What readers think of The Good Daughters, plus links to write your own review.

This book is not a page-turner. It is not filled with suspense. There is very little literary tension. Instead, there is an undercurrent—one that is so subtle at first that it's barely discernible but eventually grows in power — so much so that when the substance and the meaning of that undercurrent dawn on you, you won't be able to stop reading.

Ruth Plank and Dana Dickerson were born on the same day — July 4, 1949 — in the same small hospital in the same small town in New Hampshire. Ruth's mom called them "birthday sisters," but when the Dickersons moved away, the two had little contact. Oh, every once in a while, the families would meet, but it wasn't ever long enough for Ruth and Dana to become friends again, although Ruth did have eyes for Dana's handsome older brother, Ray. Chapter by chapter, the novel alternates between Ruth's story and Dana's story, both of which are told in the first person as adults looking back on their lives. And it seems as if that's all that is going on—two very different women telling their stories with little connection to the other. Just wait…just wait. Aha!

If you're paying attention, it's easy to figure out what's really going on. But here's the thing: Long after most readers have that "aha!" moment, author Joyce Maynard still doesn't confirm it. For me, that was the genius of this novel. And as the reader, you're in on the secret plot long before the characters realize what's going on.

This is a well-written, imaginative story that adeptly captures the meaning of family and the dark danger of well-kept secrets.

This was an excellent book. I read it in about 3 days because I could not put it down. This is a must read.

What a heartwarming, cozy, feel good read.....a sweet, nostalgic book...but with all good things there usually are regrets, heartbreak, and secrets.

I really enjoyed this book...you will be surprised at who/what the "good daughters" turn out to be and will also learn some fun agricultural facts about fruits and vegetables.

Dana and Ruth were born on the same day, but they came from two completely different backgrounds. Dana Dickerson had a childhood that wasn't stable, and Ruth Plank had one that was totally what a childhood should be. Dana's parents were flighty, moved around, and their father never held a job for too long...her mother was an artist and acted as though she didn't even have any children. Dana actually never even called her parents Mom and Dad. Ruth's parents were very down to earth, had a farm to take care of, made sure their children were taken care of, and were called Mom and Dad.

Ruth's mother felt some sort of kinship with Dana's mother since their children were both born on the same day, even though Dana's mother laughed at Ruth. Ruth's mother would make a point of visiting the Dickersons each year even though it was a long trip and as usual an uneventful, uncomfortable, and unfriendly occasion.

The book continued by describing the lives of the two families during the 1950's with the focus on the girls and their choices of careers and partners that of course had been affected by their family and childhood.

I really enjoyed the book...it was during the time I was a child, and I could relate to some of the situations...if you liked The Glass Castle, you will like this as well. My rating is a 5/5. Great story.