By:  Kristin Hannah

This novel follows the lives of two girls who become forever friends. Kate Mularkey and Tully Hart, two girls that appear to be complete opposites, find each other during their eighth grade year. For thirty years, these two help each other through life’s difficult times and celebrate life’s happy times. When one friend betrays the other, their friendship comes to a screeching halt. Will they be able to bridge the gap and repair their special relationship?

Pam: Did you find that you related to either Kate or Tully in the book?

Becky: My father was not a part of my life as I was growing up, so I connected with Tully early in the book. It brought up some old memories regarding abandonment. Are you my Kate?

Pam: Definitely! I very strongly identified with Kate. I was very shy and not as confident as many other girls my age. I also clearly remember feeling awkward (similar to the way Kate described herself during middle and high school), unless I was on the soccer field. Did you like the way the author characterized Kate and Tully’s friendship, with the many ups and downs?

Becky: The author did a good job at showing the complex nature of different relationships. This book took the time to let us follow two young girls from their teen years into maturity. Therefore, we were able to watch them deal with the many facets of growing and developing. It was similar to reading someone’s diary. However, there were a few times where the book moved a little slow for me.

Pam: I agree, Becky. I felt that the story was a little slow a few times. Although I found that I couldn’t put the book down toward the end of the story. I thought the author did a good job taking us through the longtime friendship of Kate and Tully. Do you think Tully was jealous of Kate’s family?

Becky: I think that to some degree, throughout the story, they were both envious of the other. I enjoyed the realistic view of two women striving towards different goals yet yearning for what they had sacrificed. I’m sure that many of us can identify with this challenge. Pam, what prompted you to pick this story?

Pam: I was intrigued by the story of such a strong and long-lasting friendship. I love the way women are always there for each other, whether in times of need or times of celebration. It is wonderful to experience in real life, but also wonderful to read about in the pages of a good book! ◊

Read along

with Becky & Pam!

IN THE MARCH ISSUE:

We will discuss Becky’s next pick, Henry’s Sisters by Cathy Lamb

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The Golden Cocoon by Jude Randazzo

In the middle of the country, in the middle of the century, Tess Kincaid experiences trauma few of us will know. She keeps her secrets buried, until her life unravels years later, and she finds herself in a villa in Tuscany. Perhaps the memoirs encased in the villa itself will provide her with the direction to rediscover her passion and her energy for life. Finding a way through life can take mysteriously circuitous routes that transcend time, geography, and our everyday perception of reality.

Jude Randazzo lives and writes in Colorado. For more information, please email Mr. Randazzo at dh6651@aol.com.