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Beaches by Iris Rainer Dart
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.
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.
Hardcover
First published June 1, 1985
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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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 303 reviews
November 28, 2010
Beaches was one of my all-time favorite movies as a teenager, so when I saw this book, I felt certain that it would be a great read. Boy, was I wrong. This is one of those rare books that it not only not as good as the movie, but it was much, much worse. I am actually not even sure how they made such a great film from such a pathetic read. The characters were not very likable at the beginning, and by the end, I was glad to see one of them die, just so it would end. The main character, Cee Cee is just plain trashy, but she somehow becomes the hero of the story. Her best friend Bertie is whiney and pathetic, and I found myself often wanting to slap her. The best thing you can do with this book is take it to a beach, and leave it there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2017
This is one of my favorite books. Ever!
For those who have not read, or watched the movie, the book is set between 1951 and 1983. It follows a relationship between two very different girls: Cee Cee Bloom, a loud mouth/potty mouthed red head who meets the acquaintance of a girl who is different in every way: Bertie. She comes from a rich family, speaks properly, with wonderful manners and very smart.
They met under a boardwalk on a beach in Atlantic City, after Bertie lost her mother and Aunt.
Cee Cee adapts her for a short while and brings her along to an audition for a play. As Cee Cee starts to sing Bernie is wowed as she 'never has heard anyone sing that good'.
After that they swap information and promise to write to one another. They then start to send letters which leads into their adulthood.
As maybe guessed they do meet each other again later in life in a bar in New York where Cee Cee adopts her again.
The book follows their life during relationships, marriage/breakups sex, love, death and carers, but mostly friendship; and the importance of friendships.
I think both characters balance each other out in the best way, they feed off each other, more so Bertie throughout the book, especially towards the end.
I would recommend this book to everyone. I think there is something real to this book which everyone can relate a part of their life to, no matter what age.
Also, a lot of people seem to hate Cee Cee's character for being nasty, and potty mouthed. However I kinda love that. I think the selfishness which she processes is very real, and it is just who she is, but she is also hard working, loving and very broken; this is where they both balance each other out.
For now, this continues to be my favorite book, and if you have not, watch the movie. I would personally say watch the movie first as it provided an even better vision when reading.
For those who have not read, or watched the movie, the book is set between 1951 and 1983. It follows a relationship between two very different girls: Cee Cee Bloom, a loud mouth/potty mouthed red head who meets the acquaintance of a girl who is different in every way: Bertie. She comes from a rich family, speaks properly, with wonderful manners and very smart.
They met under a boardwalk on a beach in Atlantic City, after Bertie lost her mother and Aunt.
Cee Cee adapts her for a short while and brings her along to an audition for a play. As Cee Cee starts to sing Bernie is wowed as she 'never has heard anyone sing that good'.
After that they swap information and promise to write to one another. They then start to send letters which leads into their adulthood.
As maybe guessed they do meet each other again later in life in a bar in New York where Cee Cee adopts her again.
The book follows their life during relationships, marriage/breakups sex, love, death and carers, but mostly friendship; and the importance of friendships.
I think both characters balance each other out in the best way, they feed off each other, more so Bertie throughout the book, especially towards the end.
I would recommend this book to everyone. I think there is something real to this book which everyone can relate a part of their life to, no matter what age.
Also, a lot of people seem to hate Cee Cee's character for being nasty, and potty mouthed. However I kinda love that. I think the selfishness which she processes is very real, and it is just who she is, but she is also hard working, loving and very broken; this is where they both balance each other out.
For now, this continues to be my favorite book, and if you have not, watch the movie. I would personally say watch the movie first as it provided an even better vision when reading.
March 22, 2010
Having seen the movie Beaches more times than I can count, I was looking forward to the book. I am therefore sorry to say that I didn’t like it that much.
The basic story stays the same: Cee Cee Bloom and Bertie White (Hillary in the movie) form an unlikely friendship when they are 10 and & 7 years old (respectively). Through many years and personal hardships they remain friends, until a tragic illness brings them together.
What didn’t I like about this book? Cee Cee Bloom is not a very nice person in this book, and I found it hard to really care for her. In the movie Bette Midler gives her a clear vulnerability that wasn’t apparent in the book. It also seemed to me that the author had Bette specifically in mind while writing the story, as if it were already a screenplay in her head. The character of Bertie was whiny and sad. I wanted more than once to say: Come on woman get on with your life!!, but it never seemed to happen. The clichéd fate of one of the male characters was kind of ‘been there done that’ and I expected more from the author.
Nevertheless, because of fond movie memories the book scored extra points, that’s why it gets a high 3***.
The basic story stays the same: Cee Cee Bloom and Bertie White (Hillary in the movie) form an unlikely friendship when they are 10 and & 7 years old (respectively). Through many years and personal hardships they remain friends, until a tragic illness brings them together.
What didn’t I like about this book? Cee Cee Bloom is not a very nice person in this book, and I found it hard to really care for her. In the movie Bette Midler gives her a clear vulnerability that wasn’t apparent in the book. It also seemed to me that the author had Bette specifically in mind while writing the story, as if it were already a screenplay in her head. The character of Bertie was whiny and sad. I wanted more than once to say: Come on woman get on with your life!!, but it never seemed to happen. The clichéd fate of one of the male characters was kind of ‘been there done that’ and I expected more from the author.
Nevertheless, because of fond movie memories the book scored extra points, that’s why it gets a high 3***.
January 31, 2016
A true testimony of friendship between two women who met as children. They were faced with much adversity some of which was brought on by themselves. Their love for each other is stronger than any curve balls life has to throw at them. I read this before the movie was released. I have always found books to be better than movies but I loved both. If you plan to read this book get a box of kleenx!
August 29, 2025
One of my favorite films of all time and this book is equally as good.
It's a cryer for sure.
Five stars.
It's a cryer for sure.
Five stars.
January 20, 2011
**Contains adult language and content**
(book I read from actually has a different bookcover image, but I couldn't find it, original '85 hardcover edition, and honestly I like this paperback cover better)
"1951. They meet as children under the boardwalk in Atlantic City. Cee Cee Bloom, with a Brillo pad of red hair, a knock-out voice and a sparkle that demands attention, is performing in a kiddie show. Bertie White is from a conventional family with traditional values, but she finds herself captivated by the glitter of Cee Cee's world. And Cee Cee in turn depends on Bertie's enthusiastic support and open-hearted affection. From that first special day on the beach, they enliven each other's existence. As pen pals, they confide to each other the growing excitement and frustration they experience in their awakening womanhood. And as they meet through the years, they strengthen the friendship that will last them the rest of their lives. Cee Cee soars to stardom in Hollywood and on Broadway, while Bertie settles into marriage to a successful attorney, who finds Bertie's relationship with the outrageous Cee Cee unsuitable. But neither of these women can relinquish her special tie--a bond forged in their youth and destined to endure the hidden jealousies, the glare of celebrity, the explosive misunderstandings, the tolls exacted by drugs and tragedy, the shock of divorce and death, the unsparing demands when a loved one is in need. And the tears and laughter of two friends who finally make their peace through a little girl's love." (original book's synopsis)
At the library a few days ago, this title (Beaches) came to me... thinking of the movie. I figured maybe it was inspired from a book so I checked the catalog and sure enough there's a book! I was excited because I love love love the movie! Bette Midler was great in it and her "Wind Beneath My Wings" song is just beautiful. I figured it would be a fun read. I was giddy at first, totally picturing the scene when Cee Cee and Bertie first met. I had forgotten the bold language Cee Cee had even at a young age. It called for it in her character though, but it progressively got too crass for my taste. Bette Midler's take on it was perfect though and often throughout the book I'd picture her sassy attitude and get a smile. Anyway, Bertie's character is a bit different in the book as well. Barbara Hershey, who played her in the movie, portrayed a demure and steady Bertie. In the book, Bertie was too passive and easily shaken (except in the end). Overall, I had high expectation coming into this book with having enjoyed the movie version under my belt. I wasn't completely disappointed because the book did have the crust of the storyline I enjoyed in the film version. I just happen to like the film's take on it much better... much more heartwarming.
Best friends are awesome! Through thick and thin Bertie and Cee Cee were there for each other. It took me back to days with a couple of my BFFs. In our case we (the Three Musketeers) met in 7th grade. We also had a falling out but fortunately we were able to resolve it and continue to be BFFs to this day. Such bond in friendship was what I enjoyed most in this story. Every girl needs a homegirl(s) by her side. There's nothing like having friends who will stand by you. Thankful that we don't have the same ending as Bertie and Cee Cee. ~Love you forever Peb and Glo!!
Book version: rating =3
Movie version: rating =5 (but I suppose I'm bias because again, I love love love the movie) :)
***Find this review and more at Jinky is Reading
(book I read from actually has a different bookcover image, but I couldn't find it, original '85 hardcover edition, and honestly I like this paperback cover better)
"1951. They meet as children under the boardwalk in Atlantic City. Cee Cee Bloom, with a Brillo pad of red hair, a knock-out voice and a sparkle that demands attention, is performing in a kiddie show. Bertie White is from a conventional family with traditional values, but she finds herself captivated by the glitter of Cee Cee's world. And Cee Cee in turn depends on Bertie's enthusiastic support and open-hearted affection. From that first special day on the beach, they enliven each other's existence. As pen pals, they confide to each other the growing excitement and frustration they experience in their awakening womanhood. And as they meet through the years, they strengthen the friendship that will last them the rest of their lives. Cee Cee soars to stardom in Hollywood and on Broadway, while Bertie settles into marriage to a successful attorney, who finds Bertie's relationship with the outrageous Cee Cee unsuitable. But neither of these women can relinquish her special tie--a bond forged in their youth and destined to endure the hidden jealousies, the glare of celebrity, the explosive misunderstandings, the tolls exacted by drugs and tragedy, the shock of divorce and death, the unsparing demands when a loved one is in need. And the tears and laughter of two friends who finally make their peace through a little girl's love." (original book's synopsis)
At the library a few days ago, this title (Beaches) came to me... thinking of the movie. I figured maybe it was inspired from a book so I checked the catalog and sure enough there's a book! I was excited because I love love love the movie! Bette Midler was great in it and her "Wind Beneath My Wings" song is just beautiful. I figured it would be a fun read. I was giddy at first, totally picturing the scene when Cee Cee and Bertie first met. I had forgotten the bold language Cee Cee had even at a young age. It called for it in her character though, but it progressively got too crass for my taste. Bette Midler's take on it was perfect though and often throughout the book I'd picture her sassy attitude and get a smile. Anyway, Bertie's character is a bit different in the book as well. Barbara Hershey, who played her in the movie, portrayed a demure and steady Bertie. In the book, Bertie was too passive and easily shaken (except in the end). Overall, I had high expectation coming into this book with having enjoyed the movie version under my belt. I wasn't completely disappointed because the book did have the crust of the storyline I enjoyed in the film version. I just happen to like the film's take on it much better... much more heartwarming.
Best friends are awesome! Through thick and thin Bertie and Cee Cee were there for each other. It took me back to days with a couple of my BFFs. In our case we (the Three Musketeers) met in 7th grade. We also had a falling out but fortunately we were able to resolve it and continue to be BFFs to this day. Such bond in friendship was what I enjoyed most in this story. Every girl needs a homegirl(s) by her side. There's nothing like having friends who will stand by you. Thankful that we don't have the same ending as Bertie and Cee Cee. ~Love you forever Peb and Glo!!
Book version: rating =3
Movie version: rating =5 (but I suppose I'm bias because again, I love love love the movie) :)
***Find this review and more at Jinky is Reading
April 5, 2011
Beaches is probably my all time favorite friendship movie. I was so looking forward to reading this book to learn more about the characters, but it was not good. I did not like the Bertie character at all. Way too week and the Cee Cee character was too filthy mouth. This book was more about sex and such strong language more so than the friendship that was the basis of the movie.
October 21, 2009
loved it as much as i love the film. beautiful story about a beautiful friendship and what you'd do for the friend you love most; that has become your family.
January 1, 2025
A true testimony of friendship between two women who met as children. I really enjoyed this book. It was a lot different than the movie. Still a good read.
September 12, 2023
Audible narrator is author Iris Rainer Dart. She does a wonderful job acting out the characters. Taking me back to the movie release. “It’s like turning on the television when she walks in the door” ~ Bertie’s view of CeeCee. Many laughable moments. Ride along with tears.
Tackled book one to prep for #2 recently learned about. In fact, didn’t know Beaches was a book until a few days ago, either. It’s flows like a short story requiring a few hours. Makes for a fun listen.
If you’re shopping for a wonderful story about best friends this could be the book for you. If you struggle with loss this might trigger deep feelings. Even so, will walk away feeling happier having read this classic.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💯
Tackled book one to prep for #2 recently learned about. In fact, didn’t know Beaches was a book until a few days ago, either. It’s flows like a short story requiring a few hours. Makes for a fun listen.
If you’re shopping for a wonderful story about best friends this could be the book for you. If you struggle with loss this might trigger deep feelings. Even so, will walk away feeling happier having read this classic.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💯
June 14, 2024
Any fans of the movie Beaches would enjoy this read, I just feel this is one book where the movie is a little better. It has been many years since I have seen the movie, and while there is always more detail in a book you can't dismiss the emotional aspect the movie was able to bring across to the viewer for the full experience of their life long friendship.
May 29, 2018
Long long time ago, in a faraway land, I was in the final year of my engineering course. Most of the batchmates were getting our passports made (in a bright eyed anticipation), for which we needed to travel to Chandigarh, where the nearest passport office was located. So, I and one of my best friends, did the same. In that pre-digital age, it sometimes could be a two-day job, and we needed to stay overnight there, which we did at the home of an aunt of hers. Later that night, we ended up watching a movie on the TV. It was about two girl friends, whose personalities, as well as family background, were as different as could be. A chance encounter on the beach as little girls marks the start of their life-long friendship, and they provide strength to each other through all the tribulations of life.
"I can fly higher than an eagle, for you are the wind beneath my wings"
It was a funny and heart-breaking story, and had a deep impact on me. More so, because I was at that stage of life, when friends are our lifelines, and we had the deep sadness of parting looming very close. Few years later, I could not remember the name of the movie, or the actors (the number of English movies I had seen till then were in single digit numbers, low single digit actually!) But, I could not forget the movie, or the song. Then, internet came by, and eventually the search engines and their databases improved a whole lot, and I managed to find not only the name of the movie and the lead actor (Beaches, Bette Midler), but also that it is based on a book!!
The dampener on my excitement was that I could not find a way of procuring that book – amazon and flipkart were a few years away, and popular bookstores were still as bad in terms of inventory. And when it did show up on the radar, it was extremely expensive, being imported and all. Then last year I found that I could also get used books online, with bookchor and amazon having a huge inventory to search from. So, I finally got a copy a few months ago for a very reasonable sum of 150 rs (and I think it is the original paperback edition).
I shared the discovery with the above mentioned friend (we are still very close friends), but though she remembered the visit, she didn’t remember much about the movie or the song. My heart just broke to pieces :,(
So, coming back to the book - I finally read the book over last two days, I just could not put it down. Even though I remembered most of the story, even though the main character was loud and sometimes vulgar, even though it had some predictable sequences, I just loved it. My eyes kept getting moist, shedding a tear or two here and there, whiles sometimes I silently chuckled. Such is the vivacity of Cee Cee Bloom, who brightens up anywhere she goes, who knows that she is amazing and doesn’t shy away from proclaiming it, who can be selfish and cowardly, but is also capable of giving endless, selfless love. And such is the sweetness of Bertie, who frustrates us with her goodness and incomprehensible helplessness, but makes us sympathize with her for the way she is conditioned to be so. And such is the story of a friendship that transcends all boundaries.
Although this can't be called an epistolary novel, the story is assisted by a number of letters exchanged by the two friends over the years (but not all of the letters they wrote). I loved the way their letters expressed their fears and excitement, and evolved as they grew older.
If you have had a friend who has been with you through good times and bad, or if you have seen the movie and loved it, I highly recommend the book. I recommend it anyway :D (even though my feeling about the book may be biased by what I remember of the movie from all those years ago :)
"I can fly higher than an eagle, for you are the wind beneath my wings"
It was a funny and heart-breaking story, and had a deep impact on me. More so, because I was at that stage of life, when friends are our lifelines, and we had the deep sadness of parting looming very close. Few years later, I could not remember the name of the movie, or the actors (the number of English movies I had seen till then were in single digit numbers, low single digit actually!) But, I could not forget the movie, or the song. Then, internet came by, and eventually the search engines and their databases improved a whole lot, and I managed to find not only the name of the movie and the lead actor (Beaches, Bette Midler), but also that it is based on a book!!
The dampener on my excitement was that I could not find a way of procuring that book – amazon and flipkart were a few years away, and popular bookstores were still as bad in terms of inventory. And when it did show up on the radar, it was extremely expensive, being imported and all. Then last year I found that I could also get used books online, with bookchor and amazon having a huge inventory to search from. So, I finally got a copy a few months ago for a very reasonable sum of 150 rs (and I think it is the original paperback edition).
I shared the discovery with the above mentioned friend (we are still very close friends), but though she remembered the visit, she didn’t remember much about the movie or the song. My heart just broke to pieces :,(
So, coming back to the book - I finally read the book over last two days, I just could not put it down. Even though I remembered most of the story, even though the main character was loud and sometimes vulgar, even though it had some predictable sequences, I just loved it. My eyes kept getting moist, shedding a tear or two here and there, whiles sometimes I silently chuckled. Such is the vivacity of Cee Cee Bloom, who brightens up anywhere she goes, who knows that she is amazing and doesn’t shy away from proclaiming it, who can be selfish and cowardly, but is also capable of giving endless, selfless love. And such is the sweetness of Bertie, who frustrates us with her goodness and incomprehensible helplessness, but makes us sympathize with her for the way she is conditioned to be so. And such is the story of a friendship that transcends all boundaries.
Although this can't be called an epistolary novel, the story is assisted by a number of letters exchanged by the two friends over the years (but not all of the letters they wrote). I loved the way their letters expressed their fears and excitement, and evolved as they grew older.
If you have had a friend who has been with you through good times and bad, or if you have seen the movie and loved it, I highly recommend the book. I recommend it anyway :D (even though my feeling about the book may be biased by what I remember of the movie from all those years ago :)
March 8, 2009
I really enjoyed this book. The relationship between the two women was real; it wasn't pretty, simple, or common. It was deep, complicated, and that made the book even better. There were parts which I felt extreme disappointment; but not because the book was bad or so-so, but because I wanted more for both women. This book really kept going and made me feel a lot for the characters, which I haven't had in awhile.
February 18, 2009
One of my all-time favorite chick flicks, I found the book to be heartwarming as well.
October 20, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book. Beaches is one of my favorite movies of all time and while the book did not have as much of an emotional punch as I remember the movie having, I’m glad I read it.
July 17, 2025
I chose Beaches for my summer buddy read with my best friend. It felt like the perfect choice since we had watched the movie together when we were kids. Reading the novel brought back a lot of memories, but it also offered so much more than I expected.
The book dives deeper into the friendship between Cee Cee and Bertie, showing their highs and lows with a lot more nuance than the movie. I found the characters more complex and their relationship more moving. Their flaws, loyalty, and personal growth all felt very real and relatable.
Overall, I really liked it. In many ways, it was better than the movie. If you enjoy stories about lifelong friendship, personal struggles, and emotional connections, this one is definitely worth picking up.
The book dives deeper into the friendship between Cee Cee and Bertie, showing their highs and lows with a lot more nuance than the movie. I found the characters more complex and their relationship more moving. Their flaws, loyalty, and personal growth all felt very real and relatable.
Overall, I really liked it. In many ways, it was better than the movie. If you enjoy stories about lifelong friendship, personal struggles, and emotional connections, this one is definitely worth picking up.
January 21, 2023
I saw the movie in the 80s with my best friend without realizing it was first a book. A quick, enjoyable read with a lot more profanity than I remember the movie having, but Bette Midler was absolutely perfect as Cee Cee. I found the movie far more emotional than the book. Part of it might be because I already knew how it was going to end, but not all. Now I have to go rewatch the movie.
did-not-finish
July 17, 2023Damn, do I ever have newfound respect for the people who made this into a movie because the movie was great (or at least it is in my memory of like 20 years ago) and this book is awful. Specific props to Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey for turning flat empty characters into people with substance and personality.
DNF'ing this because it's honestly too crappy for me to try to push through, especially since I know how it ends. The writing is terrible, just on a technical level, plus there's a whole lot of casual racism, homophobia, fatphobia, and probably more if I'd gotten past the 30% mark. The story spans decades, which works well in the movie, but here it was so choppy and unclear. We'd get these letters back and forth between Cee Cee and Bertie and sometimes others, and you'd suddenly realize that from one letter to the next, the story had jumped forward by a few years or so (it was never clear at all, the letters weren't dated but it would be like "I got married!" and you're like "Wut."). Dialogue was so forced and weird, no one seemed to exhibit actual human emotions the way humans experience them. I just was getting zero enjoyment from this, and since I knew where everything was going, I'm done.
I admit though, I do also have the sequel, Beaches II: I'll Be There from KU and I almost want to still try it. I'd read it probably 20 years or so ago and I remember liking it...but I was young and perhaps more easily pleased, I don't know. I can't imagine the author suddenly became a good writer between this book and the second, so...maybe not, LOL.
DNF'ing this because it's honestly too crappy for me to try to push through, especially since I know how it ends. The writing is terrible, just on a technical level, plus there's a whole lot of casual racism, homophobia, fatphobia, and probably more if I'd gotten past the 30% mark. The story spans decades, which works well in the movie, but here it was so choppy and unclear. We'd get these letters back and forth between Cee Cee and Bertie and sometimes others, and you'd suddenly realize that from one letter to the next, the story had jumped forward by a few years or so (it was never clear at all, the letters weren't dated but it would be like "I got married!" and you're like "Wut."). Dialogue was so forced and weird, no one seemed to exhibit actual human emotions the way humans experience them. I just was getting zero enjoyment from this, and since I knew where everything was going, I'm done.
I admit though, I do also have the sequel, Beaches II: I'll Be There from KU and I almost want to still try it. I'd read it probably 20 years or so ago and I remember liking it...but I was young and perhaps more easily pleased, I don't know. I can't imagine the author suddenly became a good writer between this book and the second, so...maybe not, LOL.
June 29, 2017
You are the wind beneath my wings..........Leigh Ann. Always remember Dirty Dancing, She's Out of Control, Can't Buy Me Love, Gone with the Wind, Titanic, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun and Romeo and Juliet while playing Marshall Fields. I credit myself with your introduction to Coach and Kate Spade purses, Clinique makeup and Victoria's Secret underwear. Your are welcome, Justin. Love you!
April 8, 2009
I really loved this book and can't wait to see the movie now. I had never even heard of either before but happened to pick the book up and now it is one of my favorites. It is a great story and I will definitely recommend it to many!
July 8, 2012
One of my favorite books of all time, along with the movie (Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey). It is also my best friend's favorite -- which is great, because the book is all about the power of a lifetime friend.
March 21, 2010
Read it way before the movie came out and loved it. The movie did the book justice, so if you've seen it but haven't read it give it a shot.
March 21, 2010
After seeing the movie WAY more times than I would like to admit - I had to read the book.
June 28, 2019
This was a fantastic read so much better than the movie but aren’t all books better than the movie !?
July 20, 2025
4.5 stars! Read as part of my yearly buddy read with my bestie. We watched this movie together back in high school. Fifteen years later, we are still best friends. This novel goes through the ups and downs of friendship throughout the decades. I actually liked the sporadic time jumps instead of a linear plot. I'd recommend this as a buddy read to any friends who have known each other for a long time.
"True friendship resists time, distance and silence".
"True friendship resists time, distance and silence".
July 25, 2021
A bit of a slow take off, but the flight is smooth and steady once you get into it.
It was such a light and easy read, until I started crying. Lol
It was such a light and easy read, until I started crying. Lol
August 24, 2024
I'm grateful this book exists, because without it the movie wouldn't. My review of the book can be summed up like so:
The movie is [so, so much] better.
The movie is [so, so much] better.
January 30, 2024
I read this decades ago and although I loved it, I preferred the movie and this is unusual for me. I never prefer the film version of a book. Something to do with the ending, I recall. But this Christmas while home in Ireland I picked up my old falling-apart copy of Beaches and reread it. I enjoyed it tremendously. Couldn't put it down, laughed out loud, almost shed tears and didn't want it to end. Although I wasn't completely in love with the ending I understood it better this time round and I liked it. Overall, a fabulous read. Both the book and the movie are tops for me.
July 15, 2018
I had no idea that there was a book of Beaches, and I hadn’t seen the film in years, to realise it was mentioned in the beginning credits. This popped up during a random google search for movie novelizations, even though, the film is based on this. The book was released in 1985, with the movie trotting along 3 years later. (There’s also a sequel, but more about that later.)
I found this an incredibly easy book to read and get into, but having re-watched the film, I realised how different the film is and I think I prefer the book. There’s so many changes from the book to the film - CeCe and Roberta becomes CeCe and Hillary, ovarian cancer becomes "Viral Cardiomyopathy", Nina becomes Victoria, Roberta’s mum dies, but in the film, she’s already dead and she’s being raised by her father, and loads of other little things.
One of the biggest changes I noticed was how many adult themes feature in the book, that were cut from the film - from losing their virginity, masturbation and sex, to drugs and adultery. A whole storyline, where “Bertie” thinks her best friend and her husband have slept together, turns into a screaming match in a posh shop, which results in them not speaking to each for a significant period of time.
The timeline of the book is also altered to fit the film, with a lot of Cece’s early life skimmed over, including how she met her husband, and either the same husband’s or a different husband’s predilection for young boys.
I felt that after reading this and watching the film, the film comes across VERY disjointed, almost like a bunch of jigsaw pieces slotted together incorrectly, with the right pieces missing.
The casting of Barbara Hershey and Bette Midler were spot on, according to their descriptions in the book, although the casting of Cece’s Mum, was off, I felt. There’s a lot of background about CeCe and her struggle to become famous, and I preferred the book version of this, rather than the film. I think the director cherry picked what he wanted from the book, and if I’d have been the author, I would have not have been very happy with him, as he’s taken away the heart of the book.
The book does have its faults though. There are a lot of minor spelling errors and incorrect spacing, which a proof reader should have caught. The alternating chapters between the present and the past, did work, but grew a bit annoying towards the end - which shouldn’t have happened.
There is, as I mentioned earlier, a book sequel, but no movie sequel. I plan on reading the book sequel next, to see what happens. I think the first book ending is slightly different to the film and the film was wrapped up a lot better. The book ending is quite rushed, considering the lead up you have to it. Clearly, Hollywood felt no need to do a sequel to the film (or remake it) - such a rarity these days.
I’m still undecided about my rating for this - I’m almost wishing for the ability to give half stars, as I don’t think it’s quite a three, but I also don’t think it’s good enough to be a four. I also think it’s changed my opinion of the film, having read the book afterwards, and I wish the director, Garry Marshall, had stayed more true to the source work. Well worth reading, if you loved the film, but prepare to have your opinions changed.
I found this an incredibly easy book to read and get into, but having re-watched the film, I realised how different the film is and I think I prefer the book. There’s so many changes from the book to the film - CeCe and Roberta becomes CeCe and Hillary, ovarian cancer becomes "Viral Cardiomyopathy", Nina becomes Victoria, Roberta’s mum dies, but in the film, she’s already dead and she’s being raised by her father, and loads of other little things.
One of the biggest changes I noticed was how many adult themes feature in the book, that were cut from the film - from losing their virginity, masturbation and sex, to drugs and adultery. A whole storyline, where “Bertie” thinks her best friend and her husband have slept together, turns into a screaming match in a posh shop, which results in them not speaking to each for a significant period of time.
The timeline of the book is also altered to fit the film, with a lot of Cece’s early life skimmed over, including how she met her husband, and either the same husband’s or a different husband’s predilection for young boys.
I felt that after reading this and watching the film, the film comes across VERY disjointed, almost like a bunch of jigsaw pieces slotted together incorrectly, with the right pieces missing.
The casting of Barbara Hershey and Bette Midler were spot on, according to their descriptions in the book, although the casting of Cece’s Mum, was off, I felt. There’s a lot of background about CeCe and her struggle to become famous, and I preferred the book version of this, rather than the film. I think the director cherry picked what he wanted from the book, and if I’d have been the author, I would have not have been very happy with him, as he’s taken away the heart of the book.
The book does have its faults though. There are a lot of minor spelling errors and incorrect spacing, which a proof reader should have caught. The alternating chapters between the present and the past, did work, but grew a bit annoying towards the end - which shouldn’t have happened.
There is, as I mentioned earlier, a book sequel, but no movie sequel. I plan on reading the book sequel next, to see what happens. I think the first book ending is slightly different to the film and the film was wrapped up a lot better. The book ending is quite rushed, considering the lead up you have to it. Clearly, Hollywood felt no need to do a sequel to the film (or remake it) - such a rarity these days.
I’m still undecided about my rating for this - I’m almost wishing for the ability to give half stars, as I don’t think it’s quite a three, but I also don’t think it’s good enough to be a four. I also think it’s changed my opinion of the film, having read the book afterwards, and I wish the director, Garry Marshall, had stayed more true to the source work. Well worth reading, if you loved the film, but prepare to have your opinions changed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2017
Sometimes the movie is better. This is the case with Beaches.
The basics are all here in the book: the two friends meeting on the Boardwalk, the pen pal relationship, the adult turmoil. Cee Cee is a foul-mouthed singer who manages to make it big. Bertie (Hillary in the film) is...well, I don't know what she is. She doesn't seem to have any direction in this book, other than being Michael's wife. And that is the big problem with the book, because the characters don't really feel like emotional characters. They have flaws, but you don't care.
The climax of the movie happens on the very last page of the book, and is over in one sentence. There is no emotion there, either.
I will be forever grateful that we have this book because someone was able to turn it into the beloved movie. I respect the screenwriter even more having seen the source material. If you love the movie, there's really no need to bother with this one.
The basics are all here in the book: the two friends meeting on the Boardwalk, the pen pal relationship, the adult turmoil. Cee Cee is a foul-mouthed singer who manages to make it big. Bertie (Hillary in the film) is...well, I don't know what she is. She doesn't seem to have any direction in this book, other than being Michael's wife. And that is the big problem with the book, because the characters don't really feel like emotional characters. They have flaws, but you don't care.
The climax of the movie happens on the very last page of the book, and is over in one sentence. There is no emotion there, either.
I will be forever grateful that we have this book because someone was able to turn it into the beloved movie. I respect the screenwriter even more having seen the source material. If you love the movie, there's really no need to bother with this one.
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