What do you think?
Rate this book
Beaches II: I'll Be There
Follows the outrageous singer-actress Cee Cee Bloom as she attempts to cope with her stardom and being a mother to Bertie's little girl, Nina
254 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
72 people are currently reading
536 people want to read
About the author
Iris Rainer Dart
22 books62 followersIris Rainer Dart is the author of eight novels, including the much-beloved New York Times bestseller Beaches. The mother of two children, she lives in California with her husband.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 12, 2023
Iris Rainer Dart does a wonderful narration of her story. On a day I’m reflective of what happened in my hometown on Sept 11, 2001 … after 22 years this was the first I could watch names being read live. One of the readers is the doppelgänger of his uncle I went to school with.
This book vibes what comes following loss. Fitting for a day like this. Being reminded loss is Fn hard. People die tragically. Life is sad within a place not often visited.
What I like most about “I’ll Be There” is authenticity. Toward the end (doing my best not to mention spoilers) Nina and CeeCee are confronted with their unaddressed pain. This leads to a choice on both their parts.
For me, on a day like today, reading this book vibes I’m not alone. A message humanity needs from time to time.
If you’ve had loss of a loved one this book can be triggering. And, deeply healing, too.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🏆
This book vibes what comes following loss. Fitting for a day like this. Being reminded loss is Fn hard. People die tragically. Life is sad within a place not often visited.
What I like most about “I’ll Be There” is authenticity. Toward the end (doing my best not to mention spoilers) Nina and CeeCee are confronted with their unaddressed pain. This leads to a choice on both their parts.
For me, on a day like today, reading this book vibes I’m not alone. A message humanity needs from time to time.
If you’ve had loss of a loved one this book can be triggering. And, deeply healing, too.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🏆
July 18, 2018
I had really enjoyed Beaches and found that it had changed my opinion about the film. So I was looking forward to reading the sequel and following on with Cece’s life.
I have recommended the first book, but I would advise staying away from this book, unless you really, really loved the first book. It’s totally unnecessary and didn’t need to be written. It reads very much like a soap opera, but at times, the author came across like a low rent Jackie Collins.
Nothing HAPPENS. The author waffles on for pages, ignoring whole passages of time, and using the alternating past/present chapters formula that was used in the first book. I found it disappointing that we missed so much of Nina’s childhood, and she very quickly grows up throughout the book, and then into a teenager, where she quite promptly wreaks havoc in Cece’s life.
There were some characters who were mentioned, who you thought were going to be a huge part of the book, but were brushed to one side - Kevin is a prime example of that.
I thought there was going to be a more major twist towards the halfway point, with the reintroduction of Cece’s ex husband, but he was in and out of the story in no time. Blink and you will miss him!
Towards the end, I just wanted the book to end, and I found myself skimming it. I much prefer the first one, and although this one will be staying in my collection, it’s only because it’s not well-known.
Overall, read the first one. This barely scrapes 2.5 stars for me, but I felt generous.
I have recommended the first book, but I would advise staying away from this book, unless you really, really loved the first book. It’s totally unnecessary and didn’t need to be written. It reads very much like a soap opera, but at times, the author came across like a low rent Jackie Collins.
Nothing HAPPENS. The author waffles on for pages, ignoring whole passages of time, and using the alternating past/present chapters formula that was used in the first book. I found it disappointing that we missed so much of Nina’s childhood, and she very quickly grows up throughout the book, and then into a teenager, where she quite promptly wreaks havoc in Cece’s life.
There were some characters who were mentioned, who you thought were going to be a huge part of the book, but were brushed to one side - Kevin is a prime example of that.
I thought there was going to be a more major twist towards the halfway point, with the reintroduction of Cece’s ex husband, but he was in and out of the story in no time. Blink and you will miss him!
Towards the end, I just wanted the book to end, and I found myself skimming it. I much prefer the first one, and although this one will be staying in my collection, it’s only because it’s not well-known.
Overall, read the first one. This barely scrapes 2.5 stars for me, but I felt generous.
September 18, 2022
2 books I read awhile back, Beaches and it's sequel.
Read
September 1, 2008I was totally unaware of there being a sequel to Beaches. It wasn't a fantastic plot, but for those of you who love the movie Beaches as much as I do, I totally recommend continuing the story in this book.
October 9, 2021
It's remarkable how different it feels to read this as a parent as it did when I was younger than the teenager in the book! Watching Cee Cee and Nina become each other's found family is as amazing as it was the first time, and hearing their heartfelt confessions about how insecure they've always been about how much they love each other had me sobbing until my head hurt. It's not just a great view of parenting and adoptive relationships, it's also a snapshot of what it was like growing up in Generation X and wealthy (drug use, heavy drug use, was absolutely as common as it sounds like) and it's so good to have this book end on such a high note, after how much the first one shattered me this time around. (Next up: something much, much happier!)
March 20, 2022
I am writing this review with tears streaming down my face. I have loved the movie Beaches for many years and have seen it several times. This book, the sequel, was a fun read. Not that it’s all fun; my stomach is in knots over the pain of the last few chapters. I didn’t appreciate the multiple instances of taking the Lord’s name. That is never called for! But reading throughout, I pictured Bette Midler as Cee Cee Bloom, and I enjoyed thinking of her in this role. While this is not a book I will keep or read again, I am glad I read it and enjoyed it very much minus the language. I don’t think anyone should read this without having read the first book or at least seen the movie.
May 21, 2016
Profoundly, deeply, painfully predictable. It failed at any point to capture my interest or my desire to continue reading, but I continued anyway. So predictable was it, I knew exactly what would happen when Cee Cee was in the Cessna (airplane), and what the big "announcement" was, among other factors which I won't mention in order to avoid spoilers. Suffice it to say, if you're going to read this book, just imagine what you think 'might' happen, and it will, and just appreciate the ride with the Cee Cee Bloom you loved in the first book/movie, which is clearly the point of the book.
Much of what is presumably supposed to be funny or heart-wrenching is a total miss. I can appreciate that the character's found certain things "funny" or that they "laughed" at certain things, but I did not remotely share in their perspective or their experience (kind of the point to reading a novel). Many a time I found myself asking, "Why would they laugh at that?" I realize humour is very personal, but it just seemed as if the author was looking for creative ways to transition conversations and was "reaching", but fell flat. I also found what was supposed to be "touching" to be just typical, expected and simplistic.
The manner in which the story wanders back and forth to past and present is highly annoying, and it's a highly unimaginative delivery on the author's part, and a glaring oversight on the publisher's part; that and the distractingly absent and/or misplaced punctuation throughout - Was it even edited? A fresh delivery of the story would have made it feel as if I was reading a fresh approach to continuing story. It just felt like Beaches; earlier, later, earlier, later, later, earlier, earlier, later...where are we now??? It all feels as if the publishers just thought it might not be a "hit" and loosely checked the manuscript for spelling and grammar but nothing else. The pro is, the author's story remains pretty much original; the con is, the writing lacks lustre. Additionally, much of the dialogue feels more like filler than story-related; without suspense, without cliff-hangers, without any real reason to turn the page.
Normally I would have given this relatively boring book 1/5, but I gave it 2/5 because I think the idea is good, and sequels are never easy whether it's a film or book, and I love this author. I think people who did like it are just happy to have had more "Beaches", which was profoundly touching and left readers/viewers wanting more. Without the Beaches foundation, however, this book would unlikely have been recognized, much less purchased or as liked as it allegedly is, if for no other reason that it's predictable and, well, boring. I know I wouldn't have bought it.
Note to author: Unless it's a muscle car, nobody calls a rented car a "Chevy"; it's just a sedan.
Much of what is presumably supposed to be funny or heart-wrenching is a total miss. I can appreciate that the character's found certain things "funny" or that they "laughed" at certain things, but I did not remotely share in their perspective or their experience (kind of the point to reading a novel). Many a time I found myself asking, "Why would they laugh at that?" I realize humour is very personal, but it just seemed as if the author was looking for creative ways to transition conversations and was "reaching", but fell flat. I also found what was supposed to be "touching" to be just typical, expected and simplistic.
The manner in which the story wanders back and forth to past and present is highly annoying, and it's a highly unimaginative delivery on the author's part, and a glaring oversight on the publisher's part; that and the distractingly absent and/or misplaced punctuation throughout - Was it even edited? A fresh delivery of the story would have made it feel as if I was reading a fresh approach to continuing story. It just felt like Beaches; earlier, later, earlier, later, later, earlier, earlier, later...where are we now??? It all feels as if the publishers just thought it might not be a "hit" and loosely checked the manuscript for spelling and grammar but nothing else. The pro is, the author's story remains pretty much original; the con is, the writing lacks lustre. Additionally, much of the dialogue feels more like filler than story-related; without suspense, without cliff-hangers, without any real reason to turn the page.
Normally I would have given this relatively boring book 1/5, but I gave it 2/5 because I think the idea is good, and sequels are never easy whether it's a film or book, and I love this author. I think people who did like it are just happy to have had more "Beaches", which was profoundly touching and left readers/viewers wanting more. Without the Beaches foundation, however, this book would unlikely have been recognized, much less purchased or as liked as it allegedly is, if for no other reason that it's predictable and, well, boring. I know I wouldn't have bought it.
Note to author: Unless it's a muscle car, nobody calls a rented car a "Chevy"; it's just a sedan.
April 4, 2011
Because no film has been made out of the sequel to Beaches I found it more enjoyable. Not having been spoiled on any plot points, but still with mental pictures of the characters, I could easily imagine the action as a movie unfolding. However, I was frustrated with the focus on Cee Cee’s parenting of Nina, and how the book ran through seven
years showing us only snippets of their lives. More attention could have been paid to Nina’s thoughts and struggles than their search for a school or Cee Cee’s continued attempts to force Michael to acknowledge his daughter.
The writing style is dramatic and soap-opera-ish, and if you thought Beaches was written with screenplay in mind, I’ll Be There definitely is. Unfortunately, (or fortunately depending on your perspective and your personal feelings about Bette Midler) this is one movie that never got made.
years showing us only snippets of their lives. More attention could have been paid to Nina’s thoughts and struggles than their search for a school or Cee Cee’s continued attempts to force Michael to acknowledge his daughter.
The writing style is dramatic and soap-opera-ish, and if you thought Beaches was written with screenplay in mind, I’ll Be There definitely is. Unfortunately, (or fortunately depending on your perspective and your personal feelings about Bette Midler) this is one movie that never got made.
Read
September 30, 2016This book was clearly made to be turned into a movie. It’s got the girl power feel good story line of mother and adopted daughter. The characters are relatable and colorful. The ending becomes predictable and is as bit cheesey. Not a bad beach read, but a very cheesey ending.
August 4, 2009
The sequel to Beaches, which I liked a lot as a book and a movie. Worth reading if you like the movie. The daughter grows up to about 17 and has a bunch of her own challenges.
July 28, 2011
Great coming into life book of learning to redo life a new way. When things go wrong they teach you a new way. This author brought a new look into being famous. Great part two to Beaches.
August 21, 2012
Predictably weepy, seems like the author left the ending open for another book. But I enjoyed it, sitting out on the porch in the rain - light, escapist and a fun read.
April 17, 2013
I love it. I think it compares to the first. I wish they had made this one in to a movie.
January 11, 2016
"This was not exactly your run of the mill way to pass time, sitting in a car talking to a box of your dead best friend"
March 9, 2017
I admit i read it.
February 9, 2018
The sequel to 'Beaches.' I didn't know there was a sequel, so when I read 'Beaches', I figured I would read this one, too. Another quick, easy read from Iris Dart.
This novel follows Cee Cee Bloom after she adopts Bertie's daughter Nina. (In the movie the characters are Hillary Whitney and her daughter Victoria.) It covers about seven years in their lives. As you can imagine, life with Cee Cee has its ups and downs. Poor Nina has a difficult life, being raised by someone who is still in many ways a child herself. Yet under it all, they really do love each other, and somehow it all works out.
As I read this novel, I could see Bette Midler playing this role as written. 'Beaches' I was such a huge hit, I wondered why the sequel wasn't ever made. The book reads like a movie, so if you're a fan, check it out.
This novel follows Cee Cee Bloom after she adopts Bertie's daughter Nina. (In the movie the characters are Hillary Whitney and her daughter Victoria.) It covers about seven years in their lives. As you can imagine, life with Cee Cee has its ups and downs. Poor Nina has a difficult life, being raised by someone who is still in many ways a child herself. Yet under it all, they really do love each other, and somehow it all works out.
As I read this novel, I could see Bette Midler playing this role as written. 'Beaches' I was such a huge hit, I wondered why the sequel wasn't ever made. The book reads like a movie, so if you're a fan, check it out.
November 9, 2022
Did I love this book…. No, it was at times tedious and drawn out and it didn’t have the finesse of the first book, however that being said the character developments of Nina and CeeCee are great the complexity of a child dealing with the loss of a mother as they get older and the friend dealing with loss of their only true friend and trying to adjust to being a mother was well done but over all it’s 253 pages and it felt rushed but at times drawn out. Read it if you want but I don’t think it’s a must read in my opinion
April 29, 2019
This is a interesting page turner that happens to be the sequel to Beaches. This takes place after the death of Bertie. These are the trials of Cee Cee Bloom as she continues her ups and downs in her career and being a mother.
January 5, 2023
Enjoyable sequel to Beaches. Not quite the same ode to friendship as the first book, but still great dialogue and the Cee Cee Bloom character is laugh out loud funny and vulnerable, and those two things make this a fun read.
October 14, 2024
I liked this book. I liked that it was about Cee Cee and Nina after the death of Bertie. It was interesting how their life went on as Nina grew. There were quite a few sad parts in it. This book didn't have as many funny parts in it but it was still good to read.
July 15, 2020
Perfect
July 24, 2020
I love this book. It was a little slower than “Beaches,” but I enjoyed it very much!
April 7, 2021
This follow-up to "Beaches" was a good concept, and I'm glad I read it, but it could have been so much more.
July 24, 2021
Great Sequel!
Beaches fans will enjoy this book for sure! I read it in just a few sittings it was hard to put down.
Beaches fans will enjoy this book for sure! I read it in just a few sittings it was hard to put down.
March 9, 2009
At first, I loved the way she talked! Hilarious. But CC Bloom is such a high-maintanance character, it's exhasting just reading about her.
This book is so 80's- referring to people, dates & events of that time. I lost interest half way through the book but forced myself to finish it.
I bet if I had picked it up right after I read beaches in the 1980's- I would have loved it! But, now that 20 years have gone by, I'm over it.
This book is so 80's- referring to people, dates & events of that time. I lost interest half way through the book but forced myself to finish it.
I bet if I had picked it up right after I read beaches in the 1980's- I would have loved it! But, now that 20 years have gone by, I'm over it.
April 10, 2016
All I remember about "Beaches" is the song, "The Wind Beneath My Wings." So this book had to stand on it's on and that's hard for an abridged audio book to do. Nevertheless it had some good thoughts on commitment to career and motherhood and was a good accompaniment to working in the garden.
August 31, 2016
Sequel to Beaches. Not nearly as good as Beaches, but it was still good. I tend to read this one over & over, as well. I especially enjoyed reading it more recently, after having become a mother.
June 4, 2011
I really loved this sequel to Beaches. I always wondered what happened after Nina went to live with CeeCee and this is a great story.
July 24, 2011
Even better than Beaches.
July 21, 2015
I enjoyed it. Fun to read about Cee Cee's Hollywood personality and her life and also her quick funny wit. Real issues and challenges. Enjoyed the personal struggles.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews