**Contains adult language and content**(book I read from actually has a different bookcover image, but I couldn't find it, original '85 hardcover edition, and honestly I like this paperback cover better)"1951. They meet as children under the boardwalk in Atlantic City. Cee Cee Bloom, with a Brillo pad of red hair, a knock-out voice and a sparkle that demands attention, is performing in a kiddie show. Bertie White is from a conventional family with traditional values, but she finds herself captivated by the glitter of Cee Cee's world. And Cee Cee in turn depends on Bertie's enthusiastic support and open-hearted affection. From that first special day on the beach, they enliven each other's existence. As pen pals, they confide to each other the growing excitement and frustration they experience in their awakening womanhood. And as they meet through the years, they strengthen the friendship that will last them the rest of their lives. Cee Cee soars to stardom in Hollywood and on Broadway, while Bertie settles into marriage to a successful attorney, who finds Bertie's relationship with the outrageous Cee Cee unsuitable. But neither of these women can relinquish her special tie--a bond forged in their youth and destined to endure the hidden jealousies, the glare of celebrity, the explosive misunderstandings, the tolls exacted by drugs and tragedy, the shock of divorce and death, the unsparing demands when a loved one is in need. And the tears and laughter of two friends who finally make their peace through a little girl's love." (original book's synopsis)At the library a few days ago, this title (Beaches) came to me... thinking of the movie. I figured maybe it was inspired from a book so I checked the catalog and sure enough there's a book! I was excited because I love love love the movie! Bette Midler was great in it and her "Wind Beneath My Wings" song is just beautiful. I figured it would be a fun read. I was giddy at first, totally picturing the scene when Cee Cee and Bertie first met. I had forgotten the bold language Cee Cee had even at a young age. It called for it in her character though, but it progressively got too crass for my taste. Bette Midler's take on it was perfect though and often throughout the book I'd picture her sassy attitude and get a smile. Anyway, Bertie's character is a bit different in the book as well. Barbara Hershey, who played her in the movie, portrayed a demure and steady Bertie. In the book, Bertie was too passive and easily shaken (except in the end). Overall, I had high expectation coming into this book with having enjoyed the movie version under my belt. I wasn't completely disappointed because the book did have the crust of the storyline I enjoyed in the film version. I just happen to like the film's take on it much better... much more heartwarming.Best friends are awesome! Through thick and thin Bertie and Cee Cee were there for each other. It took me back to days with a couple of my BFFs. In our case we (the Three Musketeers) met in 7th grade. We also had a falling out but fortunately we were able to resolve it and continue to be BFFs to this day. Such bond in friendship was what I enjoyed most in this story. Every girl needs a homegirl(s) by her side. There's nothing like having friends who will stand by you. Thankful that we don't have the same ending as Bertie and Cee Cee. ~Love you forever Peb and Glo!!Book version: rating =3Movie version: rating =5 (but I suppose I'm bias because again, I love love love the movie) :)***Find this review and more at Jinky is Reading
For some reason, Baby loves to pull this book off the shelf, so I gave it a go. One, I barely remember the movie, so I don't think I'm too biased from that, but I remember feeling sad but satisfied when the movie ended. But I thought the ending from the book was...disappointing. It didn't wrap up enough! Bertie was alive for a long time, sick for a long time, died, then six paragraphs later, the book was done. Ack, give me a little more time to grieve. But overall, I liked the book. A lot of ups and downs with CeeCee and Bert's friendship and sometimes as individuals they would drive me crazy (there were a lot of bad decisions), but I was still always rooting for them. A lot of their flaws were pretty realistic. I did want to see the women together more to understand their friendship better, but eh. And I hate to say it because this is a book about women and their friendship, etc., but I really thought the best part was seeing their relationships with men. Super flawed, super realistic.
What do You think about Beaches (2004)?
I won't lie I own the movie and it's one of my favorites. But when i saw the book at Goodwill I had to buy it knowing the books are always better. If you love the movie I think you will enjoy the book. Bette Midler was SPOT ON for the role of CeeCee Bloom. She's loud, she's look at me, and she has THE VOICE!! However the other main role in the book they changed everything about her when it came to the movie, from her name, to her job, to what she names her child and I'm sure more it's been a while since I've watched the movie. Even still in the book I feel the bond of this friendship is even greater because of the difference in the roles of the characters. You are with these characters from when they are 10 and under up until they are 40ish. They write letters where they share their secrets as you only can to that special best friend. They are there for highs and lows of each others lives, marriage divorces, loss of friends and family members, welcoming new family members, career changes, and in sickness.
—Marnie Bebej
I loved this book, and many parts of it stuck with me as the days passed by after I finished reading it. It was very alive for me. The only thing I hated about it was that it had to go the extra mile in being crass. IMHO, it didn't add to the book at all. Those parts could have been expressed without vulgarity. Instead, a beautiful book that stirred tremendous emotion within, can't be shared with people like my goddaughter, because she isn't 30 yet. The fact that I felt that way after reading something I think is so beautiful, really illustrated to me how unnecessary that type of language was. Much of this story captivated me. It's a shame it was ruined for so many because the author wanted to go for shock value.
—myKCmom
I completely forgot that I read this book a few years ago, until my best friend asked me for a recommendation today and this just popped into my head. Although it appears that it didn't leave a lasting mark since I forgot about it, I actually do remember loving this book. And ironic that I remembered it this way, since the book is about two best friends that grew up together. Also, I haven't yet watched the movie, but I distinctly remember telling myself that I had to see this movie after I read the novel. I totally recommend reading this and I will read it again to remind myself just how great it is.
—Joanne Goon
