Rating: 
Summary: An inspirational novel for and about Southern women
Review: An interesting story set during a critical time in the evolution of the modern Southern woman. The characters reflect how the female role has changed from the 50's era over the recent decades and how these women were affected by the transition. The characters deal with personal issues against the backdrop of emerging feminism and the discrimination thereof. This allusion, however, is subtle and most of the book captivates with earthy imagery. The book is also good because it encourages women to nuture the bonds of friendship.
Rating:
Summary: Been there. Done that.
Review: As another Southern gal, Susannah's story of girl-chums brought back numerous memories of promises made, false expectations, and dreams of another life. Thoroughly enjoyed her tale and style. And LOVED the names of the girls! Very timely read for us "Boomers", no matter what part of the country holds our heart.
Rating:
Summary: Been there. Done that.
Review: As another Southern gal, Susannah's story of girl-chums brought back numerous memories of promises made, false expectations, and dreams of another life. Thoroughly enjoyed her tale and style. And LOVED the names of the girls! Very timely read for us "Boomers", no matter what part of the country holds our heart.
Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful story of friendship!
Review: For those of us who grew up in the 50s and 60s, this book will be a trip down memory lane. We all remember where we were when we first heard that President Kennedy was shot (I was in 10th grade in the Driver's Ed car). It is so easy to identify with the characters in the book. I most easily identify with Wallee, as I also had polio during the Polio Epidemics in the early 50s before the vaccine was approved. While there are as many Polio Stories as there are survivors, A lot of what happened to Wallee happened to me, too. I am pleased that Susannah Wilds also addresses the new syndrome that many Polio survivors now face: Post Polio Syndrome, PPS. At a time in our lives when we should be looking forward to retiring...we are faced with debilitating fatigue, pain, and even breathing problems. Many people don't even know we are still fighting, but this time there is so much less to fight with. It is wonderful to have friends, and this circle of friends find one another and reinforces the need we have for each other. Play some good old rock and roll, sip a Dr. Pepper, and read a good book: The Opening!
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful story of friendship!
Review: For those of us who grew up in the 50s and 60s, this book will be a trip down memory lane. We all remember where we were when we first heard that President Kennedy was shot (I was in 10th grade in the Driver's Ed car). It is so easy to identify with the characters in the book. I most easily identify with Wallee, as I also had polio during the Polio Epidemics in the early 50s before the vaccine was approved. While there are as many Polio Stories as there are survivors, A lot of what happened to Wallee happened to me, too. I am pleased that Susannah Wilds also addresses the new syndrome that many Polio survivors now face: Post Polio Syndrome, PPS. At a time in our lives when we should be looking forward to retiring...we are faced with debilitating fatigue, pain, and even breathing problems. Many people don't even know we are still fighting, but this time there is so much less to fight with. It is wonderful to have friends, and this circle of friends find one another and reinforces the need we have for each other. Play some good old rock and roll, sip a Dr. Pepper, and read a good book: The Opening!
Rating:
Summary: A great book club read
Review: I really enjoyed The Opening By Susannah Ellis Wilds. The story line was one that got me hooked really early on as I know I could easily have been one of the characters in the book.The Opening has a dual meaning - the reader first learns that the novel is about a fun prediction written about a group of friends during their pre-teen years and hidden away until accidentally discovered many years later. The group has lost touch and the writer of the note, Lucy decides it is high time for a reunion. The book floats between each girl's life - then and now. While the revelations made when the girls finally unite are not that out of the ordinary nor surprising it is the sweet journey that brings us to the gathering. Each woman's life will touch the reader in a multitude of ways. Whether it reminds the reader of themselves or friends they have known at different stages of their life The Opening will certainly tug the heart strings and make you want to pick up the phone to find long lost friends.
Rating:
Summary: A great book club read
Review: I really enjoyed The Opening By Susannah Ellis Wilds. The story line was one that got me hooked really early on as I know I could easily have been one of the characters in the book. The Opening has a dual meaning - the reader first learns that the novel is about a fun prediction written about a group of friends during their pre-teen years and hidden away until accidentally discovered many years later. The group has lost touch and the writer of the note, Lucy decides it is high time for a reunion. The book floats between each girl's life - then and now. While the revelations made when the girls finally unite are not that out of the ordinary nor surprising it is the sweet journey that brings us to the gathering. Each woman's life will touch the reader in a multitude of ways. Whether it reminds the reader of themselves or friends they have known at different stages of their life The Opening will certainly tug the heart strings and make you want to pick up the phone to find long lost friends.
Rating: 
Summary: A friend summed it up best: "A Big Chill 30 years later."
Review: Like The Big Chill, it's the story of a reunion of old friends who have lost touch with each other and with the old expectations by which they had planned to measure their success. When they discover that one friend's life has gone out of control, they drop their polished images and take the opportunity to reevaluate their lives and re-form the bonds of friendship.
Rating:
Summary: The Opening is memorable!
Review: This is a must-read book! I recommend it for reading groups, it will get your juices going! After Louisiana Jones retires early from the world of high-tech & big business she discovers a slip of paper on which she had, upon reading her last year book of high school, written predictions for her circle of friends. When she decides to reconnect with those five friends, she opens a Pandora's box of dreams, memories & unforgiven betrayals. A fine meander through the coming of age of Southern girls just as the '50s turned into the '60s, with poetry, petticoats & boys galore! Good stuff! ...
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful first book -
Review: This is a throughly enjoyable book - in particular the software chapters, which may have something to do with the fact that I too am a early retiree from the software business. It brings back good memories to this Yankee girl of serious conversations with "my girlfriends" and predictions of our futures. I heard Susannah Wilds speak at a writers group in Charlotte NC, and am looking forward to the next book. I have suggested to several of my friends that they will love this book. Captures the growing up memories for all of us from the 50's and 60's and mwill make us want to start over in many cases
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