Firefly Lane: Want To Win My Copy?

Author: Kristin Hannah
Challenge: None
Rating: 3/5

In 1974, Kate is the uncoolest of the uncool 8th graders. Her new neighbor across the street, Tully, however, seems to have it all together. She has the new clothes and freedom that Kate longs for. One night, however, Kate happens to be a listening ear for Tully and a friendship is born. Tully is constantly driven by a need to prove herself, and early in life, she sets her mind on being the greatest reporter in America. Kate is supposed to be right by her side, but Kate's dreams lead her towards getting married and starting a family. So although they go to college together, work their first jobs together, and both get involved with the same man, Kate ends up with a life of domestic bliss, while Tully works 17 hour days and becomes a celebrity.

This book is about the friendship between the two main characters, and there is a supporting cast, but they fade out compared to the amount of words spent on Kate and Tully. Hannah does a good job of setting the scene for the story, I liked the references to all of the music, clothes, haircuts, and celebrities of each era.

It was fun to watch the characters as they grow and change. A large part of this book revolved around the fact both Tully and Kate were jealous of what the other one had in life, even as they remain friends. Tully, never married, is jealous of Kate' s family while Kate, exhausted by the daily grind, sometimes wishes she had the money and fame that Tully has. Still, they manage to stay friends even though Tully is pretty ruthless and betrays Kate for a news story more than once.

Even at the end of the book, though, I didn't feel like I had much insight into the characters. They had this love triangle thing going on for most of the book, but it was kind of just there. Never explored fully, never really resolved fully. And Tully never does seem to learn how to really be a good friend to Kate. She kind of does what she thinks would be good, without ever really taking Kate's feelings into consideration.

If you are into this type of book, make sure to bring some hankies for the ending.

Now, would you like to have my copy of Firefly Lane? Leave a comment below, and I'll enter you into a drawing. Just enter by Friday, 2/29. Post a link on your blog (and let me know that you did) for an extra entry. Ready? Set. Go!