Saturday Night Widows

Every memoir involves a little tragedy, but few involve it as in such an inspiring manner as Saturday Night Widows: The Adventures of Six Friends Remaking Their Lives. This book begins when its author, Becky Aikman gets kicked out of the local widows support group; her husband recently died, and she has had a hard time finding her place in the world of widows and widowers. As a young widow, Becky can’t seem to find anyone in a similar situation, and after exploring grief and healing, she becomes determined to create a group of her own. One that will allow her to heal with other young widows who still have adventures and life ahead of them, yet will focus on transformation, not wallowing in sorrow and self-pity. Obviously the tragic part of the memoir is not the focal point, and Becky soon has a group of five other women who within the past few years have become widows. Their stories are as diverse as they are: one is struggling financially, but reluctant to give up the apartment that was a project she and her husband devoted years to, another is recovering from her husband’s suicide and trying to still enjoy life. These women, however, share strength, and are incredibly inspiring in their resolve to heal and recover. Navigating their way through relationships, solo adventures, and numerous hurdles, these women help each other to overcome the tragedy that struck them. Through monthly adventures, these six grow closer, becoming a solid support system for each other. This book is incredibly inspiring and is such a powerful story. I loved watching these women grow stronger and learn more about themselves and what they can overcome. This book is a reminder of what it truly means to be a friend and that tragedies of all sizes can be overcome, and is all the more meaningful because it is true.