Saturday, January 31, 2009

Review: Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah


Set in the Pacific northwest during the turbulent 70’s Tully and Kate’s burgeoning friendship sets the tone of the book. When fourteen year old Kate first saw her new neighbor Tully at the bus stop, little did she know this would be the beginning of a life long friendship developed over a span of 30 plus years. Two young girls on the cusp of womanhood, seemingly opposites on the outside, have a lot in common on the inside, as Tully and Kate find out who they are and what is really important in life.They will be best friends forever they assure each other. Even through the most trying of times, they are there for each other. Granted, there are bumps along the way, even a betrayal of trust and a little heartache, but whose life journey does not include such hurdles? This is also a wonderful story of mothers and daughters fraught with the joy and angst of their intricate relationships. A story line that explores life’s hopes and dreams, some shattered, some realized.

This is a book I found hard to put down. The story line is excellently written as Hannah brings an emotional depth to the characters that is extremely compelling. The characters are so well developed and plausible, you can’t help being engaged with them throughout the entire book. Along with Kate and Tully, the peripheral characters greatly enhance the story line,particularly the two girls' mothers. The time frame is described perfectly with all the accoutrements of the day: the music, the dress, the social attitudes. It was like reliving it all over again. All these elements together make for a magical tale, one that will deeply resonate with the reader for a long time. I just loved it! 5*

A sincere thank you to Reading Group Gold/St. Martin’s Press for the book and the opportunity to participate in this wonderful program. Title is a link to Kristin's web site.

10 comments:

  1. Kaye, I'm so glad to read your review. I have this ready to read in Feb.

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  2. Wonderful review Kaye. This sounds like such a good book. I've seen a few people have received it. Another for my wish list.

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  3. This sounds wonderful. I'll definitely put in on my TBR list.

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  4. Sounds great. I have the audio book on this and I'm looking forward to listening to it.

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  5. I'm so glad to see this is a good one. I can't wait to read it now.

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  6. I can't wait to read this. I am all about the life long friendships.

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  7. This is a favorite of mine. I got her new book the other day and can't wait to read it! She is also very nice!

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  8. Great review, as always! I've read a little but haven't had a chance to finish it. I love it already!

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  9. I've got this one sitting on my desk! I'm happy to hear good things about it.

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  10. Glad to hear you liked this one. I received it, too, but haven't had a chance to read it yet.

    --Anna
    Diary of an Eccentric

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