What a fabulous book! The characters in this story are wonderfully human and entertaining. Don't be put off by the beginning - it's confusing - but once you get into the story, you'll love it! I checked this book out in the bookstore several times before I bought it. It seemed too goofy - it is! - but in a funny, sad, and endearing way. A must-read!

Promised to a fellow bookcrosser (marinaw from
Texas) today in a controlled-release trade.

Mailed today to Texas bookcrosser "marinaw" by media-mail in a trade. Enjoy marinaw!

Just landed in my mailbox today (along with a lovely postcard). Thank you Libby2!

*update: promised to another bookcrosser in trade.

Well, between the women who lived the life of a Ya-Ya (or whatever cultural equivalent is applicable), and those who bemoan the fact that they couldn't (whether due to geography, parental nomadism, or poor social skills), this has become quite the popular book. It certainly gives a different outlook on life, to have been raised in a tribe as the Petits Ya-Yas were. I think that many women, these days, yearn for the sort of bond the Ya-Ya's shared. Don't know who would turn down the chance for that sort of "got your back" support.
I suppose we don't keep those childhood bonds, or even those formed later for several reasons: mobility (I changed hometowns in girlhood), education and career opportunity, and heavy reliance on spouses to be our only social and emotional source. Or I could be personalizing this WAY too much.
Also a book that inspires the reader to consider her own mother's life pre-wife and motherhood. Mine is technically not a baby boomer (she was born several months before the end of WWII), but lived through the same events. By the time women's lib rolled around, she was already married to a man 7 years her senior. Her only win on that front was her insistence on birth control. She (much later) told me I wouldn't have even happened, given her true choice (pink-collar career). Well, I guess I can be grateful that she didn't use Viva's choice of artillery when she'd had enough of me.

*releasing to cmjuliep, as soon as I get confirmation we are still on for a trade.

Released on Thursday, April 24, 2003 at Fellow BookCrosser in Little Falls, New York USA.

in the mail

Received this by mail today. Thanks! I'll be beginning it in early June and then I'll pass it on!

I don't understand why this is such a popular book. Perhaps it's because I'm practically an only child and have no pack of tight friends since early early childhood. I just couldn't get into this book. I don't think the writing is all that unique or good, for that matter. I read half of the novel and just have no interest in continuing. I'm going to check the wish lists and find a good home for this one....
Maybe because I have no connection with Southern culture??? I don't know....I feel like a wierdo not liking it.
Julie

Marinaw,
I agree with your theory about why women don't usually have this. We are all so mobile these days...I think it's rare to find people who have lived in the same house from birth to h.s. graduation even! Besides moving all the time, I developed 1:1 friendships with many girls....and most of them were my friends but they weren't friends with my other friends, you know? I always wondered what a party of mine would be like...no one would talk to anyone but me! To me, 4 girls sticking together so long seems unfathomable, although I believe it's possible of course.
Julie

Sent this to fellow bookcrosser Amazedbythis via media mail today. She has agreed to pass it on to via the wish list forum when she's finished as well. Enjoy!
Julie

Received this book in the mail today from cmjuliep. Thanks! Am looking forward to reading it!

I loved this book. It is the story of mothers and daughters and of friendship everlasting. Received this book from cmjuliep. Thank you. I thought it was a truly wonderful story of multi-generation strong women.

Released on Sunday, August 31, 2003 at Controlled Release in Chicago, Illinois USA.

Sent to caramelo as a RABCK. She promises to send it to another bookcrosser when finished.

I received this in the mail today. I cannot wait to read it and then pass it on. :)