Review: Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

Published: February 5, 2008

Format: Bought Hardcover

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Rating: 5/5 stars
Challenges: TBR Pile Challenge

Summary via Goodreads

In the turbulent summer of 1974, Kate Mularkey has accepted her place at the bottom of the eighth-grade social food chain. Then, to her amazement, the “coolest girl in the world” moves in across the street and wants to be her friend. Tully Hart seems to have it all---beauty, brains, ambition. On the surface they are as opposite as two people can be: Kate, doomed to be forever uncool, with a loving family who mortifies her at every turn. Tully, steeped in glamour and mystery, but with a secret that is destroying her. They make a pact to be best friends forever; by summer’s end they’ve become TullyandKate. Inseparable.

So begins Kristin Hannah’s magnificent new novel. Spanning more than three decades and playing out across the ever-changing face of the Pacific Northwest, Firefly Lane is the poignant, powerful story of two women and the friendship that becomes the bulkhead of their lives. From the beginning, Tully is desperate to prove her worth to the world. Abandoned by her mother at an early age, she longs to be loved unconditionally. In the glittering, big-hair era of the eighties, she looks to men to fill the void in her soul. But in the buttoned-down nineties, it is television news that captivates her. She will follow her own blind ambition to New York and around the globe, finding fame and success . . . and loneliness.

Kate knows early on that her life will be nothing special. Throughout college, she pretends to be driven by a need for success, but all she really wants is to fall in love and have children and live an ordinary life. In her own quiet way, Kate is as driven as Tully. What she doesn’t know is how being a wife and mother will change her . . . how she’ll lose sight of who she once was, and what she once wanted. And how much she’ll envy her famous best friend. . . .

For thirty years, Tully and Kate buoy each other through life, weathering the storms of friendship---jealousy, anger, hurt, resentment. They think they’ve survived it all until a single act of betrayal tears them apart . . . and puts their courage and friendship to the ultimate test.

Firefly Lane is for anyone who ever drank Boone’s Farm apple wine while listening to Abba or Fleetwood Mac. More than a coming-of-age novel, it’s the story of a generation of women who were both blessed and cursed by choices. It’s about promises and secrets and betrayals. And ultimately, about the one person who really, truly knows you---and knows what has the power to hurt you . . . and heal you. Firefly Lane is a story you’ll never forget . . . one you’ll want to pass on to your best friend.

My Thoughts

Where do I begin? Wow! This book took my breath away. I haven’t read a book that touched me so completely in a very long time. What makes me mad is that I hadn’t read it sooner. It’s been sitting on my shelf for a few months now and I only read it after I received the ARC for the follow up to this book. I’ve always wanted to read Kristin Hannah books and why I wanted so long I’ll never know. She is a great and amazing writer who can write a story like no one’s business.

This book will take you on a ride through the decades and the ups and downs of two best friends. Tully was yin to Kate’s yang. Each one filling in a piece of the puzzle in each other’s lives. They met when each one was looking for something that was missing within themselves. Kate was looking for a friend who could bring out the best in her. While Tully, was simply looking for love and a sense of family. It’s a story of a wonderful friendship that will have you laughing and will as easily bring you to tears. I’m not the mushiest type of person but you will, I warn you, need a box of tissues towards the end of the book. Just thinking about it now makes me want to tear up. It is a long book by it doesn’t feel that way. You will get so caught up in this story that time will fly by. It will make you look at your own life and makes you realize what’s important and what’s not.

Now I can’t wait to read the sequel. I can’t wait to see what else is in store for these characters who I’ve invested a love and an interested for. If you’re looking for an honest to god great read please pick this one up. It's the ultimate book of friendship, love and understanding. You won’t regret it.