Girls From Ames: a Story of Women and Friendship by Jeffrey Zaslow

This is a nonfiction account of a group of eleven girls who grew up together in Ames, Iowa, from the 1960’s through the early 1980’s. The book follows the group as they go through life, from high school and first jobs, dating and marriage, college and careers, children and families, dealing with divorce and the deaths of loved ones.  These girls/women have not only kept in close contact, but have remained best friends for over 40 years.  The author discusses how close friendships between women have positive effects on their lives.  He also discusses the differences between women’s and men’s friendships. Women’s are face-to-face and men’s are side-by-side. (You’ll have to read the book to find out what the difference is!)  There is much laughter and some tears.

This title was the February selection for our book discussion groups. At the noon book group we had a special guest appearance (via telephone) by Jeffrey Zaslow and one of the “Girls”—Karla.  We were able to ask both of them a few questions and discuss some of the issues in the book.  I was surprised that such a large group of women would be able to sustain a best friends relationship throughout their lives. At this book group there were two attendees that each had eleven friends that they have remained very close to over many years—so what do I know!  I also felt that the book was a little long and made some of the same points over and over.  I believe most of the book group attendees enjoyed this book and were able to identify with some aspects of the girls’ friendships.  We also tended to agree that women’s and men’s friendships are different.   

The Brown Bag and a Book group meets on the 3^rd Wednesday of each month at noon.  That same evening at 7:00pm the Great Reads and Goodies book discussion group meets.  Both groups read the same title, but we are offering the daytime and evening discussion times so that more people with varying schedules may be able to attend and enjoy discussing the books.  We always try to serve a treat that goes along with the book. For this title, we had ice cream, since some of the girls had worked at Boyd’s Ice Cream Shop, while growing up in Ames.  Please come and join in one of our book discussion groups.