Novelist (Duck and Cover, HarperCollins, 1991) and essayist (Living by Water, Alaska Northwest Bks., 1991) Peterson here tells stories about her own relationships with biological sisters, friends, and lesbian lovers, and about those of other women, e.g., novelist Isabel Allende and jewelry-maker Tabra Tunoa, two sisters who overcome their codependent relationship, and two women who are sometimes lovers, sometimes friends, and always in conflict. According to Peterson, a woman can be a "sister" with anyone female, including a dolphin, but the nature of this bond is not analyzed nor are the generalizations about sisterhood made clear. Also Peterson perpetuates gender stereotypes, e.g., female scientists think differently than male. However, she does emphasize the need for women to face their dark side, including female violence, and for all of us to value rather than fear passion between women.

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