what really happened to Emma and if she ever really existed. I loved Carrie and Cricket. They are what made this book. Their voices were strong presences in this book. I kind of suspected where the big reveal regarding the secret was going but still I was surprised int he end. When the truth did come out, I had a big smile on my face. This is when you know you have just read a winner. I was totally invested in the characters and the story. I blazed through this book in a matter of a few hours. I was in the zone. What Happened to My Sister is a must not miss book! This book just turned Ms. Flock into a superstar. I can not wait to see waht she has in store next.
    • 4/5
      This book is the story of Carrie Parker, her mother, and Carrie's imaginary friend, Emma. Carrie's mother is abusive and negligent, and she is vehemently opposed to Carrie's companionship with Emma. Over the course of the novel we eventually find out why. Carrie desperately longs for her mother's attention and affection, and walks on eggshells to avoid raising her mother's ire. The slightest thing sends Libby Parker into a rage. When Carrie meets Cricket she makes the first real friend of her life, and attention from Cricket's family gives Carrie some much needed stability. This is a book about a child's will to survive in the face of horrible abuse. Throughout the book I kept hoping that Libby would be caught and taken away- her treatment of Carrie is criminal. The book is billed as a possible stand-alone read. Certainly it's possible to dive in and understand what is necessary to appreciate this book. Still, this is a follow-up to Flock's Me and Emma, and the premise of the entire plot gives away what I suspect is the crux of the first book. I haven't read Me and Emma, but I suspect the plot of What Happened to My Sister relies on some major spoilers.
    • 4/5
      Great read! I love the characters-they come alive and make you want to "talk" to them to see what happens next. The way Flock changes point of view between characters makes the story flow. The ending is simply satisfying!
    • 5/5
      I tend to hate sequels. I tend to hate them a lot. At times, though, a book does not do justice to its character and a sequel is a must. This is the case with What Happened to My Sister by Elizabeth Flock, which is the sequel to Me and Emma. I really enjoyed Me and Emma and found the ending both shocking and wonderful. It was definitely a book where I never saw it coming and I longed for more.Thankfully, more was coming. What Happened to My Sister picks up immediately where Me and Emma left off. I struggle to write this without giving away any of the plot details, but this book focuses on a little girl named Carrie who picks up after life has dealt her a heavy hand of cards. She soon meets another little girl who has what seems to her a fairytale life that she desperately wants. During this time she questions everything she knows about reality, family and life. Flock doesn’t disappoint in that twists and turns are everywhere in this novel and I couldn’t put it down. If you don’t own either book, I highly recommend picking up them both and reading Me and Emma first. Beautiful novels that will stay with you and make you wonder what is happening next!Edit: I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and fair review.
    • 3/5
      I didn't realize that this was a sequel to the author's previous novel ME & EMMA but I think it was better that I had not read it. Otherwise this may have been a two star read. Carrie Parker and her mother leave their small country town after Carrie kills her step-father to stop him from killing her mother. Carrie's alcoholic mom would rather Carrie was dead and blames her for everything. Carrie has also been drilled into believing that she never had a sister named Emma, that Emma was just an imaginary friend. Carrie is now so jumbled up she doesn't know what to believe. Carrie and her mom move into a motel and Carrie is on her own while her mother looks for work.Meanwhile Honor Chaplin and her daughter, Cricket have moved in with Honor's mom after Cricket's parents divorce. Cricket's sister, Caroline died 3 years ago from leukemia.One day Cricket and her mom are eating at a Wendy's when Honor spots Carrie scrounging for food. She is shocked because Carrie looks exactly like Caroline. She is also shocked at the state of neglect Carrie is in and brings her home. Cricket and Carrie become instant friends and Carrie goes to their house during the day making sure to be home before her mother comes home drunk and angry.This book had potential but it felt very rushed and the characters were rather one-sided and not fleshed out at all. Carrie's mom is just plain evil and Carrie is extremely neglected and abused while trying to gain her mother's love.Honor and Cricket are saints and perfect to save Carrie. Despite Carrie's abuse, the story is way to feel-good and too easy. It left me feeling disappointed, as if the book was rushed and the author didn't take the time to put some meat into the story. It read more like something for young adults. The 3 stars are for Carrie.
    • 2/5
      This book, the sequel to Me & Emma follows the life of Carrie and her mother as they flee their past lives after a tramatic incident involving Carrie's father and 'sister'. I read Me & Emma a few years ago and absolutely loved it. I was equally as excited to read What Happened to My Sister but I feel this book really fell short. I felt that the writing, plot line, characters. etc. were subpar compared to the first book. If I read the second book first, I wouldn't have wanted to read the first one. I feel like the second book was rushed and never really fully developed. So while I can't say much for What Happened to My Sister, if you haven't read Me & Emma yet, DEFINITELY read it!
    • 4/5
      This review contains a spoiler. Do not read if you have not yet read the book. Overall, this was a very good book with a few rather glaring sour notes. The little girl, Carrie, was such a sweetheart and had a resilience that was almost superhuman. Her mother was a horrendous child abuser, emotional, physical and psychological. Her cruelty was nearly unbelievable. The story-line was engaging and kept you reading. Carrie's new-found friend and her mother were fairly hard to fathom, along with the fact that the friend's dead sister bore such an uncanny resemblance to Carrie was pretty far-fetched also. But, the real corker was that Carrie's missing and assumed dead sister magically appears at the end of the book with virtually no explanation. In spite of all this, I did like the book and would recommend it.
    • 4/5
      I had started reading this awhile ago but had not read Me & Emma and felt there was too much going on that I didn't understand. Went back and read the first one and then continued on with this one. Another heartbreaking read, so wanted to grab this little girl and steal her away. Of course I know this is only a novel but I also know that there are plenty of other little girls out there that deal with this type of abuse on a daily basis. This book made me think and feel and that is what good books are supposed to do. Thankfully it ends on a positive note though there are a few questions that to my mind were not answered. ARC from NetGalley.
    • 4/5
      What Happened to My Sister picks up where Emma and Me left off. This book is not for the faint hearted, it is a story about horrible child abuse. However, it is an amazing story of strength, courage and the power to overcome. You don't need to read Emma and Me to enjoy this book, but I do recommend reading that book first if you think you may want to after reading this book. You will ruin the twist of the first book if you don't read it first. Highly recommend
    • 4/5
      Carrie is a heartbreaking character. Her mother is so horrible I just wanted to reach through the book and punch her. I found the fact that Carrie still loved her mother even though she abused her terribly, and that she even made excuses for her mother’s behavior authentic and real. This is something I’ve learned about in my foster parent training – the biological tie between a parent and child is very strong and children will still love their parents after almost anything, frustrating as that can be to people trying to help the child.I was a little bothered by a few things that seemed unauthentic and pulled me out of the story. One of them is when Carrie is severely beaten up by her mother and goes to Cricket’s house. Cricket’s dad, a police officer, is there along with the rest of Cricket’s family and even though Carrie is in and out of consciousness, no one suggests taking her to the hospital. I would think a police officer would know better than that.Also, the very ending did not seem realistic to me. That’s all I’ll say because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. But if you’ve read it, I’d love to hear what your thoughts are on the ending.Other than those quibbles, I really enjoyed this book. It was the kind of book that I walked around in a fog thinking about when I had to tear myself away from reading it. It’s full of surprising plot twists. The book alternates between Carrie and Honor’s point of view. I thought the author did a good job writing Carrie’s point of view – I know it can be hard when the narrator is so young.This book didn’t have as many charming Southern idioms as most of the Southern fiction I’ve read, but I’ll quote my two favorites:*“And she’s being as sweet as honey on a pretty girl’s finger.”“they’ll haul you out of here so fast it’d bring tears to a glass eye.”This book is being marketed as a stand-alone novel but it has the same characters from Elizabeth Flock’s novel Me & Emma, which I have not read. I didn’t have any trouble following What Happened to My Sister and I agree that it can stand alone. However, knowing that there was a previous book out there made me really curious about what Carrie’s life was like before she and her mother left Hartsville. I’m going to have to read Me & Emma since I enjoyed this book so much.*quotes are taken from an uncorrected review copy – the final copy may differ
    • 4/5
      Narrative told in first person from a nine year old girls perspective. The reader is tossed clues about the missing sister, the narators sanity right up to the end of the book. Kept me captive - a fast read.
    • 5/5
      This book blew me away. In a very good way. What Happened to My Sister by Elizabeth Flock is the continuation of a story titled Emma and Me, but I did not know that. I had never read anything by Flock, and picked up What Happened to My Sister knowing very little about it.That did not at all distract from the powerful impact this book had on me.It always astonishes me when authors are able to really get inside the head of young, abused girls. Carrie, or Caroline, has been abused in nearly every way you can imagine, and she is so beat down by those who are supposed to love and care for her, that when she speaks so politely or matter-of-factly about eating paper with ketchup that my heart just aches and aches for her. I found myself wondering if I would be able to recognize her, like Honor, the other main character in this book. What Happened to My Sister moves between two narratives, but doesn't take the traditional route of alternating chapters. The story goes on through as many chapters needed for Carrie before moving to Honor and picking up - so instead of feeling disjointed, it moves smoothly through the timeline. It worked so amazingly well, people.It's hard to gush and recommend a book like this without wondering how it will impact others who pick it up - so let me warn you. The story here is of some really heavy matter. It will bruise, if not break your heart, to read Carrie's story. It's not a light, or humorous read - but it's a book that should be read and discussed. It made me examine my own heart, and opened my eyes, and has given me a nudge to start seeing those around me in public places. The Carrie's of our world are out there, and they need as much help as they can get.
    • 5/5
      When I started reading this novel, I didn't realize that it was a follow up to a previous book. I was able to follow the story and read the first book (EMMA AND ME) after the second book. It helped to clear up a few of the plot points. I would recommend that you read Emma and Me first but what happened to my sister can really be read and enjoyed as a stand alone. The book is a horrible story about child abuse. Carrie is not fed or cared for at all by her mother. She is rescued by another family who is also suffereing from a family tragedy. Despite the abuse, this book is really about survival and happy endings.
    • 4/5
      I have to say I don't think I have every been more angry at a character from a book! I wanted to rush right in to save Carrie from her mother. The loyalty and devotion that Carrie shows for her abusive mother just broke my heart because you know this kind of thing happens in real life all the time. By writing from alternating perspectives Ms. Flock gives a gritty portrayal of child abuse, and how the loss of a child effects a family. The voices ring true which makes the story that much more powerful.
    • 5/5
      "You're a rock in my pocket in the river of life."What a heart breaking read. This is the sequel to Me & Emma and I loved that one so there was no doubt in my mind that I wouldn't like this one as well. And as soon as I opened the book and 'heard' Carrie speak, I was in love with her all over again. I missed her even. Elizabeth Flock has just made it impossible for me NOT to love Carrie. I wanted to bring her home so she could live with me - to show her love, feed her, give her a bath and clean clothes, to let her be a child.At the beginning of the book, Carrie wants you to know that she's not crazy despite what they lead you to believe at the end of Me & Emma and despite what her mother tells you repeatedly throughout the book. The story introduces us to the Ford family and is told through the eyes of Mrs. Honor Ford, who meets Carrie as she's stealing croutons and cherry tomatoes from the salad bar at Wendy's, and Carrie herself. They are both stories of survival and told seamlessly.If you care for Carrie at all (and how could you not?), you won't be able to put this down until it's over. This is a definite read, especially if you've already read Me & Emma, and if you haven't, do yourself a favor and read it already!
    • 4/5
      What Happened to My Sister is a sequel to Me and Emma. There aren't many books that make enough of an impact on me that I feel the desire to read them again. Me and Emma is one of those books that I plan to read again. It affected me deeply. I loved the story; I loved the shocking twist at the end. I was so excited when I received this book and saw that it was a followup to Me and Emma. It was a very quick read and well-written, but it did not have the same impact on me that Me and Emma did. It has been several years since I read Me and Emma, but my recollection of the mother was of an abused woman who was in a bad situation. But in this book, the mother was not just mean and abusive; she was a sociopath. If you haven't read Me and Emma, read it first before reading this book. To read this sequel first will destroy the impact of the first book. I wish I could give this book more stars, but for me, Me and Emma was one of the best books I have ever read. This one just didn't have the same impact on me.
    • 5/5
      I won an ARC of What Happened to My Sister: A Novel by Elizabeth Flock in a giveaway. This book was amazing*** What Happened to My Sister makes me re-think all of my previous 5 star reviews. I have never been abused as a child, but I almost feel like I have now in a sense which is how amazing Elizabeth's writing is. There were some typos throughout the book but this was an uncorrected proof- The writing made you feel like you were walking in the shoes of this nine-year-old girl. Throughout this novel~ I laughed, cringed, and wanted to cry at times. I give this one six out of five stars*** Fantastic Read- Favorite of 2012- You won't be able to put this one down- Total Movie Material- Eye Opener- The dialog was super and worth a second read.... I will be on the lookout for more stories from Elizabeth Flock and pick them up without hesitation* Thanks! Reesa***
    • 5/5
      Loved this! Carrie was a wonderful main character - eliciting so many emotions. I wanted her to come out on top and overcome all life was throwing her way. The story moved very quickly and the addition of the Chaplin family was a good contrast to the poor mountain people. Wished the story could go on and on.
    • 5/5
      Author: Elizabeth FlockPublished By: Random House Publishing GroupAge Recommended 16Reviewer: Arlena DeanRating: 5Blog For: GMTAReview:"What Happened to My Sister: A Novel" by Elizabeth Flock was a follow up from Ms. Flock first book 'Me & Emma'... which was also a good dialogue and a very interesting read. Be ready for many twist and turns because this is what you will get from "What Happened to My Sister." The reading in a adult and child's voice was really a good affect on the read. From Toast, North Carolina...to Hendersonville, North Carolina...then finally to Hartsville, North Carolina. Carrie(a young neglected and abused girl) and her mother were making a new start. This is where Carrie meets a good friend named Cricket who has lost a sister too. Now Carrie and Cricket are inseparable. Carrie is now thinking less of her sister, Emma. What will come of these two nine year old girls? "When these two meet, their world's expand till it's bursting, changing who they are, and how they see the world they exist in." This is simply beautiful story. Crickets' mom...Honor Chaplin Ford is "a 30-plus female who has suffered the loss of her daughter, her job and her marriage. Their lives are brought together on the 3rd anniversary of Honor's daughter' death. Thus, begins the healing and salvation they both need." This is the time that I will say that you must pick up this wonderful read..."What Happened to My Sister" to find out just what the big secret is and seeing this process of healing in that questions will be answered and the end will all be well for Carrie.The characters were simply off the chart...from Carrie(Caroline), (her mom), Richard, Cricket, Mrs.Honor Chaplin Ford, Eddie, Misty Rae, Janey, Mr. & Mrs. Hap Burdock, Hunter, Lucy, Uncle Charles, to Mr. Wilson and I am sure I have left someone out...so you will have to pick up this excellent read and find out. Also in this read find out how to cure hiccups...with "Levon Hiccups Remedy." If you are in for a good fiction read you have come to the right place...for a very interesting read and Yes I would recommend "What Happened to My Sister: A Novel" as a excellent read.
    • 4/5
      It is difficult to read a story about child abuse and neglect, but the author does an amazing job of capturing the innocent voice of the main character, young Caroline. Two families suffer almost unbearable loss and grief and there is much tragedy and pain. However, there is also hope and healing and justice in the end. What Happened to My Sister is engrossing and well-written. I fell in love with little Caroline just as the Fords did. Her brave struggle to survive and her optimism in the face of despair and horrific circumstances was a beautiful thing beautifully told.
    • 4/5
      I loved this book! The middle dragged some and I got bored which is why i gave it a 4 and not a 5 but I loved the ending... told in true Elizabeth Flock fashion with lots of twists and turns. Glad this particular story came out and was uncovered and told. When I share it with the family I think they too will enjoy it.
    • 4/5
      This is a sequel to Me and Emma, and I highly suggest reading that book before starting this one. Without reading it first, this novel won't make a lot of sense.I really enjoy Elizabeth Flock's writing style and the gritty characters she creates. I was excited to visit with Carrie again in this novel, and we meet some new characters who aren't quite as interesting but give Carrie a new perspective on the world.Carrie did not have an easy life when we first met her in Me and Emma, and things have not improved for her in this novel. At times I became quite heartsick, thinking about all of the real Carries, out there living this way. While I gave Me and Emma 5 stars (and stand by that rating), What Happened to my Sister paled in comparison. It didn't have the shock factor that made Me and Emma so powerful, and the ending of Sister is a little too fairy-tale for me to consider it realistic. It was still a great book that I could not put down, and for that reason alone I would recommend giving it a read.
    • 4/5
      I really enjoyed this book. The main character has such strength and unconditional love and all she wants is to be loved back. My heart broke for her every time her mother rejected her. I did not read the prequel, but now I need to so I can find out how this little girl survived such horrific abuse.
    • 4/5
      I didn't realize until reading a little blurb in the front of the book that this was a continuation of sorts of Flock's previous novel, "Emma and Me" , which I hadn't yet read, but I did have on my bookshelf. So I pulled that one from the shelf, read it, then delved into this one. While this book could be a stand-alone novel, I would highly recommend reading "Emma and Me" first. It will give you a lot of background & definitely add more to the story.So having read both back-to-back, I'd have to say I enjoyed this second novel more than the first. I won't go into plot details because many other reviewers have done so. But in this book, Carrie begins to put together some pieces of her past while her mother, in the meantime, further continues to alienate & abuse her. However, this time they find themselves in a larger-populated area and Carrie makes a new friend, Cricket.I liked the flow of this book and how things gradually came together, up until the end. At that point, things started happening quickly, and it all felt entirely too rushed. I think the last 2-3 chapters could've been expanded into 4 or 5 chapters to allow the reader to really appreciate how things were being resolved. Instead, I was left with a feeling of needing a 3rd book to really justify what I'd read.
    • 5/5
      This is the best sequel I have ever read. Even though "What Happened to My Sister" does not require reading "Me and Emma" to appreciate it, I highly recommend reading both. As a fan of Elizabeth Flock I was thrilled to get this book for early review. It surprised me that when I thought there was a period after "Me and Emma," it turned out to be a ...I love the way Flock writes, and the story took some unexpected turns. The abusive behavior is so vivid that it is, at times, difficult to stomach. The beauty of this story is pure gold. So puff up the pillows, make a cup of tea, and enjoy some of the best story-telling in fiction.
    • 3/5
      I won this book through Librarything. This is the story of a young girl named Carrie and her abusive mother. Carrie has visions of having a sister but her mother insists that she made her up. This is a story of survival and the resilience of children. It is also a story about how you don't have to be blood to be family.
    • 5/5
      I really enjoyed What Happeened to My sister. It started from page one.Ii. grabs your attention and keeps it til the book is done. Ms. flocks characters are so vivid they jump from the page. You find yourself wondering what will happen to Carrie next. I found myself up til the wee hours of the morning finishing this book I just and to know what happened to Carrie ans Emma!
    • 4/5
      Elizabeth Flock has written another great story. It is a tragic story of childhood. If you read Me and Emma, then it is a continuation that fills in the blanks. If it is your first book by Flock the story is well told, and I would recommend that you read the other also.Carrie Parker, has loved her alcoholic mother so much that she has tried her best to leave Emma behind and start over. To please her mother, who has mentally and physically abused her, Emma never gives up hope nor does she ever tell anyone how dire her life is.I do hope that Elizabeth Flocks continues witting for years, I am excited to see what is next.