Better Than I Know Myself

If you're a woman and have a friend...you need to read this book. I happened upon it at work, and began reading it. I was so entraced I bought a copy for myself, and then once I finished it I bought a copy for each of my closest friends. This book is above race, social, and economic issues and gets to root of what every woman needs...friendship and having a purpose. You feel you are there with these three women as they live their lives. I can't wait to read the other books by these authors!

It was an absolute page turner. The characters reminded me of firends that have been with me since the day of time. The tears, arguments, relationships, everything. I highly recommend this book, and after reading, loan to a good friend.

Better than I Know Myself Virginia DeBerry & Donna Grant 5 stars A Deeply moving story about the bond of friendship, sacrifice and having dreams. Jewel was a child star, America's favorite little girl when she played on the weekly show Daddy's Girl. Now older Jewel wants to be loved for herself and not her fame. She wants to make her own choices away from her controlling mother. Jewel holds a deep hurt and a secret from a past love. Regina is a party girl who never thinks she is good enough in her parent's eyes. Her brothers are very successful and Regina feels the burden. With failing grades and longing to prove herself worthy she starts her own business as an event planner but her lifestyle soon takes a toll on her and she spirals out of control. Carmen was left abandoned and homeless. Her father died, her mother walked away. Left with no one but her brother until he too walks away. Carmen struggles to work and go to school to become a doctor so she Will never have to depend on people. Jewel, Regina and Carmen meet at Columbia and become roommates and life long friends. Better than I Know Myself is the story of these three women During and after college. This was a moving and at times a tear jerking story of friendship and Sacrifices as these women struggle through the issues of family, drug abuse, A.I.D.S and breast cancer. Their bond runs deep. But one of these sisters doesn't make it. This story will touch your heart and you won't soon forget it. This is an excellent book for book clubs. The issues are real, the bond is deep. This was an outstanding story of friendship and survival. Reviewed by: Dawn ?Mahogany Book Club Albany, N.Y.

This novel was an excellent read that was definitely hard to put down. It was a real page turner. I loved reading about the 3 unique lives of Carmen Webb, Jewel Prescott, and Regina Foster. The novel begins with their first meeting in college and spans over a 20+ year period. It was interesting to read how 3 very different personalities learned to adapt and get along with each other through thick and thin. The novel contains all of the modern day issues including AIDS, drug/alcohol addiction, rape, mental illness, teenage pregnancy, adoption, and even the trials of Hollywood stardom. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys reading about life's various circumstances, both positive and negative.

This was a wonderful book that followed the friendship of three women. You really get to grow with them and love them. Their friendship inspires you to be a better friend and to tell your friends how much you love them. I recommend this book to anyone!