Beaches

Book excerpt: The New York Times–bestselling novel of two women and their enduring friendship—the basis for the classic film starring Bette Midler. Loudmouthed, redheaded Cee Cee Bloom has her sights set on Hollywood. Bertie White, quiet and conservative, dreams of getting married and having children. In 1951, their childhood worlds collide in Atlantic City. Keeping in touch as pen pals, they reunite over the years . . . always near the ocean. Powerful and moving, this novel follows Cee Cee and Bertie’s extraordinary friendship over the course of thirty years as they transform from adolescents into adults. As they take divergent paths in life, they experience marriage and motherhood, triumph and heartbreak, and a beautiful friendship that stands the test of time. A bestselling novel that became a hugely successful film, Beaches is funny, heartbreaking, and a tale that should be a part of every woman’s library.