The Supremes is a well written story about the friendship of three women, Odette, Clarice, and Barbara Jean, in the South, spanning the 60's until nearly the present day. They contend with love life issues, alcoholism, racism, and illness, but the author does an excellent job of placing these things within the context of real lives being lived as opposed to making these challenges the focus of the book. The story is woven through with humor and definitely can be described as heart-warming. The characters are great . . .well drawn, balanced, flawed, but loveable.

It was definitely more of a 3.5 star read for me, but it has some magical realism type elements that I just don't like in any book no matter how well done. And here it was well done in the sense that it wasn't driving the plot, but it did influence the story, and in my mind, not for the better. But others will find it a funny and witty construct. My other quibble was how much I felt like I was reading a movie script. Some of the humor was very physical, and I can see how in a movie it might provoke a lot of laughter, but somehow in book form, it seemed a little unrealistic and over the top. It really reminded me of Steel Magnolias (which I've only seen in movie form and not read if there is a book).

All in all, I would recommend this one for those looking for a lighter, absorbing read with easy-to-love characters. ( )

This was a wonderfully written book. The characterizations were so clearly drawn that you felt as if you knew everyone personally. The story had a bit of a melancholy feel as a lot of the story had to do with mistakes made when two of these three middle aged ladies were young that affected the rest of their lives. Told in scenes of the present with flashbacks interspersed it gradually revealed what happened to the girls to get them to the present. I laughed and I cried. In the end though everyone seemed to end up in a fairly good place. ( )

An absolutely wonderful (audio)book, just brimming with heart and soul. Close friends Barbara Jean, Odette, and Clarice got nicknamed ‘The Supremes’ back in the '60s when they were teens hanging out at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat diner. Four decades later they’re still getting together at their special table at Earl’s every Sunday after church. This story moves back and forth over those years as it shares their laughter and sorrow while also taking on a number of serious women’s issues. The audiobook’s narrators brought a distinct voice to each of the Supremes as well as to the large cast of supporting characters. I don’t know if I could have kept them all straight otherwise or if I’d have enjoyed this as much as I did. ( )

Das ist wirklich ein wunderschönes Buch, dem ich noch viele Leserinnen wünsche. Es geht um drei Jugendfreundinnen, die miteinander alt geworden sind und nun mit Mitte/ Ende 50 Lebensbilanz ziehen und Dinge verändern. Da es schwarze Frauen sind, spielt das Leben als farbige Frau in Amerika eine Rolle. Nur an einigen Stellen trägt das Buch etwas dick auf - Sharons Hochzeit wäre so eine Stelle. Ingesamt ist das einfach ein schönes Buch, bei dem die Tränlein nur so purzeln und das einen staunend auf das Wunder Leben blicken lässt - trotz allem und wegen allem.
Was ist Odette nur für eine wunderbare Hauptfigur, was für ein schönes Buch! ( )

Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat diner in Plainview, Indiana is home away from home for Odette, Clarice, and Barbara Jean. Dubbed "The Supremes" by high school pals in the tumultuous 1960s, they’ve weathered life’s storms for over four decades and counseled one another through marriage and children, happiness and the blues.

Now, however, they’re about to face their most challenging year yet. Proud, talented Clarice is struggling to keep up appearances as she deals with her husband’s humiliating infidelities; beautiful Barbara Jean is rocked by the tragic reverberations of a youthful love affair; and fearless Odette is about to embark on the most terrifying battle of her life. With wit, style and sublime talent, Edward Kelsey Moore brings together three devoted allies in a warmhearted novel that celebrates female friendship and second chances. ( )