It was a day not unlike most others. Five mothers had taken their children to play on the swings in the neighborhood park. What was unexpected was the decades-long friendship that would develop that day.

In a rural 1967 town, Mary Frances, Linda, Kathy, Brett, and Ally found themselves too busy to join in the bell bottom or anti-war movements going on throughout the country. They were mothers. Mothers in a time when women were denied acceptance to colleges and dismissed as not being fit parents if they attempted to seek employment. But, as they soon discovered, they were also avid readers. After a few meetings in the park and a night spent watching the Miss America Pageant, the five women decided they would try their hand at becoming authors. They would write during the weekend and meet at the park each Wednesday to share their attempts. It was during these meetings that solid friendships were formed and the mothers, faced with cheating husbands, illness and a need to be successful, learned the importance of being a strong woman in the 60s and 70s.

Clayton's depiction is compelling. It is a testament to her idea of friendship, that in a time of such memorable history she can focus on the fortitude of the female spirit and it's compassion.


Review By Erin Gurry
Rating: 3 out of 5