I Know Just What You Mean: The Power of Friendship in Women's Lives

I have been blessed by some wonderful friendships. I have muddled through conflicts in others. I have always thought that friendship was a powerful relationship that gained far too little attention. In this book I found women who describe feelings and needs and situations I have been trying to express for years.We sacrifice friends too easily, not giving ourself permission to care deeply enough. In the chronicling of their own path and those of others Ellen and Pat have given all women a priceless gift. The possibilities of a deep and meaningful friendship unfold, and the pitfalls that can hamper growth are discussed in words that welcome and are easy to read. If this book is widely enough shared, perhaps our daughters will be able to develop friendships earlier and avoid the destructive nature of middle-school cliques, or falling into the arms of the wrong man to satisfy their need for a friend.

This is a marvelous book about friendship, especially women's friendships. It's not just a mushy "aren't we wonderful" story, but a real live account of how it is to be and have close friends. The very ability to maintain such a longterm, intimate relationship with another person is not something that everyone can achieve. If you can, it's such a gift. I have such a friend and she's getting my copy next time I see her. I know she'll love it, too.

I concur with the previous laudatory reviews. These writers are right on the mark; I feel as if they have lived inside my friendships - the competition for men (one took my husband), the much appreciated support through the rough spots of life, and the fun of time spent with other women having a good time - sharing stories, feelings and being silly at 60! I plan to send copies of this book to my dearest friends. I know they will recognize what we have shared - some for 45 years. Thank you Ellen and Pat! See, I feel as if I am a first name basis having read your book!

I'm currently reading this book and I'm thoroughly enjoying it! Ms. Goodman and Ms. O'Brien know just what I mean when it comes to my friends. The writing style is making this book much more than a dry analysis on women's friendships like some of the things I've read in the past. So far, I can identify with EVERYTHING they and their participants in this book have gone through. Anyone who takes their female friendships as seriously as I do will love this book. What I really have enjoyed is the fact that I've laughed out loud many, many times over things that the authors have written about their own relationship that makes it so real and so sweet. I nod in agreement and think "been there, done that." Also, the individual analysis by each author on the same event is really enlightening. Sometimes friends incorrectly assume that the same shared event is seen the same way. Sometimes it doesn't even come close. Through these first-person accounts, I'm enjoying the process of getting to know Ellen and Pat as real-live people. They show themselves as very smart, sensitive women who really have committed a major part of their lives to each other through thick and thin. I doesn't get any better than that. Hey, I know from experience. True friendships are heaven sent and should never take it for granted.I'm almost hating that this reading adventure will soon come to an end because it will be like saying good-bye to old friends.I highly recommend this book to women everywhere who cherish their friends and for men who are wanting a better understanding what makes women's relationships such a powerful thing.

This books says what we all think and feel about friendship - through their eyes (the authors) and those of the friends they interview. It tackles the tough and serious aspects (i.e. competition) of friendship as well as what comes naturally to most of - support, understanding, trust. The format of the book weaves beautifully around the points the authors are making. Why read it? The last book I read that said anything important to me about friendship and women was the Ya Ya Sisterhoood. This book one ups - its about real people, read friends. All my friends will own this book with me.