Speaking Volumes

When I was a little girl my mom always sang to me. One of my favorite songs was Friendship.

If you're ever in a jam, here I am.
If you're ever in a mess, S.O.S.
If you're so happy, you land in jail. I'm your bail.
It's friendship, friendship, just a perfect blendship.
When other friendships are soon forgot, ours will still be hot.
Da da da da da da dig dig dig.
If you're ever down a well, ring my bell.
If you're ever up a tree, just phone to me.
If you ever loose your teeth when you're out to dine, borrow mine.
It's friendship, friendship, just a perfect blendship.
...Cole Porter

I couldn't get this tune out of my head after our last book discussion, Beaches, by Iris Rainier Dart. Beaches is the story of the unlikely friendship between two very different girls, one brash and loud, the other quiet and ultra-conservative. From the first time they meet under the boardwalk of Atlantic City, their story is a testament to friendship and strong bonds women form. In the early years of the relationship, they mostly communicate as penpals through the mail as kids often did in the 80's. As adults they do get together in several short reunions and as in many lasting friendships, there are ebbs and flows, ups and downs, laughter, tears, hurts, misunderstandings and always, love. I loved the story when I first read it in the 80's and the re-reading was a pleasure. The story makes me happy and what could be better at this time of year.

I asked our book group (all women) to name a few other books about friendship that they liked. I've listed a few.

Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons ~ Lorna Landvik
Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Siseterhood ~ Rebecca Wells
Talk Before Sleep ~ Elizabeth Berg
Circle of Grace ~ Penelope Stokes
Elegant Gathering of White Snows ~ Kris Radish

and one non-fiction was mentioned

The Kabul Beauty School: An American Goes Behind the Veil
   ~ Deborah Rodriquez   

If you do a search of our catalog for female friendships, you'll come up with almost 200 titles so you can see this theme is a popular one. If you have a favorite of your own, please let us know.