New book explores the bonds of sisterhood

Key Concepts

• Sisterhood: The unique and special bond between sisters, encompassing both blood relations and chosen friendships.
• Unbreakable Bonds: The enduring strength and resilience of sisterly relationships, even through challenges and disagreements.
• Vulnerability and Honesty: The importance of open communication and emotional openness in strengthening sisterhood.
• Chosen Sisters: Friendships that develop into sisterly bonds, providing support and connection.
• Twin Sisterhood: The distinct and profound connection shared by twins, often described as "womb mates" or "soulmates."
• Family Dynamics: The roles and patterns that emerge within families, including sibling relationships.
• Loss and Resilience: The impact of losing siblings and how it can draw surviving sisters closer.

Sisterhood: Exploring Unbreakable Bonds

This segment delves into the profound and multifaceted nature of sisterhood, inspired by the latest project of "20/20" co-anchor Deborah Roberts. Her new book, "Sisters Loved and Treasured: Stories of Unbreakable Bonds," explores the special connections between sisters, prompting her to interview dozens of women about what makes these relationships so significant.

The Essence of Sisterhood

Roberts highlights the unique dynamic of sisterhood, describing it as a "real glue that holds us together" despite the natural ups and downs in relationships. She humorously recounts her own family's dynamic, where she was perceived as the one who "cannot sing" and was the "outlier" in their musical endeavors.

Her book aims to explore these sisterhood dynamics, and Roberts notes that the process of writing it has brought her and her own sisters closer. She emphasizes the importance of "honest conversations" and putting "things on the table," acknowledging that families often avoid "controversial or difficult" subjects.

Diverse Perspectives on Sisterhood

The book features honest conversations with Roberts's own sisters, co-workers, and notable figures like Oscar-winning actress Octavia Spencer. Spencer describes having sisters as "like having a pride of lionesses at your back at all times."

Other women offered poetic definitions of sisterhood:

• "My sister is my rabbi."
• "My sister is the love of my life."
• "My sisters bring me life."
• "My sisters are a life raft."

Legendary TV producer Shonda Rhimes shares a powerful perspective on the role of sisters in her life: "The more successful I got, the more I had to trust somebody who could tell me the truth. When I became well-known, I became really isolated. You know, there was nobody in Hollywood. There's nobody to tell you the truth. But I had my sisters. They were the only real people in my life for a while."

Roberts observed significant "vulnerability" during her interviews, with women sharing tears and beaming smiles, willing to "let it all hang out" and be open with each other. This often involved expressing sentiments they had never articulated before.

Beyond Blood Ties: Chosen Sisters

The concept of sisterhood extends beyond biological ties. Author and former "Real Housewife" Carol Radzwell shares her experience with a sister-in-law who was like a sister to her, tragically passing away at a young age. Radzwell candidly admits she is not particularly close to her own sisters, finding her deepest sisterly connections with her "chosen sisters" – her girlfriends. This concept of "chosen sisters" resonates as a way for individuals to find relatable connections, whether they have sisters or not.

The Unique Bond of Twins

Roberts also observed the distinct bond shared by twins, particularly in times of crisis. Isabella Strahan's cancer diagnosis is cited as an example where the dynamic shifted, with one twin supporting the other in a way they hadn't experienced before. Twins often refer to themselves as "womb mates" and describe a connection that goes beyond finishing sentences or feeling each other's pain. Some twins feel their twin is their "love first before anybody else," possessing a connection akin to a "soulmate."

Everyday Sisterhood and Evolving Dynamics

The transcript also touches upon relatable everyday moments, such as the ubiquitous "sibling text chain." While sometimes annoying due to its constant activity, these chains serve as a valuable way to stay regularly informed about each other's lives. Roberts mentions her own family of four sisters who text constantly and vacation together, perhaps appearing "too close" from an outsider's perspective.

Family roles, like the "ignored middle child" or the "clown," are also discussed as persistent dynamics that can stick unless conscious effort is made to "unstick them."

Navigating Loss and Deepening Bonds

The Roberts sisters have experienced significant loss, having lost two sisters and two brothers. This has profoundly impacted them, leading to a closer bond: "It's just us now." Roberts states that as a result of the book and their increased communication and affection, "we pulled closer." She expresses a personal commitment to being a "better sister" and believes they are all becoming better sisters.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The overarching message is that sisterhood, in all its forms, is a powerful and essential force. Roberts hopes her book will inspire readers to "be better sisters" and to recognize that they "already are sisters." The book, "Sisters Loved and Treasured: Stories of Unbreakable Bonds," is presented as a resource for exploring and celebrating these vital connections.