Here is the setting. This is a true story of a friendship of eleven girls who grew up in Ames, Iowa. Even though some of the women moved to other states as they grew up, they still maintained the friendships. This book is about the ties that bind and friendships that hold true.
I do like a book on friendships. I always have. And I eagerly dove into this read to learn more. Here is a little of their story:
Meet Karla, Kelly, Marilyn, Jane, Jenny, Karen, Cathy, Angela, Sally, Diana and Sheila. Thay are The Girls From Ames.
This book is written differently then I had expected. Jeffrey Zaslow writes in a reporter type style where he speaks of the girls, their lives, and even occasionally throws in some facts about friendships and the benefits. At times the book is funny, and at other times it made me sad. I was surprised to read that these girls were not necessarily liked back in their school years and were referred to as cliquey and stuck up, the popular girls.
While the book is filled with many facts on the friendships, I was more interested in the friendships themselves. Having a strong group of friends in my life and knowing how important they are to me, causes me to be fascinated with books that contain such topics. These girls had and have a friendship that I found admirable.
With 11 women in the book it is at times hard to keep track of who is who and I referred to the pictures of the ladies in the front of the book many times to get my bearings.
Overall, while It wasn’t the book I thought it would be, I did enjoy the book.
Where to go for Coffee when in Ames, Iowa? Cafe Diem is where you would find me!
320 Pages
Cover Story: Very appealing. The color of the book is eye catching and I like the photo of the girls on the front.
My Book Journey is updated here
Thank you to TLC book tours for a chance to review this book
Book Journey 
I, too, had expected a different kind of book. I received this one from the Amazon Vine program and read it as an ARC.
Personally, I also thought the study of that many girls in detail was a bit confusing at times. I’m not sure how he could have done it differently, to avoid that happening.
Thats just it Laurel – I thought about that too. I dont know why but in my head I thought I thought each girl would tell her story and how they combined…. no idea why I thought that or even how that would have (or could have) worked.
I kept a sticky note on the pages that had their pictures because I was constantly referring to it.
Staci that would have been a good idea – I referred back to the pictures a lot.
I nearly requested this one, but something held me back. Sorry you didn’t love it. The draw, for me, besides the friendships, was that I lived in central Iowa for a long time. How was the sense of place?
I thought the setting was handled well Hannah, although they do move throughout the years so it jumps a bit. I think you would have liked the parts that center around Iowa.
I have read a few reviews now and some really did love the book. To me, while I found it likable, it kind of read like a report.
OK, well, I guess I’m glad that part was handled well, at least.
Did you get the feeling that the “girls” regretted being clique-y when they were younger or did you come away with the impression that they felt like they had been right to stick to the group they had formed to the exclusion of others? Clearly they had found people that were true friends for them.
In the book it seemed like they didn’t think of themselves as popular when they were younger, like it was the perception of others. There is one incident with a cake (I wont give the details out), but years later they spoke with the girl involved who said she would do it again. Apparently they left quite an ill feeling for some who were not in the group.
I dont think regret is what they wound up feeling, but surprise on how (some) people related to the friendship.
Ooh, good question, Lisa!
Sounds like a good read. I miss the friends from high school and don’t see the often enough. It is interesting how the friendships change over the years, but how it seems just like it was only yesterday that you saw each other when you do get together after years.
Pat I really value my friendships and I know what you mean, they always hold a place in my heart.