Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah (a reread!)

BOOK 21 OF 2021

RATING: 5/5

This was a re-read for me (in anticipation of the show coming out, and I stand by my original review. Although I re-read this book via audio this time, I'm glad I read it first because I just didn't love the audiobook as much!

I had the pleasure of getting advanced screeners for the first two episodes of the Netflix series, and WOW what an experience. I got to binge watch the first two episodes and then sit in on a Zoom with Kristin Hannah, Katherine Heigl, Sarah Chalke, and Maggie Friedman (showrunner). So great to hear what adapting the book was like, although would definitely have liked to have that experience after watching the whole season because MAN let me tell you it is a *veryyyyy* different adaptation than what I was expecting.

If you've read the book (and the series), and want some of my thoughts on the show (without giving away any glaring spoilers), here's what I thought:

HMM okay. First two eps seemed a bit like a tease; there was lots of dialogue I recognized from the book, and it seemed like we were heading towards a pretty loyal adaptation, but alas, that was not the case.

If you've seen the show you know that they veered far FAR away from the book especially with the present day timeline. Because this is one of my favourite books, I went into the series knowing I really had to separate the book from the show (mainly for my own self preservation). I found myself liking tv show Johnny Ryan more than book Johnny, did NOT like how Kate's mom was portrayed in the show, and I honestly thought that both Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke were a perfect Tully and Kate.

Because I felt the characters (mainly Kate and Tully) were in essence the same as the characters from the book, I liked how we are getting more (and new to us readers) stories about them. I mean, in the book, once you get to the big climax, there's not much more book to go or story to tell after that. Once I read that Firefly Lane wasn't a limited series, I kind of figured they would use some filler storylines before going on track to the ending of the book.

Overall, I enjoyed the series, and am of course dying over the multiple cliffhangers at the end. I doubt I will pick up the sequel Fly Away anytime soon because I am frankly JUST NOT READY.

If you've watched the series, let me know how you felt about it!!