Friday, December 2, 2011

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

Firefly Lane
Kristin Hannah

Firefly Lane tells the story of two girls and their friendship, which defined their whole lives. As they realize their dreams - or not - they lose and find each other again as they face life's trials, together.

I really need to stop reading books that make me cry.

In my defense, I honestly didn't expect Firefly Lane to be one of them. I picked it up for a dollar at a library book sale on the merits of the title alone. I expected light chick lit, or maybe some kind of mystery or drama. I guess, technically, this is probably chick lit. But it has that spark, that je ne sais quoi that takes a mundane story and makes it into something magical, breathing life into its pages. I told myself I was going to bed early (which, for a 23-year-old, means before midnight) but here I am at 2:30 because even before I got to the end, something about this book just wouldn't let me go.

I'm breaking a rule I explained just hours ago in writing this review immediately after finishing the book. But what else are rules for? Sometimes the right words are just there, waiting to be written. I felt this book. I know that's an unusual way of describing it, but if you think about it, you'll know what I mean. The characters - hopes, flaws, dreams, uncertainties - were as real as the people you see every day. I felt sometimes, especially in the first half of the book, like I could be Kate Mularkey, while wanting to be Tully Hart.

It wasn't perfect, of course. There was a little too much of the same things over and over and not enough growth. I wish Kate would have had a little more spine, Tully a little more compassion. I wish there had been a better resolution, somehow.

But you should read this book. The plot's not important. This book isn't about events, it's about friendship and love and family. It's about what happens when you get what you've always wanted and how you live when you don't. It's about sorrows and joy, anger and kindness. In a word, it's about life.

Plot: 4 cupcakes
Characters: 4 cupcakes
Style: 4 cupcakes
Overall: 4 cupcakes

If you liked Firefly Lane, try:
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
If I Stay by Gayle Forman

1 comment:

  1. I'll definitely have to start this book soon great review thanks :)

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