The Circle of Friends series is a 2007 Read For Life pick.
“Circle of Friends is a fantastic series! I meet with a lot of teens and speak to a lot of youth groups. I see the things they go through in N.J.’s novels. The authenticity of Glen’s (main character) journey is impressive. I kept thinking how is she going to be able to top this book, but she did, each book got better and better.” Herbie Kuhn, In-house Voice of the Toronto Raptors
“These teen novels don’t sound like an adult writing about being a teenager; they sound like teens writing and living through the challenges of being teens today. N. J. Lindquist has an authentic voice, credible story lines and a gentle, non-preachy way of getting her point across. I recommend the Circle of Friends novels to every teen I meet.” Linda Hall, award-winning author and Christy nominee
“Capture the nature of friendship and what that means in this world of trials and temptations.” Neil Anderson, author of The Bondage Breaker, Stomping Out the Darkness, Discipleship Counseling
“N. J. Lindquist’s entertaining stories deal with a complex mix of teen relationships, moods, and motivations. Glen Sauten captured our sympathies as we rooted for him to stand up and discover himself. His problems challenge and develop his character, move the action along, and provide exciting moments. Lindquist has found the teen voice, but writes to the emotional needs of all ages.” Stephen and Janet Bly, authors of 100+ books
“Our Reading Review Member who read your book was absolutely thrilled! She commented, “This book has the clearest presentation of the salvation message I’ve ever read in a fiction book. (The story is good too!) We realize there are many good books available that do not appeal to young men, For this reason, we really appreciate this one because it appeals to teenage boys as well as girls. Stone Croft Book Center
"I have a 14-year-old son who never reads. I gave your book, Best of Friends, to my son and he absolutely loved it. I read the first couple of chapters to him to get him interested. He finished within a week. He thinks he is a lot like the main character. He can't wait for me to get the other books. This is music to my ears. Thank you for writing for boys of this age group." Alison Piercey, United Church Book Store, Newfoundland and Labrador Conference
“I bought this for my 15-year-old and ended up reading it myself. Loved it! A breath of fresh air in the young adult category!” Marilyn Yocum, author and speaker
“5 Stars is not enough for this Circle of Friends series! I bought the first book in this series for my 14 year old daughter. She read it and loved it so much she (politely) demanded that I get the other three books in the series. I did, and she loved them all. My daughter could not put them down. She was always at the good part, and whenever she was not reading the books she was talking about them! The books handle real-life teen issues in an insightful way - a way that offers hope to real-life teens. I only wish NJ Lindquist would write more of them!” Darilyn A. Sephto, writer and teacher
"It's a good series and speaks to kids where they are at." Susan Brandt, managing editor, Mennonite Brethren Herald
"N. J. Lindquist captures the voice of teenaged boys and offers a realistic look at the inner turmoil they face as they find their identity and make moral choices in the light of peer pressure. A master story-teller, Lindquist will hook you with the first couple of paragraphs and keep you reading." Deb Gyapong, author of The Defilers and former senior producer with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
“The students *really* enjoyed these books! They were 'fighting' with each other over who got the next one in the series which we have in the school! I have been recommending them to many parents with young people (especially boys)! N. J. is an astute and extremely engaging writer, first class…my opinion, for what it's worth. My son (age 13) read the whole series straight through…he could not put them down!...and he felt these were real people that he could relate to.” Zsiporah Moon, director of the KingsBridge School, Canada’s first Christian Arts School with a Classical Education focus
“N. J. Lindquist has a unique gift of using the written word to reach teens for Jesus. Readers quickly learn to care about the realistic characters. The emphasis on discipleship and cell groups shows how teens can be equipped to be leaders in the church. N. J. makes Christianity and Christ come alive.” Joel Comiskey, Joel Comiskey Group
“Teenagers lives revolve around their relationships and N. J. Lindquist knows it. In More Than Friends, readers live through the confusion, the fun, the betrayal, and the affirmation with Glen Sauten as he learns what it means to be a friend, a son, a boyfriend and a follower of Christ. The situations he finds himself in are not always pretty, but they are real, and teenagers will relate to his struggles as he transitions to adulthood. The importance of a small, genuine fellowship group in Glen’s life is a reminder to all of us of the importance of community.” Marg Buchanan, author of Famous Jerks of the Bible and Parenting With Purpose
"I teach a class of English 13 students. I call them my rug rats. They are 12 delightful grade 10 students ranging in age from 15 to 18. Two are from China (can barely speak English), four are from Korea (been in the country from between 2 months and 2 years and can barely speak English), six are Canadians (one boy tried to commit suicide last year and is currently suspended for drug use; one has just moved to live with his father here in Canada, from Florida, where he was living with his mother and siblings; one is ADHD and can barely read or spell but has great insights; one girl is very simple-minded and reminds me more of a grade 3 or 4 student by the comments she makes in class; another girl is ADD with overweight problems and low self-esteem).
Why am I telling you all this? I don't know, but I want you to know that I am reading them two things every day: a short passage of Mark from The Message, and Best of Friends. They listen to The Message, and they love your book. I wanted to thank you for writing your book. It catches kids who might not otherwise want to read or hear anything from a book." A high school teacher in western Canada
"Today I finished reading your book Best of Friends to my class of Hutterite students. No one was sick of it though. They laughed aloud, in delight, and were on the verge of cheers when Glen and Nicole finally figured out and declared their feelings for one another. In a unanimous vote, the students declared that the school needs to get the next book. So I guess I'll have to go to your web site and order it. I'd call my students' response a pretty high approval rating!" A teacher in a grade 4-6 setting
“Mrs. Lindquist is my favorite author because she wrote a book about me!” A 16-year-old boy who rarely reads books
