Helpful Score: 20
This is an absolutely great book. It is about two best friends and the ups and downs of their relationship, their different personalities and the stages of their lives. I loved this book and couldn't put it down. One of the best books I have read lately.
Helpful Score: 17
This was the first book I read by Kristin Hannah and thoroughly enjoyed her writing style. The novel took me back to my youth and the pains associated with growing up and making friends.
I read it from cover to cover and identified with both Kate and Tully and their likeliest of unlikely friendships.
It's an evolutionary tale of life growing up in the Pacific Northwest and spans 30 years.
A great read.
I read it from cover to cover and identified with both Kate and Tully and their likeliest of unlikely friendships.
It's an evolutionary tale of life growing up in the Pacific Northwest and spans 30 years.
A great read.
Helpful Score: 15
We can all dream about having a REAL best friend. This book brings it to life. You will feel every emotion when reading this book! I really liked it!
Helpful Score: 12
It's 1974 and two 14 year old girls are neighbors on Firefly Lane. Even though they are in the same grade and of the same age, they are different enough in personality and background that they are not friends. However one spring night, a personal tragedy bridges the gap between the girls and sparks the beginning of a life-long friendship. This book follows the girls as they grow older, go to high school, college, and then embark on careers and family.
Although a bit formulaic it is nonetheless a touching story of friendship through the decades. I found it particularly appealing because I'm of an age that is very similar to the main characters, so this story really brought back memories of high school in the 70's, college in the 80's, getting married, and the stresses of early motherhood. This is the third book I've read by this author and my favorite so far.
Although a bit formulaic it is nonetheless a touching story of friendship through the decades. I found it particularly appealing because I'm of an age that is very similar to the main characters, so this story really brought back memories of high school in the 70's, college in the 80's, getting married, and the stresses of early motherhood. This is the third book I've read by this author and my favorite so far.
Helpful Score: 11
Firefly Lane is one of those books you will still carry with you long after it is finished. During the book I kept myself asking how it is possible that night and day have become friends. Kate the co-dependent person whose major goal is to have a family and Tully the reckless, career driven one. Through ups and downs Kate always gives Tully a break even when she crosses lines interfering with Kate family issues and upbringing of her daughter.
I believe that everyone who has experienced friendship over a longer period of time can relate to those two in one way or another. You will find pieces of yourself in Kate and Tully.
I felt sad when the book ended. Not only because of its tear jerking ending but also because I would have like to read more.
I believe that everyone who has experienced friendship over a longer period of time can relate to those two in one way or another. You will find pieces of yourself in Kate and Tully.
I felt sad when the book ended. Not only because of its tear jerking ending but also because I would have like to read more.
Helpful Score: 8
I absolutely loved this book. It is about two girls, who become unlikely friends. Throughout the book you feel all of the raw emotions of them growing up and the fights they endure. You go to college with them, attend their jobs, and meet their lovers. Tully wants to be a reporter, no matter who or what gets in the way. Kate isn't sure what she wants to do. Tully wants Kate to be with her in the same career. Tully gets a job at a small TV studio and gets Kate a job too. Kate falls in love with their boss Johnny, but he has his eye on Tully instead. Then the book fast fowards through the years where Kate is married and has three kids. Tully is still single and wants the fast life. Both of them envy each other in their own way. I am not going to give the ending away because it would ruin the entire book. I would compare this book to Summer Sisters by Judy Blume, but without the mystery of a death. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading heartfelt stories.
Helpful Score: 6
Wow. This book was a roller coaster ride for me. At first I felt like it was a young adult novel about an angsty teen. By page 50, I was already so sick of the whole "Best Friends forever" cliches, as well as the need for the author to overstate the surroundings of the time period, such as bell bottoms, lava lamps, headbands. I get it...its the 70's!! (Same with the 80's with the big hair, off the shoulder tops and dresses etc) Despite all of this I couldn't stop reading!!! I found myself getting so lost in the story and unable to put the book down. By page 200, though I couldn't stand the selfish friend Tully I almost didn't want to read anymore because I couldn't stand how self centered Tully was and how Kate took the abuse just because they're "friends". I never thought Tully was that great of a friend to Kate, and I found it very draining to keep reading about Tully's selfish behavior and Kate's stupidity towards it. At the end though, I realized it was all a huge set up for the end of the story. Once I got to the last one hundred pages, I realized that it was all Hannah's way of the bringing the story to a close. While I found the writing a bit juvenile at times, I appreciate Hannah's effort to tell a great story. Maybe it was that less than stellar writing that drew me in and kept my attention. I do often times find myself spacing out at certain points of more "literary" books, but with Firefly Lane, my mind never once strayed from the story while I was reading it.
I do still think some of the story was over done. Other authors could have put the reader into the time period without mentioning every stereo typical thing of that time period. I really appreciate subtly in writing and this book was anything but subtle in most of its topics. I do want to give credit to the author for bringing up the topic of Imflammatory Breast Cancer. I love how she was able to bring that into the story without it being "preachy".
Over all I really loved this book, and it will stay with me for a long time.
I do still think some of the story was over done. Other authors could have put the reader into the time period without mentioning every stereo typical thing of that time period. I really appreciate subtly in writing and this book was anything but subtle in most of its topics. I do want to give credit to the author for bringing up the topic of Imflammatory Breast Cancer. I love how she was able to bring that into the story without it being "preachy".
Over all I really loved this book, and it will stay with me for a long time.
Helpful Score: 6
This book was sooooooooooo good. I grew to love the characters. It is a very long book, but I wished it never ended. I love how it was written in decades and the author uses music, clothes, etc. to describe the times. I could definitely relate with the time periods. Basically, the books is about two friends from teenage years on. Very good, I would highly recommend it.
Helpful Score: 5
I thoroughly enjoyed this book about the love between two best friends from their young teenage years to early 40's. It's thick, but an easy read. I couldn't wait to pick it up again whenever I had to put it down. It'll make you laugh and cry. Lots of neat memories from the 70's to present.
Helpful Score: 5
A story of two best friends and the different paths they take through their life. It's a great story! I liked it alot!! Even though it's a thick book it's easy to read quickly and hard to put down.
Helpful Score: 5
I loved this book. The more I read it, the more I thought I knew what was going to happen. Wrong! A sweet and sometimes sad story of what the term "lifelong friendship" really entails. I was sorry when it was over.
Helpful Score: 3
4.0 out of 5 stars A good friend is a true gift..., April 17, 2011
I liked this book! I know it was sentimental and tugged at the emotions -- a story of a tumultuous friendship between two women that spanned about 30 years and follows them through childhood, college life, and adult years. I enjoyed reconnecting with the sights and sounds of the 70s and 80s and took a trip down my own memory lane with Tully and Kate from Firefly Lane. My preferred genre is the suspense thriller so this was a nice change of pace from blood, guts and psycho killers.
Readers have remarked on this book's similarity to the 1988 movie Beaches (Special Edition) and the book Beaches: A Novel. They are only similar because female friendship stories typically have the same elements -- strong loyalty, support, and love that weather the tests of time and the changes that the women go through as they leave childhood behind and become the women they are going to be. Certainly the situations that crop up in the novel are ones that other lifelong female friends have faced: betrayal, jealousy, envy -- and the root of those feelings is that even best friends compare themselves to each other and often wonder at that "path not taken" as they reach the stage of self actualization. Sure it's almost a cliche that the hard-driven career minded single woman wishes for a husband and family (that's Tully) while the downtrodden, self-sacrificing homemaker (and this is Kate) wants more glamour and a sense of reaching a goal of "being somebody" in her own right. Don't most of us, maybe only secretly or momentarily, wonder sometimes -- "what if?" Friendships and relationships have stages and don't stay the same throughout the course of a life -- some don't last even as others evolve and are the very foundation of another's life. Tully and Kate have many ups and downs through their years, but one fact remains; the girls know each other inside and out. And they count on that.
I think it's nice now and again to touch base with the concept of a being or having a true friend. This story of Tully and Kate helps us to perhaps re-evaluate where we ourselves are on the continuum of our own friendships. It is unusual for anyone to really have a "perfect life" or really "have it all" (despite what we're told -- there are always sacrifices to be made) and I would say that though some women friends come into your life for "a reason or a season" (as the song says), others are there for the duration. As the old saying goes, however, to have a friend, you must BE one. Mistakes are usually made, petty squabbles can turn into major disagreements, and resentment can destroy the relationships we have. This book showed that despite all that, two women could be there for each other when the chips went down. I'd like to believe that all of us will have that kind of friend.
I'm going to go search out Kristin Hannah's other books as this was the first one by her that I've read.
I liked this book! I know it was sentimental and tugged at the emotions -- a story of a tumultuous friendship between two women that spanned about 30 years and follows them through childhood, college life, and adult years. I enjoyed reconnecting with the sights and sounds of the 70s and 80s and took a trip down my own memory lane with Tully and Kate from Firefly Lane. My preferred genre is the suspense thriller so this was a nice change of pace from blood, guts and psycho killers.
Readers have remarked on this book's similarity to the 1988 movie Beaches (Special Edition) and the book Beaches: A Novel. They are only similar because female friendship stories typically have the same elements -- strong loyalty, support, and love that weather the tests of time and the changes that the women go through as they leave childhood behind and become the women they are going to be. Certainly the situations that crop up in the novel are ones that other lifelong female friends have faced: betrayal, jealousy, envy -- and the root of those feelings is that even best friends compare themselves to each other and often wonder at that "path not taken" as they reach the stage of self actualization. Sure it's almost a cliche that the hard-driven career minded single woman wishes for a husband and family (that's Tully) while the downtrodden, self-sacrificing homemaker (and this is Kate) wants more glamour and a sense of reaching a goal of "being somebody" in her own right. Don't most of us, maybe only secretly or momentarily, wonder sometimes -- "what if?" Friendships and relationships have stages and don't stay the same throughout the course of a life -- some don't last even as others evolve and are the very foundation of another's life. Tully and Kate have many ups and downs through their years, but one fact remains; the girls know each other inside and out. And they count on that.
I think it's nice now and again to touch base with the concept of a being or having a true friend. This story of Tully and Kate helps us to perhaps re-evaluate where we ourselves are on the continuum of our own friendships. It is unusual for anyone to really have a "perfect life" or really "have it all" (despite what we're told -- there are always sacrifices to be made) and I would say that though some women friends come into your life for "a reason or a season" (as the song says), others are there for the duration. As the old saying goes, however, to have a friend, you must BE one. Mistakes are usually made, petty squabbles can turn into major disagreements, and resentment can destroy the relationships we have. This book showed that despite all that, two women could be there for each other when the chips went down. I'd like to believe that all of us will have that kind of friend.
I'm going to go search out Kristin Hannah's other books as this was the first one by her that I've read.
Helpful Score: 3
I thought I would really enjoy this book about lifelong friendship, but I can't honestly say I loved it. The middle was hard to keep pushing through, but I did finally reach the end. I felt that a lot of the book was just filling, not really adding to the story line. Not an awful read, but there are much better books out there.
I loved this book so much I read it in a day (I think that's a record). Anyways, the reason I gave the book 4/5 stars is because it's a lot like "Beaches" but not. I completely fell in love with the characters, major depth. I experienced a wide range of emotions, but get those kleenex ready for the last 100 pages, What a tear-jerker. I usually read historical romance books, but this was a nice break. I agree with one of the other reviewers, this would be a perfect book club book, so many questions to ask yourself about life and friendship and what if's? Kuddos to you KH.
Helpful Score: 2
If one was to distill literary mediocrity, it would boil down to two things: the Twilight series and Kristin Hannah's writing. Why has Hannah not been sued for lifting the plot and characters from "Beaches?" Seriously, it contained *everything* that book did. This is more than comparison; it's plagiarism. Although I cried out of sorrow at "Beaches," I cried for wasting my life after reading this trash. The only good part of it is that one of them dies at the end.
This meritless waste of paper contained every element of every bad Lifetime movie you've ever seen with the exception of an eating disorder. I'm sure if Hannah had churned out another 100 pages, Marah would have developed one. I certainly wanted to vomit after the friends professed their friendship over and over and over and over again. Most of this book is taken up with the sentence, "We're best friends, aren't we?" The two just randomly chose each other as "best friends;" the readers are reminded of the depth and intensity of their friendship every time they ever spoke to one another, not because the writing showed that, but because the girls would not freakin' stop talking about how they were friends. When you have to try that hard, girls
Even before I started, I told my husband exactly what this book would contain and the order in which the plot elements would emerge. I nailed them all. Firefly Lane is formulaic, unoriginal, and just plain stupid. In a word: banal.
This meritless waste of paper contained every element of every bad Lifetime movie you've ever seen with the exception of an eating disorder. I'm sure if Hannah had churned out another 100 pages, Marah would have developed one. I certainly wanted to vomit after the friends professed their friendship over and over and over and over again. Most of this book is taken up with the sentence, "We're best friends, aren't we?" The two just randomly chose each other as "best friends;" the readers are reminded of the depth and intensity of their friendship every time they ever spoke to one another, not because the writing showed that, but because the girls would not freakin' stop talking about how they were friends. When you have to try that hard, girls
Even before I started, I told my husband exactly what this book would contain and the order in which the plot elements would emerge. I nailed them all. Firefly Lane is formulaic, unoriginal, and just plain stupid. In a word: banal.
Helpful Score: 2
This is a fantastic book!! I could not put it down. I absolutely fell in love with both lead characters. I don't usually like "tear-jerkers" as I find them manipulative, but the tears I cried here (and there were many) were shed because of how well written the characters were. They felt like friends. One of the best books I have read in a long time.
Helpful Score: 2
This book is very well written. I felt like I actually knew the characters and would like to have them for friends. Anyone born in the late fifties or early sixties will certainly relate to the music and events that are depicted in the book.
Helpful Score: 2
Wow! What wonderful character development throughout this book. It is a joy to read a book that displays the author's commitment to excellence, rather than just cranking
out another book to hit the sale shelves. Kristin Hannah takes her work both seriously and personally. She is an author that really cares.
You will get to know Tully and Kate as real people. You will share
in the exhileration of their escapades; you will share their emotions as they experience
the ups and downs in their friendship; you will cluck like a mother hen when you see
a problem arising; and you will close the book with "TullyandKate" becoming a
part of your memories as if they were real.
Not only will you see the dynamics of these two friends, but you will also have a chance
to explore mother-daughter relationships as well.
There is a lot to be learned from Tully, Kate, Mrs. M., Cloud, and even young Marah.
out another book to hit the sale shelves. Kristin Hannah takes her work both seriously and personally. She is an author that really cares.
You will get to know Tully and Kate as real people. You will share
in the exhileration of their escapades; you will share their emotions as they experience
the ups and downs in their friendship; you will cluck like a mother hen when you see
a problem arising; and you will close the book with "TullyandKate" becoming a
part of your memories as if they were real.
Not only will you see the dynamics of these two friends, but you will also have a chance
to explore mother-daughter relationships as well.
There is a lot to be learned from Tully, Kate, Mrs. M., Cloud, and even young Marah.
Helpful Score: 2
This was on of the best books I have read in a long time. This was a book where you feel that you are part of the family and feel the emotions with them.
Helpful Score: 2
Written for my generation of women, I found so many references to the good memories of growing up. It was a well-written, memory-lane of my youth as well as an outstanding novel about two best friends who lived a lifetime together sharing everything...simply put. Hannah weaves so many dead-on references of the '70s (crochet vests and bell bottom jeans) that I had flash-backs to my own closet. She takes us on the friends journeys together as little girls all the way through adulthood.....every time-frame is like you are there. Get ready to weep, this one is a tear jerker!
Helpful Score: 2
I hated this book. I found the plot contrived, the writing ham handed and the cultural references used as an obvious ploy. Firefly Lane was a HUGE dissapointment.
Helpful Score: 2
I thought this book would be similar to some of Elin Hilderbrand's books but I was wrong. Elin Hilderbrand is a much better author than Kristin Hannah. I did not like this book at all. It was somewhat boring, and definitely predictable. It was too long, AND most of all, I thought it was depressing. Definitely not a feel good book. Sort of similar to some of Nicholas Sparks books that end kind of sad sometimes.
I read this book in two evenings. I could not put it down. I love stories like these where you are with the characters throughout most of their lives, really leaving you feeling a connection with them. The ending of the book literally made me cry, and then I wish it hadn't ended.
What an absolutely fabulous book.
What an absolutely fabulous book.
Helpful Score: 2
It took me a long time to get into this book. It was another one where I wasn't really a fan of one of the main characters. And there were so many "trips down memory lane" that I didn't have memories of, being a child of the 80's. It was like a d-list celebrity name-dropping. Like the author was trying too hard to get the reader to be in the moment. And every other sentence had about 7 adjectives in it. All of that said, the book was good. Though, I do wonder how good it would have been if I hadn't live my entire life in the Pacific Northwest, the area the book was set in. It was nice to know about the areas that were mentioned, but I wonder how the story would have read if I wasn't familliar with The Sound and Queen Anne Hill. Luckily by the end of the story, Tully had begun to redeam herself and I was sucked in. I'm also terrified of the years to come with my daughter. This book really shoved down my throat how horrible I was as a teen and what I can now look forward to in about 6 years. And yes, dang it, I did tear up 4 times and almost cried twice.
Helpful Score: 2
I really disliked this book. It was a fairly easy read. I will say that. So as not to give any real spoilers I will just say that it was a very long winded basic outline of Beaches. It lacked any depth...which is saying something for a book that is almost 500 pages long. I have a friendship that started 28 years ago. I really wanted to love this book..but in the end I just didn't.
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book. It's a story about two girls finding each other in 8th grade and their journey through life afterwards. Lots of drama, laughs and a little bit of saddness.
Helpful Score: 1
Cute book about friendship. Was a thick book, surprised it didn't drag on at times. Would recommend for a vacation/beach read.
Helpful Score: 1
One of the best books I've read in a long time. If you like Jodie Picoult, you will love Kristin Hannah. Following these two women throughout their lives was wonderful, I got to know them as friends. I was so so into the characters, I didn't want the book to end. I had a truly emotional response to the ending, it pulled at my heart strings.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a GREAT story and had my attention for the entire read. Get the box of tissues out, you'll need them!
Helpful Score: 1
One of my favorite books - the characters literally came alive in my mind, and how could they not? Hannah follows best friends Tully & Kate from the four decades of friendship, describing everything in such vivid detail, from their thoughts and emotions to their clothing and their favorite songs. Days after finishing this book (and halfway through another one) I found myself missing "Firefly Lane," wishing I could return to the story. Would love to see this one turned into a movie!
Helpful Score: 1
Loved this book. This is definitely one of the best I have read!
Helpful Score: 1
The plot is very back-to-school-special, but the humor in it is not. It's very whitty and funny at times, but it's pretty long, so it does have it's lag moments. But overall, very cute book!
Helpful Score: 1
"Firefly Lane" was really a good read. Hannah does a great job of developing her characters, making both them and the plot believable and interesting. The time periods were so well described and detailed that it made me remember things I'd forgotten in my own past. This story will stay with me a while and I strongly recommend it to anyone.
Helpful Score: 1
Really good book, although from beginning to end was a real tearjerker.
Could not get through it.
Helpful Score: 1
Wow. What a great book! I fell in love with the story by the end of the first page and I could not put it down until I finished it. Tully and Kate were both very interesting characters and the story moved along quickly. Despite how big the book is it was a quick read just because it was so enjoyable. I look forward to reading another book by Kristin Hannah--she is a wonderful writer.
Helpful Score: 1
After over a month of struggling through this, I'm finally giving up on page 289. It was way too schmaltzy for me.
Helpful Score: 1
I fell in love with the characters in this book. I don't want to ruin what happens so I can't say much, but it was happy, sad, heart wrenching at times, and I found myself flying through the pages as I read it.
Helpful Score: 1
EXCELLENT book!! Moving and touching, although I was angry at the ending! LOL!! ;)
Helpful Score: 1
A little too long for the story, but a great story nonetheless. Would recommend.
Helpful Score: 1
This was my first novel by Kristen Hannah and she has now been added to my favorite author list!
This is the story of two best friends going through life together from teen years through middle age. It's a beautiful story about the female spirit. I cannot recommend this book enough!
This is the story of two best friends going through life together from teen years through middle age. It's a beautiful story about the female spirit. I cannot recommend this book enough!
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book. It was a great book about a long time friendship. You could relate to the women from so many angles! I cried my eyes out at the end of the book!
Helpful Score: 1
i found this book moving on a personal level. I too have someone close to me who is dealing with abandonmnet issues. In life and my line of work, I meet many broken people who don't love themselves and the ramifications are far reaching. The bond of friendship intrigues me because for many people it can be stronger than their family relationships. All of these issues are well developed in the two main characters and you find yourself really caring about them.
Helpful Score: 1
Kristin Hannah's magnificent new novel spans more than three dedades and plays across the ever-changing face of the Pacific Northwest. Firefly Lane is the poignant, powerful story of two women and the friendship that becomes the bulkhead of their lives. For thirty years, Tully and Kate buoy each through life, weathering the storms of friendship-jealousy, anger, hurt, resentment. They think they have survived it all until a single act of betrayal tears them apart..and puts their courage and friendship to the Ultimate test.
Helpful Score: 1
Warning: I finished the last 40 pages of this book sobbing.
An easy read from start to finish about the journey two women have taken from young teens to adults. This is the first time I have read a Kristin Hannah novel but I am sure to read more. Very detailed and moving. I felt like I knew the characters and could feel their joy and pain.
An easy read from start to finish about the journey two women have taken from young teens to adults. This is the first time I have read a Kristin Hannah novel but I am sure to read more. Very detailed and moving. I felt like I knew the characters and could feel their joy and pain.
Helpful Score: 1
I spent a long time at the book store using my sons mothers day gift card(he knows me well, my sweet boy) Anyway, this book had very good reviews and I thought it would be different than other books I have read, something to get lost in. It was a good book, but not as outstanding as I was lead by the reviews. It is a well written book going thru the lives of two girls, that turn into adulthood and womanhood. Two different views of lives we choose, one as a mother and one always looking for more success finding life lacking. It was somewhat like beaches, a good read but somehow I wanted more. I will try antoher book by Kristin Hannah, she is a very good writer, she knows how to reel you in, maybe it was just the story. It seemed predictable.
Helpful Score: 1
Loved it. Made me cry, which is hard to do. Thought I had it figured out 1/3 of the way through, and it shocked and surprised me. Author is great. Could do without the graphic sex scenes, but the detailed descriptions really help paint the picture in your mind. I"m off to find more by this author.
Helpful Score: 1
A captivating and touching story of a lifelong friendship. Very worth the read.
Helpful Score: 1
I began this book as a light read for the summer. It was that plus a whole lot more. The story of two women who have been friends for more than thirty years, this book held my interest and surprised me at times. Well written and thoughtful.
This was one of the best books that I have read. Kristin Hannah is a very talented writer. Her books keep you wanting more.
Helpful Score: 1
Loved it! Cried for the last quarter of the book....couldn't put it down.
First time reading Kristin Hannah and I enjoyed it. After getting into the story it was hard to put down. I agree with others that it has definatley a roller coaster ride with its up and downs. And definately need kleenex for the end of the book!
Helpful Score: 1
Every once is awhile I come across a book that really pulls me in! This book is exactly that! This book made me laugh and cry. This book makes you think back to past friendships/ current ones and tugs at your heart. Wonderful book!!
Helpful Score: 1
It took me a while to decide to read Firefly Lane because of the size. It just looked so thick sitting there on my bookshelf. But the cover and title were cute and it was a book about friendship that followed these characters through over 3 decades of their lives, so I figured I would have to like some part of the book.
It didn't disappoint. The storyline kept my attention the whole time and even though I should have seen the ending coming I didn't because I was so busy waiting for something else to happen that never did!
It didn't disappoint. The storyline kept my attention the whole time and even though I should have seen the ending coming I didn't because I was so busy waiting for something else to happen that never did!
Helpful Score: 1
Wonderful book! I usually dont buy books as I only read them once.I borrowed this book from the library then got it from PBS to add to my collection.Its about a childhood friendship that begins and follows the girls throughout highschool,college then adult hood.The girls have very different personalities,but remain bonded.Beautiful story of true friendship.A must have! Excellent book!
Helpful Score: 1
FANTASTIC!!! This was my first book by this author and was soooooooooo good. So intense and sad and happy and all other feelings in one story. I highly recommended this book. Played with all my emotions and pulled at my heartstrings. I give this book a ten.
I really enjoyed this book about enduring friendship. I found myself looking forward to getting in bed at night so I could enter the world of TullyandKate. It is a tear-jerker, warning: have Kleenex nearby.
Helpful Score: 1
I am a huge Kristin Hannah fan. I have read every one of her books and have loved them all. However, this was my favorite...........Awesome book!
This book brought back memories of my teenage years and beyond. I could relate to so many things in the novel and would recommend it to anyone that grew up in the 70's.
Excellent story of two good friends and their relationship through the years. Fast read...
This book was one of the best books I have read in a long time. If anyone was born in the 70's and wants to read a book about two best friends and growing up, this is the book for you! I couldn't put the book down...it reminded me so much of my upbringing. It was a lengthy book, but every page was so interesting and surprising. Great read!
I really liked this book. I wish Hannah would leave out the bad language and these books would be the top of my recommend list. Great story...I loved and hated the main characters. Would recommend.
Absolutely one of my favorite books. Reminded me of my childhood BFF. Just a note that I cried through the last 50 pages. Must read.
Loved this book and Love Kristin Hannah! She's definitely my new favorite author. The way she tells a story is fresh and beautiful. This is a story about two friends through three decades of friendship--through the 70's, 80's and 90's--and even into the 21st century. A captivating must-read.
This book is a favorite of mine. It was passed around to all the ladies I work with and their mothers! What a great read.
Good story pulling at my heart strings once again, as do all of the Kristin Hannah books I've read.
I had a hard time rating this book because even though I found many of the plot points to be predictable, there were still many others that I found very enjoyable. It felt like a young adult book to me much of the time and maybe it actually is?? Anyway, overall it was a good read and I thought the characters were written well.
I usually like Hannah a lot. Not this one--disorganized and boring.
I really enjoyed this book. It's about two very different women that maintain a friendship for over thirty years. This was definitely one of the best books that I have read in a long time. I was literally unable to put the book down.
Absolutely loved this book!
Firefly Lane is absolutely hands down my favorite book! It's a story of friendship that spans 30+ years and one you could read over and over again. I have made it my personal mission for all my girlfriends to read this book! It's currently making it rounds as I speak! I have yet to meet someone who did not like this book! Terrific read!!
This was my first Kristin Hannah book, and I immediately sought out more when I finished. Firefly Lane is a well-written and captivating book about friendship and love. I think I cried continuously for the last four chapters.
I found the "nostalgia" to be forced in this novel however, I could overlook it (most of the time) because the story is a smooth read. Touching and it tugs at the heartstrings. Be prepared with a box of tissues!
This was the most amazing, nostalgic, powerful story I have read in a long time. I cared about the characters so much and felt their pain and happiness as if it were mine. This was a very personal novel by the author and it felt just that way. I will look for this author now, as this was the first novel of hers that I have read.
Kristin Hannah has once again defined her characters well. One always wishes the book would have a sequel to keep the characters alive.
This is the first book I've read of Kristin Hannah and she proved to be a great writer. It was an easy read, but Kristin Hannah quickly makes you feel connected to the characters.
I enjoyed this book. I thought the time period references were a nice touch and not overdone; they were great "mood-setter" for each time period. Some chapters were a bit contrived, but the last chapters were exceptional! I literally laughed out loud, and yes....I cried on several occasions. It was an easy read and well worth the time spent.
I have enjoyed all of Kristin Hannah's books but this one is my favorite by far. Not many books will make me laugh out loud or come to tears but this one did both. It is a great story of two woman and their ever evolving friendship from their early preteen years to adulthood. I love this book!
A wonderful read - would be especially impactful for 2 lifelong friends to read this together.
Wonderful book to share with your girlfriends! Makes you appreciate your friendships and strengths!
I thought this book was a quick read. I got caught up in the characters and their lives. Kristin Hannah's characters are very richly drawn.
There's plenty of reviews here that describe what this book is about: two best friends over the span of 30 some years. I just want to say that this book is overwhelmingly sad. It was fine until about the last 25 pages or so. I actually finished reading it in the bathroom! I couldn't stop crying. It really touches you so deeply at the end. It was so beautifully written throughout the entire book but the end was particularly well-done. Take this as a warning if you are going to read it....make sure you have a box of tissues nearby!
This was the first book that I have read from Hannah and I really enjoyed it. She really captured what a true longlasting friendship really is. It isn't all sunshine and roses forever. There are a lot of ups and downs. You fight and you make up. You always know though that no matter what you can count on them to always be there. I have already gotten True Colors from another swapper and I can't wait to read it!
I could not put this book down. It was wonderfully written. It told the story about two young girls, who dispite all their difference become best friends forever.
I was surprised at the ending though but it was the perfect ending to the book.
I was surprised at the ending though but it was the perfect ending to the book.
FABULOUS, sweet & poignant. Really glad I read this book!
Touching story of two best friends through the years. Very Good Read.
I have been hooked on Kristen Hannah since I read my first book she wrote. This book is no exception It's a wonderful story of two misfit girls who find each other and the trials and tribulations they have through a lifelong friendship. I laughed, I cried, and I thouroughly enjoyed every page! Please, after reading this, read "Fly Away". It's a sequel that picks up with the same two characters years later, and equally as heart warming. I have now read every single book she has written!
I've been hearing and reading reviews about FIREFLY LANE for a long time. Finally, I captured a copy and read it. It was wonderful! I didn't grow up in the '70s but I was young (30s) and I claim it as my decade. This book covers two BFFs starting in the 70s and actually going into the 2000s. It is a wonderful story of friendship, mother-daughter relationships and love and family. Nothing I can write in a review will begin to really cover it.
In my opinion, every woman (or girl) should read this, no matter where you are in your journey. It's a beautiful story, one that the author says is very personal. You will laugh and cry, curse and love and care deeply for all the characters. A terrific read. I wish I had the words to describe it well. Maybe you will!
In my opinion, every woman (or girl) should read this, no matter where you are in your journey. It's a beautiful story, one that the author says is very personal. You will laugh and cry, curse and love and care deeply for all the characters. A terrific read. I wish I had the words to describe it well. Maybe you will!
This was my first Kristin Hannah Book, and it's absolutely great! It is about two best friends and the their relationship. I loved this book and couldn't put it down. One of the best books I have read!!
Great book about friendship. I didn't think I'd like it because I thought it would be some corny book about "best friends" but it was very interesting and I could relate to characters. There was never a point in the book that dragged. Would definitely recommend this book to a friend.
This was really good, so much more than feel good chic-lit. Well worth the read, I have passed my copy on to my best friend of 30 years.
Very good book so far...about 3/4 done. Didn't know it took place in WA before I started it, so I recognize some of the places in the book!
This is probably the very best book I have EVER read!!! I read all kinds of novels (romance, mystery, christian literature, suspense, chick-lit and autobiographys & biographys) I love all kinds of books and definitely have my favorite authors. This book did more than impress me. It has been 2 years since I have read it and it still sticks with me to this day. This story brought out every emotion in me...laughter, sadness, anger... I have recommended this book to everyone I know who loves to read and it also became their favorites. It goes through so many different elements in life between the friendship of two young girls into adults and in many parts you will relate to both characters. Do yourself a favor and read this book. Don't be overwhelmed by the size of the book, once you are through you won't want it to be over!!! YOU WON'T REGRET READING THIS BOOK!!!! FANTASTIC IS ALL I HAVE TO SAY!!!
I really enjoyed this book. Great story of friendship -true friendship. Wanting to see what Tully pulled next kept me from putting the book down. Due to personal experiences, I cried at the end. A good read. I highly recommend it.
Loved it. Could not put it down.
Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
Sometimes one just needs that good summer read and this was definitely that.
Kate is a girl in Jr. High who is always on the outside of it all. She has no friends, gets great grades, reads The Lord of the Rings over and over & is quite lonely. She lives with her mom, dad & brother on Firefly Lane. There is a vacant house across the street and one day she sees that some people have moved in. At the bus stop she meets Tully for the first time. Tully is her age and at first glance they really don't seem to have a lot in common.
Tully is tall, beautiful, has boobs already and is instantly popular at school with the girls & the boys. She ends up getting hurt by trying to be too cool and the only one to come to her rescue and defense is Kate.
Thus begins the story of their forever friendship.
The story goes through their high school years, their years at University of Washington and through their adult lives. Tully is all about the work, all about the career & while Kate wants a career she also wants to find love, happiness and settle down with a family. She had a wonderful example set for her by her family but Tully's father left before she was born and her mother is a doper who leaves Tully with her grandmother every couple of years to return for her four years later. And when the mother does have her, she doesn't parent her. She is too busy getting high to care what Tully does.
I found this book to be a page turner. It's quite thick but once I began it I didn't want to put it down. It's happy, it's nostalgic, it's funny, it's romantic, it's sad & heartbreaking; it's all the things a woman looks for in a summer read. I enjoyed it tremendously and am looking forward to the sequel.
rainpebble | Jul 28, 2013
Sometimes one just needs that good summer read and this was definitely that.
Kate is a girl in Jr. High who is always on the outside of it all. She has no friends, gets great grades, reads The Lord of the Rings over and over & is quite lonely. She lives with her mom, dad & brother on Firefly Lane. There is a vacant house across the street and one day she sees that some people have moved in. At the bus stop she meets Tully for the first time. Tully is her age and at first glance they really don't seem to have a lot in common.
Tully is tall, beautiful, has boobs already and is instantly popular at school with the girls & the boys. She ends up getting hurt by trying to be too cool and the only one to come to her rescue and defense is Kate.
Thus begins the story of their forever friendship.
The story goes through their high school years, their years at University of Washington and through their adult lives. Tully is all about the work, all about the career & while Kate wants a career she also wants to find love, happiness and settle down with a family. She had a wonderful example set for her by her family but Tully's father left before she was born and her mother is a doper who leaves Tully with her grandmother every couple of years to return for her four years later. And when the mother does have her, she doesn't parent her. She is too busy getting high to care what Tully does.
I found this book to be a page turner. It's quite thick but once I began it I didn't want to put it down. It's happy, it's nostalgic, it's funny, it's romantic, it's sad & heartbreaking; it's all the things a woman looks for in a summer read. I enjoyed it tremendously and am looking forward to the sequel.
rainpebble | Jul 28, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. It's a basic story of 2 girls becoming best friends forever and growing up together. One becomes a Mom, one becomes rich and famous. Their stories are near to the heart, and you really get to know, and feel related to these strong women. A must read!
I loved this book. The character and all the details from the time periods really made it hard to put down. It made me laugh, cry, and brought back so many memories- especially from the 80s!
I feel in love with this book within the first 2 chapters. Kristin Hannah has a way of making the characters feel like one of your family. You will laugh with them, cry with them, get angry at them, etc....FANTASTIC book. I couldn't put it down!!!!
A friendship spanning 3 decades - and finally a story that takes place during my generation (Gen X) with references I can actually relate too!
I stayed up until 2AM to finish, crying through the entire end of the book.
I stayed up until 2AM to finish, crying through the entire end of the book.
the absolutely loved this book. I could relate to it in so many ways. I recommend this book for anyone that has a great friend that they have been friends with for a long time. This is a book that is a great gift to a best friend. It sort of reminded me of the friendship in the movie Beaches. a must read!!
I absolutely LOVED this book! It's about two best friends and their life journeys, together and separately. This book will definitely be one that will stay on my bookshelf! Beautiful story.
Update: Kristin Hannah has written a sequel to Firefly Lane titled Fly Away. I am so excited about getting this book and falling back into the lives of these wonderful characters.
Update: Kristin Hannah has written a sequel to Firefly Lane titled Fly Away. I am so excited about getting this book and falling back into the lives of these wonderful characters.
This is a good nightly read. It tells the story of a friendship between two girls that lasts through the teenage years into adulthood. It explores relationships between girlfiends, mothers and daughters, and husbands and wives. Its one of those books that just keeps a steady pace chapter by chapter and then wallops you at the end. If you had asked me a week ago for a rating on this book I would have said it was ok. After finishing it, I say it was very good.
This is not my favorite Kristin Hannah book. I have put it aside but may go back to it and finish.
Perfect for the woman in her 30's or 40's! I had a hard time putting this one down and ended up reading in the middle of the night which hasn't happened in a LONG time.
An easy but lengthy read, you are plunged into the lives of two fun-loving women. This book is about Tully and Kate, one extrovert and introvert, from two very different families. The story chronicles their friendship and despair over the course of multiple decades, including popular music and historical moments that make all who read it feel a sense of nostalgia. The characters' diverse traits allowed me to lose myself in the truths about motherhood and the career woman who chooses a "successful" career instead of a family. Each is presented as having its own caveats and rewards.
I would highly recommend it!
An easy but lengthy read, you are plunged into the lives of two fun-loving women. This book is about Tully and Kate, one extrovert and introvert, from two very different families. The story chronicles their friendship and despair over the course of multiple decades, including popular music and historical moments that make all who read it feel a sense of nostalgia. The characters' diverse traits allowed me to lose myself in the truths about motherhood and the career woman who chooses a "successful" career instead of a family. Each is presented as having its own caveats and rewards.
I would highly recommend it!
This was a good book. I enjoyed reading about a long friendship between two women. There were happy and sad parts, and everything in between.
I loved this book! I had such a difficult time putting it down. I gre up in the late 70's and realy 80's. There are so many references to it. I love how the story is about friendship that has it's tough times, yet they always seem to be there for each other. It also has a realistic ending. Anyone that grew up during this same time period (or evan was an adult) would love this book.
This is a great book. It keeps you envolved and even when you are not reading it you think about the people in it and think about their lives. It is a time of the past and a time of the present. I loved it and would recomend it as a great read.
I love this story !!! romance, family, friends.... a great book to escape with. Didn't want it to end.......be ready to laugh and share some tears too.
I loved this book, and yes some of us did have a friendship that lasted forever. My best friend and I were as close as sisters for almost 50 years. I lost her two years ago and still miss her and our talks and lunches. Marian you will always be with me and I still laugh when I think of some of the things we did. This book will stay with you long after the last page is turned. You will laugh, cry, get mad and then laugh some more. Do your self a favor and read the book.
This is the first book by Kristin Hannah that I've read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who grew up in the 70's or 80's.
Kate is 14 and thinks she's the biggest nurd in her class. Tully has moved into the house across the street from Kate and is trying to hide the fact that her mom is a pot head and totally out of it as a mother and a person. Kate thinks Tully is the most beautiful girl she has ever seen. It is the mid 70s and this unlikely duo become best friends. The story follows them through high school and on to college through dating and other life experiences always being there for each other. As their life proceeds they take seperate paths but are always there for each other as well as jealous of each other at the same time. The characters in the book are great, the story is both humorous and sad. If you lived through the 70's, 80's, 90's and 2000-11 you will relate to much that goes on in this story. I rate it as one of the best books I've ever read.
This is one of the best books I've ever read. Heart warming and realistic for anyone that has that one true friend, The ups and downs that come with a life long friendship. Congrats to Kristin Hannah!
This was absolutely one of the best books I've ever read. I love Kristin Hannah's style and the way she develops her characters. This is a story that spans more than 30 years in the lives of two women .... a story of love, friendship, family, loss, betrayal, and well, LIFE.... Couldn't put it down!
LOVE LOVE LOVE this book! This will be in my top five favorites for a while. Worth the read.
One of the best books I have read. This book was recommended to me by several friends and it lived up to my hopes. It made me laugh out loud and cry. A truly wonderful book.
I absolutely loved this book- I laughed, cried and really felt this book. Her descriptions had me entranced and I am on my second book by her and loving it!
This is a great book about what is most important in life, our insecurities and how they only hold us back...I cannot articulate how much this book touched me.
This is a great book about what is most important in life, our insecurities and how they only hold us back...I cannot articulate how much this book touched me.
Great read! Follows an unlikely friendship between two girls over the course of several decades. During that time, the girls (women) face many hard times in their lives, and, despite their differences, always gain strength from each other and their friendship. Kristin Hannah is a wonderful author! Also, check out her book, "True Colors." I loved that one too!
This was absolutely one of the best books I have ever read. Wonderful story about relationships among women- mothers & daughters, friends & how important they are throughout our lives. I couldn't put it down. It will make you smile, cry and appreciate your close girlfriends even more. I look forward to reading more of Kristin Hannah's books. I recommended this book to two friends who both immediately said, "I read that book & I loved it!"
I loved this book. It is very well written I really got into the characters and what they went through I laughed with them and cried with them. I cant wait to read fly away the next one in the series, I would reccommend this book to anyone
Wow, her stories have so much emotion and depth. This one was great!
Great story. good character development. a little slow at times but I found myself staying up to read just a little more, to find I was still reading an hour later. definitely recommended.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was an easy read, one I couldn't put down. It has it all...friendship, love, growing up, etc. I highly recommend this book.
Wonderful book. Had me hooked from the first page on. I had to force myself t slow down reading it because i didn't want it to end. Reminds me a little bit of "Beaches". Wonderful story of friendship, showing how a real friendship will have ups and downs like any relationship.
What a good book. I loved the music and historical events references. But for me this book was not a page turner, once I knew how it was going to end I had trouble finishing. It was so sad that I had trouble making myself finish.
This book was excellent - I couldn't put it down and I'm looking forward to reading this author's next book!
I liked this book. It was hard to put down. My only criticism would be that it was like "Beaches" with different people. I knew where the ending was headed before I got to it. That was a little disappointing to me. But over all I would recommend it and maybe the similarity won't bother other readers.
Firefly Lane was a good book, not great. Maybe longer than it needed to be. An easy read, good summer book.
Great great book!! If you are looking for a book with a good friendship story this is your book!! Hannah is a great author!!! Highly recommend any of her books!
I absolutely loved this book! This is one of a handful of books that actually made me cry. The journey that both the main characters go through is so intriguing. I am now going to have to read more books by this author.
A wonderful story about best friends and the struggle to stay best friend thorough out your lifetime. Great read!
This book was o.k. Some parts did not ring true. Left some loose ends in the plot that
bothered me.
bothered me.
This is the story of life. The story of 2 girls who become friends. Who grow up and are friends still. Who face life together. Sometimes we need to remember that while we are doing what we do and waiting for life to start... we are living our life.
I really enjoyed this book.
I really enjoyed this book.
I just love Kristin Hannah. She is the best. While i really loved this book a lot, this wasnt her best. But a definite one to read. It has great character development and the book is extremely emotional. I didnt want to stop reading it until the end!
All I can say is "wow!". The characters were so real to me that they kept me coming back night after night to read and now I feel like I've lost my friends. What made the characters so real was the accuracy with which the author was able to describe the emotions of their relationships. You will laugh, you will definately cry, but most of all when you close the book after the last page you the book and its message will hang with you for days to come and you might find yourself complaining about your life just a little less! Any mother who struggles with her teen daughter should read this book because in the last third of the book the author is able to put you in the teenager's head and you will finally see that it's not as bad as you think and from underneath it all your little girl will emerge again but as a mature person who really does appreciate you!
LOVED This book!!!! Will add to my bookshelf very soon, waiting on my neighbor to return it, she's loving it as well!!
This is the first book I've ready by Kristin Hannah. I picked it up because a friend posted on Facebook how wonderful it was. Boy, was she right!! This book is about the friendship of two girls, Kate and Tully from middle school on. Ms. Hannah makes some great mentions of the fads surrounding the 70s, 80s and 90s, bringing back many personal memories of that time and my friends "back when".
Not only is this a book of friends, but of the complicated relationships between a mother and her teenage daughter. You get to see one relationship grow and come full circle and the other grow.
I will warn you...and some may consider this a SPOILER but the last 50 or 100 pages are very difficult to get through, especially if you've got such a best friend that you can identify with as Kate did with Tully.
I look forward to reading more by this fantastic author with her amazing writing style!!
Not only is this a book of friends, but of the complicated relationships between a mother and her teenage daughter. You get to see one relationship grow and come full circle and the other grow.
I will warn you...and some may consider this a SPOILER but the last 50 or 100 pages are very difficult to get through, especially if you've got such a best friend that you can identify with as Kate did with Tully.
I look forward to reading more by this fantastic author with her amazing writing style!!
I absolutely loved this book - It sucked me right in from the beginning. Great story about friendship/relationships and what really matters in life.
Many of the books I've read of this genre have moved me in so many ways. However, this book brought me to tears. While reading the authors reasons for writing the books it all came together for me. It's a novel, but based on her own personal relationships. This book is for daughters, best friends, mothers (both stay-at-home and working, grandmothers, and the relationships between any two of them. I give this book a five star rating it so richly deserves.
One of the best books I have read.
This book was hard for me to get into when I first started it. I think because it starts in the 70's, I had trouble relating. After about 1/2 way through the book I was really able to focus and get into it. The book seems like it was written as a description of a movie though, and not as an independent book. It also tried to use references later on in the book to earlier moments, but they just weren't strong. 3/5.
Part of my really liking this book is the connection I felt with the characters due to the time frame - I too was 14 at the same time this book started. Reliving much of my youth through these characters was a lot of fun. When I finished the last 100 pages on an early Sunday morning, I wanted to get up and phone my closest friend immediatly! This is my first Kristin Hannah novel, but it won't be my last!
well told story of two girls who end up as old friends,
I enjoyed this book. It was entertaining to remember the decades through these characters. It wasn't one of my favorite books although a good read.
Amazing.
quick, easy read
A beautiful story of love and friendship, soanning decades. Anyone who has had a best friend will be late to this story.
Great book about two friends and the different paths life takes the two of them. This book made me laugh, cry and at times I found myself mad, even angry... what more can you ask for from a book. Its defiantly a journey.
Absolutely enjoyed reading Firefly lane. Its about two best friends who grow up with different backrounds, and the ups and downs of friendship.
Very good story of two friends from childhood to adult.
I enjoyed this book and loved the spanning of eras and "music", however I did not connect with it or the characters like I had antcipated. I hate to give what seems like a negative review, but I felt as though the middle might have dragged and I expected it to have more tumult to the storyline (sorry, I love reading about dysfunction). Overall, I would definately recommend this book as it is surely a heartwarming story of the endurance of a 30 year friendship.
Very good book. I love this author
Loved Will reccommend it to friends.
Firefly Lane is the poignant, powerful story of two women and the friendship that becomes the bulkhead of their lives. For thirty years Tully and Kate buoy each other through life, weathering the storms of friendship - jealouse, anger, hurt, resentment. They think they've survived it all until a single act of betrayal tears them apart and puts their courage and friendship to the ultimate test.
Absolutely amazing. Captivating from the first page to the last!
Unbelievable book. Can't put it down.
Damn this book for making me cry the ugly cry! I had this sitting on my shelf for a couple of years now and for whatever reason never picked it up until a friend said I really needed to read it. And now I have no clue why I waited so long! It was really good! It's the story about the friendship between two women who stand together through the good and the bad over the span of their lives. Heartbreaking and wonderful! Will definitely be checking out others by Kristin Hannah.
Really good book about friendship.
I great story about two unlikely friends. Entertaining and worth reading.
I light and lively read...easy to follow and thoroughly enjoyable!
Lite chit-lit with a happy ending! Don't miss it!
Lite chit-lit with a happy ending! Don't miss it!
This is the type of writing that just bores me.
It is like a bad soap opera. Oh wait, all soap operas are bad - that's just me. I wish I had read "The Nightingale" first because now it is just hanging out on my TBR shelf. When I get around to it I sure hope it is better than this one. BTW, this story is sooooo just like "Beaches" - remembering that old Bette Midler movie.
It is like a bad soap opera. Oh wait, all soap operas are bad - that's just me. I wish I had read "The Nightingale" first because now it is just hanging out on my TBR shelf. When I get around to it I sure hope it is better than this one. BTW, this story is sooooo just like "Beaches" - remembering that old Bette Midler movie.
I dont think Im going to be able to come up with anything to say about Firefly Lane that hasnt already been said before. This is the story of two girls, who really meet purely by chance, and against the odds, manage to forge a friendship that lasts through to their adulthood. And although the events in the story are absolutely fiction and somewhat exaggerated, the closeness of the friendship is something I think all women need...
To read the rest of my review, please visit my blog.
To read the rest of my review, please visit my blog.
outstanding book. One of the best of the summer reading.
One of the best Kristin Hannah books I have ever read! I highly recommend it!
Loved this book! It has it all
Great read.
***** 5 stars Absolutely wonderful...couldn't put it down.
A story of friendship that lasts a lifetime..a story oflove and loyalty. Recommended for everyone..
wonderful beach read!!
Another great coming of age story, that really allows the reader to feel something! Great read!
It was good. Nostalgic for me since I'm close in age to the characters. Definitely a tear-jerker too! Nice read.
Amazing book--everyone should have a friend and this book will make you smile, laugh, cry and even get angry but the story of these two friends will take over your heart throughout the entire book--don't miss it!
This was a very good book. I think it would make a great movie.
What a great book, makes you really take stock of your loved ones and set your priorities straight!
Excellant Book! Reminds me of the old Danielle Steel books.
GREAT BOOK
good book on freindship
Enjoyed this book alot.
