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5 Minutes for Books: Best Friends Forever

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This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

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

Reader Interactions


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175 Comments

  1. 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.

    Reply

  12. 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

    Reply

  44. I’m always looking for books to add to my reading list–please add my name! Thank you for the contest!

    Reply

  61. I would like to read this book. It sounds like the reader feels many emotions upon reading it.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Reply

  66. 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…
    🙂

    Reply

  81. 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 : )

    Reply

  86. 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!

    Reply

  89. 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 🙂

    Reply

  99. 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!

    Reply

  104. This sounds like and interesting book that I’d like to read. Please enter me in the giveaway.

    abfantom (at) yahoo (dot) com

    Reply

  105. 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!

    Reply

  107. I have never read anything by this author, although it sounds like an intriguing read and I would definately love it.

    Reply

  119. 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
    [email protected]

    Reply

  124. 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.

    Reply

  125. 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! 🙂

    Reply

  133. 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!

    Reply

  137. 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 🙂

    Reply

  143. 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.

    Reply

  151. 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.

    Reply

  152. 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!

    Reply

  159. 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!!

    Reply

  168. Jennifer Weiner is a fun author. I’d love to win. 🙂 I’m on bedrest and need a good book to entertain myself. 🙂

    Reply

  169. 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.

    Reply

  171. 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

    Reply