by Beth Goehring

I had the chance to attend Cheryl Benton’s book party launch in New York City for her novel, Can You See Us Now? on February 22.  There was a very special moment at the end, which is captured in this video, where everyone sang, “That’s What Friends Are For.”

Cheryl is a chick magnet. She draws women to her because of her laugh, her welcoming smile, and her positive energy.  Her ability to be totally present for each of her beloved Tomatoes, whether it’s face to face or on-line, is magical. Until some pal writes the memoir about her devotion to Cheryl’s special gifts, take some time to savor these three moving and memorable real-life stories of female friendship.

Gail Caldwell is the surviving member of the “pack of two” she formed with bestselling author Caroline Knapp (Drinking, A Love Story) who succumbed to cancer in 2002. Whatever they did together, from walking their dogs to staying sober, they did with an eye to the other’s welfare first and by sharing their deepest selves in quiet conversation and rowdy adventures. Get the book.

Amy Silverstein’s donor heart faltered after 26 years. How did she survive to write this tale of the struggle to receive a second transplant? With the support of nine women friends from every stage of her life. Despite commitments of their own and having to build this amazing support system for Amy and each other under siege, they were at her side 24/7 for months. You will never look at a telephone tree the same way again. Get the book.

Ann Patchett can write fiction and non-fiction like nobody’s business. In this memoir, she explores her long, complicated friendship with Lucy Grealy, a fellow author whose lifelong surgical scars were at the heart of her own critically acclaimed memoir Autobiography of a Face. Intense and thought-provoking, this is worth reading with a close friend. Be prepared from some passionate discussions. Get the book.

Beth Goehring believes, with apologies to Lorelei Lee, that rather than diamonds books are a girl’s best friend…and a boy’s, a man’s and a woman’s. For more than twenty-five years, through Book-of-the-Month Club and its related clubs, she’s sold popular fiction, mysteries, romances, cookbooks, children’s books, play scripts, behind-the-scenes tales of the movies and theatre, and lifestyle books. She lives with her husband in Manhattan.