Best Friends Forever

By: Jennifer Weiner

Narrated by: James Colby, Nicole Poole

Addie Downs and Valerie Adler will be best friends forever. That’s what Addie believes after Valerie moves across the street when they’re both nine years old. But in the wake of betrayal during their teenage years, Val is swept into the popular crowd, while mousy, sullen Addie becomes her school’s scapegoat.

Flash-forward 15 years. Valerie Adler has found a measure of fame and fortune working as the weathergirl at the local TV station. Addie Downs lives alone in her parents’ house in their small hometown of Pleasant Ridge, Illinois, caring for a troubled brother and trying to meet Prince Charming on the Internet. She’s just returned from Bad Date #6 when she opens her door to find her long-gone best friend standing there, a terrified look on her face and blood on the sleeve of her coat. "Something horrible has happened," Val tells Addie, "and you’re the only one who can help."

Best Friends Forever is a grand, hilarious, edge-of-your-seat adventure; a story about betrayal and loyalty, family history and small-town secrets. It’s about living through tragedy, finding love where you least expect it, and the ties that keep best friends together.

©2008 Jennifer Weiner (P)2011 Simon & Schuster Audio

Critic reviews

"Jennifer Weiner's latest novel, Best Friends Forever, is not leaving the special shelf where it's already wedged in with other books I reread every so often because they just make me happy." ( The Philadelphia Inquirer)

"In Addie, Weiner has created a steely, sympathetic narrator who is vulnerable but not pathetic, unwilling to settle for disappointment despite the bad hand that most of her 33 years have dealt. The novel is a welcome addition to the author's collection of tales about strong, clever women who carve their own niche in this world - much like Weiner." ( The Miami Herald)

Addie Downs - the Everygirl at the center of Jennifer Weiner's latest novel - just could turn out to be one of our favorite heroines of the summer.... Another superlative novel by Weiner, about a big girl with a bigger heart, that will have women and men of all sizes cheering." ( USA Today)

A good read

The story started off a little slow, but it all came together and had a good finish. I like JW and will continue to buy her books.

Loved this book

Excellent storyline, character development, narration. Highly recommended! I was totally addicted to " reading " this book!

Pretty Good Beach Read

This is definitely a beach read type book. Not a ton happens in it and it’s mostly interesting and entertaining. The only weird part is the chief of police. (Spoiler alert) I feel like in reality his boss NEVER would have let him pursue this case for more than a day. There is no victim, no evidence of a crime, no eyewitness nothing. Just a belt in a parking lot. Most police stations wouldn’t have done more than write up a report never mind questioning a whole town and pursuing a suspect to Florida. It’s just too unrealistic and it kept bothering me haha. Other than that loose plot point I liked it ok.

Best Friends Forever is a heartfelt, witty, and captivating exploration of friendship, resilience, and self-discovery.

Jennifer Weiner has crafted an unforgettable story about Addie Downs and her estranged best friend, Valerie Adler, who reconnect under the most unexpected and dramatic circumstances. From the very first page, the book pulls you into a whirlwind of emotions, blending humor, suspense, and touching moments in perfect harmony.

Weiner’s ability to create relatable, complex characters shines through, especially in Addie, whose journey of reclaiming her confidence and self-worth is deeply inspiring. Valerie’s vibrant personality adds a dynamic contrast, making their rekindled bond feel authentic and layered. The storyline is both unpredictable and engaging, with plenty of twists that kept me hooked until the last page.

This novel is more than just a tale of friendship—it’s a testament to the enduring power of forgiveness, healing, and embracing who you truly are. Jennifer Weiner’s signature blend of warmth and wit makes Best Friends Forever an absolute must-read for anyone who values stories about the connections that shape our lives. Highly recommend

Best Friends

This book really took me back at times. I personally do not like books that flip time lines often, as for me they are difficult to follow. This book does flip timelines frequently. I do agree the back story is important, I just don't know if there is a way to give it without flipping so much. However, the story is great and the author did great with the characters. You do see some things coming, and a few surprises. Overall I give 4 1\2 stars.

Disappointed

Any additional comments?

I was kinda disappointed in this book. I love Jennifer Weiner but this one was not nearly as good as some of her other books. There were some pretty funny momments but over all it missed the mark.

Loved it!

Wish there was a sequel! Can’t wait to read another book by Jennifer Weiner asap

It was very interesting and insightful

It brought me to see how my life was similar to this type of story. There were parts in this story that made me overcome certain incidents that heppened to me.

Not up to her usual standards

I usually love Weiner's books but this was was not up to her usual quality. Can you spell OBVIOUS PLOT? I could see things coming 5 minutes away. And the stupidest plot elements! Not to give anything away but ... bank robbery? A lump that's not?? Skip this one unless you're desperate.

very enjoyable

It was good and fun chic lit. Very good at describing her characters. I enjoy all of Jennifer Weiner's books.