Customer Reviews

Girls Most Likely: A Novel

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Vaughn, Reenie, Susan, and Audrey are life-long friends who are more like sisters than friends. A friendship started in the 5th grade that has lasted over 5 decades. Despite the different directions that life has taken them, they find an opportunity to reconnect at their high school reunion. Vaughn is the bookworm. She is the glue that holds everyone together. Longing to be a successful writer one day, she is the one everyone depends on to be levelheaded in a crisis. But when life throws a curve-ball at Vaughn, will she be able to hold it together? Reenie is the girl that every boy wants and every girl wants to be like. She is keeping a secret that will not only forever change her life but create a betrayal that will cause a rift between the girls. Susan is the determined one. She is determined to be better than the ones who laughed or talked behind her back. She will rise to fame but will she ever be able to forgive her alcoholic mother who abandoned her? Last but least is Audrey. Audrey is the perfectionist. The one who is determined to succeed no matter who (her family) or what (her health) it affects. But when the price of success becomes too much to pay, Audrey will be forced to determine what's more important: her career or her sanity? Girls Most Likely is a heartwarming, touching, yet humorous story about the bonds of friendship and sisterhood. Ms. Williams has written characters that are so realistic, they could be your friend, sister, or maybe even you. An entertaining story that will make you laugh and cry as you join Vaughn, Reenie, Susan, and Audrey on their journey of self-discovery and womanhood. It is the essential book club read. Reviewed by Shay C of PeoplewholoveGoodBooks.

GIRLS MOST LIKELY by Sheila Williams
September 2, 2006

Rating: 4 Stars

I'm finding that I REALLY enjoy books by Sheila Williams. She has a way with words that I find unique. This is the second novel I've read by her. Each of these novels had a certain tone to them, a somewhat gentle prose, but the characters she depicts in her books are stand out characters that are not always conventional, but are often strong and determined people that know what they want and where they are going.

In GIRLS MOST LIKELY, Williams tells the story of four women who are best friends from childhood, and each character is given a chance to narrate part of the novel. Each woman is different from the others, but something special ties the four together and even after a betrayal that occurs between two of them, the friends find a way to re-unite many years later.

I won't go into detail of each character and what made her unique, but the book itself covers decades of living and ends with their 30th high school reunion. The book also depicts the social changes that occur through the years, especially for Black women. I found it interesting to see things unfold, watching as these four characters react to the changes over the years. GIRLS MOST LIKELY is recommended to readers who enjoy books focusing on women friendships and are nostalgic for days gone by.

For many people, life-long friendships transcend some of life's most profound experiences. This is true of Vaughn, Reenie, Su and Audrey. Four decades of good and bad times have created a bond none of them imagined possible when they were kids.

Nicknamed the "Girls Most Likely," they became a close-knit group legendary among their peers--the kind of friendship that exists in every school, where classmates cannot imagine one girl in a room without the others.

Vaughn is the Girl Most Likely to publish an unforgettable novel. Reenie is the Girl Most Likely to marry a prince. Su is the Girl Most Likely to be famous. Audrey is the Girl Most Likely to rule the world.

The history of this friendship is told through the eyes of each woman, from their perspective as fifty-somethings today. Rather than alternating sections, as is increasingly common in this type of fiction, each woman tells her view of the story in one section. It begins with Vaughn's memories of how the friendship began. Reenie continues the story, relating the effects of betrayal and loneliness. Su continues with the meaning of adulthood and moving on. Audrey has her say as the group moves into the twenty-first century. Finally, and as the writer she is, Vaughn will finish out the story.

The writing in this novel is moving, insightful, and often hilarious. While it is ultimately about the importance and significance of lifelong relationships, it also addresses very real issues--issues that MUST be addressed in the course of a person's life if they intend to truly live it. Race, loyalty, faith, love, health, family, and more are lovingly woven into an extraordinary look at a seemingly ordinary phenomenon.

Friendship on this level is a sacred thing, as it should be. Sheila Williams has captured its essence in a novel that will embrace the reader with its depth of spirit. This is a "must read" for anyone who can appreciate the power of friendship.



Reviewed by Christina Wantz Fixemer
7/28/2006

(** A very unprofessional, but enthusiastic, shout-out to my closest friends: my "Girl Most Likely," Jenn from NHS, class of 1995; Katie & Sarah and Barb & Lori from SMWC, class of 1999; Makiko & Wakako, and Amy, Cheryl, Maria & Heather, SMWC, class of 1998! **)

Vaughn, Reenie, Su, and Audrey have been friends for over forty years. An unpredicted invitation to their 30-year High School reunion sets in motion a series of flashbacks that takes us back to fifth grade where they first met, and it is here between the pages of their collective trials and tribulations that Girls Most Likely emerges into a wonderfully charming story -- one with a fresh outlook on familiar themes of friendship, sisterhood and loyalty.

The four girls possess distinguishing qualities when combined propelling them to the heights of popularity and envy at school and will ultimately lead them to success in their chosen careers. However, behind the walls of confidence and bravado lie insecurities and pain stemming from domestic childhood problems. These issues left unresolved will continue to grow and manifest themselves into life-threatening conditions in adulthood. The girls must rely on inner strength and each other to weather the storms that surface as they enter college, marriage, and motherhood. The four girls must deal with alcoholic, overbearing, and absentee parents, intimate betrayal within their circle and among their spouses. There is also the overwhelming societal pressures to be the "good girls" and live up to the ominous yearbook declarations of the "Girls Most Likely", to write the great American novel (Vaughn), to marry a prince (Reenie), to be famous (Su), and to run the world (Audrey).

Williams's story is filled with sweet memories, laugh out loud humor, painful heartbreak, and sisterly love. She blends in the societal pressures and events of the late 1960's (JFK, RFK, MLK assassinations) and 1970's (ERA, Affirmative Action) to expertly tell a believable story filled with amenable characters who I hope we will see again in future novels. Fans of the author will not be disappointed with this offering.

Reviewed by Phyllis
APOOO BookClub
Nubian Circle Book Club

A heart warming novel centered around 4 girls who share life's ups and downs. They meet in 5th grade, and the story continues through their fifties. Reenie, Vaughn, Susan and Audrey will each remind you of someone you once knew; maybe even yourself.
I enjoyed every minute of this book; could not read fast enough!

I just finished the audio version of this book. It had some lull spots to it but for the most part I enjoyed hearing on the friendships of 4 black women that span from the 60's to the millenium. The stories went into the women individually when they were girls, their family/school/relationship lives and throughout it all they still held onto the friendship and kept in touch throughout their adulthood. With the lacking of good movies featuring All Black Casts these days I really truly believe Sheila Williams needs to STRONGLY consider getting with the right screenwriter. This movie has all of the makings of a Millenium version of Waiting to Exhale yet this spans the course of several decades!! Stories about the true friendship and ties of black womenhood are really needed out there and I WANNA SEE THIS become a movie!!!

Girls Most Likely is another great book by Sheila Williams. I have been reading it on my lunch hour and it is truly hard to put down. The characters are skillfully developed and you feel as though you know them. Reading this book is like reliving "the old days." I find it heartwarming and humorous. This book would make a great gift. Buy one for yourself, too.

Enjoy!

Carla Lattimer White

As Vaughn goes about her day, the mail arrives and in it is an invitation to her 30 year high school class reunion. The invitation forces her back down memory lane beginning with the fifth grade to the present. Meet the girls most likely - Vaughn, Reenie, Su and Audrey.

GIRLS MOST LIKELY by Sheila Williams presents the hopes, dreams, joys, fears and failures of the foursome over several decades. Each girl has a talent that manifest itself during grammar school and beyond. Vaughn, the ultimate storyteller and analyzer, dreams of writing a spellbinding novel. Her play on words is humorous to her friends and at times, irritating. Her introduction to the world beyond is an eye opening experience. Reenie, the only daughter in a household of four brothers, is as tough as she is provocative. Su's daily home life is dysfunctional as she attempts to survive on instinct and faith; her dream is to become famous. Finally there is Audrey, the daughter of a retired military Colonel; she strives for perfection in everything she does, from the mundane to the most complicated.

Vaughn opens and closes the novel with Rennie, Su and Audrey narrating their stories in between. While their relationships appear normal for girls of ten years of age, as they mature those relationships become complex. Following the girls through high school, control is established, betrayal sets in and friendships and loyalties are tested. High school graduation brings about another set of challenges as the girls muddle through college, marriages, childbearing and rearing, divorces, careers and health issues. The upcoming reunion sets in motion a series of reflections and apologies.

If you are of this age group or near it, the author's use of the imagery and clichés forces the reader to become a part of the story. The story is engaging, the emotions realistic and the characters, both primary and secondary, are fully developed. She highlights numerous historical issues of the time, which ask difficult questions, which to this day provide no easy answers.

Reviewed by Dawn R. Reeves
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Girls Most Likely traces the lives of four women, from elementary school friends to grown women. It examines the twists and turns that create our futures, as women and humans. Each woman has a childhood that shapes who they become. From neglect to expectations of perfection to families, this book shows how the effects of youth form the people that grow from it. Even the most outwardly successful people have a ghost of their past that haunts their everyday life. The present is only the result of the past.
This is not an uncommon plot- following a group of people from their youth to their lives as adults. The lives of the characters are not especially unique either. What causes this book to be different is the depth and honesty Sheila Williams brings to her characters. She is able to bring them beyond one sided characters into human beings. Their search for acceptance and happiness is a common experience for all women, the world over. Any review or synopsis of this book will tell you all about these four women. I suggest you read this book and meet them for your self.
The other facet of Ms Williams' book that deserves notice is the setting, both time and place. The story starts out in small town Ohio, a town predominately populated by African Americans. It expands out from there as time goes on but it is a graphic view of the growth and changes of its inhabitants. The time crosses over thirty years so it is able to look at the influences of events on everyday lives. From the Vietnam War to political assassinations and the growth of civil rights it deftly portrays their impact on the four women, their families and community. It is a fictional glimpse into the history, both small and personal and global in impact.

Vaughn, Rennie, Su and Audrey are four women that were referenced as, The Girls Most Likely, a well-known group of friends that love, support and work together in order to function with everyday living. After making a connection in grammar school, the foursome became the best of friends. They were so close that they each knew the other like the backs of their hands.

Can you believe that it's been thirty years since they graduated high school?

Vaughn Jones is the bookworm that lacked coordination as well as popularity. However her dreams of someday being a writer were evident.

Reenie Keller comes highly regarded by both the boys as well as the girls. She has the potential to marry anyone including Prince Charming himself.

Su Penn has a soft tone of voice. Tackled with her looks and popularity, she is definitely shooting for the stars.

Audrey Taylor is the sharp dresser and overachiever. There was no room for error; she always had to be the best at whatever it was she did. There wasn't anything that she couldn't attain.

Uniquely enough, author Sheila Williams allows the four characters to enlighten the readers with their own perspective of the foursome. From the very beginning, Vaughn introduces us to the friendship. Reenie details the heart wrenching betrayal. Su guides you into the adult years. Then Audrey finalizes that time.

GIRLS MOST LIKELY is assembled with a remarkable sisterhood, friendship, love, historical events and forgiveness. It does start out a tad slow for my pace.

Reviewed by: Carmen