Jennifer Weiner writes with humor, self-awareness, heart, and sensitivity — all with an honest approach that never goes over-the-top into the realm of sappy or maudlin. Her latest novel, Best Friends Forever takes a little darker approach, but is still classic Jennifer Weiner.
It’s time for Addie’s fifteen-year high school reunion. Since her parents have died, she has made their home her own. So, she’s living in the same place she lived in high school, but nothing could drag her to the reunion. High school didn’t treat Addie so well, since it isn’t usually kind to loner girls who are slightly overweight.
Addie’s life changes when Valerie moves across the street: Girl the same age living across the street equals instant best friend. Addie and Valerie are best friends until something separates them their senior year. They haven’t talked since then, but after the reunion (which semi-celebrity weather-girl Valerie did attend), Valerie shows up on Addie’s doorstep begging for Addie’s help.
Valerie convinces Addie to go along with her to investigate the result of her not-at-all-accidental hit-and-run that occurred in the parking lot after the reunion was over, and the former best friends end up on the lam aka Thelma & Louise.
The darkness comes from the themes covered: The ruthlessness of revenge, the shallowness of self-absorption and vanity, and the reality of loss — the loss of a future and of lives squandered. But you’d be wrong if you saw this book as a depressing heavy tome rich with symbolism and desperation. The novel is written with Jennifer Weiner’s spot-on humorous observations about life and ends with hope.
It’s still basically chick-lit — it just delves a little deeper into the human psyche.
If you’d like to win one of three copies (U.S. residents only), leave a comment. We’ll announce the winners in next week’s column.
The winner of the two mysteries by Emyl Jenkins is #49 Pam.
Written by 5 Minutes for Mom contributing editor and 5 Minutes for Books managing editor Jennifer Donovan
5 Minutes for YOU to read, relax, & connect with other moms. We're here to inspire, encourage & empower you.
{ 174 comments… read them below or add one }
I’d love to win this. I’m always looking for a new book to read.
I would love to win!
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
It seems interesting to read the book. I haven’t got it honestly. Additionally, I would be so proud of winning the prize. Thanks for the chance. Toddler Crafts Susan
Sounds interesting. Never read a book by this author. I’d love to win. Wow, I’m number 4, never been so high up on the comments from this blog before. I am usually three hundred and something. LOL
I love Jennifer Weiner, and would love to win her book
It sounds great!
Interesting idea to get us to keep on coming back to your blog!! I’m always looking for new books to read; not sure if this is quite my taste, but may be a great read for my Wife!
Thanks for the review and the insight.
Jennifer Weiner is a fun author. I’d love to win.
I’m on bedrest and need a good book to entertain myself. 
I would love to win this book!
this book sounds very interesting and I would love to win the chance to own a copy
shopannies@Yahoo.com
I would love to win a copy of this book. Thanks for the chance.
I have been want to read this. Please enter mee too.
denise22315(at)gmail(dot)com
I need some more books! Would love to win! bestmom4girls(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love her books ;0)
aprilmom00 at gmail dot com
She’s a great author…this is on my to-read list! Please enter me.
I love her books, please enter me.
Thanks!
Oooh, I’d love to win this book! I have enjoyed the Jennifer Weiner books I’ve read, and I’d love to read this one, too!!
I’d love to win this!
Please enter me -looks like a good book!
It may just be that a little escapism might be just the ticket.
Cheers
looks like an interesting read!
I added this to my To Be Read list! Sounds good.
I love Jennifer Weiner’s books and would love to read this one.
I have read and loved all of Jennifer Weiner’s books. Haven’t had a chance to pick this one up yet though. Thanks for the giveaway!
I haven’t read Jennifer Weiner’s books but will have to give them a try soon. Appreciate the chance to win one of them.
Sounds like it might be pretty good. Need something light, but balanced.
Thanks for the opportunity. Jennifer Weiner is always a good read!
I love Jennifer Weiner books and haven’t read this one yet!
I’d like to win!!
I usually only read YA, but this sounds interesting.
I love quick easy chick-lit books! Crossing my fingers for a copy! Thanks!!
By the by, I’m having my own book giveaway tomorrow just in case I can return the favour.
Best wishes
I have a class reunion this year. But I felt like this lady, and see no reason to go. Should be a very interesting read. Please enter me. Thank you.
Sounds very interesting. Need another good book before summer is over
I’d love to win this. I love her books.
I’d love to win a copy. (heathernkemp(at)hotmail(dot)com)
Thanks for the review (and give-away).
I’ve loved all of Jennifer Weiner’s books!
I’m a big fan of Jennifer Weiner, and would love to read this!
Ooh, I’d love to win a copy! I’ve enjoyed the two or three books I’ve read by her and would love to read more
Please count me in. Sounds great!!
Karen K
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com
this sounds very good
I’d like to win! I like her books – definitely chick lit, but does get deeper – I agree!
I just cut an ad for this book out of a magazine and added it to my TBR binder! Winning a copy would certainly speed up the process!
I’d love to win. Thanks for the giveaway.
accoupons at gmail dot com
I’d love to win. Thanks for the giveaway.
accoupons at gmail dot com
I would love to win a copy of this book. It sounds like it’s a good mix of the things I like to read about.
Would love to win this!
I always love intros to new authors – count me in!
I love her other books-would really like to win this one;)
trishnatey@gmail.com
I would love to win this book. It is on my list to read!
Hope this comment isn’t going to post more than once, but for some reason it doesn’t seem to be working!
Anyway,
Sounds like a great book. I’d love to win, and I’m always looking for new books to read!
I can’t tell you how many times I have picked it up at the bookstore only to put it down because I have other things still to read. It looks like such a good read. I have it on a list of books I want to read.
Sounds like a good read. Will be putting this book/author on my TBR list
I haven’t read any of her books, but I’d love to read this one !
This sounds really good!
I’ve enjoyed Jennifer Weiner’s previous books and would love to win a copy of her latest!
I never read chick-lit until I picked one up and tried it about a year ago. I still prefer non-fiction, but I now also read chick-lit when I am in the mood to lighten up and relax.
Alicia Webster
5webs@comcast.net
Sign me up – a new book to read is like having a new adventure!
anytime there is a good book available I am on board! Please enter me in this great giveaway!
cmflan122@gmail.com
I love Jennifer Weiner’s books!
mamie316(at)sbcglobal.net
That sounds like a good book! I hope I win!
I’d love to win!
I love to read this.
Count me in! I would love to win!
Twitter: longwait4bella
August 11, 2009 at 12:47 pm
I love new books. Thanks for the chance to win!
Nice! I’ve love to win a book!
I’d love to win!
I can’t wait to read this book. I have loved everything that I have read by this author!
I have never read anything by this author, although it sounds like an intriguing read and I would definately love it.
I would love to read this
I’d love to win this — I love Jennifer Weiner’s writing. I haven’t had much time for reading lately but for this book I’ll manage it!
This sounds like and interesting book that I’d like to read. Please enter me in the giveaway.
abfantom (at) yahoo (dot) com
I would like to be entered, thanks!
Sounds like a great read… thanks so much for the giveaway!
I’ve loved the other Jennifer Weiner books I’ve read and think I would really enjoy this one.
I adore Jennifer Weiner – Winning this book would be great!
ooh I love Jennifer Weine’s books. I’d love to read this. I am currently on the waitlist at the library for this book!
Thanks for the giveaway!
i love to read and would love to win
mverno@roadrunner.com
This sounds like a great read… and I’m so addicted to books!
This is the only Jennifer Weiner book I don’t own. I’d love to win it!
This sounds really good! I may have to see if our library has it.
I’d love to read this book. Please count me in!
I WOULD LOVE TO WIN PLEASE
I have read one other book by Jennifer Weiner- really like her writing.
I am a big fan of this author! I would love to win this.
I’m a huge Jennifer Weiner fan, still on the library waiting list for this one. Would love to win!
I have been dying for a good book to take me out of the mud. Sounds like the perfect one. thanks for the opportunity to win
This sounds like a good read.
I would love to win a copy of this book. Thanks for the chance. jelly15301@gmail.com
I’ve actually heard about this book, but had no idea what it was about until now. I’m hooked! Hope I win so I can read what happens. thanks!
I enjoy reading her books.
Jennifer Weiner is one of my favorite authors, I would love to read her new book!
I’d love to read this book!
ohh! I would love to win this book! I love Jennifer Weiner, and I always have to have a book to read!!
This looks like a good read! I’ll have to add it to my ever-growing reading list. I’ve read others of Weiner’s books and enjoyed them quite a bit.
If you liked this, you’ll also like a new book called ‘Knickles and Dimes’. It has fun, entertaining characters and a light-hearted, charming story. I’d recommend it!
Anyway, thanks for the review : )
Sounds like a great book.Love to read it. Please enter me.Thanks!
I think Best Friend Forever should be a really special book, and I’d love to win it.
I’d like to read this
enter me in the contest please! I added it to my facebook page.
Looks like a great read!!! Want it
I had the chance to meet her at a book reading. I am a huge fan!! I have been waiting for her new book forever!! Thanks for the chance. mogrill@comcast.net
I LOVE Jennifer Weiner books, didn’t even know there was another one out, so thank you for the review!
I’d like to enter.
Please enter me in your giveaway. Thanks!
very cool love books count me in please
Book wins are so much fun. I love discovering new authors.
Please count me in too.
Book wins are super – please enter me!
would like to win this…great prize
I ADORE Jennifer Weiner! Last summer I took Certain Girls on vacation, and just cried and cried- she’s amazing! I cannot wait to read this one- and the library makes me wait forever!
Crossing my fingers…
Jennifer Weiner is one of my favorite authors.
What a great author! I would love this.
I love her books and would love the chance to read this one!
I would love to win this to read; it sounds awesome!
I would like to read this book. It sounds like the reader feels many emotions upon reading it.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
I’d love to win this. I love her other books so I’d love to read this one too.
I’m a big Jennifer Weiner fan and can’t wait to read this one! Thank you.
my niece would really like this one, cool
I have had the same best-friend since we were 12 and in the 7th grade! I would love to win this book.
I am an e-mail subscriber.
I’d love to win this, cause I love to read.
Sounds like a fun read. Count me in…if I’m not too late to enter, that is.
I would love to win this to read this summer!
My wife loves Jennifer Weiner books and I would like to surprise her with one.
I LOVE Jennifer Weiner and have read many of her books. I’d be thrilled to win this. Thanks so much!
I would love to win. thanks!
Happy Summer!
I would love to read this!
Sounds like a great book. Thanks for the giveaway.
eswright18 at gmail dot com
Awesome book!!! enter me pls
i would love to win.
I’m always looking for books to add to my reading list–please add my name! Thank you for the contest!
Thank you for the chance to win!
I would like this. Thank you
Sounds like a great read!
I’ve read Good In Bed and In Her Shoes…Jennifer Weiner is awesome! I’d love to win this book!
I would enjoy reading this book….
I am an e-mail subscriber.
Would love to win this! Reading is my passion and I just finished my latest book!
Thanks!
ksweeper21@gmail.com
Would love to read this.
rsgrandinetti(at)yahoo(dot)com
Sounds like a good read.
Thanks for the giveaway >^..^<
I would love to read this as I love her books and the way she always develops her characters.
I would like to enter.
janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com
Sounds like a great story
Please, enter me, great prize!!!
I follow you on twitter.
please enter me Con5459(at)gmail(dot)com
Sounds like a good book
She’s always a blast to read!!!
Sounds good. I’d love to read it.
Jennifer Weiner sure knows how to keep some one
interrested in reading her books.
I so want to read this …
I love to read chick-lit in the summertime!
Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!
I like Jennifer Weiner’s books and would love to win a new one to read.
Thank you for the AWESOME GIVEAWAY.. Please count me in
I’d really enjoying reading this great book!
Please count me in ~ Thanks!
Sounds like a good book
Love Jennifer Weiner!
I would love to read this book. It sounds great.
I’d love to read this book. Thanks.
This looks like a good summer read. Please enter me.
Jennifer Weiner has a good sense of humor in
her books.I would love to read this one about
best friends.Thanks for the chance
i’ do love to win
subscriber
I would love to read this. Sounds like it would be a good book to read.
I would love to read this, hope I win! Thanks for the chance!
i would love to read this book, sounds really good!
I would like to win this book!
Sounds like a great read!
I’d so love to read this book!
I would love to win.
Enter me please!
This sounds like a great book! I love classic chick-lit, and this one is fun! I’ve never read anything by this author before.