Month: May 2021

This book had me hooked from the very first dateline. Summer 1985 was a pivotal time in my life, so I knew that at the very least there would be some relatable items in the story.

But it ended up being much more than relatable. This book hit me on so many different levels that I often had to stop reading to reflect, which often brought back my own memories.

In fact, I can’t remember the last time a book spoke to me the way this one did.

You can read blurbs and other reviews that recount the premise of the story. In a nutshell, the Clover Girls are four friends who met at summer camp in 1985, but who have lost touch with other over the years.

They are brought back together under sad circumstances. Truths come out, lies are revealed, and a whole lot of hurt is addressed.

That simplifies it almost too much, because a LOT more happens than that.

Each of the women, Veronica, Rachel, and Liz, took very different paths from each other, but I found something that I could identify in each one. I could actually write an essay on what each character meant to me and how I felt like I knew them intimately.

Big kudos to the author for creating characters who were so lifelike.

Each woman’s journey of self-discovery was interesting on its own, but even more touching when woven with the other women’s stories. Together, they made a powerful statement about how important friendship is, especially if the parties are true to themselves and each other.

In addition, the author offers some searing commentary on several contemporary topics. Some were more necessary and useful than others. For example, I thought some of the feminist views sounded stilted and like soundbites. They weren’t natural.

On the other hand, the realization that society doesn’t treasure the past anymore and only sees it as negative was impactful. As it continues to be ignored or misinterpreted, important continuity and respect for people and places will continue to deteriorate.

The author also offers a lot of insight on the transition from child to adult – how we lose friendships and ourselves as we age – including some pretty raw and powerful observations on human nature in general.

Yes, that seems like a lot to unpack, but it’s all done in a thoughtful and entertaining manner.

But what really had me loving this book was the accuracy of the 80s – from fashion to pop culture references (we all wanted someone to be our Jake) the author nailed it. It was all so accurate either they lived it and went by memory or picked the brain of somebody who did.

Every time there was a mention of friendship pins or Walkmans, or the description of clothes (like leotards and legwarmers), my brain immediately accessed my own memories of those things.

It was a unique way to feel like I was a part of the book, which in turn made me more empathetic to the characters.

Couldn’t be that they were all pushing 50 as well, could it? Naaaahhhhhh….

Anyway, this is an excellent book about lost friendships and what it takes to find them (and ourselves) again.

I highly recommend it, and it is at the top of my list for the year.

P.S. I also really enjoyed The Heirloom Garden from this author. Check that one out as well.

BIO: Viola Shipman is the pen name for Wade Rouse, a popular, award-winning memoirist. Rouse chose his grandmother’s name, Viola Shipman, to honor the woman whose heirlooms and family stories inspire his writing. Rouse is the author of The Summer Cottage, as well as The Charm Bracelet and The Hope Chest which have been translated into more than a dozen languages and become international bestsellers. He lives in Saugatuck, Michigan and Palm Springs, California, and has written for People, Coastal Living, Good Housekeeping, and Taste of Home, along with other publications, and is a contributor to All Things Considered.