Search - The Girls from Ames: A Story of Women and Friendship

I just finished this book for my bookclub. I loved it. I laughed, I cried, I was jealous. I highly recommend this book for women of all ages.

Jeffrey Zaslow writes about 11 girls and the 10 women they became.

The eleven girls all graduated from Ames High School in 1981 and then went their separate ways for college and the rest of their lives. During that time they maintained their close relationships with each other through annual reunions and weddings. The advent of the internet and e-mail has helped them become even closer despite the fact that they are now spread throughout the US.

He writes stories about each of their girls and how they became friends with the group. How the friendships survived and how during times they didn’t survive. How they all come together support each other despite differences and disagreements. Most of all, how the friendship that these women share has helped to support them in their lives.

I was anxious to read this book. I felt an immediate connection with the women in the story. Mostly because I am a 1982 graduate and I’m originally from Iowa. Their high school, college and life experiences strongly match many of my experiences although I don’t have the experience of having a group of high school friends who have maintained the connection that these women have.

It’s a very moving story and parts of it are very heartbreaking – you’ll need to have your tissues handy.

I thought this book was going to be a lot better. It liked it but it certainly felt like a chore getting through it. It was nice to read about special friendships, but this book was just not outstanding to me.

Its a great concept for a book. Eleven girls whose friendship started in Ames Iowa and has lasted for over 40 years. They go thru life with the good, bad, sad and wonderful and they are still there for each other. I am glad to have read this book and will check out the website. It was told in a very matter of fact manner which I could not feel any warmth that I am sure there was.

THE GIRLS FROM AMES are women just like all of us. They have they same life stories experienced by women everywhere; success, failure, addictions, divorce, loss. What makes this group of women unique is their commitment to each other and their friendship over a long stretch of years. What starts out as a sort of school 'clique' turns into a deep fellowship of trust and support, with a lot of laughter and some tears thrown in. They learn to rely and count on each other in deeper ways than most of us experience. Apart from a personal relationship with God, I'd say this is the best way to get through life.

Do you keep in contact with those friends from childhood? Do you have girls that you call with all of the good and bad news before anyone else? Are there friendships worth fighting distance, time constraints and obstacles? YES!

The Girls From Ames was a great book about 11 women who through many different ways came be a very close knit group of girls who have shared absolutely ALL the ups and downs that life can throw at anyone. Divorces, miscarriages and loves lost all bring them together even though they live in very different parts of the US. They have also been able to celebrate many good times from healthy children, job promotions and the men who make their lives complete.

I absolutely loved this book. I cried. I laughed. I wanted to call all the girls that are currently in my life and those who have been in and out to thank them for their listening ears and the moments we have had. Whether you have kept in touch with childhood friends or not, this book is definitely one to go to pick up and fast.