Customer Reviews

The Best of Friends: Two Women, Two Continents, and One Enduring Friendship

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's a great read - the intertwining lives of two childhood friends and how they have cleaved together over the decades. What's rare about this book is that each woman has her say and tells her own story - yet the sum is much more powerful than the two parts. Wonderful to see how these two young girls evolve into women as they nurture each other along the way. I loved it.

I read this book because these authors went to school with my daughters. As I read, my interest went far beyond my connection. The candid sharing of both triumphs and let-downs of each woman was unique and interesting.
The lessons learned, the sacrifices and wisdom gained from following their dreams was fascinating. I highly recommend this book and hope they will continue writing.

How refreshing to read about two loving, smart, independent women and how they realize the need for loving interdependence between friends! The idea of writing a book together over time and many miles is a perfect illustration of their connection. Their stories of being there for each other -- in spirit and when possible in person -- through the best and worst of times are inspiring. They remind us that the realities of adult life are best viewed through loving eyes -- our own and those of our friends and families. I have read it and shared it with friends with joy and confidence that they will enjoy it as well. Definitely add it to your summer must read list.

How great to pick up a book and be reminded how women can be so supportive of one another! James and Mauney show how years can pass, people and their locations can change, but friendship can always be called upon to steady ones course.So many times we think that others live lives seeming to have it all,and these women candidly reveal bumps in the road that many of us can relate to. It may be siblings, love life or children that cause the bumps, but both Mauney and James show that by sharing our lifes trials with friends, truly halves the pain and doubles the pleasure!Bravo to a page turner that at the end, makes you want to share it with your own friend!!

Usually, I'm not a non-fiction reader, but the story of Sarah and Ginger's enduring friendship kept me glued to the book. I'd suggest this to anyone who has a friend of any length of time. Loved it!

Do you need to know how people cope with immigration, or do you want to understand the strength and power of woman? Do you need inspiration to realize your dreams or do you want to see the wonder of the animal instinct humans have in friendship?
Do you know anybody that immigrated? Then if you value that friendship, read this book now. It does not matter how wonderful the country is to which one immigrates, your longing for your original home, family and friends can never be alleviated. It becomes part of who you are. One does not need to be depressed or wingy about the matter, but it is always there. Pulling at the very strings of your heart. And one try to justify it on a daily basis.
Ginger and Sara lives this globalization. Sara's office is the world. While she has a family at home. Her friend and support system is at least 3 long haul flights away. Ditto with her in laws.
Ginger lives the dream, finds the love of her life at a price. Though her office is confined to one country, she is vulnerable to the excruciating elements of this desert.
My admiration of these two woman knows no bounds, and on top of all of that, they can write!
Best gift ever for your best friend.

I was prepared to LOVE this book but ended up just liking it and skipping through alot of it. I would have preferred to read 2 separate autobiographies frankly. Seems like the phone calls/emails/visits between the two women were played up b/c of the book's title. Interesting story and I'd like to read more about the two women individually but the book itself didn't WOW! me like I was hoping. Worth a read though.

I really enjoyed this book, I loved the way it was written, in Sara and Ginger's own words. Telling about their extraordinarily different, and complicated lives and how they were still able to hold onto a friendship across two continents.

I am a member of a book club, and we have theme parties at the conclusion of each book. I chose this book, and set the scene in Ginger's African bush, (our first out door event). We had a bon fire, and after discussing the book, talked about girlfriends, old and new. I intentionally took some of these "city" women out of their comfort zones by serving foods I described as "jungle stu" "bird on a spit" and so on. Finishing out the evening with making smore`s over the campfire, as some had never even heard of. (They thoroughly enjoyed it, by the way).

It's not a complicated book, it's more of a comfortable, wrap up in a blanket, grab some tissues, and get ready to experience the extraordinary ups and downs of two lives, but a steadfast friendship every woman desires.

I would recommend buying the hardback copy so you can share this book with your friends. Besides, the graphics on the cover tell a wonderful story all on it's own.

Within a few chapters, I loved both of these women and felt like I could so easily be friends with them. Their stories - which are individually riveting and would make great adventure books in their own right - were exciting, funny and heart-breaking in equal parts. I cried at the plight of some of the African animals in Ginger's care, and I cried at the illness of Sara's newborn daughter. It's such an uplifting book that should be inspirational for girls and women of all ages.

A wonderful read for anyone and everyone who understands the true meaning of friendship. Two women on separate paths, living on separate continents yet sharing a unique connection that never fades, proves that friendship only ripens with age. An incredible journey of self discovery, emotional growth and endurance shared by two amazing friends. Being "THE BEST OF FRIENDS" ourselves with a very similar story, this book has only brought us closer. A must read and a fantastic gift for a special woman in your life. Be it a sister, mother, wife or perhaps ...... a best friend!