Several months ago, I received an advance copy of a fictional work written by adoptee, S.T. Underdahl. Ms. Underdahl is a neuropsychologist in private practice. Although the book is fiction, it is based loosely on the author's own personal reunion story and is described as suitable reading for young adults.

The Other Sister is about Josey Mueller, who comes up against challenges much like Ms. Underdahl's own sister did. At age 16, when Josey is typically trying to find her own identity and place in the world, her world is turned upside down. A sister appears that she never knew existed.

Ms. Underdahl searched for and found her birth parents. She discovered that they had married and had three more children. When she decided to write about her reunion story, she found herself telling her story from the viewpoint of her sister who was 16 at the time of reunion. Ms. Underdahl's arrival was a complete surprise to her sister and presented some struggles for her.

The book does a very credible,thorough and touching job of describing the how the relationship between the two sisters slowly develops. The 16-year old sister in the book feels somewhat displaced in her family with the arrival of her older sister that she never knew existed. She struggles to come to terms with her feelings at a time in her life when identity issues abound.

Their coming together is an honest portrayal of the complexities involved in most reunion relationships. Their relationship is complicated by the fact that both sisters have similar career interests. Josey, the main character and sixteen year old sister of the adoptee was the only daughter in her family as well. As the two sisters struggle to find way to connect and bond, emotional times are present throughout the story.

This book is now available on Amazon and in other places on the Internet as well, including an excerpt on this site. Amazon indicates that the reading level for this book is ages 9-12. Considering that the main character is a teen though, I imagine it is appropriate for a young adult or anyone wanting some insights into this aspect of reunion.