Sisterfriends: Portraits of Sisterly Love

by Julia Chance and Michelle V. Agins

Illustrious photographs of African American sisters by Pulitzer Prize-nominated photographer Michelle Agins and essays from Julia Chance.

A "sister" is so many things--someone you consider family, your best friend, and the woman with whom you share your times of love, hope, or heartbreak--the women in Sisterfriends are all those, and more. A collage of impressions of African American women both well-known...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0671037137
• ISBN13: 9780671037130
• Release Date: November 2001
• Publisher: Atria Books
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 2.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 8.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

What Makes a Solid Relationship

SisterFriends is a compilation of interviews with African American women regarding the various contributing factors in their relationship with their sisters. SisterFriends answers the question, "What makes a solid relationship".I have never met any of the women profiled in SisterFriends, but Julia Chance not only made me feel as if we had been introduced, but the interviews are so up close and personal that I feel as if a bond had been forged between the interviewees and myself.Some of the women are well known like, Mary J. Blige and Iyanla Vazant; others are not as well known, but all of the women have imitated some extremely personal detail of their lives and I applaud them for having the courage to be as open and as honest as they were because not every story is a pretty one.Some of these very different stories are rather dark, but these women have made it through trying times, such as, the Shabazz sisters. Their mother grew up in a dysfunctional environment and was sexually abused as a child, which ultimately spilled over into the lives of her seven offspring, all of whom have different fathers. Having each other made life in general easier to deal with and because of each other, they have fulfilled dreams and aspirations. Like the Shabazz sisters, most of the women in SisterFriends have overcome great difficulties. What kept them strong during their personal struggle? Was it solely their relationship with their "Sisterfriend"?At times, we all need someone to lean on and it appears that these women have uncovered the secret to a great relationship with one's same-sex sibling. Sisterhood is a unique type of relationship and each of these women in my opinion has definitely realized what makes for a productive relationship. They have learned to compliment, support, and draw from the strength of one another.There are a few sisters interviewed who are not blood relatives, but the closeness of their relationship makes them as close as all sisters should be. The author, Julia Chance, has captured the essences of what a relationship should be. The reader can do nothing but benefit from all that the essays in SisterFriends reveal. The stories also point out life's lessons and are inspirational to say the least, this is why I consider this book to be a must read for us all.

I love this book as much as I love my sister

This is a touching and inspiring book, even for a man. I really enjoyed all of the essays and the photos were beautiful.

Sisters are forever

This book is inspirational for me because I grew up with six brothers and no blood sisters. I have grown to know that my sister friends are more of a blessing to me, than I initially realized. I have girl friends that fill that void, and it's okay. My friends are also my sisters!!!! I recommend this book for anyone that's ever felt like they didnt have anyone. You realize you have more that you know. Nicole

Simply the best

Ever Since I have heard about this book, I wanted to own it, and just the other day, I got it finally. The stories are great and the pictures are beautiful, and you can't help but love it. I love the story of the Shabazz sisters (Malcolm X daughters), and how they survived after their parents deaths. I also read about Mary J.Blige, Jasmine Guy,Iyanla Vanzant, and a host of other people not as well known. Some are not blood sisters. Some of the sisters are grown women with sisters as young as six or so. Get this book for you and the sisterfriend in your life. You won't be disappointed.

Simply put, buy this book!

Absolutely incredible! Buy it for all of the women (and men) in your life. This book is long overdue, and well worth the wait! --Lloyd Boston, author of MEN OF COLOR