ABC News’ Deborah Roberts on her new book ‘Sisters Loved and Treasured’

Key Concepts

• Sisterhood
• Unbreakable bonds
• Emotional well-being
• Mental health
• Positivity
• Family dynamics
• Sibling relationships
• Shared experiences (laughter, trials)
• Solace and strength
• Reconnecting bonds
• Fearlessness and relentlessness
• Spontaneity and joy of life
• Mental illness and alcoholism
• Paternity and family secrets

Sisters Loved and Treasured: An Exploration of Sisterhood

This discussion centers around the book "Sisters Loved and Treasured," a collection of essays and conversations featuring over 50 voices, including notable figures like Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer, sharing their experiences of sisterhood. The book, compiled by ABC News' Deborah Roberts, aims to explore the profound impact of having a sister throughout life.

The Genesis of the Book: From Personal Reflection to Universal Theme

Deborah Roberts, the author and interviewer, explains her motivation for creating the book. Growing up with six sisters, she initially took the concept of sisterhood for granted. However, as she and her sisters aged, and with the loss of two sisters and two brothers, she began to reflect on the evolving nature of their bonds. This personal introspection, coupled with research indicating that having a sister is beneficial for emotional well-being, mental health, and positivity, sparked her curiosity. She sought to understand the unique nature of sisterly connections and whether her own experiences were universal.

Diverse Sisterhoods: Beyond Perfect Harmony

A key insight from the book is that strong sisterly bonds can exist even between individuals who are very different. Deborah highlights that she interviewed pairs of sisters who might not always see eye-to-eye, even on political matters, yet they still felt an underlying connection and a sense of mutual support. This leads to the central argument that "a sister is in your corner even if you two cannot see eye to eye on other things in life."

Early Memories and Shifting Family Dynamics

The conversation delves into the earliest memories of sisterhood and the realization of its unique impact.

• Whitney's Perspective: As the older sister by six years, Whitney recalls the arrival of her younger sister, Lindsay, significantly altering the household dynamic. Initially, she experienced feelings of resentment and attention-seeking due to the shift in parental focus. However, she also acknowledges the positive aspect of having a sibling to help with childcare and to connect with, especially after having "begged" her parents for another child and experiencing loneliness. She even invented a pretend friend, Peggy, who later became her alter ego.
• Lindsay's Perspective: Lindsay expresses surprise at Whitney's earlier feelings, highlighting how the book has revealed aspects of their relationship she was unaware of. She emphasizes the constant presence of her sister's support, stating, "I know she's always there in my corner." This sentiment of unwavering support, even without constant communication, is a recurring theme.

Admired Qualities: Opposites Attract and Complement

The interview explores the qualities each sister admires in the other, showcasing how differences can foster appreciation and strengthen bonds.

• Whitney on Lindsay: Whitney admires Lindsay's "unwavering desire to conquer the world," describing her as deliberate, purposeful, fearless, and relentless. She uses the analogy of mountain climbers scaling 7,000-foot mountains to encapsulate Lindsay's approach to life, characterized by a "never stop scaling mountains" spirit and an absence of "I can't" or "impossible." Lindsay's actions are described as bold, decisive, and impactful, with a drive that leaves "no crumbs."
• Lindsay on Whitney: Lindsay views herself and Whitney as "complete opposites." She identifies as a planner who "stays in the box," while Whitney is free, spontaneous, and embraces life with a "why not?" attitude. Lindsay admires Whitney's joy of life, her embrace of "reckless abandon," and her belief that "things always have a way of working out." She admits she could benefit from incorporating more of Whitney's qualities into her own life. Despite their differences, Lindsay emphasizes that they still feel connected and admire each other.

Rapid Fire: Unveiling Sibling Personalities

A rapid-fire segment reveals more about their individual traits:

• Sense of Humor: Both sisters believe they are funny in different ways, with a shared anecdote about Whitney's rendition of Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You" illustrating their shared humor.
• Punctuality: Lindsay is the punctual one, while Whitney is typically late.
• Cool Under Pressure: Lindsay considers herself cooler under pressure.
• Emotionality: Whitney admits to being more emotional.

Navigating Difficult Truths: Vulnerability and Reconnection

Deborah Roberts shares two significant personal stories that emerged during her interviews for the book, illustrating how sisterhood can provide a safe space for confronting uncomfortable truths and fostering reconnection.

• Mental Illness and Alcoholism: One story involved a sister dealing with mental illness, likely medicated through alcoholism. The family discussed their collective guilt and discomfort surrounding this situation, opening a door for shared vulnerability.
• Paternity Revelation: Another deeply personal revelation was learning that a sister did not share the same father. Deborah's mother had always insisted on the equality of all her children, but the story of a past relationship and subsequent marriage to Deborah's father came to light. This discovery, and the family's reactions to it, allowed for a deeper understanding and potential reconnection of fraying bonds.

The Enduring Power of Sisterhood: A Quote and Conclusion

Deborah Roberts concludes by reading a powerful quote from her book: "To have a sister by your side is to experience life to its fullest with all its laughter and trials. Who else can say they were there during the most trying of times offering both solace and strength?"

She elaborates on this by emphasizing that while friends can be important, sisters are present from the foundational moments of life, sharing childhood experiences, struggles, disappointments, and victories. This shared history creates a unique and special bond. Her hope is that the book will encourage women, even those with strained relationships, to feel closer to their sisters and to treasure these connections more deeply.

The conversation ends with a mutual appreciation for the special nature of the discussion and the discoveries made about each other. The book "Sisters Loved and Treasured" is available for purchase, and further content from Deborah Roberts can be found on ABC News programs and podcasts.