Forever Friends

by Shannon Guymon

In eighth grade, Briana Walker sees herself as a chubby, freckled alien from the planet Nerd. After accidentally overhearing her so-called best friend verbally destroy her, Briana feels as if her world has fallen apart. Then she meets Jill and Miquelle and the three girls soon become inseparable. Join the girls as their friendship is put to the test through prejudices and misconceptions, a food fight, a car crash, missionary work, disastrous homecoming dates, crushes, first kisses, and everything else that comes with true friendship.

Genres: Lds Fiction, Young Adult, Lds

290 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2004

About the author

I live in the Rocky Mountains with my husband and children and love my home when it’s not snowing. I’m the author of 37 books so far. I also write YA Paranormal Romance under my pen name, Katie Lee O’Guinn. I enjoy the outdoors, reading and being with my family. To find out the latest on my books, check out my blog. You can purchase all of my books at Amazon.com. I’m also a huge supporter of Operation Underground Railroad. Check out their website to learn more.

Reviews

[Catherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really love Shannon Guymon, but this was my least favorite of any of her books. I felt like more of the story could have been told. Maybe instead of Part 2 going as long as it did, it could have been shorter and a Part 3 could have been included to go even further into the future of the lives of Briana, Jill, and Miquelle. There were definitely good messages, but there was also too much silliness throughout the book, I thought. There were also a TON of grammatical errors. Maybe that's being too picky, but who wouldn't have caught at least most of these errors? Also, people may disagree with me, but I don't really think it's possible for one friend to be best friends with a guy and hugging him all the time, hanging out with him all the time, and having him kiss her on the cheek when one of her best girl friends likes him as a boyfriend. (Too confusing? If you read the book, you'll understand.) That's just asking for trouble.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

at first I was thinking that this book was more geared to the youth and young adults because the characters...Jill (a LDS, beautiful girl whose mother is divorced and who tries to be tough on the outside and shield herself from rejection like that of her father of her mother), Miquelle,(a african american girl who converts, and fights with prejudice of her own against black and white relations), and Briana( a LDS girl who is kind on the inside and struggling to be beautiful on the outside) are all in middle school and then highschool and their issues of peer acceptance, boyfriends, and trust all seem like adolescent issues. But their issues can be applied throughout life. The girls friendship forms over Briana being snubbed by her so called best friend because her body type and school ethic is not what is popular. She overhears the snubbing, but finds that Miquelle, who she didn't know that well did stand up for her. Then Briana decides to make new friend will Jill who is new and the three form a pack. Boys come into play when the homecoming dance is coming and Briana has finally gotten a date. Justin is the boy the Jill has had a crush on though and she has kept it a secret from her friends. They resolve this issue or so it is thought, but when a kiss from Justin to Briana is misunderstood words are spoken that can't be taken back and hurt is inevitable. Can friendships be mended and forgiveness be granted. yes, as friends start acting like friends even when actions tell a different story. The race at the end and then rooming at BYU.

[Clarissa Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that Forever Friends is by far my favorite book I have yet to read! I couldn't put the book down once I picked it up. It taught me quite a few ways to look at life and was very inspirational. As Briana Walker has little confidence in her self her friend takes a huge toll in her life. When Briana over hears her talking in the girls bathroom about her, to her former called "friends". Heartbroken, distressed and friendless in her view, Briana is starting the worst day of her life in High school. Little did she know that she would end up being best friends with the two most gorgeous girls inside and out! As they travel through there High school years with drama, departure and their differences they all come together in the end as friends forever.

[Amanda Stephens · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a book about a thirteen year old girl who goes through some typical, hard teenager experiences. She is betrayed by her best friend, and decides to move onto other friends. But being chubby and freckled has it's downsides. The story follows her as she goes through the ups and downs of finding herself and striving to belong.

This is a wonderful book for girls who are struggling with friendships, or struggling to belong. They will be able to sympathize with the characters, and it may help them to feel better about themselves. I would recommend this book for young adults ages 12-15. There is not anything questionable in this book.

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a chick book. It sure took me back to school days and the friends and trials I had. It made me grateful for the true friends that have stuck with me through thick and thin. It made me appreciate my best friend who is still with me today. A book that leaves you with some great warm fuzzies!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read from an LDS author. I enjoyed reading this book. It helps me remember to be more forgiving, and that I definitely need to appreciate the friends I have that have been around with me a LONG time.

[Dianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

i have forever friends....two i stay in contact with whom know me for me. they know my goofs in the past and the laughter they brought even though at the time red faced was the ah oh situation....every woman, young woman should sit back in a comfy chair, warm blanket on your lap.

[Maggie]

Come join the girls in their friendship is put to the test through prejudices and misconceptions, a food fight, a car crash, missionary work, disastrous homecoming dates, crushes, first kisses, and everything else that comes with true friendship.

[Emmeli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and it kept me on my toes the whole time. The only part I didn't like about it was the end how for a while then weren't best friends but the conclusion made up for it. Even though I didn't like that, I'm still giving it a 5 star!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. Which surprised me because it is LDS fiction - don't usually enjoy those authors. It is definitely for YA - but I handed it off to my DD for her to read. Has great encouragement for trusting the Lord, prayer and being a good friend.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like this could have been the beginning of the series. I wish there was a continuation because it felt somewhat unfinished. I would have like to see what happened to these girls after high school.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful book! follow these three friends from middle school to collage as thy grow together a they learn hard life lessons!

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you remember being in 8th Grade you'll enjoy this book about true friends. And, yes, you do grow up and some things get better and some things are tough. Good book.

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book! It is about three girls who become friends, but through high school and crushes, they grow apart. They will find there way back to eachother.

[Karlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had be thinking back to my middle school years, and up. I thought it was a pretty good book about the importance friends, especially at that age in life.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun summer read. LDS teen girls should enjoy this one.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the style of this author; I was completely captivated and was able to relate to the main character. I didn't like the ending, it wasn't what I would have chosen, but overall I loved it!

[Shania trevino · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loveeee this book!!

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the books that Shannon Guymon has written. Ihope that she writes more soon.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book and thought it was fun to read. Reminded me of jr. high and those crazy days.

[Richelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

so cute!! I loved what I read!!!
I didnt get to finish it but I came close!!! :)

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good enough to read 2 times or more :)

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a cute book -

[Isabelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was really good and has nothing bad at all in it!

[Ellie Robison · Rating 2 out of 5]

I personally didn't like this book. There were so many mixed emotions throughout the whole book. Only two of the three friends seemed happy at one time. It was a little disapointing.

[Kaylynn Johnsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I was as articulate as the young people in this book. Good examples of what I should have been. But, I comfort myself with the thought that I am learning from the parents in book.

[Kale Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun book about High School kids so its a nice light read. It has some great messages in it that help teach youth and adults alike.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Need a copy? http://www.ebay.com/itm/261296618597?...

[Kiana Pulley · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a pretty good book. Here is my favorite quote:

"'I'm not perfect, no where near. And Heavenly Father doesn't expect me to be. He just wants me to try my best.'"

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

So glad I'm not in high school