Best Friends is one of the most unique and beautiful books I have ever read courtesy of the exceptional author, Yvette Nachmias-Baeu. Best Friends is a book that is hard to describe because it is part memoir, part autobiography, and part history thanks to the many real-life historical events that are explored throughout the book.
Best Friends is a book I was desperate to read ever since discovering it because the plot alludes to a poignant journey of friendship and mental illness. Throughout the book, she will share letters which tell the story of her and her friend Beth’s lives. The letters exchanged between the two were written over twenty-seven years and will take the reader on an expansive journey from San Francisco to New York, and beyond, throughout many decades. Together the two had many adventures and were involved in the art and political scene in the sixties, which introduced them to many stars including Dustin Hoffman and Bob Dylan.
The reader is taken on a profoundly moving trip, especially because so much of it is shared through letters which are in themselves personal and poignant, making the book even more moving. If you are a reader who loves to be taken on poignant journeys and learn of key historical events through the eyes of people who were there, then Best Friends is for you and should not be missed!
Yvette Nachmias-Baeu’s story is an exceptional one that will speak volumes to many readers, especially to those that lived in the same era, experiencing the same events or those that have been touched by Schizophrenia. The story, at times, is incredibly profound, is still an inspiring one because the women the reader is introduced to are phenomenal and will inspire readers for a long time. Yvette, as well as Beth, are truly wonderful women, not only for their incredible writing but also for Yvette's reasons for sharing her story.
Best Friends is an informative, well-written memoir with words that flow beautifully throughout, so I have no choice but to award this stunning book a brilliant five stars. Best Friends will make the perfect read for you, so do not miss this book!
ANN AIMME ,United Kingdom
I did not want this book to ever end. It chronicles the adventures of two wonderfully articulate and funny young women, told in a series of letters written to each other over three decades starting with the tumultuous sixties.
A falling out, a mental breakdown, many loves and occupations that span New York to San Francisco to London and Dublin and beyond, keep the reader completely engaged, and at the same time allowed me to reflect on one's own experiences with life and history.
The letters are marvelous-- evocative, resonant, time travel back to not only Those Days but to "the way we were " --both bold and fragile but NEVER inarticulate.
This book is for anyone who has a passion for living an authentic life. A funny, touching and ultimately tragic chronicle of two very bright and talented women and their lives in the heart of the 60's theater, art scene and into maturity. The letters reveal the beautiful, high energy experimentation of youth and the search for meaning in maturity. It's the journey we're all taking. She has honored the memory of her incredibly smart and talented friend. The last chapter is incredibly powerful in its honesty and clarity. She always makes me weep with recognition and empathy. Yvette Nachimias-Baeu sets a great example of honesty and grace.
