South of Broad

So, I'm finally starting a new book! It's called South of Broad by Pat Conroy. It's a much much more sophisticated book than all of the other books I've read. My mom recommened it to me, saying she absolutely loved it. It's plot consists of a group of teenage kids who grow up in 1960's together. Each kid has a different background to their life. For example, one boy has a father who is a local high school teacher, an ex-nun for a mother, and had a brother who commited suicide. He becomes friends with this tightly knit group of kids who have similar stories to himself. There are twins with an alcoholic mother, and a prison-escaped father, runaway brothers, and a popular couple. Their circle of friends grows up together through two decades. They also encounter the AIDS
crisis in the '80's.
The group endures eachother's company for years. They survive marriages, loves, longings, and success as well as breakdowns. But, in the end, they are always there for each other. Toward the end of the book though, which I am excited to encounter, the friendship is tested and brings the group San Francisco for an event that no one is prepared for.