Best Friends Forever

An okay read. Some portions of the book were a bit ridiculous, actually. And sadly, Val's entire character went from charming and spunky to idiotic, annoying, and completely off-the-wall mental. In fact, I found her extremely unlikable and began to cringe each time she appeared on the page. But Addie and Jordan make the book well worth the read. (Along with Jennifer Weiner's writing - love her.) Not one of Weiner's best, but if you're a fan I'd recommend checking it out.

I went into this book already worried, based on what I had read about other people's previous experiences with this author, but this wasn't a terrible read. I've definitely read worse. It held my interest as a beach read, and while being predictable and having an ending that tied up all too nicely, I'd still read more of Weiner's work.

Jennifer Weiner is a funny, smart woman and her books are usually hilarious. This one held my attention throughout, but my main issue was with the ending.

SPOILER(S) ALERT

Really? A surprise pregnancy, AGAIN? I'm just saying, this is the fourth surprise pregnancy I've read in her books. It's like her own personal game of "pregnant, or just fat?" And the fact that these continually happen to otherwise smart women just doesn't make sense. And, sorry just putting it out there, why does everyone one of them automatically decide to keep the baby? Most of the time I understand, but this time? Again, apologies to those who feel differently, but I sure wouldn't want some wayyy older married Indian man's baby. I would think that she would at least hesitate a little before being excited.

Wow, I loved this book! This isn't a book that is easy to put down. The author pulls you in to the characters and creates some complex and challenging chararcter relationships that many of us can relate to. The main character Addie Downs' best friend Valerie from high school, unexpectedly shows up on her doorstep on the night of thier high school reunion. Addie always felt like an outcast and was picked on in school, even though she has completely transformed herself she decides not to attend the reunion. Valerie was always the popular one with all the friends, boyfriends and the head cheerleader, she is now a big time news anchor. Addie had always felt envious of Valerie because she had it all or so she thought, but like many of us know this isn't usually the case. Once you start to learn about the people you 'think' have it all they really don't.

When Valerie shows up on Addie's doorstep all the long forgotten memories and emotions come flooding back to Addie. Together Valerie and Addie get themseleves into and out of a few messes and controversies and along the way they learn a few things about each other. Jennifer Wiener is talented at injecting humor, real life concerns and insecurities into the story to give readers something to relate to.

I really enjoyed seeing the evolution of Addie both in dealing with the current situation and with the childhood flashbacks throughout the story. Addie is portrayed as a loner and it comes somewhat by choice, so the relationship with an older married man I don't believe was put into the story as a way of helping her be less lonely or saying that cheating is ok but it was merely a part of the story. Humans are complex people and no two people will think and act the same way, having a character in a book that is somewhat complex and acts a bit unexpectedly brings some degree of realism to the story being told. I loved reading this story because Jennifer Weiner made the story feel real. I only wish it hadn't taken so long for me to get a copy of this book.

If you are looking for a good page turner I would consider picking up a copy of Best Friends Forever. I look forward to my next Jennifer Weiner book.

Best Friends Forever was excellent until; 1. the Sheriff "broke" into Addie's house; or 2. when the kissed Addie in Key West. You can choose when the plot went "totally stupid". Or you could choose the simplY lame ending. This book started out strong, it kept me reading and reading -- I kept reading because I thought it certainly would not continue to get any worse than a drunken kiss out of the blue while confessing to breaking into the house...............argh. I was terribly disappointed.

This book made me laugh and cry, and I rarely do either while reading novels. As with the best of books, I could "see the movie," and absolutely loved her character development. I recently read, "In Her Shoes," and saw the movie a few years ago. (Naturally, the book was better than the movie, though I enjoyed the movie and eventually bought a copy.) Jennifer Weiner really relates to people-- not just to women, but also to men. I was charmed by BFF and am ordering a copy (the copy I finished an hour ago was from the library). I'm quite sure we'll see it as a movie in a couple of years.

This book starts out well as a charming coming of age tale set in the 80s about the friendship between two young girls from very different families. Sadly the author chooses to abandon this and focus instead on a ludicrous (and extremely unlikely) police investigation and the increasingly unbelievable antics of our now grown up heroines as they go on a farcical Thelma and Louise type spree to escape from a non-existent crime - ie the supposed murder of Dan Swansea. This is completely uninteresting since the reader already knows that he has survived Valerie's attempts at revenge and personally I was more interested in finding out what happened at high school to ruin the girls' friendship and lead Valerie to take revenge on Dan at the reunion. Let me warn you now not to expect any closure even if you manage to get to the end, the book just keeps getting sillier and more out of touch with reality piling farcical event on farcical event without really elaborating on what happened in the past.

Special mention - the bank robbery is a low even for this book - does JW seriously think that this event could take place anywhere on Planet Earth? And don't get me started on the character of Jordan - perhaps the most unbelievable police officer ever in the history of fiction conducting the most unbelievable investigation ever. (As others have mentioned there is no way the police would launch a fully-fledged murder investigation with virtually no evidence). When he isn't obsessing over his ex-wife or some hot TV presenter, he spends his time wandering round suspects' houses, apparently more concerned with their taste in interior decoration and toiletries than any potential evidence - like the lady on TV who restyles your home to help you sell it. (Based on this evidence JW can't write credible male characters). From the moment he enters the novel we get treated to his every thought no matter how trivial - it's immediately clear that he has been introduced for one reason only - to become a love interest for Abbie. And don't you know it, though up till then he has been obsessing over his ex, he falls in love with her right on cue!

That's the major problem with the novel really, everything happens to fit the plot there is no natural character development- there is no real explanation for what turned Abbie from a shy but normal child into an overweight, desperately insecure girl, or why Valerie who seems like a strong-minded free spirit turns overnight into a vacuous cheerleader type, prepared to do anything to be popular. When I found out what Dan had done to Valerie I was stunned (I thought he had maybe stood her up at the prom or something) and makes her subsequent behaviour even more inexplicable. Why would she let these unpleasant boys torment the only friend who tried to help her- and why does Abbie forgive her and agree to go off on a madcap spree to cover out Valerie's 'crime'? Clearly the author is not interested in character development rather in piling on one ridiculous plot development after another till the novel grinds to a halt with an unlikely pregnancy and a shoed-in romance plot between Abbie and Jordan. Even for chicklit this is a major disappointment.

I liked this book, but have read better books by Jennifer Weiner. I loved Good in Bed and would highly suggest that if your haven't read it yet!!!!! I thought Best Friends Forever was going to be great but it was just so-so.

I liked getting to know the characters but to me, it was the same old, same old. Jennifer Weiner's books have underlying themes that include: a big girl, a big girl who loses weight, swimming, absent parents, some guy, a baby, etc.

I felt sorry for the characters. They all seemed so lost, so unhappy with their lives and that life had given them each a bad break in their own particular way.

I will continue to read Jennifer Weiner's books and be a fan of her work. I like her style of writing. I loved the fact that this book was written using flashbacks. It made me think back to my own childhood and how things were before and during highschool. It has also made me think about contacting old friends and trying to reconnect with them to see where our lives have taken us.

This book was light and easy to read but it was just ok. If you're looking for a quick summer read then this is it.

I've read all of Jennifer Weiner's books. This one was my least favorite. I love that Ms. Weiner has a heavy set character in her books. It makes them seem more realistic. However, it's so annoying to me that a fat woman can never be happy. She has to lose weight to be fulfilled as a person. And only then, can she get a man. So uninteresting and boring.

I also really liked that her previous books are based in Philadelphia. I believe Ms. Weiner lives there, so she knows the city and surrounding areas. That makes for more authenticity and therefore more interesting.

I didn't particularly like any of the characters in this book. It would have been nice to like at least one.

Ms. Weiner, please keep writing. You have a gift to touch people (particularly women) in your work. In my opinion, this was just a miss.

I am a huge fan of Jennifer Weiner's and I frequently read her books as soon as they come out. This one has sat on the reading list for awhile, and I can see why I was so lukewarm to reading it. I found the plot to be very predictable, all the characters, with the exception of Addie, to be transparent and cliched. It was clear the direction the book was going to take from the first few chapters. Without giving much away, I felt that there were way too many setups for situations of real character development that never came. The letdown of not really feeling emotionally connected to the characters was big for me. I read the book quickly, almost waiting for the emotional pull to build, but it never came for me. I felt the ending was rushed and fell flat as well in a highly predictable way. The only resounding quality was the character of Addie who was the true focus of the book. The Valerie character was not developed well enough in conjunction with Addie.

I am about half way through this book and that is it for me. I just can't read a book where the big "crime" that is being solved is a small amount of blood and a belt. Come on. Calling everyone at the class reunion to see who lost their belt!! I loved Weiner's books before, but this is terrible. It isn't funny and it is such a cliche that the main character's life was good until she got fat, and sucked for awhile while she was fat, but then she lost weight and her life started to get better again. You know she is going to hook up with the cop who is addicted to watching the Nighty- Night show?? PLEASE!!!!

Honestly was there no one in the larger scheme of the writing process who could see this wasn't working?

(SPOILERS WITHIN)
I was on the fence about buying this book after being disappointed with "Certain Girls." I like that she explored an old friendship, but I feel like we keep seeing the same characters:

1) Fat girl with low self esteem (main character)
2) skinny, ditzy, pretty girl (could be a sister or friend)
3) Former love interest who is clearly all wrong for the main character
4) "Safe" nice guy potential love interest.

I thought the whole Key West thing was so unnecessary (Jordan just *knew* they'd be headed there?) and then the surprise pregnancy? I wanted Addie to be able to date and live life, and travel and instead she winds up saddled down in the same ol' house with a baby and some dude who knew he loved her after they'd met just one time. I thought she deserved more.

I wanted to like this book. I really really did. I've been a fan of Jennifer Weiner since "Good In Bed" and the plot for this book sounded both intriguing and touching. How womens' friendships develop through time is an excellent topic to explore - rich with possibilities and complexity. I found this book to be dull, unrealistic, mundane, and involoving characters whose names I can't even remember now. I am so disappointed that the light and easy humor from some of Weiner's earlier works seems lost in boring characters, "plot twists" you can see from a mile away, and moments of audible sighs of "are you kidding me?" Weiner used to be a must-read for me and I feel as though she has lost touch with the soul of her characters as of recent. I'm hopeful for her next one to see if the spirit of here earlier work is back... that being said, I certainly won't be first in line to get a copy.

At her best (Good in Bed), Jennifer Weiner writes edgy, very funny contemporary fiction. This book is a bit more conventional, although not as straight-up sappy as the title suggests.

Valerie and Addie grow up together as best friends, but an unpleasant high school experience splits them apart. Flash forward 15 years--Addie still lives in her childhood home while Valerie has become a minor local celebrity reporting weather for a Chicago TV station. A high school reunion brings them back together when Val seeks revenge on a former classmate. The plot unfolds in a fairly predictable, fun girl-gets-boy way, although aspects of it are far-fetched.

As the novel opens, Addie has lost a lot of weight. I think it was in discussing Good in Bed that Jennifer Weiner commented that overweight (female) protagonists in recent novels tend to experience massive weight loss (She's Come Undone, Jemima J); thus, I was surprised that Addie's weight loss serves as a metaphor for/contributing factor to her new, happier life. I also object to pregnancy as a stock happy ending.

Still, Best Friends Forever is a fun read. A rollicking good read, I would say, if I were Roger Ebert.

I listened to this book in my car during my long commutes to work...great characters and while you may not always like them- you're still routing for them all
good enough that I sometimes stayed in my car a little longer to listen a little more :)
to all the naysayers.... stories don't always have to be dead on believable to be entertaining....

Ever since a friend loaned me her copy of "Good in Bed", I have been a huge fan of Jennifer's work. And with each book she's produced, I've grown even more appreciative of her writing. Unfortunately, this book felt somewhat unoriginal to me. Specific phrases were repeated in the same chapter, and many lines were nearly copied verbatim from older works. Jennifer was not plugged in writing this one, and simply filled in the blanks after establishing the general plot.

As familiar as some parts felt, however, the plot seemed very un-Weiner to me. It felt to me as though Jennifer was trying to push herself out of the familiar boy/girl/family dramas - and kudos to her for trying - but the result seems forced.

For Jennifer's loyal fans - buy it, because you know you will anyway. For those new to Jennifer's works, I would recommend starting instead with any of her other full length novels (except Certain Girls, since it is essentially a sequel to Good in Bed).

I absolutely love Jennifer Weiner's early books. The more recent books have been in large part a disappointment. Best Friends Forever was no exception to this unfortunate trend. I loved the flashbacks to Addie and Valerie's childhood and found those portions of the book to be the strongest. The story that was in the present bordered on dumb and ended with such a neat little conclusion that it was ridiculous. Both Valerie and Addie were very stereotypical characters, though Addie was much better developed. It was unfortunate to see Valerie made into such a one dimensional character where there was room for a lot of growth. Overall it was a decent read, but it was not Weiner's best work, and the book fades from memory as soon as you are finished with it.

I am an avid reader and a huge Jennifer Weiner fan. I own all of her other books and have read them all multiple times. This book, however, was a huge flop. The plot sucked. The characters were completely unrelatable. It was so bad, in fact, that I stopped reading it after page 230 or so, skipped to the ending, and tossed the book aside totally disgusted. I will think twice about buying her books in the future after reading Best Friends Forever.

For the most part I really, really loved this book. The author painted a full and complete picture of Addie and really told her story. Addie was such a sympathic character and very easy to identify with. The only true downsides to this book were Val's childish antics (robbing a bank?)and the police officer's completely unrealistic actions (driving drunk while looking for a suspect?). However, I promise if you can get past those small flaws you will find a book to love and a heroine to cherish.

Ever since a friend loaned me her copy of "Good in Bed", I have been a huge fan of Jennifer's work. And with each book she's produced, I've grown even more appreciative of her writing. Unfortunately, this book felt somewhat unoriginal to me. Specific phrases were repeated in the same chapter, and many lines were nearly copied verbatim from older works. Jennifer was not plugged in writing this one, and simply filled in the blanks after establishing the general plot.

As familiar as some parts felt, however, the plot seemed very un-Weiner to me. It felt to me as though Jennifer was trying to push herself out of the familiar boy/girl/family dramas - and kudos to her for trying - but the result seems forced.

For Jennifer's loyal fans - buy it, because you know you will anyway. For those new to Jennifer's works, I would recommend starting instead with any of her other full length novels (except Certain Girls, since it is essentially a sequel to Good in Bed).

I absolutely love Jennifer Weiner's early books. The more recent books have been in large part a disappointment. Best Friends Forever was no exception to this unfortunate trend. I loved the flashbacks to Addie and Valerie's childhood and found those portions of the book to be the strongest. The story that was in the present bordered on dumb and ended with such a neat little conclusion that it was ridiculous. Both Valerie and Addie were very stereotypical characters, though Addie was much better developed. It was unfortunate to see Valerie made into such a one dimensional character where there was room for a lot of growth. Overall it was a decent read, but it was not Weiner's best work, and the book fades from memory as soon as you are finished with it.

I am an avid reader and a huge Jennifer Weiner fan. I own all of her other books and have read them all multiple times. This book, however, was a huge flop. The plot sucked. The characters were completely unrelatable. It was so bad, in fact, that I stopped reading it after page 230 or so, skipped to the ending, and tossed the book aside totally disgusted. I will think twice about buying her books in the future after reading Best Friends Forever.

For the most part I really, really loved this book. The author painted a full and complete picture of Addie and really told her story. Addie was such a sympathic character and very easy to identify with. The only true downsides to this book were Val's childish antics (robbing a bank?)and the police officer's completely unrealistic actions (driving drunk while looking for a suspect?). However, I promise if you can get past those small flaws you will find a book to love and a heroine to cherish.

I think the other reviewers were looking for something other than a light-hearted beach read. Honestly, if you are looking for something other than a chick read go somewhere else. I read this in a few days while working a trip (I'm a flight attendant) and thought it was engrossing and enjoyable. A passenger left this book on my plane. My reading covers history to fine literature to memoirs..basically you name it. I think I'll agree that the plot line is ridiculous-but it's supposed to be. Valerie pulling a gun out at the bank was written for the reader to laugh. My mom is going to the beach in a couple of weeks and I already gave her this book to take with her. Bottom line- if you want to be enlightend go read a different book. If you want girly fun with a sweet ending read Best Friends Forever.

I was a huge fan of some of Jennifer Weiner's other books, specifically Good In Bed, Goodnight Nobody, and Little Earthquakes. This book was SO disappointing. The character development was basic, and the storyline was too rushed at the end. Things were tied up in a nice bow very quickly, which was too cliche to me. I skipped a bunch of pages just to end it, and find out what happened.

In the past when I read Jennifer Weiner's books, I would read them slowly, trying to draw them out until the last possible second. I savored each phrase in her story telling and didn't want it to end. But this book? I can say there were parts of it I completely skimmed. I didn't even want to finish it, and when I did, I asked myself why I did.

Boring, depressing, gross (all I have to say is the redundant Nighty-Night show story line) this book wasn't worth my time OR my money.

And it made me wonder why I even bother with this author anymore.

This was my first Jennifer Weiner read and I really liked it! I had stayed away from the "chick lit" genre, thinking I would not be interested in it, but a friend of mine bought this one and I borrowed it. Am glad I did. It was hard to put down and a very enjoyable read. Her use of descriptive language was very engaging and interesting. The way she varied use of first person and third person was also very interesting. I could really relate to some of the struggles of the main character - and laugh back at them right along with her. All around a good beach read!

I was so looking forward to this book, but alas, I was disappointed. I finished the book last night but wasn't sure I even wanted finish it. I really liked Addie and Jordan and for the most part enjoyed the descriptions of their lives. I couldn't stand Val and I don't care if they were best friends growing up.... if I was Addie I would have turned the ditsy loser in right away and not gone on the lam with her. I never once felt sorry for Val as an adult. As a kid, yes, as an adult, no way. Grow up!!!! I liked Jordan as well but as a cop (actually, as an adult), could he have not figured out a way to get all the child proof crap out of his house. I couldn't tell if Weiner was going for humor or sympathy here but I found it all terribly stupid and annoying.

I only buy hard cover books of authors that I really have liked.Jennifer Weiner is in this group but to be honest, I may think twice about buying a hard cover of her next book. Time will tell.

Although Weiner's writing has improved, her books still follow the same trajectory (woman is complete only when she has baby and child) and stick remarkably true to the genre. This one has the added bonus of fat-girl-turns-thin-and-becomes-happy. There are more errors than usual in her book (FreshDirect doesn't deliver in Chicago, there is no Walgreens on Lower Wacker), and the "surprise" ending is completely predictable. Still, if you enjoyed her earlier books, you'll like this one.

This has been my least favorite Jennifer Weiner book. It is chick lit, so I don't set it to a high standard, but the plot was a little out there. I don't want to give anything away, but she has taken scenarios from her other works and mashed them together here to create a story that was less than compelling. When, at the end of the story, I don't feel invested in the characters, I know the book has been a waste of time. She is a good writer; I expected better.

I couldn't get into this book. I gave it over 100 pages and just gave up. It was too far fetched to think the town would launch a complete investigation over a little blood and belt. And Val is overly annoying. I have enjoyed other of Jennifer Weiner's books, but this one is just not good.

Touching, funny and real. I've read a few other of the author's books (Good in Bed, In Her Shoes) and enjoyed Best Friends Forever (but not the title, which I fear turns off many would-be readers like myself. I took a chance because NPR's Books We Like recommended it). In this story you get the reoccurring characters -- the sensible, straight-laced girl paired with the beautiful, crazy girl that provides the comic relief. The book has the pace of a mystery -- the "event" takes place within the first few pages leaving a lot of questions that are answered as the story unfolds. I found this style to make for an interesting read and kept me glued to the book to find out the answers to the questions raised in the beginning pages.

I was so excited when I got this ARC in the mail to review. The story was told from two different viewpoints--Addie in the first person, and Jordan in the third person. There were also flashbacks of Addie's life and Jordan's life. For some reason, I just couldn't connect with Addie. I felt sorry for her, yes, but there was just no warmth. And I couldn't connect with Val either. I did, however, really like Jordan. I loved how much he wanted a family.

This was a slight thriller--but I thought the whole police involvement was a little too much--just because a belt and some blood was found, I don't think that would normally set off such a large search. And I thought the ending with Dan was just plain weird.

I did like the ending, however, with Addie, Jordan, and Val. I won't say what because I don't want to give it away. But part of the ending, I didn't see coming and I'm glad that I didn't. It was a nice surprise and way to wrap up the story. Overall, this was a good chick-lit, beachy read.

I picked up this book before heading on a two week beach vacation, and after finishing my other two books I decided to read this one. Although I wasn't wowed by the blurb on the back, I didn't have any other book options. As I expected, this book was not very good. It lacked any sort of suspense, the characters were very stereotypical - a popular high school cheerleader and a fat girl who was picked on - and the attempted humor struck me as more stupid than funny. I did finish the book, as I found myself very bored on the airplane ride home. The plot is very predictable, after years of separation the two girls become bffs again. There "crime" committed adds little to the plot and since you know what happened from the beginning, it adds no suspense.
Overall, this book was my least favorite of the books I brought on my vacation because it was very predictable and lacked original characters or plot elements.

I agree with the person who said to read Firefly Lane ( and other books) instead. Best Friends Forever is an unbelievable waste of time that I just could not get through. Sad because I liked JW's earlier work, but that quality is gone forever since the author just writes for deadlines and money now. Get away from this writer and into a book that is worth your time and actually tells a good story.

I read this for book club, but I think it's better suited for the beach. If chick lit isn't your thing, then I'd say, skip the book. I personally prefer historical fiction, not chick lit, and I found the plot a little ridiculous. So if you're like me, I don't know how much you'd like the book. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it. I was really hoping to read a story about best friends who have remained loyal to each other, like my best friend and me---30 years and still inseparable!-- but that's not what I got. This story is a little too Thelma and Louise for me, but if you like that, then give the book a try.

The first few chapters were intriguing and I was encouraged to read on. However, the book took an odd turn from reality and soon after I (as some of the previous reviewers) had difficulty continuing. The plot is very simlar to "Hope in a Jar," but "Hope" stays on track and is a much better read. I have never read any of Jennifer Weiner's previous books and I can say after this one, I am certainly not inclined to read them now.

Usually when books jump around different time periods or are told from different charcters points of views I find it interesting and it gives the story my depth but this was just poorly written and confusing, not to mention depressing! I bought it because it's a #1 New York Times Bestseller and I was looking for a light-hearted read. Well boy was I wrong, besides having an unbelievable story line (SPOILER ALERT) it was just straight up depressing. First she has no friends, then her brother ends up being mentally disabled, then she gets fat and bullied, then she loses her best friend, then her dad dies, and then her mom dies of cancer. Like oh my God, could this get any more depressing??? It seems to me like Jennifer Weiner had a few good ideas that she didn't fully think through and just mushed them all together in one story and tied everything together very messily. I kept reading hoping I might like it in the end but now I think I'm going to return the book.

The story of Addie and Valerie, two girls that couldn`t be more different. Once close friends, they now lead two very different lives. Reunited, they begin to learn about each other`s hidden pasts and discover what made their friendship so special. A wonderful summer read that will make you long for a day at the beach and a friendship like Addie and Valerie`s!

This book is not like the others than Jennifer Weiner has written, but it is very good. It is a quick read and the story moves pretty fast. (It kind of reminds me of Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah). One thing I didn't enjoy was the amount of detail from their childhood. Parts of it were lengthy and not vital to the rest of the story. Other than that, it was very enjoyable. The ending is predictable, but a happy ending none the less. I recommend this book to all!

I read this book for book club, but it's just not my genre. We were looking for a funny book and to me this did not even come close. A bullied obese young girl, a rape, a destroyed marriage, infertility issues, horrible parenting, cancer, death....not my idea of funny.

I used to be a huge fan of Jennifer Weiner, but this book missed the mark. Although the characters could have been interesting and better developed, the author didn't go there. The story line was absolutely ridiculous and didn't have a very good flow to it. I'm really dissapointed with this one.

I have read quite of few of Jennifer Weiner's books and this one tries to achieve her popularity of Good in Bed but I think it fails. Her humor is either sad (so fat she can't get out of a resturant booth) or just stupid, (masturbating in front of a kiddie show). We want our heroine to end up with a fairly good character, not a flawed one. Perhaps Mrs. Weiner needs to develop new characters, with new proplems and forget about trying to be funny.

Just finished reading this book last night. It was definately a page turner. I've read several Jennifer Weiner's books and have never been disapointed. I liked this book but not enought to give it 5 stars since I don't think it will make my immediate re-read pile. DEFINATELY would recommend this book to my friends tho.

I have read Jennifer's other books and they were enjoyable read but this book did not measure up to my expectations. I found this book to be boring and drawn out Had to fight to continue to complete the book.

Valerie--Where to begin. Oh, right, there is no where to begin because she is really not a character. There are a few momented when she glimpses through (when she breaks down about Addie having everything from a parents to food in the fridge.) I get that we are supposed to think that Valerie had become her mother, but we just didn't get there. Weiner was too busy making Valerie a cheap joke that we didn't get any heart. And it is very sad too, because Valerie would have main a very compelling character. The bimbo weather girl who sleeps her way into a job is not only a cliche, but its untrue. Valerie would need to be able to complete a college degree--this Valerie could not complete a sentance. Its easy to realize that she is still basically stuck at 15, when she was raped and had basically no support structure to get through it. But we don't see her struggling with that in the book, and it is never resolved. Fannie Flagg has a similar character in Welcome to the World, Baby Girl, except Dena Nordstrom both resolves her issues and can function in the world without someone to wipe her butt for her. Valerie has neither of these qualities. The novel would have been more interesting had more time been spent on developing Valerie's character and in builing and detroying the freindship between the two girls (Something along the lines of Vix and Cat in Judy Blume's Summer Sisters) and less time spent on Addie's diet and Jordan's children's character masterbation.
Female friendships are a complex subject that can be quiet compelling. Unfortunately, there are no complex characters here. Weiner confuses fat and thin with actual character traits and winds up with two people with little in common as bff's. Contrast to Blumes wonderful novel and we see exactly why Vix can storm out of Kat's life at age 17 yet still attend her wedding 10 years later.
Also, it is interesting in light of Weirner's past character's body issues that Addie, whom she says she views as Job, achieves redemption through the higher power of dieting.

Jennifer Weiner is my favorite author when it comes to chick lit and she didn't disappoint with this one! In 'Best Friends Forever' Weiner added a twist-suspense, and it worked great. This book shows that you can keep that best friend forever even without seeing or talking to one another for years and that the bond between you too is as strong today as it was 15 years ago.

I picked this up in a ski hotel library, and the most lamentable part about the book was the time it took to return it to the library (an oversized bookshelf next to a massive fireplace). I feel that returning this book to the allow other unsuspecting ski guests to suffer through it was the most malicious thing I've ever done to fellow human beings...

I was highly disappointed in this book. I've loved just about everything I've read from Ms. Weiner so my dislike of this book was rather shocking.

The first few chapters were interesting so I continued to read, or rather I continued to trudge on. I did not like the character Valerie at all. Valerie's relationship with Addie was believable as children but as adults the relationship seemed forced and artificial. Nothing much was believable in any of the characters or the situations they were in. Do police officers *really* act the way Jordan did? What about Dan Swansea? It really seemed like the characters, most of them, lived in a disturbing parallel universe where things weren't quite normal or any semblance of normalcy.

I will continue to read books by Ms. Weiner only because she has a great track record save for this book. The only reason I gave this book 2 stars as opposed to 1 star is because I did finish it.

Would I recommend? Sadly, no.

This is my first Jennifer Weiner book and I did not like it at all. The story is so far fetched and unbelievable that I had a hard time reading it. I actually got so mad at the story line that I had to put the book down a few times. It's just too unrealistic.

I enjoyed this book except for the profanity and tacky dialog in places. Why do authors feel that they have to include the bad language and too much tacky detail. This was my first book by this author and I probably won't read another. Interesting, I asked the sales representative for a recommendation of a book without bad language and vulgarity and while there isn't an excessive amount, I was disappointed. Since I bought it at an airport I cannot return it. The only saving grace for this book was to understand how it may feel to be an outcast because of weight, etc..............

I have been a fan of her books since day one, which is why I was very disappointed with this one. It was very hard for me to get to the end, I initially put it down after reading about 1/2. I ended up thumbing through to a very predictable ending, and that was only because I was somewhere where I needed something to read. The synopsis for the book was very promising, but I was very let down. The way it was written left me kind of annoyed, with all the jumping back and forth between past and present. All in all, not one I will be reading again.

I had never read a book by Jennifer Weiner, but I found myself identifying so much with her characters that I just finished another book by her. I will be moving on to number 3 soon. I love that her characters are flawed and in the end become comfortable in their own skin.

I finished the novel last night and really enjoyed it. Jen Weiner has such a lot of range. She can go from poignant to laugh-out-loud in just a few sentences. The novel is about a friendship that goes sour and then is resurrected and often has a madcap, Thelma and Louise-feel, especially when the two friends are "on the lam." Weiner fleshes out minor characters --her self-assured brother who meets with tragedy is particularly memorable--and keeps the pacing brisk, serving up a bit of a twist at the end.
My favorite part of the novel was the flashbacks to the girls' childhoods. Jen brilliantly captures what it feels like to be ten and to have a very best friend with whom you share everything.

I've been a big fan of Jennifer Weiner over the years. But, it seemed like she totally missed the mark with this book. The storyline seemed promising but when I actually sat down and started to read, it was very different than what I expected it to be. I found myself putting it down a lot and getting frustrated/irritated with some of the characters, mostly the adult Val. I found her Dan Swansea dilemma quite farfetched and thought that some of the things she tried to pull (like robbing a bank) were just plain ridiculous. I also did not like how she steps all over Addie and, more frustratingly, how Addie just takes it.

I will probably finish the book (mostly because I don't like not finishing books), but I will definitely think twice before buying another by this author.

So, I'm 3/4 of the way through Jennifer Weiner's latest, "Best Friends Forever". All I can say is that J. Weiner better starting trying now to prove she's never read "Night Swimming" by Robin Schwarz. If she's read it, she's got problems. And obviously she's read it. "Best Friends Forever" is the same book as "Night Swimming", but just a little more depressing. Here's the run down of similarities:

BFF: Overweight unhappy female protagonist
NS: Overweight unhappy femal protagonist

BFF: Protagonist binge eats in private, suffers from intense shame as a result
NS: Protagonist binge eats in private, suffers from intense shame as a result

BFF: Protagonist serves as a caregiver for her ill mother
NS: BFF: Protagonist serves as a caregiver for her ill mother

BFF: Protagonist lives alone as an adult in her childhood home after everyone in her family dies a tragic death
NS: Protagonist lives alone as an adult in her childhood home after everyone in her family dies a tragic death

BFF: Protagonist suspects she has cancer
NS: Protagonist misdiagnosed and thus thinks she has cancer

BFF: Protagoniststarts swimming laps and loses a bunch of weight, thereby transforming herself into a thin person for the first time in her life
NS: Protagonist starts swimming laps and loses a bunch of weight, thereby transforming herself into a thin person for the first time in her life

BFF: Protagonist has a best friend during her childhood who she has a fight with over a boy and they are estranged for many years
NS: Protagonist has a best friend during her childhood who she has a fight with over a boy and they are estranged for many years

BFF: Protagonist and best friend pretend to rob a bank, drive south
NS: Protagonist robs a bank, drives south

BFF: Kindly police officer follows protagonist while she's on the lam
NS: Kindly police officer follows protagonist while she's on the lam

BFF: Protagonist and previously estranged best friend re-unite after many years, become best friends again, and "save" each other
NS: Protagonist and previously estranged best friend re-unite after many years, become best friends again, and "save" each other

J. Wein, I'd say you better hope Robin Schwarz does't read BFF or she's got one hell of a lawsuit....

I loved this book! Her last couple have been eh, but this one was great. I love when authors make you care about the characters, and that's what this book did. Such a cut above other chick lit books. I laughed, I cried, and I even loved the ending. I'm already looking forward to her next book.

This was definitely my least favorite by Jennifer Weiner. By the sixth chapter, I could predict what was going to happen. Wound up reading the last few chapters and, whaddya know...I was right. Honestly, it's a good idea for a story....so maybe I have just read too many "chick lit" novels and I'm getting tired of the style of writing.

The first two-thirds of the book are excellent. I really enjoyed the flashbacks regarding Addie's friendship with Valerie, but I thought the flashbacks with her family were the best part of the book. However, the present-day story was very unrealistic - in particular the "robbery" and the confession. The end was disappointing, the Jordan storyline was weak, and the "twist" was fairly predictable. Still, a good read and I would recommend it.

I didn't like this book, but I have enjoyed other books by Jennifer Weiner. The main character Addie had so many challenges that it made me feel very depressed. I just didn't like it and it took too long to tell a pretty simple story. Not her best work.

This book was a total waste of time. I gave it two stars because I was interested to see what happened but the whole premise is ridiculous. The police go on this crazy chase before a crime is ever even reported! I don't know- this is the third Weiner book I've read and I think it will be the last.

Up until this book - I've loved Jennifer Weiner's characters and plots; but this book just wasn't that good. I finished it, but then read Firefly Lane right after and Firefly Lane is like a better version of Best Friends Forever. Read that book instead.

This book really really captured me from the first chapter! I was eager to find out what how the crime was going to unfold, and to learn more about the friendships. Another great one from Jennifer Weiner.

I am not a big fan of chick lit in general but this was awful for any genre. The writing was as good as any college student could produce in a weekend. It was a cut-rate theft of Thelma and Louise in some sections. I donated it to my local library because I thought it was a better alternative than my recycling bin. Don't waste your money.

Jennifer Weiner does an amazing job allowing you to be a part of what the characters are seeing and feeling. I loved the book and am only 1/2 way through it. I bought it over the weekend and didn't want to put it down.

I have enjoyed the otehr books by Jennifer Weiner and found them smart, humorous and amusing. This last book, however, just exploits the theme of overweight heroine who finally comes to terms with her body image blah-blah-blah..On top of it, there is a ridiculous "mystery" or thriller who-dun-it storyline which has no credibility and is insulting to one's intelligence.
But wait, there is a happy ending...with the heroine finding true love while expecting a child from a married lover, umm, great.
I wouldn't spend time on this review, but i wasted full price on this "literature" and wish to have some moral compensation at least.

I COMPLETELY loved this book. The trip she took me back to the 80's and back to my childhood/teenage years was awesome. I have been a fan of hers. Some of her books are better than others and this one is definitely a winner!

Too bad I couldn't give it 0 stars. The plot is terrible and the characters are even worse. I don't know who I'm more upset with-,the author for writing such garbage - the publisher for even allowing me the opportunity to purchase it - or me for thinking is invested enough time in it that I should read it through. My mistake, book is unbelievably bad and it all wraps up in the last 30 pages after being torture with a slow moving, stupid plot. And the protagonist really sucks at life, she's also really dumb and very weird.

I cant say much more than those before me, although I don't think people complaining about the price of the book on the kindle should be included in the review of this book. Those people are dragging down the rating of the book itself. the store do something about this please.

Best friends Forever is another masterpiece by Jennifer Weiner. This book is touching, charming, and funny. The main character and her friend are fleshed out to such a degree that I feel that I personally know them. The characters are humanized with their own flaws, weaknesses, and strengths. This is a softer shade of Thelma and Louise packed with sorrow, angst, and comedy. I highly recommend this book. Bravo! Ms. Weiner!

This book is not what I expected. In fact, I wish I would have stopped reading it. I cannot recommend it to any of my friends because of the language alone. It also covers afairs with married men, sex with random men, drugs and alcohol, rape, etc. The main character overcomes many challenges in her life which is motivating but not worth the read.

A very predictible book with a trite ending. Like we couldn't see where this was going from the beginning of the book. Her characters fell flat, pretty cliched characters the fat girl who becomes thins and gets the guy. The two old best friends meet again and our best friends again through a corny story, most of the story if unbelievable.

Normally I like Weiner's novels, but I was really disappointed by this one. Although the characters were fairly developed, their actions seemed far-fetched and hard to believe. It was also irritating to realize what was going to happen half-way through the novel.

I read this book last summer at the beach- in about 2 days! Jennifer Weiner is so captivating- her characters come alive and go on a wild adventure, though they are also relatable and realistic. This is a really enjoyable book- I was sad when I finished because I loved it so much! Don't hesitate to buy & make time for yourself with a really good book!

I am not enjoying this book at all. I can't wait to be done and move onto something better. I really loved all her other books. This one is dull and a bit confusing (she gives you a bit of information, you think you missed something, and then later in the book goes back to it in complete detail) all making it a bit hard to follow.

I found this book pretty boring. I didn't care about any of the characters, no one had a personality, and the ending was bland. Quite a surprise from Jennifer Weiner, whose previous books I've found to be hilarious.

Despite reading the negative reviews before buying this book, I purchased it. I've really loved all of Weiner's books and I was excited to read this one. I really liked it and would recommend it to other Jennifer Weiner fans.

This book was pretty out there. Very long and not exciting. I kept waiting for the book to get better, and looking back I'm not sure it was ever worth the read.
When you read this book you'll understand.

Despite reading the negative reviews before buying this book, I purchased it. I've really loved all of Weiner's books and I was excited to read this one. I really liked it and would recommend it to other Jennifer Weiner fans.

This book was pretty out there. Very long and not exciting. I kept waiting for the book to get better, and looking back I'm not sure it was ever worth the read.
When you read this book you'll understand.

I never received the book. I e-mailed this company 3 times=Debs Florida Books with no acknowledgement. This is a very poor way of doing business AND they will no longer get mine. I have lost faith with the store,too. I have oredered many things from this site but it only takes one bad situation to steer you clear from purchasing anything else.

Too expensive for Kindle. I'm using Borders 40% off coupon and then passing the book around to my friends, and their friends, and their friends. I would love to read it on Kindle, but too pricey. Ms. Weiner's previous books are all cheaper in the book store without a coupon. Too bad.