If you have read My First Best Friend, I would love for you to review it for me. Say how you really feel. (I may boohoo by myself but I will certainly appreciate all comments and take them as positive criticism.) What did you like most? What story really expressed the essence of women's friendships best for you? If you were recommending the book to a friend, what would you say to convince her? (Of course, these questions are just suggestions - don't limit yourself to these observations.)
If you haven't read the book, perhaps you'd like to comment on what kind of stories you'd like to read in such a book. Or perhaps comment on what such friendships have meant in your life.And so, Dear Readers, I am anxious to read you.
Dear Nancy,
ReplyDeleteFirstly, quickly, I just wanted to mention that I am fascinated with and love the picture with the blue polka-dotted background.
Will, this offer for feedback still be good in a couple of months (i.e. probably sometime in June)? My life is in slow motion here in the country. It takes me a couple of months to get a new book that I've seen and I've only, relatively, just found out about yours. My plan has been to get your book (and a wonderful sounding book written by a lady who volunteered for a year as a gardener in Monet's garden) at the beginning of next month. We, also, have puppies due in a week and a garden that it is now time to transfer from old house to new home. Phew! Do you ever feel like you're drowning in a wonderful life?! =] There's just waaaaay to much good stuff!
Truly, will the offer still be good then?
Love, Katy Noelle
Nancy, I've read your wonderful book twice and it has given me so much that I find it hard to put my thoughts into words. Each story reminded me of perhaps a person or time in my life.
ReplyDeleteI love the way your words set the stage for such unique stories. It is hard to say what impressed me the most because all brought us into their lives in such an intimate way. I did notice a common thread throughout a lot of the stories. We do not have to be exactly alike in actions or choices to bond -- opposites attract and bring us together in special and sweet ways. We seem to make each other better. Anna and Mary's story touched me deeply. I know it was in part due to the fact that my friend and I shared the heartbreak of losing her father and her mother's grief. My home became hers during our teen years. I loved Marline's story for the sweet sharing of these two precious girls. Par and Betsy's story gave me the insight into a friendship of complete acceptance. I liked the range of stories from the city to small town, early in age friends to later, and especially loved the fact that many are still connected. Some of your stories remined me of friends I had lost touch with, but wished I could see again. The stories shared by some of the Victoria staff gave me more validation as to why I loved "your" Victoria.
On Saturday I received a 30 page letter from my first best friend. Since she recently had eye surgery she has not had the opportunity to read your book yet that I sent her for her birthday. (But she can see well enough to write now.) However, her letter sounded much like many of your shared stories. We have more than 50 years of stories and no one can tell them like Bev. I sat in my car laughing, crying, and enjoying every word. Bev and I are total opposite in many ways, but we are alike in our values, love of family and share "another one of those bonds" that cannot be broken.
The only thing I would change about MFBF is I didn't want it to end. Just keeping bringing your stories, not only about friends, but what is making your days so "Nancy". Love, Jean
I find my favorite thing about your book, dear Nancy, is that it's exactly the kind of book you can share, unqualifiedly, with any woman and know that she will "get" it immediately! It's uniquely feminine in the way it showcases the depth and complexity and beauty of women's friendships! I keep my copy in my car (of all places) so that, when I'm stuck somewhere or have a doctor's appointment or a long wait, I can take it with me and know that I have a wonderful read awaiting me. I'm currently reading a book by Emily Kimborough, a memoir, and in the front of this old book, someone has taped a copy of editorial reviews of the book. One of them, charmingly, says that Emily's book has accomplished that most difficult of tasks...it is a book that is the perfect gift for someone in the hospital! Now, that may not sound like a rousing review, but think about it--a book that's virtually guaranteed to bring a smile or a warm feeling, a book that heals and not harms. Well, Nancy, I think the same can be said about your lovely volume. It is the perfect gift book for anyone who wants to be reassured that there is beauty and love and kindness and happiness in the world. You've done it well!
ReplyDeleteLove, Karen Marline
Pssst. 9 puppies. all is well!
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