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Book Reviews of Between Friends

Between Friends
Between Friends
Author: Debbie Macomber
ISBN-13: 9781551666747
ISBN-10: 155166674X
Publication Date: 4/1/2003
Pages: 416
Rating:
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 217

4 stars, based on 217 ratings
Publisher: Mira
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

99 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

tripletmom avatar reviewed Between Friends on + 225 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
I was skeptical about reading this book since it was written as letters & journal inputs. I ended up loving this book & could not put it down. You live thru all the ups & downs of these womens lives. Highly recommend this one!
reviewed Between Friends on + 20 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
The lives of two friends told through letters, announcements, receipts, etc.

This book is not written in the traditional chapter text method.

I found it interesting how the story developed through the written material used in place of traditional text.
reviewed Between Friends on + 25 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
The best Macomber I've read yet. Everyone should have one friend in life as close as Jillian & Lesley were. I hated to finish this one.
kaberle avatar reviewed Between Friends on + 21 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Wonderfully written as a journal from friend to friend throughout their lives. Very good book.
reviewed Between Friends on
Helpful Score: 4
Macomber distills the lives of two friends into a series of letters, passed school notes, report cards, diaries, traffic tickets, draft notices, birth announcements and obituaries, so that you feel you are reading a scrap book of saved and treasured paper memories. But from the distillation you will savor a rich picture of two families as they progress through the changing world of the late '40's to the beginning of the new millenium in America. I was born in 1948, and so were "best friends" Jillian and Lesley. Born on opposite sides of the line that divides rich and poor, their friendship endured and nourished them both throughout their lives. The memories are all there: Catholic school with rules and uniforms, teenage rebellion, VietNam with it's protests and tragedy, The Beatles, John F. Kennedy and November 22nd 1963, Robert Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Civil Rights battles and the womans's movement. Kent State to Watergate, Nixon to Clinton, the scandals and the accomplishments. Hostages in Iran and war in Iraq, New York on September 11, 2001. Nothing that touched our lives is left out and it's all put in perspective. But these are all background for the relationships which rule the lives of Lesley and Jillian. They are my friends and they are me.
If you are a child of this era, this is a journey back in time. If you are a child of the next generations, it's a window on our world. If you love a good story, it's a satisfying few hours.
reviewed Between Friends on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This is such a good book---couldn't put it down!
reviewed Between Friends on + 85 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
A great book. I had a hard time putting it down. It's about two best friends who meet as young girls and remain friends through many joys and tragedies. The format is interesting - all is told through letters that the characters write to eachother, wedding and birth announcements etc.
reviewed Between Friends on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
A good book about friendship staying true through the many years of life.
reviewed Between Friends on + 35 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
A touching story of a friendship between two girls in the 50's and 60's. The story is told by letters, diary entries, announcements, press releases, newspaper clippings, etc. One girl is as rich as the other one is poor. Have Kleenex ready by the time you finish reading the book.
pilgrim avatar reviewed Between Friends on + 67 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Excellent book. Classic Macomber.
NaimiSamad avatar reviewed Between Friends on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I ended up getting this book based on the positive reviews submitted by other members. I had read that it was a story based on journal entries and letters and didn't realize until I received it that the whole book was that way. I thought I'd be irritated by it when I started reading the book, but realized quickly how clever the author was to write the book in this manner - it really sucks you in quickly and I couldn't put the book down. I loved it and I loved reading the tale of two best friends who end sharing their lives with one another as the years go on. The book made me laugh and cry, a sign of a good writer! I hadn't read any of Debbie Macomber's books before, but I definitely will now. A great, quick read that will keep you interested.
blillard avatar reviewed Between Friends on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent book about lifelong friends. I loved it.
reviewed Between Friends on + 11 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I wasn't sure I would like the book when I realized the format,letters, notes, etc., but I gave it a try. Once I had read about a dozen pages, that was it, I was hooked. This was an interesting premise, but one I found I really liked.
reviewed Between Friends on
Helpful Score: 1
wonderful story!!
reviewed Between Friends on + 75 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is the wonderful story of two friends who remain close thru many years, sharing their lives with one another thru letters. It's interesting and well written.
reviewed Between Friends on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Another great Debbie Macomber book!
mblisa avatar reviewed Between Friends on + 60 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book. Its written with the letters and postcards, and journal entries from 2 friends. I couldnt hardly put it down!
lissajc avatar reviewed Between Friends on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent read!
reviewed Between Friends on + 14 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent author.
reviewed Between Friends on + 54 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Every woman with a life long friend will love this story and it's characters. My life long best friend sent it to me after she had read it with a note saying it was "so us!" It really was/is, and I know that every other set of friends will feel the same way.
reviewed Between Friends on + 12 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This was a nice, easy read, written in the form of letters and e-mails between two friends who first pass notes in class, then continue their friendship long distance through college and into adulthood. Good summer front-porch-swing read, nice.
reviewed Between Friends on + 264 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Another wonderful story from Debbie Macomber.Particularly meaningful to those of us who grew up in the 50's & 60's. And we hope to our daughters as well!
reviewed Between Friends on + 213 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This was a great book. I couldnt put it down!
emmaliss avatar reviewed Between Friends on + 55 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A totally different type of writing. The book is a complete history of letters, emails, etc. sent between friends. Thoroughly enjoyable and well worth the read. I highly recommend it.
reviewed Between Friends on + 13 more book reviews
A Friendship between 2 girls that begins postwar era in the 50's and continues through the years and across the miles, through marriage, children, divorce and widowhood.
reviewed Between Friends on + 61 more book reviews
Follows the life of two women born in 1948 through letters, invitations, announcements, emails, diary entries. No dialogue. Very good book nonetheless.
reviewed Between Friends on + 48 more book reviews
Letters written back and forth between two friends as they grow thru the years.
Excellent book, easy to read.
reviewed Between Friends on + 3 more book reviews
a wonderful read!
reviewed Between Friends on + 4 more book reviews
The story begins with 2 young girls and proceeds throughout their adult life.They are the very best of friends throughout sometimes trying circimstances.Marriages,divorce,deaths,family disagreements.The lives seem to go in opposite directions butthey always remain best friends and write each other,if they cannot visit each other.A truly inspiring story that shows that there are no secrets between friend and how their friendship survived.
reviewed Between Friends on + 92 more book reviews
From their birth in 1948 to the 21st Century, Lesley and Jillian remain best friends. The unique story is told in a series of letters, notes, journal entries, newspaper articles, and emails.
reviewed Between Friends on + 30 more book reviews
This was a tear jerker. Good book and a thoroughly enjoyable read.
reviewed Between Friends on + 29 more book reviews
This book was a bit different from Debbie Macomber's style of writing. It was a great book of friendship, love, heartache and life. I really enjoyed reading it.
reviewed Between Friends on + 12 more book reviews
A wonderful read
ferretlover avatar reviewed Between Friends on
Very good book, letters between two friends their whole life.
redhatter avatar reviewed Between Friends on + 577 more book reviews
I love Debbie McComber, she really knows how to write compelling novels.
flfraidycat avatar reviewed Between Friends on + 17 more book reviews
I was initially unsure about this book, written through a series of letters, journal entries and other memorabilia between two lifelong friends. Commencing in grade school, it ended up being a great read, richly interspersing the history of the times (50's through early 2000s) into the lives of two very close and very different women who shared an enduring friendship throughout their lives.
reviewed Between Friends on + 8 more book reviews
I have read all of Debbie Macombers books that I can find...I find her writing refreshing. This book is about best friends and how they have managed to remain close thru all the year and all the circumstances in their lives!
reviewed Between Friends on + 5 more book reviews
This is written a bit different than a regular story but good none the less.
genieinabottle avatar reviewed Between Friends on + 37 more book reviews
Poignant story told mostly through a series of letters, detailing the trials and tribulations of two best friends throughout their life-span. Sobering and enlightening as only a bird's-eye life review can be. Was glad I didn't bypass it as was my original intention.
reviewed Between Friends on
Good book I enjoyed it quick read..
amalmborg avatar reviewed Between Friends on + 3 more book reviews
This book was a really fast and easy read. I did more crying than laughing, but enjoyed this book immensely. The emotions that Macomber is able to make the reader experience are exhausting! Great book!
supernana1 avatar reviewed Between Friends on + 66 more book reviews
excellent book.
reviewed Between Friends on + 9 more book reviews
I believe this is Debbie Macomber's best work ever. Any woman born late 40's to mid 50's will find some part of her own life here. To those born late 70's to mid 80's, it might help you "get" your mom.
romabellaroma avatar reviewed Between Friends on + 12 more book reviews
This is a great read on two levels: on one level, you're following the lives to 2 best friends from childhood to adulthood; on the second level, you're revisting events that changed the country and the world through their eyes and reactions. Debbie Macomber is one of my favorite authors who always gets me involved with her characters and this book certainly did that: I laughed out loud and also cried in a few places. A wonderful read.
reviewed Between Friends on + 5 more book reviews
An easy fast read.
reviewed Between Friends on + 9 more book reviews
written in letter or diary form from two women about their lives
reviewed Between Friends on + 21 more book reviews
I liked this book. I have not read one of Debbie's book that I did not like.
bookworm23 avatar reviewed Between Friends on + 2 more book reviews
Debbie Macomber always writes heartwarming stories. Enjoyed this particular book as it reminds me of my friendship of my dear friend and myself.
reviewed Between Friends on + 47 more book reviews
I loved this book. Just got done, could not put it down.
lee avatar reviewed Between Friends on + 131 more book reviews
Very good story!
reviewed Between Friends on
Really a different style of writing then I have seen her do before and it kept me engrossed! Finished it in a day and a half!
reviewed Between Friends on + 12 more book reviews
I enjoyed the style of this book. A book telling a story by letters, diary entries, etc. The friendship between Jillian and Lesley was touching. I'm sending this book to my friend in GA with a letter. I hope the story touches her as it did me.
reviewed Between Friends on + 158 more book reviews
The story of two best friends whose lives take very different paths over three decades. Story is told through letters, diary entries, even sales receipts.
reviewed Between Friends on + 27 more book reviews
great book couldn't put it down
reviewed Between Friends on + 55 more book reviews
Excellent book - different format from Debbie's normal books.
reviewed Between Friends on + 25 more book reviews
This book brought back many memories as it chronicles the lives of 2 best friends, it reviews the history of the last 50 years.
reviewed Between Friends on + 16 more book reviews
A wonderful story about an enduring life-long friendship.
reviewed Between Friends on + 426 more book reviews
This is a book of letters between girls who have been best friends since high school. If you grew up in the 1960's, this book will have a lot of meaning to you and bring back a lot of memories.

Very well written.
Nickygram avatar reviewed Between Friends on
The friendship between these two friends are wonderful. This was a fast read and very hard to put down. Debbie Macomber did it again. This woman is good!
reviewed Between Friends on + 94 more book reviews
Good reading, as always another book you can not put down by Debbie Macomber. A favorite author for many.
reviewed Between Friends on + 12 more book reviews
Debbie Macomber tells the story of a remarkable friendship-and tells it in a remarkable way. This book is a story in which every woman will recognize herself...and her best friend.
reviewed Between Friends on
I love Macomber's stories of ordinary women.
ElleS avatar reviewed Between Friends on + 112 more book reviews
Nice story- would have loved a few more "years" in this story- ending alittle weak.
reviewed Between Friends on + 471 more book reviews
A wonderful book about two lifelong friends told in letters. Very unique and great reading.
JackieH avatar reviewed Between Friends on + 36 more book reviews
This was one of my favorite books by her! This is the reason why I love her so much.
reviewed Between Friends on + 5 more book reviews
excellent read....
reviewed Between Friends on + 25 more book reviews
Very good reading
reviewed Between Friends on + 3 more book reviews
Nice lazy read. The story is written as letters or journal entries between two friends from the time they were girls until they're much older.
reviewed Between Friends on + 56 more book reviews
the friendship between jilliam and lesley begins in the postwar era of the 1950s and lasts to the present day
NancyInWI avatar reviewed Between Friends on + 54 more book reviews
Excellent book following the lives of best friends from high school to grandmothers, through diary entries, letters, emails. Fascinating format!
reviewed Between Friends on + 115 more book reviews
I am a Debbie Macomber fan and I can honestly say that this is the best book of hers that I have ever read. I could not put the book down. It made me sad and happy all at the same time. A wonderful read! You won't want to put this one down either.
cef424 avatar reviewed Between Friends on + 67 more book reviews
Really good book about lifelong friendship! Read in one day.
reviewed Between Friends on + 4 more book reviews
Excellent book. Couldn't put it down. I laughed I cried
reviewed Between Friends on + 13 more book reviews
Great read....unique style!
Written in the form of a series of letters between 2 friends,
as well as other documents to note events in their lives.
Wonderful author!
reviewed Between Friends on + 107 more book reviews
I just read this book myself and have deciced i have to keep it for a while...It was just that good!!!
reviewed Between Friends on + 5 more book reviews
Wonderful wondferful wonderful story. One of Macombers best
reviewed Between Friends on + 68 more book reviews
Good book.
pj avatar reviewed Between Friends on + 208 more book reviews
Two friends that grow up together in the post war era of the 1950's. Over the years and across the miles sharing grief and sorrow and each others joys. Good book!
reviewed Between Friends on
The story was good but not sure I really liked the format. You read the story through a series of letters and journal/diary entries.
reviewed Between Friends on + 192 more book reviews
A very good story.
nap76 avatar reviewed Between Friends on + 124 more book reviews
i love all the books by Macomber
reviewed Between Friends on + 4 more book reviews
Debbie Macomber is a great author! I started reading this book in the break room when working out of town. I had to get my own copy so I could finish reading it! It follows the lives of two girls who meet at a young age and follows them through many of life's challenges into adulthood. Writing style is unique.
reviewed Between Friends on + 435 more book reviews
This book departs from Debbie Macomber's usual style, but it works for this story. It encompasses a span of over 50 years and consists of correspondence between two best friends. I laughed, I cried, I mourned, I rejoiced right along with the characters Jillian and Leslie. A must read for all Debbie Macomber fans. The back of the books says "Macomber is known for her honest portrayals of ordinary women in small-town America, and this tale cements her position as an icon of the genre." Loved it!!!
cryssy95 avatar reviewed Between Friends on
Very good book.
reviewed Between Friends on + 138 more book reviews
Did not get into this as much as I do her other books.
gamaw avatar reviewed Between Friends on + 99 more book reviews
I love Debbie Macomber's books. While they can be kind of "chick" like with romance and lost love, they are also touching in that they seem to reflect real emotions that touch the heart. I have read just about everything of hers and will continue to do so.
reviewed Between Friends on + 17 more book reviews
I wasn't sure I liked the format at first but as it went along it all fit together nicely and I liked it fine. It was very good as are all Debbie Macomber books.
reviewed Between Friends on + 16 more book reviews
"Macomber is known for her honest portrayals of ordinary women in small-town America, and this tale cements her position as an icon of the genre." - Publishers Weekly
ruth28503 avatar reviewed Between Friends on + 11 more book reviews
The story starts in post war. between 2 friends. they keep up with each other between the years.
reviewed Between Friends on + 19 more book reviews
Debbie Macomber tells the story of a remarkable friendship-and tells it in a remarkable way.Between Friends is a story in which every woman will see herself and her best friend.
reviewed Between Friends on + 85 more book reviews
I loved the format.. made for very quick read.. journal entries, letters, announcements all tell the story of 2 wonderful lifetime friends. I had a hard time putting it down. Highly recommended!!
reviewed Between Friends on + 205 more book reviews
Good book. Love all of hers.
reviewed Between Friends on + 28 more book reviews
Friendship between two girls and the letters between them.
reviewed Between Friends on + 18 more book reviews
Debbie Macomber tells the story of a remarkable friendship - and tells it in a remarkable way. Bewtween Friends is a story in which every woman will recognize herself and her best friend.
reviewed Between Friends on + 174 more book reviews
Interesting format
ErinMc avatar reviewed Between Friends on + 373 more book reviews
The Friendship between Jillian and Lesley Adamski begins in the postwar era of the 1950's. As they grow up their cicumstances,their choices-and their mistakes-take them in virtually opposite directions. Lesley gets pregnant and marries young,living a cramped life defined by the demands of small children,not enough money an unfaithful husband. Jullian lives those years on a college campus shaken by Vietnam War and then as idealistic young lawyer in New York City.
Over the years and across the miles for her honest portrayals of ordinary Childre,divorce and widowhood,Jillan and Lesley remain close ,sharing every grief and ecery joy. There are no secrets between friends......
reviewed Between Friends on + 162 more book reviews
Friends Jillian and Lesley grew up in the 1950's and remain friends throughout life and all their problems.
paperbacklover avatar reviewed Between Friends on + 112 more book reviews
Debbie Macomber tells the story of a remarkable friendship -- and tells it in a remarkable way. Between Friends is a story in which every woman will recognize herself . . . and her best friend.
The friendship between Jillian Lawton and Lesley Adamski begins in the postwar era of the 1950s. As they grow up, their circumstances, their choices -- and their mistakes -- take them invirtually opposite directions. Lesley gets pregnant and marries young, living a cramped life defined by the demands of small children, not enough money, an unfaithful husband. Jillian lives those years on a college campus shaken by the Vietnam War and then as an idealistic young lawyer in New York City.

Over the years and across the miles, through marriage, children, divorce and widowhood, Jillian and Lesley remain close, sharing every grief and every joy. There are no secrets between friends . . .
mmartin avatar reviewed Between Friends on + 22 more book reviews
Debbie Macomber tells the story of a remarkable friendship -- and tells it in a remarkable way. Between Friends is a story in which every woman will recognize herself . . . and her best friend.

The friendship between Jillian Lawton and Lesley Adamski begins in the postwar era of the 1950s. As they grow up, their circumstances, their choices -- and their mistakes -- take them invirtually opposite directions. Lesley gets pregnant and marries young, living a cramped life defined by the demands of small children, not enough money, an unfaithful husband. Jillian lives those years on a college campus shaken by the Vietnam War and then as an idealistic young lawyer in New York City.

Over the years and across the miles, through marriage, children, divorce and widowhood, Jillian and Lesley remain close, sharing every grief and every joy. There are no secrets between friends . . .