April 24, 2006
Williams (On the Right Side of a Dream
) delights in this chronicle of the evolving friendships among four African-American women from fifth grade through their 30th high school reunion. In a black Ohio community in the early '60s, bookish Vaughn Jones is rescued from an elementary school bully by pretty, popular Reenie Keller, who introduces her to angel-voiced Su Penn. Joined in junior high by seemingly flawless Audrey Taylor, the girls nurse one another though a litany of typical coming-of-age events: the death of relatives, troubled parents, boyfriend stealing, teen pregnancy and eating disorders. Later years find the four professionally successful, but still fraught with man trouble and family issues. Narrated in turn by each of the four characters and buoyed by vivid dialogue, the roster of obstacles rings true. While her first three narrators—Vaughn, Reenie and Su—sound similar, Audrey's neurotic voice shines: raised by a military father who demands perfection, Audrey is critical, driven and surprisingly funny. Despite a few anachronistic details (Starbucks in 1970s Ohio?) and a glossing-over of race issues, Williams's sustained portrayal of female friendship, with its loyalties and betrayals, is extremely entertaining.
May 15, 2006
Of four friends who have seen each other through college, marriages, divorce, and children, Vaughn Jones is the girl mostly likely to write the great American novel. She has a love of words and an appreciation for literature that the others do not understand. Audrey Taylor is the girl mostly likely to run the world. Her father demanded perfection, and she has spent her life working to surpass his expectations. Susan Penn is the girl mostly likely to be famous. Her mother was a model and dancer, who instilled a love of the arts and glamour. Her struggle with alcoholism became Su's embarrassment and heartbreak. Irene Keller is the girl most likely to marry a prince. When she becomes pregnant by Su's high-school boyfriend, the four have their first conflict. Over the years their friendship has withstood many obstacles and tests. At their 30-year high-school reunion, they put all of the past hurts and misunderstandings aside and enjoy being the girlfriends they have always been. A well-constructed story.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)