This book is about friendship. Two girls become friends as teens and the book follows them through their lives. It is an all around good book with a touch of sadness at the end. ( )

I received this as part of the Early Reviewer club and gave it to my wife to read. She finished it but wasn't too impressed. Said that the book was a little too predictable for her liking.

This novel deals with the choices women make between pursuing career or family, often without knowing the stakes. The message of the novel is that you can have it all - go ahead and pursue that career, then inherit your friend's family from her when she dies tragically and far too young of cancer, leaving you with explicit instructions to take care of her family, including her still-hot husband. Okay, I know that's not what Hannah meant, and I will acknowledge that she made an effort to present a nuanced view of what truly is an impossible dichotomy - work or family - as well as an honest portrayal of the ravages of cancer, but the melodrama of this novel overshadowed any positive characteristics for me. I kept reading, but the more I read the more I rolled my eyes. ( )

This book is the story of two best friends, Tully and Kate. It is seperated in four parts. the whole book is a story of their friendship throughout several decades. I, personally, loved this book. I have never cried so hard while reading a book. Hannah does a great job of making you care about her characters and put you in their shoes.

I had originally expected to be somewhat disappointed in this, because I remember seeing some negative reviews when it first became available as an early reviewer book. But it's one of those books that has a cover that draws you in. And so I was drawn in -- not just by the cover but by the storyline premise: two best friends & their relationship spanning several decades. How can it not be a feel-good book?
And so overall I enjoyed it. It wasn't particularly deep & parts were fairly predictable, but it was a good story. And sometimes you need those. ( )

It was a nice easy read that didn't make me put much thought into it. Not really worth my time though. ( )

A little predictable for my tastes. It wasn't terrible, but I wouldn't recommend it to a friend either.

A good read. ( )

Good story, common theme, worth reading ( )

I actually couldn't finish the book. I just didn't find the characters three dimensional enough to continue through. ( )

This was a very easy read as it was just a story - told out plain and clear. There was one plot line that was never explained and the ending was a bit of a surprise - not a shocking surprise, just something that didn't seem to fit with the rest of the book, but an excellent public service announcement, none-the-less. ( )

Grab your box of tissues when you grab this one....because you'll either be laughing or crying so hard you'll need 'em. I loved the saga of a four decade friendship - and found myself humming along w/ all the soundtracks that Kristin brings back - as well as the memories of the fads, clothes and pop icons of each era. What a great ride, with a "Beaches" friendship storyline that kept me up late into the night. ( )

I’ve just finished reading this book and I’m already expecting myself to read it again. It’s not like it’s something huge or whatever; I found it nice and worth reading but nothing less, nothing more. The thing is that I was caught by the story which was so well-written about a subject I fancy by all its means: Friendship.

Usually, when it comes to friendship stories, I often find some “cliché” material: otherwise, it’s the friend-wounded-by-the-other-forever, or the-always-be-there-friend-whatever-you-do-or-say, or the cheerful-happy-all-pink-friendship..In most of cases, there’s someone wrong and someone right. Firefly Girls don’t have an ear for these heretics: I’d say it’s a realistic relationship but I’ll avoid this word (actually, I noticed people using “realistic” to justify their unsecure behaviour. Besides, it’s more realistic than the cliché, but it’s still not a friendship you may encounter at everyday-life with everyday-people..).To make my point of view clear, I shall put it in these words: the main characters – Kate and Tully- aren’t perfect at all and you can easily notice it while reading. Their pschycological background is detailed, the way they behave holds with their personalities. They’re not good or bad. The writer doesn’t seek a perfect-smth. Their relationship endeavours many challenges..Many things that may make you feel close to these characters and understand the way friendship is preservered or muddling through matters and time.

Another thing about the book I like is the fact that I got to discover the U.S.A. average life from 1970-2000, well, at least be more familiar with it (I can’t rely on the TV Shows completely you know u_u). That’s why I won’t say I found the teenager type too shallow and brainless, the adults not very farewell thinking and the reactions a little bit childish. Maybe because I didn’t live that way, I’d never quietly understand it…Maybe I’m asking for very complicated stuff and maybe it’s the way it goes. Anyway! The thing is that I got to look over some ways people lead life in there and I really enjoyed this (reminds me of penpalling ^^).

This book is fine, really people, maybe you’d take a look at it if you’re feeling bored: it may not be great but it gets you hooked ’til the end. So enjoy! ( )

Seriously, one of the saddest books that I have ever read. I really connected with Kate's character, riding her wave of emotions all the way through her uncertainty of where she fit in, questioning her husband's love, loving her children, but feeling unsatisfied with her life as an at-home mom. By the end of the book, I think I had gone through an entire box of tissues. ( )

A decent story - I found I couldn't put it down at times, and other times it really drug on. Very frustrating, but at the same time, I wanted to know what happened between the two friends. It's not my favorite book, but it was entertaining. ( )

This book was fantastic! Anyone that has had a lifelong friend can relate to the ups and downs of that kind of a friendship. It is definitely one of a kind. Kristin Hannah really connects the reader to her characters - you truly feel like you are right in the story with them. The story pulls you right in and you keep reading because you want to know what's in store next. I highly recommend this book! ( )

Haven't yet read this.

A frendship starts in the 1970s and lasts a lifetime. For those of us who grew up during this time, the pop culture references are fun. The story is well written and entertaining - BUT unfortunately was also very predictable. I saw the "Beaches" theme coming a mile away. Having said that, this story did make me laugh and cry. You may know how it will end, but there are enough surprising twists and turns so that you will still enjoy the ride.....Read when in the mood for a good chick lit tear jerker. ( )

A long, tiresome read. The 400-plus-paged novel relies on the characters' relationships to sustain the plot and reader interest, but those relationships, like the characters, are clichéd and two-dimesional and somewhat hard to believe. Also hard to believe are the personal stories of the characters — such as Tallulah Hart, who rises to success as a TV journalist, covering everything from individuals' crises to international affairs.. only to host a daytime talk show called "The Girlfriend Hour" to represent the pinnacle of her success as a professional journalist? Right. The book reads as an author's first try, a very rough draft, a story that's readable enough if you have a long train ride and nothing else to do, but certainly not worth your time if you have anything better to do. The story has redeemable qualities, scattered moments in the plot that touch the reader and a few laughs here and there, but the writing is not developed enough to make the novel anything more than mediocre. ( )

I loved the beginning of this book, the two friends from such different backgrounds. I was reminded of my own teenage days. I liked it right to the point they go to college and drift apart.
The reunion scenario was so predictable and trite. It ruined the book for me, and I passed it on as not worthy of being a keeper. ( )

Firefly Lane is a lovely story of a friendship that lasts a lifetime. Kristin Hannah is an excellent writer, and I'm so happy the EarlyReviewer program introduced her to me. Both Tully and Kate seem real and true to me, though I had a hard time sympathizing with Tully a lot of the time. Kate, who seemed kind of boring and unambitious in the beginning of the story, really grew on me and I eagerly looked forward to "her" chapters.

I'm also sucker for novels set in western Washington state, since that's where I'm from. Kristin Hannah gets a lot of the little details right, dropping in both local favorite hangouts as well as the important news of the day. It makes sense for a book that follows a journalist through the years to include the major events of the day, but it also helps set the tone for the various decades the characters inhabit.

The only criticism I have is that the story dragged a bit and the book is overly long (and I like long books). Especially toward the end, there seemed to be a lot of repetition. I'm trying not to spoil anything, because I do recommend you read the book, so this might sounds vague. The final section was kind of dragged out and there seemed to me to be too much of the "resolution" after the climax, if that makes sense. Still, I loved it and look forward to reading more from this author. ( )

What a friendship to have. It took me back to my own childhood in the 70's. I loved every minute of the book....one I couldn't put down ! I laughed and cried and yes, I sobbed (out loud) through the last 3 chapters. I didn't want this book to end. I'm usually not much for contemporary books (mainly historical romances), but this this book got me hooked on Kristin Hannah and I can't wait to read all her other books. A must have....a keeper for sure ! ( )

This was a really amazing book. I read it in about 2 days because I had a hard time putting it down. This book is about Kate and Tully who become friends in high school and goes through the up and downs of their friendship and lives over about 3 decades or so. The characters are very well evolved and didn't leave me asking questions about their personalities or motives towards certain actions taken. The story and plot are great. I don't think there was a single thing I didn't like about this book. Like I said before I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it for women of all ages because the story is one of those that we can relate to. The highs and lows of friendship are no stranger to anyone. I would have to say the main theme of this book is that real friendship endures anything whether it be fights about boys, regular drama, or tragedies that unexpectedly happen in life. Firefly Lane is a great book that had me laughing and crying throughout. ( )

I enjoyed the style of writing and I enjoyed the period this book is set in...really close to my own teen years. The characters were interesting, but something just fell flat in the baking of this book. I would recommend it for a quick read, but I wouldn't put it first on my list. The ending wasn't really realistic for me. I understand Ms. Hannah likes "happy endings," but they don't always work for me. ( )

I really like Kristin Hannahs books and this is no exception. This was an wonderful book about friendship and relationships. I had a hard time putting it down. Great summer read I highy reccomend! ( )