Thursday, January 17, 2008

Books: Firefly Lane

So, I received an Advanced Reader's Edition of Kristin Hannah's Firefly Lane through Library Thing. (Yes, they not only help me track my books, they help me get more.)
I was already familiar with Kristin Hannah's work so was expecting a touching and heartwarming story. Oh my. I started this story late Tuesday night. By Wednesday I was so entrenched I was a little bitter that I had knit night and dinner plans. And work. I finished it today at lunch. (I actually do not recommend reading this story at lunch, particularly the end if you are going to have to, you know, talk to people coherently afterward.) Loved it.
Firefly Lane is the story of two best friends who live on Firefly Lane. (Interestingly the ARC cover, which seems to match the cover Amazon has, had a pretty jar and fireflies. There are two females in the distance. I love the cover and and I guess the fireflies could be stars since the girls talk about the irony of living on a lane named after a bug they've never seen.)
Tully and Kate become friends when Tully and her mom move across the street. The book follows their lives for about thirty years. And I almost don't want to tell you any more because I want you to discover it for yourself. The friends have their falling outs with each other and with others in their lives but mostly this is a story about relationships. Long terms ones - the ones you're stuck with, like moms and daughters, and the ones you make, like friends and lovers.
The ARC's back cover copy says:
Firefly Lane is the story of a generation of women who were both blessed and cursed by choices. It's about promises and secrets and betrayals. And ultimately, it's about the one person who really, truly loves you and has the power to hurt you and heal you.
Only my nitpickiest self can find anything wrong with that description. I would add that you end the book with the desire to call your mom and hug your best friend. (If I had a daughter I'd probably make her read the book or something.) Anyway, I loved it.
Firefly Lane goes on sale February 5, 2008.