Annandale State Park, February 2014
Some initial reviews of “First Friends: Love, Loss and Life in Humboldt County:”
- Your descriptive passages of places and people are highly creative expressions, Pat. You paint word pictures. Maybe someday you’ll put down your pen and take up a brush.
- It’s a wonderfully well-written story.
- I was so impressed by your memoir. The title grabbed me–those “First Friends” as an adult shape your life and in your case, helped you to overcome some horrible events. I guess I had always known about [your ex-husband], but you seemed so confident and strong that it was hard to imagine the pain and difficulties. The book was extremely well written too and beautifully framed by the initial climb on Mt. Whitney.
- First a disclosure. I knew the author with whom I worked for short time very soon after the events discussed in the book. I knew some of her story. After this book I know much more and am enriched by the opportunity. Patricia captures a time, a generation, an area of California, and defining relationships early in a career and marriage. Her words convey the rain and fog of the California northern coast as well as the strength of character shared by her and her friends in this beautiful but very rural part of California.
- Her story is an inspirational one based on the friendships that transform a devastating personal betrayal into helping her continue development into a powerful and brilliant person, lawyer and mother. She can write. I suppose books such as hers are usually read by women but I believe a man has more to learn from her story. I read it in one late night. I look forward to her next book.
- When you’re in charge of selecting book-group titles that will appeal to many people, it can be hard. You want a book with some “meat” to it, something to really talk about. Something that will elicit many opinions and ideas based on your members’ individual experiences. When I read First Friends, I couldn’t wait to recommend it to my book club. The book has numerous layers – motherhood, loss, friendship, adventure, all set in one of the most beautiful places in the country. The book’s themes are sure to elicit in-depth discussions, and it’s beautifully written. I highly recommend it to book groups, and individuals, as well.
- I enjoyed the book immensely. It read more like a good friend telling you their story over coffee at the kitchen table, comfortable yet honest, sometimes raw. The author’s writing style weaves pain and loss with love and beauty so well. I found myself reflecting frequently on my past, inspired to do the tough internal work critical to healing and growth. Thank you.