Book VS. Movie: The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants

10 Facts of Difference:
1. In the book, the girls are fifteen entering the summer before their sixteenth birthdays. In the movie, the girls are already sixteen years old.

2. Bridget has a twin bother, Perry, in the book that is left out of the movie. Lena also has a younger sister, Effie, who is left out as well (although the producers actually included her in the second movie, which I thought was strange).

3. In the movie, the Tibby/Baily relationship begins when Tibby accompanies Bailey to the hospital after she faints in Wallman’s, which she does not do in the book. Tibby even goes to Bailey’s house afterward. In the movie, the Tibby/Bailey relationship truly begins when Bailey comes to Tibby’s house claiming that the Pants have been delivered to her house by mistake.

4. In the book, Lena’s grandmother adores Kostos and immediately tries to set him and Lena up the day she arrives in Greece. Lena is absolutely disgusted by her grandmother’s intentions and so Lena tries to look extra unattractive for Kostos to prove to her grandmother that she has no interest in a summer romance. However, in the movie, Lena’s grandmother hates Kostos and tells Lena that she should have nothing to do with him for controversy between their families.

5. In the book, Lena is spied on by Kostos while she is skinny dipping in a local secluded lake area (well she thought so anyway). She gets so angry at him that she doesn’t take the time to dress herself correctly upon leaving and tells her grandmother that “Kostos is NOT a nice boy”. Lena’s grandmother is then given reason to believe that Kostos has violated Lena causing a severe fude between Lena’s grandfather and Kostos’s grandfather. This never happens in the movie since the Kostos/Lena plot is completely different.

6. In the book, Eric is a handsome Mexican man instead of the blonde American he is portrayed as in the movie. And Brian is a mossy-haired geek boy in the book rather than an Asian like in the movie.

7. In the book, Tibby and Carmen meet Lena and Effie at the airport when they return from Greece, and Lena immediately discuses what has happened to Bridget at camp and how she is aching for someone to come down and be by her side. Carmen, Tibby, and Effie all agree that Lena should use the last of her and her sister’s traveling money to fly to Bridget’s camp ground in Mexico. In the movie, Bridget is already home and accompanies Carmen and Tibby to the airport to meet Lena when she returns home from Greece. Bridget has also already sorted out all the problems she has been having at camp by this point in the movie.

8. Tibby goes through a deep depression in the book over Bailey long after she is gone. She can’t eat, sleep, or do anything she used to do. All she can do is watch Oprah and ignore the rest of the spinning world. In the movie, Tibby bounces back pretty quickly and is back to normal in a much shorter period of time.

9. In the book, Carmen finds The Pants in a thrift store when she goes shopping with Lena. It was Lena’s idea to go in the thrift store in the first place and Carmen didn’t really want to go, so Carmen solely buys a pair of jeans atop the checkout counter (The Pants) just to feel that she went with Lena to the store for a purpose. After the pants have been purchased, she throws them in the back of her closet in attempt to forget them. Much later when she is cleaning out her closet, Carmen sit’s the pants aside with other objects she plans to get rid of. When Tibby sees the pants in Carmen’s “get rid of” pile and wants them is when the four girls develop an interest in The Pants and discover their magic. In the movie, the pants are discovered in a vintage store the day the four plan to depart on their individual summer adventures.

10. In the movie, all four girls of the Sisterhood accompany Carmen to her father’s wedding, but in the book it is just Carmen who goes. Lena has gone to Mexico to be with Bridget, and Tibby has decided to face her sadness of Bailey during that time in the book.


VS. Review:
Because The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants is hands down my favorite series and book of all time, that makes this review a little tougher. In all honesty, the movie and the book are so completely different that it is hard to even compare them because they are almost like two entirely separate stories with the same exact themes, if that makes sense. Within each individual girl’s story, I would have to say that Carmen’s story in the movie is most exact to the one in the book. And if you haven’t guessed by the ten facts above, in the movie, Lena’s story was completely and totally different from her story in the book. In fact, the first time you see the movie after reading the book, Lena’s story is so ridiculously different, it kind of makes you mad and takes time to grow on you to the point where you appreciate it as much as you appreciate the book’s story. But don’t let that keep you from watching the movie. I love the movie because I absolutely love the atmosphere of the movie. Now the atmosphere in the movie was perfection. It was just like the book; very emotional, relatable, and hopeful. There are so many details from the book that have been left out of the movie, it’s hard not to be a little critical, but even so I think that the movie is great the way it is. The first time I saw the movie, I was a really pretty shocked by some of the abrupt changes made to the story compared to those of the stories in the book. But I really did end up loving, enjoying, and watching the movie over and over again much like I love and enjoy reading the book over and over again. I think if you’re a true sisterhood fan, you will really like, if not love, the movie. If you haven’t seen the movie yet and have read the book, I hope these factors will help you to go in with an open mind and know a little bit of what to expect. I truly love both the movie and the book.

3 Willows by Ann Brashares

Plot:
The author of the bestselling Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series introduces the girls in a new sisterhood in this new series. Summer is a time to grow, and Polly, Jo, and Ama each sprout into young adulthood over the course of one summer.


Review:
Yay! A new sisterhood! I was so excited when I first heard about 3 Willows, I couldn’t wait to read it. And luckily, I was fortunate enough to win one of the very first ARCs of 3 Willows on Random Buzzers! It has a different feel that the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants books, but still, a good feel. 3 Willows’s story is more about pulling friends who have drifted apart back together whereas the original Sisterhood is about keeping close friends together when they are physically apart. I do believe that this series is geared towards a younger reader than the original Sisterhood books, but don’t let that stop you from reading it. It takes you through the realistic ups and downs of early adulthood and each individual character’s summer. I thought it purposed a great start for a new Sisterhood series with new characters, new stories, and new themes. A great read, especially for fans of the original Sisterhood books. I highly recommend it to all. For those of you wondering, Jo’s story was my favorite.


Rating:
4.0
Read again?
Possibly.

Forever in Blue by Ann Brashares

Plot:
With unraveled embroidery and fraying hems, the Traveling Pants are back for one last, glorious summer. Lena: Immerses herself in her painting and an intoxicating summer fling, fearing that the moment she forgets about Kostos will be the moment she sees him again. Carmen: Falls under the spell of a sophisticated college friend for whom a theatrical role means everything and the heritage of the Pants means nothing. Bridget: Joins a dig for an ancient city on the coast of Turkey and discovers that her archaeology professor is available in every way except one. Tibby: Leaves behind someone she loves, wrongly believing he will stay where she has left him. Join Ann Brashares's beloved sisterhood once again in a dazzling, fearless novel. It's a summer that will forever change the lives of Lena, Carmen, Bee, and Tibby, here and now, past and future, together and apart. From the Hardcover edition.


Review:
I was so excited for the day I started the end of my sisterhood journey, the forth and final Sisterhood book. Although at the same time I was sad that it was the last. I had such a wonderful time reading each book in Ann Brashares’ fantastic series. I expected Forever in Blue to be just as magnificent as the rest and sure enough, it was. Great, conclusive, and satisfying is how I would describe this book in a nutshell. I had heard a few people say that they disliked the ending but I disagree. I felt that the ending was both perfect and necessary for the characters in the Sisterhood and for the sake of the story. Truly, I was 100% happy with the ending and outcome of the Sisterhood’s four year journey. Within the fourth book the stories remained truthful, relatable, and believable. Unlike the other books, I feel that the conclusion of the whole Sisterhood group’s togetherness was more important in this book than each individual character’s story. That part of the story was what I noticed most in this book, which I thought was great. I really believe that upon reading the conclusive volume of the Sisterhood books, you will be all but disappointed. The lucky individual story I loved most in this book was Carmen’s. Once again I could relate very well.


Fun Sideline:
The summer that the second Sisterhood movie came out my cousin and I (who are very close) embroidered the name of the place we had spent our summer vacation together on each of our favorite pairs of jeans and named them our traveling pants. I still wear them today and they remain to be my traveling (summer) pair of jeans. They keep me safe through hard times and remind me of my cousin and our unconditional friendship as well as unconditional love. They have served me well and I know they will continue to do so.

Rating:
5.0
Read again?
Definitely.

Girls in Pants by Ann Brashares

Plot:
The Pants first came to us at the perfect moment. That is, when we were splitting up for the first time. It was two summers ago when they first worked their magic, and last summer when they shook up our lives once again. You see, we don't wear the Pants year-round. We let them rest so they are extra powerful when summer comes. (There was the time this spring when Carmen wore them to her mom's wedding, but that was a special case.) Now we're facing our last summer together. In September we go to college. And it's not like one of those TV shows where all of us magically turn up at the same college. We're going to four different colleges in four different cities (but all within four hours of one another--that was our one rule). We're headed off to start our real lives. Tomorrow night at Gilda's we'll launch the Pants on their third summer voyage. Tomorrow begins the time of our lives. It's when we'll need our Pants the most.


Review:
Girls in Pants was another amazing read. I was really satisfied with the turn that the Sisterhood began to take in this book. Instead of just separating in the summer, the girls were preparing for the separation year round, throughout each of their individual college lives. Tibby is off to fulfilled what she really wants to do but possibly with a twist she hasn’t experienced before, Carmen’s world is changing along with her thoughts about which college she plans on going to, which she thought she had all figured out before, Bridget dives headfirst into a part of her past she’s not so sure she wants to remember or resolve, and Lena is debating on whether to fight her parents for what she really wants to do with her life or follow their lead on what they think is best for her. As expected, Girls in Pants delivers a well thought plot involving many issues and concepts we find ourselves involved in each day of our lives. You will not be disappointed with this edition. It’s another great one. Lena’s story was my favorite this time, in case you wondered. I could relate very much.


Fun Sideline:
During sophomore year I created my own Sisterhood item. An item that I could believe gave me strength. It was and is a rainbow colored bracelet (friendship bracelet really) that I weaved together myself, to remind myself that I am strong and should be confident in all my life choices and situations. I guess it is an inspiration brought out by the Sisterhood books and stories. I still wear it every day I feel a vulnerability and think I need I may need some extra security and strength. And everyday during my annual summer vacation to honor the Sisterhood goodness of it all.


Rating:
5.0
Read again?
Definitely.

The Second Summer of the Sisterhood by Ann Brashares

Plot:
With a bit of last summer's sand in the pockets, the Traveling Pants and the Sisterhood that wears them embark on their 16th summer. Bridget: Impulsively sets off for Alabama, wanting to both confront her demons about her family and avoid them all at once. Lena: Spends a blissful week with Kostos, making the unexplainable silence that follows his visit even more painful. Carmen: Is concerned that her mother is making a fool of herself over a man. When she discovers that her mother borrowed the Pants to wear on a date, she's certain of it. Tibby: Not about to spend another summer working at Wallman's, she takes a film course only to find it's what happens off-camera that teaches her the most.


Review:
This book was quite another great addition to the series by Ann Brashares. I read this while on the beach and man, I never wanted to put it down. I will admit that the first book still stands as my favorite but this one is probably my second favorite out of all four. Unlike some sequels, this addition adds more than enough satisfying answers to each character’s thought out questions you wonder upon completion of the first book. Carmen is forced to take a step out of her comfort zone, Lena is realizing what she really wants, Bridget discovers she has a firm ground to stand on, and Tibby is faced with the trust after trying to run away from her emotions and losses. There is no reason not to read this book if you have read the first book. So if you are wondering whether or not to continue the series I strongly suggest you read the second book too. Oh and if you are wondering, my favorite characters’ stories in this book were both Bridget’s and Tibby’s. I just couldn’t decide between the two!


Fun Sideline:
Starting my freshman year of high school I began reading each of the Sisterhood books (one each summer) on my yearly vacation. I started with the first freshman year, read the second during the summer of sophomore year, and so on and so forth. Believe me, I did not cheat! (Though I highly wanted to.) The only book I had read (or heard) previously was the first and so I just read it my freshman year anyway, knowing what happens. I drew the process out through the time span of four years so I matched each of the Sisterhood character’s ages with mine. It was so much fun. You should try it too if it’s not too late.


Rating:
5.0
Read again?
Definitely.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares

Plot:
Carmen got the jeans at a thrift shop. They didn't look all that great; they were worn, dirty, and speckled with bleach. On the night before she and her friends part for the summer, Carmen decides to toss them. But Tibby says they're great. She'd love to have them. Lena and Bridget also think they're fabulous. Lena decides they should all try them on. Whoever they fit best will get them. Nobody knows why, but the pants fit everyone perfectly. Even Carmen (who never thinks she looks good in anything), thinks she looks good in the pants. Over a few bags of cheese puffs they decide to form a sisterhood, and take the vow of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants . . . the next morning, they say good-bye. And now the journey of the pants -- and the most memorable summer of their lives -- begins.

Review:
I genuinely have to admit that Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (the original first book that hooked me into the series for good) is beyond just my favorite book of all time but my favorite story. The set of honest feelings you get while reading this book is truly unique as are the books loveable realistic characters and relatable storylines. You follow each individual character’s story throughout and it really pulls you further and further into the pages along the way. The pages are filled with everything and the fantastic thing is that each and every feeling, emotion, and incident, you can completely relate to in some way. There is sorrow, fear, regret, falling in love, pushing yourself too far, expectance of one thing and the outcome of another, anger, pain, loss, tears, misunderstanding, running away, I mean every experience and interesting detail you would want to read about. So if you are looking for a very unique entertaining read with many connections, I would highly recommend this book (especially in the summer). And for those of you who wonder, my favorite character’s story in this book was that of Tibby’s.

Fun Sideline:
The first time I read (or heard I should say) this book I was about 11 years old, in the car on my way home from vacation. We were following a friend home and she suggested listening to this audio book she had checked out from the library to pass the time. When my mom first put the CD in I did not fall in love, I protested against listening to it after the first few sentences saying it sounded stupid, a book about pants. “Just listen to it,” she had said as well as my sisters who were riding in the car. As the story progressed that is when I fell in love. Funny me, just think if my mother had obeyed my request to turn in off. I probably would still have no idea what I missed out on.

Rating:
5.0
Read again?
Definitely.