I have kind of mixed feelings about the book. While I love the characters, and have enjoyed all three of the books about them, this book left me with some feelings that I need to sit and think on. While reading the previous two books, I remember thinking how wonderful to have such a close-knit group of friends to form a life-long circle of support and safety. In this book, the vignettes about two other local women (a mother and daughter) made me think about the exclusivity of the group, even across generations. I thought back to the previous two books, trying to remember how the Ya-Yas treated those outside their cohesive group. I just couldn't remember, and have given away the books, so couldn't check. I felt really sad for those two women, and for all women and girls who are on the outside of a group like the Ya-Yas, longing to be a part of something so special. I was glad that at least one of the Ya-Yas showed great compassion to these women after all was said and done (trying not to reveal too much so I don't spoil the story.) All in all, it was a pretty good read.

Critics generally agree that the bloom may have left the Ya-Yas. The novel, a collection of vignettes about "the time that [insert: _

I don't remember that much about it honestly... I need to re-read.

I enjoyed. Definitely advisable to read the previous book first, but I liked these further episodes in the characters' lives or the deeper detail on some of the earlier ones.

Wells deftly evokes the atmosphere of Louisiana - its weather, its culture, its landscape -- and develops her books' characters with skill.

I loved Divine Secrets, so I knew I'd love this one as well. I was right. Ya-Yas are back, as older women, with children and grandchildren. This book sort of brackets the time period of Divine Secrets. It tells of the beginnings of the friendship, when the Ya Yas were children, and then comes full circle to the friendships of their children and grandchildren. This is a deeper book than I remember Divine Secrets being. Excellent.

I adore the Ya Yas. I have read this and the other two books about them before, seen the movie countless times, and often wished to BE a Ya Ya. This was my first time audio-ing one. Judith Ivey was the perfect narrator. Her accent was spot on, she did the voices (which I usually hate on audio) perfectly, and if she wasn't tipsy when she was relaying a story from Vivi's POV, then she is one of the best actresses I have ever heard!

I actually prefer this book and Little Altars Everywhere: A Novel to Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood. Divine has a plot running through the chapters, whereas this one and Altars just gives us glimpses back in time to a different age. That's what I crave. The stories she shows us of how these girls love, support and care for one another through their childhood and entire lives. For every horrid, irresponsible thing they did, there was an equally wonderful, loving, uplifting action. Life is not constant, steady or routine. How can we survive if we try to be those things?

The Ya Yas always remind me of my mama and aunts. I have so many pictures of them pregnant, playing dice (instead of the Ya Ya Bourre) a cigarette in one hand and a drink in the other! They didn't know it was wrong. They may not have done what we think is best for our children now, but they sure loved us the best they could. As flawed as the Ya Yas are, they are loyal, devoted lovers. What Wells shows us through them, is that we can only love another wholeheartedly when we have given in and loved who we are. Done our best with what we have and given up appologizing. Be yourself. You are the only one that knows how.

Ya Yas forever!

Ya Ya Continues

Always loved reading about he Ya Yas. Beautiful story of the sisterhood being passed on from generation to generation. A story of family and its bond that never breaks.

Not bad but not her best

Just awful. I read the first two Ya-Ya books and loved the Divine Secrets and thought Little Altars was OK. This is rubbish. There’s zero continuity and zero editing. It’s like pages that were scrapped from previous books were thrown together all hodgepodge. One example is Vivi drinking a gin and tonic. Then she downs a second, because “You can’t waste good bourbon.” Wait. What?
I force myself to finish books, even the awful ones. This was the first time I’ve ever thrown the towel in and gave up on a novel.

I read the first books in this series years ago and recall really liking them. If I read them again at this point in my life I wouldn't like them as well. This time around, as I read THIS book I think the Ya Yas are, well, rude. If they were women in my town I don't think I would like them at all. How annoying they are, or perhaps I should say, how annoying they were as children and as they were living their middle-aged years. Indulged, privileged, dismissive of others, blasphemous, alcoholics, etc.... The list of vices goes on and on. That being said, though, the antics are entertaining if you choose to enjoy them. Hard to explain but that's why I gave 3 stars instead of fewer. I especially enjoyed getting to know Baylor, one of the sons Wells decides to highlight. His buckaroo story is pretty fun. I also liked Sidda's account of her Beatlemania and the family's trip to Houston. I'm happy to know one of the Ya Yas has some very redeeming qualities, as revealed late in the book.

I read this one in 2 days. It would have been one sitting but my family wants to eat and sleep on a schedule. I read The Divine Secrets a long time ago and loved it. I didn't get around to reading this one until recently because most of the time I find sequels weak and frustrating. That was not the case with this book. It reads exactly like the first one and even though it leaves you thinking the story has ended I still wanted more. I hope she writes another one. I've gotten to love the characters very much. I also liked the way the story of the Ya Ya's men was given more interesting roles. Baylor in particular was a well-rounded fascinating character. He was very believable despite some fairly unusual circumstances he was placed in. Big Shep & Little Shep also have strong showings in many areas. I liked the idea of the YA YA men all belonging to a special group of their own.
This is a quick easy read. It's a fun romp down memory lane revisiting characters you came to know and love years ago. You won't be disappointed. I suggest you carve out some time from your busy lives and read this book.

Great story! Like the origin myths of comic-book superheroes, this one tells you whence the ya-yas sprang.