Life is all about choices
 

Andrea Smith transports the reader into the lives of the women & men of the early 1960's. As most of us know, this was a time of change in our country. Not just with civil unrest, but also women liberation and new & wonderful music styles. Ms. Smith weaves a little of this history into the story of two women trying to find peace.

First, we have Viola. Viola does not truly live life as much as doing what is expected. Viola attempts to venture out and learns a valuable lesson. However, the choice she makes as a result of her experiences have far-reaching consequences that significantly change her life. The reader has to decide if it was for the better.

Next, we are allowed the pleasure of making the acquaintance of Forestine. Forestine has the voice of an angel which does not exactly match her physical appearance. Forestine has to deal with an overbearing, bitter mother and a beautiful older sister. Nevertheless, through the love of her father & music, Forestine finds a means of "escape" from the day to day challenges of walking the earth as Forestine Bent.

Viola and Forestine meet up at Honeybee's. Honeybee is the voice of wisdom and love at a time when Viola & Forestine are at their lowest or at a time of change, depends on how you look at it. 

I enjoyed reading this book. But, I believe that Ms. Smith could have allowed us to see more into the characters' thoughts.  There were also a few supporting characters that held a lot of untapped potential.  Ms. Smith could definitely write a sequel to Friday Nights. I believe the characters still have a lot to teach us.