I'll Be There (But I'll Be Wearing Sweatpants) - by Amy Weatherly & Jess Johnston (Paperback)

Thanks to NetGalley & Nelson Books for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own. I didn’t like this book as much as I thought I would. The information on how to be a good friend was helpful, but the writing style felt forced. It seemed like the authors (who are bloggers and close friends who alternated writing the chapters) were trying too hard to be witty and humorous. I didn’t know them before reading this book, and they sounded so similar I couldn’t tell which one was writing which chapter. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, and maybe proved that at least they were “on the same page.” Oops, that was a bad pun! So the premise of the book is how to find “unfiltered, real-life friendships in this crazy, chaotic world.” Although much of the advice was helpful, most of it was not new to me, and it was written as if it was a standup comedy routine, to be delivered in between laughs from the readers. Some readers might enjoy the light tone, but I found it tiresome. One thing I learned from the book was to appreciate the good friends I have. I realized I am fortunate to have close friends like the ones described, and I now have some helpful suggestions of how to continue to maintain these friendships. Some of the topics covered included “How to Know When Your Friend is Ghosting You,” “When You Wonder Why No One Likes You,” “When You Really Need A Friend,” and “Ten Qualities in A Really Good Friend.” Reading the book reminded me of past friendships, and especially one friend that has ghosted me. I hadn’t realized that was a good way to describe where we are now, after 25 years. I’m guessing these women are Christians since they refer to Jesus and church every so often, and Thomas Nelson is a Christian publisher. But I would have preferred more discussion about their authentic faith. I was amused that other reviewers didn’t like the faith references. You can’t please everyone. And I really think there are people who will read this book and get more out of it than I did.

Just started reading and already in love!

I Have Been Needing This Book My Entire Life. It Explains So Much About What Women Really Beed In Friendships And Why It Is So Hard As Grownups. It Touched My Soul.

Loved It!! This book is fabulous. They perfectly capture the feelings that so many women have navigating the minefields that are American friendships. If you've ever struggled making friends, and always felt like the odd man out, then this is for you. If you are slightly scarred from dealing with the mean girls even a lifetime ago, then this is for you. It is real, it is raw and this book should have been written a long time ago.