For many people, life-long friendships transcend some of life’s most profound experiences. This is true of Vaughn, Reenie, Su and Audrey. Four decades of good and bad times have created a bond none of them imagined possible when they were kids.

Nicknamed the “Girls Most Likely,” they became a close-knit group legendary among their peers—the kind of friendship that exists in every school, where classmates cannot imagine one girl in a room without the others.

Vaughn is the Girl Most Likely to publish an unforgettable novel. Reenie is the Girl Most Likely to marry a prince. Su is the Girl Most Likely to be famous. Audrey is the Girl Most Likely to rule the world.

The history of this friendship is told through the eyes of each woman, from their perspective as fifty-somethings today. Rather than alternating sections, as is increasingly common in this type of fiction, each woman tells her view of the story in one section. It begins with Vaughn’s memories of how the friendship began. Reenie continues the story, relating the effects of betrayal and loneliness. Su continues with the meaning of adulthood and moving on. Audrey has her say as the group moves into the twenty-first century. Finally, and as the writer she is, Vaughn will finish out the story.

The writing in this novel is moving, insightful, and often hilarious. While it is ultimately about the importance and significance of lifelong relationships, it also addresses very real issues—issues that MUST be addressed in the course of a person’s life if they intend to truly live it. Race, loyalty, faith, love, health, family, and more are lovingly woven into an extraordinary look at a seemingly ordinary phenomenon.

Friendship on this level is a sacred thing, as it should be. Sheila Williams has captured its essence in a novel that will embrace the reader with its depth of spirit. This is a “must read” for anyone who can appreciate the power of friendship.

Reviewed by Christina Wantz Fixemer
7/28/2006

(** A very unprofessional, but enthusiastic, shout-out to my closest friends: my “Girl Most Likely,” Jenn from NHS, class of 1995; Katie & Sarah and Barb & Lori from SMWC, class of 1999; Makiko & Wakako, and Amy, Cheryl, Maria & Heather, SMWC, class of 1998! **)

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