Rachel Simon’s “Riding the Bus with My Sister”

1. Introduction

Rachel Simon’s “Riding the Bus with My Sister” is one of those books written in such a descriptive way that it’s almost as if a film version of the book is running in one’s mind when reading. The book is based on a true story and is about Rachel’s relationship with her older sister, Beth, who has developmental disabilities. Rachel accompanies Beth on her daily bus rides around town and through these rides, we get to know both Beth and the other bus riders and drivers.

2. Rachel Simon’s Relationship with Her Sister

Rachel Simon growing up always had a close relationship with her sister despite their age difference. When they were younger, Rachel would often help Beth with things like getting dressed or doing her hair since Beth had difficulty with these tasks. Even as they got older and Beth moved into a group home, Rachel would still visit her every week and help her with anything she needed. It wasn’t until their father died that Rachel realized how much she had taken her relationship with Beth for granted. After his death, Rachel went through a tough time emotionally and she stopped visiting Beth as often. It was only when she started accompanying Beth on her bus rides that Rachel began to appreciate her sister more. She saw how much Beth enjoyed the rides and how she interacted with the other passengers and drivers. Rachel also began to see the world from Beth’s perspective and gained a new understanding of her sister.

3. The Passengers and Drivers on the Bus

The bus rides also provide us with insight into the lives of the other passengers and drivers. We meet characters like Clara, an elderly woman who is hard of hearing, Gertrude, a young mother with children, and Harold, a man who likes to singalong to the radio. Each passenger has their own story and we get to see how they interact with Beth and each other. The bus drivers also play an important role in the book. They are responsible for making sure everyone gets where they need to go safely and they often go above and beyond to help the passengers. For example, one driver helps Gertrude when she is having trouble with her kids and another helps Harold find a new place to live when his apartment is flooded.

4. Conclusion

“Riding the Bus with My Sister” is a heartwarming story about family, relationships, and understanding. It shows how even small acts of kindness can make a difference in someone’s life. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a feel-good read.

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