[Subdue] Rules for Visiting by Jessica Francis Kane - 4 stars

[Jen K]

A lovely book about friendship and self reflection. May is 40 when she is unexpectedly given a bonus of a month leave from her job on the landscape team for the local university. She decides to visit four friends from various stages of her life to reconnect but also to reflect on herself as a friend. May's mother died a homebound recluse and she shares some fear of going down that path. Her friend visits are partially a life line for her own social life.

May is definitely quirky, considering trees better company than people. She is definitely out of her comfort zone when she visits her friends, jumping into unexpected situations that she has not quite kept up with because Facebook isn't exactly real life. I really enjoyed May's perspective and her willingness to push herself forward while reflecting on the past. I would love to do a similar trip. #fortnightfriends

[NancyJ]

This sounds good. The friendship tag (and a picture I found) has me reminiscing about friends I had when I was young, and others I haven’t seen since before Covid.

[Cora]

I was considering reading this one for this month's tag. Maybe I can still fit it in.

[Jen K]

It was a fairly quick read, lovely and perfect for the tag. I totally started to think about friends that I haven't seen in ages that need a visit.

[Holly R W]

Jen, I enjoyed your review and reliving the experience of reading the book. It is perfect for the friendship tag.

For those who might want to read it, the author also includes some lovely drawings of trees.

[Peacejanz]

I loved this book, too. And seriously thought about doing the visiting but I am old, creaky - bones and joints - so I decided not to do it but I have promised myself that I will telephone or write those old friends who mean so much to me. The number lessens each year so I need to do my part to let them know I care for them. Thanks for the review. peace,janz

[Jen K]

Holly R W wrote: "Jen, I enjoyed your review and reliving the experience of reading the book. It is perfect for the friendship tag.

For those who might want to read it, the author also includes some lovely drawings..."

Thanks Holly! I also enjoyed learning about the different types of trees.

[Jen K]

Peacejanz wrote: "I loved this book, too. And seriously thought about doing the visiting but I am old, creaky - bones and joints - so I decided not to do it but I have promised myself that I will telephone or write ..."

It is a good reminder to reach out to friends!