The SAFETY of SECRETS-A Book Review

     If you have or have ever been so fortunate as to have a "Best Friend", then you will immediately feel at home reading DELAUNE MICHEL's wonderful new book, THE SAFETY OF SECRETS.  A book about the power of friendship and trust as well as betrayal.

     It is said that the bond between "Best Friends" is often stronger than that of siblings. I truly believe that is the case, since, after all Best Friends get to choose each other, similar, like-minded souls that gravitate towards one another to unite in a special way.

     Fiona and Patricia have been "Best Friends" since they found each other in the First Grade Class of the catholic school both girls attended in their hometown of Lake Charles, Louisiana. Then six years old, they are now in their thirties, both having similar professions, and living in L.A.  Their friendship has remained strong throughout a lifetime of shared experiences, events and of course secrets.  Even through the inevitable stress and pressure of daily life, which constantly get in their way, it is each other they turn to first, for support and encouragement while at the same time balancing one another.

     DELAUNE MICHEL expertly takes the reader on a journey which is almost always touching, and often humorous, of Fiona and Patricia's life.  During both their happy as well as their difficult times, and even the times when they were the subjects of neglect and abuse at the hands of the mothers that should have been protecting them.  The trip leaves you feeling as though you have always known them and have been their friend all along. 

     It is; however, a secret in their past, that threatens to destroy their friendship forever.  A secret involving both Fiona and Patricia, which they both swore would never be told to anyone else. During a guest appearance of a televised show, in a vulnerable and emotional moment, and while her stunned friend watches the show from her home,  one of the women unloads the secret for all the world to hear. Can any friendship survive such a blow?

     A kept secret can often hold tremendous power over the secret-keeper keeping her/him as a sort of hostage if you will. At times the recipient will self-blame herself/himself, even if she/he had no control over the circumstances of the events that took place.  Sometimes the only way to freedom is by allowing the secret to come out in the open, running the risk of hurting other people. even loved ones in the process.

     I thoroughly enjoyed reading and reviewing, THE SAFETY OF SECRETS.  This beautifuly crafted book has made me pause and reflect on my own personal relationships, those people which are near and dear to my heart.  I sincerely recommend this lovely book  which I have added to my list of "Favorites".