On The Same Page discussion

Please join us for reading Beaches. You might remember the 1988 movie starring Bette Midler. My bestie and I watched that movie in the theatre at least ten times (our friend was the theatre manager) and we felt like it was our story. The house where it was filmed is on a beach where I like to visit. Later, I came to find out it was based upon a book written by Iris Rainer Dart, who was a writer for the Sonny and Cher show back in the day, and I read somewhere that it might be loosely based on Cher. Another friend of mine bought me the book some years ago, now is the time to read it. I hope I don't expect too much out of the book. Here's the GR synopsis, for those who are on the fence.

Loudmouthed, redheaded Cee Cee Bloom has her sights set on Hollywood. Bertie White, quiet and conservative, dreams of getting married and having children. In 1951, their childhood worlds collide in Atlantic City. Keeping in touch as pen pals, they reunite over the years ... always near the ocean.

Powerful and moving, this novel follows Cee Cee and Bertie's extraordinary friendship over the course of thirty years as they transform from adolescents into adults. A bestselling novel that became a hugely successful film, Beaches is funny, heartbreaking, and a tale that should be a part of every woman's library.

Great movie, good book. It's been a long time since I read it, though; so, I may need to reread. Enjoy!

I'm going to try and fit this one in. And, if anyone is interested, the ebook is 1.99 this month.

Alondra wrote: "Great movie, good book. It's been a long time since I read it, though; so, I may need to reread. Enjoy!"

I'm glad you enjoyed the book. I loved the movie, and am looking forward to seeing if the book holds up!

Patricia wrote: "I'm going to try and fit this one in. And, if anyone is interested, the ebook is 1.99 this month."

Thanks, Patricia! I'm so glad that you will join us! Hopefully, we will all like this one. I'm in the first chapter, so I don't have any opinions yet. :-)

Did I ever tell you you're my herooooooooooooooooooo

I'm diving in! Interesting that they changed Berties name to be Hillary Whitney in the movie. Maybe because it's more WASP-y to show the differences between the two friends?

You're everything, everything, I wish I could be..."

I love your interpretation of why they changed Bertie's name. I thought it was it was too close to Bette and Bette was playing Cee Cee, but I think making it more WASP-y was another reason.

I'm so glad they changed John's character from the book because OMG eww eww eww creeper!!

Alissa wrote: "I'm so glad they changed John's character from the book because OMG eww eww eww creeper!!"

Yes! I just finished the part about the trip to Hawaii and I think Michael is revolting also. I remember disliking him in the movie, but I loathe his character in the book.

What do you think about CeeCee and Bertie's relationship? They are SO different, so why does it work?

Alissa wrote: "What do you think about CeeCee and Bertie's relationship? They are SO different, so why does it work?"

This is a key question to the book. While they don't have much in common on the surface, each is seeking to find someone who will love who they really are. They didn't find it in the men they married. Also, each had to play a role to some extent in their families - trying to be what their Mom wants them to be. In their letters, they can be their true selves, and this bond transcends their differences, their petty jealousies and the awful things they do and say to each other. I love that Dart makes these women (and men) real in the book. They aren't perfect. There are no Mary Sue's here. It's painful to watch, yet beautiful to see how each woman is more for having the other in their life. I think this book is such a beautiful ode to true friendship, and I just want to hug all the women in my life who have made me what I am today.

I finished and I loved it. I can see why others do not, but I thought it was great.

I wasn't too sure I would like this after the first couple of chapters, but I have now gotten into it and am quite enjoying it! I'll have to look for the movie when I finish.

Patricia wrote: "I wasn't too sure I would like this after the first couple of chapters, but I have now gotten into it and am quite enjoying it! I'll have to look for the movie when I finish."

I want to watch the movie again now that I've read the book. There are some things that I know are different and some things that I can't remember whether they are different or not.

Just finished & I enjoy reading about these 2 women and their friendship. Would be a great one for the beach, though reading in my backyard worked well too! 4 stars

I meant to ask: has anyone read any other books by this author? I feel like I've heard her name but don't recall reading any.

Patricia wrote: "Just finished & I enjoy reading about these 2 women and their friendship. Would be a great one for the beach, though reading in my backyard worked well too! 4 stars"

I am so glad you enjoyed it too, Patricia, and I totally agree, this would have been a great book to take to the beach. I could have even read it next to the house they used to film the movie, as that is on a beach that is local to me.

Patricia wrote: "I meant to ask: has anyone read any other books by this author? I feel like I've heard her name but don't recall reading any."

No, I haven't read anything else by this author. I understand she used to be the writer for the The Sonny and Cher Show. I understand she even wrote a sequel to Beaches called I'll Be There, but I cannot find it at the library. I might have to buy a copy, I was waiting to see how I liked this one. :-)

The author has written at least 8 books.