The Best of Us

By: Sarah Pekkanen

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Length: 11 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's Summary

Paradise isn't quite what it seems as four college friends meet for an island vacation in this captivating new novel from the acclaimed author of These Girls.

Following a once-in-a-lifetime invitation, a group of old college friends leap at the chance to bring their husbands for a week's vacation at a private villa in Jamaica to celebrate a former classmates' 35th birthday.

All four women are desperate for a break and this seems like a perfect opportunity. Tina is drowning under the demands of mothering four young children. Allie needs to escape from the shattering news about an illness that runs in her family. Savannah is carrying the secret of her husband's infidelity. And, finally, there's Pauline, who spares no expense to throw her husband an unforgettable birthday celebration, hoping it will gloss over the cracks that have already formed in their new marriage.

The week begins idyllically, filled with languorous days and late nights of drinking and laughter. But as a hurricane approaches the island, turmoil builds, forcing each woman to re-evaluate everything she's known about the others - and herself.

©2013 Sarah Pekkanen (P)2013 Simon & Schuster Audio

painful to listen to

The narrator was fine. What bugged me the most was the annoying things the characters said, so stereotypical, ("I'll take a sex on the beach and maybe a drink too " as she looked at him and winked. ) The most annoying scene was in the hurricane when the one main character went out on the deck to hide a picture, so unrealistic and cheesy. I can't even go into detail bc I had to immediately read another book to get this one out of my head. .

bottom line. If you like rolling your eyes every time a character says something so dumb and fake or if you like failed romance novels, this is for you.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Love this!

This is my second book from this author. Absolutely loved it! I loved the characters, the story, the depth of the characters personalities. I want there to be a sequel , I have thought about these people all day today!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

slow torture

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

I Cannot Think Of Anyone Who Would. Graduates Of The University Of Virginia Will Be Especially Unhappy, As There Are Numerous Errors When The Characters Refer To The University.

What could Sarah Pekkanen have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

The Story Was Far Too Slow, Nothing Happens That Doesn't Take So Long To Come About That It's Obvious When It Finally Does Occur.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Narration Was A Monotone.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The Best of Us?

I'd Have Scrapped The Entire Thing.

Any additional comments?

I Feel Ripped Off.

5 of 8 people found this review helpful

well done

I'd been reading suspense novels, and thought that this would be similar. Not what i expected at all, but what a pleasant surprise. I loved the characters with all their human flaws and imperfect edges.

Ok story line, not my favorite from this author

I had to speed up the pace bevause the narrator was very hard to listen to. The story line wasn't the best I kept waiting for more of a climax in the story.

Wonderful

I thought the book was great! There was a few "really" moments when Savannah spoke where I rolled my eyes but besides that I thought book was great. The author did a really good job of describing the characters so I could visualize them in my head. I really enjoyed!

Fantastic

I couldn't put this down and hated that the book was over. I loved it.

Intriguing Tale of Friendship & Desire

Where does The Best of Us rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

In the Middle

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the store of love and forgiveness matched with mischief

What three words best describe Cassandra Campbell’s voice?

Not too bad

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I was moved by most of the book, I related alot to the characters and their struggles

Any additional comments?

I could not stand when the author was telling a story from the past - she over used the phrase, "She had Said". Every story of the past used "she had said" to describe anyone saying anything. It got extremely annoying and made me believe there was a lack of editing for author.

1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Pleasant Chick Lit

The narrator was perfect for the story. Pleasant story to listen to, good chick lit. Not wholly realistic, as most chick lit, but very realistic in how the girls interact with each other. I'm a fan of chick lit so I enjoyed it for what it was, just a pleasant story. Some conflict, some growing up, some getting to know yourself. Alittle predictable but still a pleasant story. If you like chick lit, you'll probably enjoy it!

1 of 5 people found this review helpful

Loved it! Love The Narration

Cassandra Campbell is my favorite. The story kept me listening. I went through it in 3 days. I will have to look at the other books by this author.

1 of 5 people found this review helpful