The Saving Graces: A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Couldn't put it down
Review: I started this book expecting to find a eastern U.S. version of the Ya-Ya's. But the Graces are the kind of women I could easily see myself becoming friends with. Their fictitious relationships reflect the dynamics of a real long-term group of friends who know each other's strengths and weaknesses and have managed to remain close in spite of their differences. They fight, provide free therapy for one another, nurse hurts, have a best friend within the group, and always find a way to return to comfort of their group friendship. A great read!

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing, stereotypical read
Review: I didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. The reviews here made it sound like it was a great read, and I thought it would be good pick for my book club. This book turned out to be a "beach read" just as someone else here pointed out.

Rating:
Summary: a book to own
Review: A wonderful and endearing book about women and friendship. You will find yourself somewhere within these pages. Written with heart and soul...

Rating:
Summary: The story gets better and better with each page!
Review: This book is about four women friends who have been part of a women's group for 10 years. They are each different, and have their individual problems, but despite their differences they all have a fierce loyalty and affection for one another. I found the beginning of the book to be a little bit slow, but as I read more and got to know each character better, I couldn't put the book down! I would recommend this book to any woman, and particularly for a book club because the story contains a lot of great discussion issues.

Rating:
Summary: A so-so beach read
Review: I know everyone else loved this book. I didn't and Im not sure exactly why.. It just didn't reach me. I felt a little like I was reading a 'wanna be' of the Ya Ya Sisterhood, which I loved. I didn't think the characters rang true. But like I say, must be just me.

Rating:
Summary: Great Story but wish I read it when I was a little older
Review: There is no question that this book is terrific. It has a great plot and charectors one can identify with. The beginning is a little slow but picks a lot around page 100. Being 21 however I could not relate to a lot of the topics that are discussed in this book. If you are in your early 20's try reading "Summer Sisters" by Judy Blume.

Rating:
Summary: Friends that remind you of your own
Review: Everybody has a little bit of the Saving Graces in their circle of friends. I cried and laughed with them, chose which one I liked better, which one I didn't like so much and in the end I appreciated all of them for their unique qualities, much like my own friends. It reminds you that within even the best friends there are times of jealousy, envy, and anger, but being a friend ultimately is about accepting each other as we are. I loved this book. It reminded me of what I love about my own little circle of friends. I sent this to my best friend for her birthday.

Rating:
Summary: I want in!
Review: I loved this book! It was a great story to pick up for a few pages or if you are lucky enough to read all day, you would plow right through it. The ladies were real enough and the author made each one "write" different enough that the characters didn't get muddled. It is a woman's book...and will make you appreciate your friends even more!

Rating:
Summary: Complex Emotions
Review: This book is an amazing mix of emotions. It's an intrigueing story of women and friendship. Not since the Ya Ya Sisterhood have I read an emotional book. You will laugh and you will cry. The problems seem very real and present day. The author makes you feel that any one of these women could be a friend of yours.

Rating:
Summary: Women like us
Review: It is hard not to speak in cliches ("made me laugh and cry at the same time") about this book, but Gaffney has managed to take a fairly common format and by having her characters speak truthfully and honestly lifted it well above similar "womens" novels.It is the faults and self deceptions of these women that we empathise with, we love them for their moments of bravery, but we know them for their weaknesses.Their generosity and bitchiness jealousy and courage make them real, they are women we know. If Bridget Jones ever grows up she will need friends like these. My best friend lent this book to me and we are now planning a big dinner (women only,) this book will be on the menu.