Friends Forever

A Novel

By: Danielle Steel

Narrated by: Nick Podehl

Length: 8 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

Five children meet on the first day of kindergarten. In the years that follow, they become friends and more than friends. Together, they will find strength, meet challenges, face life’s adventures, endure loss, face stark realities, and open their hearts. In this moving novel, number one New York Times best-selling author Danielle Steel traces their unforgettable journey - full of tests and trials - as three boys and two girls discover the vital bonds that will last a lifetime.

Gabby, Billy, Izzie, Andy, and Sean - each bursting with their own personality, strikingly different looks and talents, in sports, science, and the arts. Each drawn by the magical spark of connection that happens to the young. At the exclusive Atwood School, on a bright September day, starting in kindergarten, they become an inseparable group known to outsiders as the Big Five. In this rarefied world, five families grow closer, and five children bloom beside one another, unaware of the storms gathering around them.

As they turn from grade-schoolers to teenagers, seemingly perfect lives are buffeted by unraveling families, unfortunate missteps, and losses and victories great and small. And, one by one, they turn back to the Big Five to regain their footing and their steady course. But as they emerge from Atwood and enter the college years, the way forward is neither safe nor clear. As their lives separate and diverge, the challenges and risks become greater, the losses sharper, and the right paths harder to choose, in a journey of friendship, survival, and love.

In what may be her most intricate and emotionally powerful novel yet, Danielle Steel tells a heart-wrenching, ultimately triumphant story that spans decades, weaves together a vivid cast of characters, and captures the challenges we face in life - sometimes, if we’re lucky, with a friend forever by our side.

©2012 Danielle Steel (P)2012 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Danielle Steel never lets you down....

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

yes - interesting story, a few zingers you do not anticipate - great ending.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Friends Forever?

Dealing with the death of Gabby.

Which scene was your favorite?

Opening chapter scene with the kids in the classroom

Painful and moving

I love Danielle Steel but this was a painful story as a mother of a young adult child to listen to. Heart filled story as she always presents and touches the soul deep down. Expect many tears during this listen.

A downer

Definitely not the type of book to read as a pick me up. Very sad story.

Meh.....

This was not my favorite Danielle Steele novel. I have read quite a few and found most of them moving. It's been a while since I read anything of hers and bought this during a 2/1 credit sale last year. I promptly forgot that I had it. Browsing through my library I found it again and decided to give it a shot.

This book thoroughly depressed me. I don't want to spoil anything, but, to me it felt like the entire book was just kind of phoned in. I'll probably give Danielle another shot but if she dis saplings ne again I am done.

sad

This was a good story. But was sad to have so many loses. With a happy ending.

Too relatable

Held my attention but also made me very sad and depressed. Need something more uplifting.

Very Good

I love Danielle Steele Book. Love reading them. I really loved listening. I can not wait. To listen to more.

Loved it..

The narrator did an awesome job portraying each character. The story itself was sad but was so good.

Good beginner

Average read somewhat short and uncomplicated but pleasant. Charecter development is good, nice sceen length.

Best Friends

If you could sum up Friends Forever in three words, what would they be?

lifelong bounded friendship

What did you like best about this story?

This story is about 5 people, who formed a strong friendship since Kindergarten. They face lave, hardships, victories and tragedies together, about survival of a friendship filled with ups and downs.
Different from stories I have read about "friends forever", usually about two girls...example Best Friend forever by Jennifer Weiner o Forever Friends (Beaches).

Have you listened to any of Nick Podehl’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I am not aware of it

If you could take any character from Friends Forever out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Maybe Izzie, interesting character

Any additional comments?

no