It took a little while to get into this book but so I was deep into the book again, visiting old friends. I hated to see the book end and I feel like I said good-bye to friends when I turned the last page and closed the book. ( )

A well written continuation of the Book of Bright Ideas story regarding a small town in WI. If you loved the first book you will not want to miss reading how the lives of Button and Winnalee progressed and changed over a 9 year period. I ususally am skeptic of sequels in books or movies but this one was as entertaining as the original story. Well done. ( )

A Life of Bright Ideas by Sandra Kring is the continuing story of the friendship between quiet, responsibile, anxious Evey (Button) and whimsical, unconventional, outspoken, bohemian, Winnalee. After a nine-year absence, Winnalee returns. She is all grown up, seemingly independent, care-free and fun-loving. She is still childlike in many ways which contrasts to her best friend Evey who has grown up too fast and continues to suffer from the death of her mother 4 years prior. Where Winnalee appears brave and strong, Button is scared of life and the heartbreaks that she has come to expect. Winnalee is promiscuous, smokes marijuana, dances with abandon for tips. Evey holds in her emotions which physically manifests itself. She has a solitary job working from home embellishing bridal gowns and dresses. Evey longs to speak up. She wants more, but she is fearful to disappoint. Winalee is Evey's mouth-piece and Evey is the voice of reason for Winalee. Their love for one another is undeniable.

I loved that each chapter starts off with one of the "bright ideas" Winnalee and Evey wrote down in their Big Book of Bright Ideas when they were children (in order to stop making the same mistakes over and over again).

I was so glad to catch up with Aunt Verdella, Uncle Rudy, Tommy, Reece, and Freeda from the Book Of Bright Ideas. Evey's litte brother, BooHoo, is a loveable, energetic, mischievous, good-natured six year old. He is adored by his family and frustrates them as well because of his behavior and wild ways.

I don't want to spoil the story. Just know that the girls are growing up, and the world is changing. All the characters are trying to adapt and fit into the ever-changing times. One thing that has not changed is the love these characters have for one another.

There is no real explanation as to why Winnalee and Evey have not seen or spoken to one another in all of this time. I would have liked one. In the beginning you could understand the absence, but once the girls were older and could drive and call on their own, it just didn't make sense.

It is true that the author does not leave any loose ends when finishing the story. Although I could see where this would irritate some readers, I was not one of them. I appreciated knowing definitively what happened to these characters. I so enjoyed these two stories and was sorry when they ended. ( )

What a wonderful sequel to The Book of Bright Ideas. The story of Button and Winnalee continues and is well worth reading. Kring has a wonderful way of bringing the reader into the story and making the reader want to devour the book. The challenges that the girls/young women have to deal with are vividly explained through excellent narrative by the author. Comparing people to snowflakes and raindrops is a wonderful analogy. Starting each chapter with a Bright Idea is also unique. Using Bright Idea #100 to end the story was brilliant on the part of the author. I highly recommend this book. ( )

In 1961, Button and Winnalee became best friends. Two very different little girls, they were drawn together by life's circumstances. Opposites attracting, they complimented each other. Together they began recording life lessons, titling it, "The Book of Bright Ideas". The purpose was to learn from not only their mistakes, but from observing those of others.

It is now 1970, and the girls are reunited when Winnalee suddenly appears in the small northern Wisconsin town, again. Though grown, time and distance have not diminished their friendship. While Button remains cautious and reserved, Winnalee is still free-spirited and bold.

Button's mother is now gone, killed in a freak accident. Her father has emotionally detached, isolating himself in guilt and grief. Aunt Verdella is helping to raise Button's wild six year old brother. Together, the two friends
settle into the family home across the road from Button's Aunt Verdella, the fractured family somehow stronger now.

Button is working in her mother's bridal shop as a talented seamstress. Winnalee finds work at a local tavern with a bad reputation. Yet both girls are happy in finding their way together, again. Button is writing to a boy from high school, now serving overseas in the military. Winnalee has created a carefree social life through her job.

All seems bright until Winnalee's mother suddenly comes to town, bringing with her a secret that changes everything. Families and friendships are tested. Everyone must face things hidden within themselves and those they love, in order to heal and move toward a better future.

Sandra Kring captures the spirit of the time period in both Button and Winnalee. Her writing of the events of the time: free love, war, women's rights, and values are honest. She is sensitive in her portrayal of families dealing with death, abuse, and secrets within. A family is made up of flesh and blood, but connected by hearts. Absence can make hearts grow fonder, and time can make them grow stronger.

This book is both heartbreaking and an utter joy. You will laugh, you will cry, sometimes simultaneously. You will not forget the characters, their story, or Sandra Kring; nor should you. ( )