12 Books that are all about friendship!
Making a new friend, losing a long-time friend, best friends, barely friends, long-distance friends, girlfriends or male friends - friendship has many faces and an infinite number of ways to influence a story. I scrolled through my book lists and came up with some great friendship stories!
As usual for my lists, I've read all these books (though some I read years ago) and can recommend. Many Must-Read lists tend to focus on the shiny new publications - and those are fun....but you'll see that many of these are back-list books. Back-list books are often easier to find at the library or at thrift stores because the big rush to read them has passed. But, they are still good, sometimes great, books. Happy Reading!
Tara Road by Maeve Binchy
Published 1998, 648 pages
A woman in Ireland and one in the US switch homes for the summer to get away from their own lives and problems. By the end of the summer they have become fast friends.
The One in a Million Boy by Monica Wood
Published 2016, 416 pages
A story of unlikely friendships as a little boy takes care of a 104 year old woman. The little boy dies early in the book (no spoiler) and others come together in a series of unexpected connections.
Falling Together by Marisa de los Santos
Published 2011, 360 pages
A guy and two girls become best friends in college. An event occurs that sends them on different paths after graduation. Ten years later, one of the women has a crisis and needs her friends who drop everything to try to help. Friendship, a little romance, some excellent writing, make for a great read. Reviewed here.
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
Published 2005, 288 pages
The amazing book follows the friendship of two girls who grow to womanhood, through motherhood, and more. The cultural aspect of the story is eye-opening and fascinating; the friendship is warm and compelling. Then, a misunderstanding - can the friendship survive?
To Night Owl From Dogfish by Meg Wolitzer & Holly Sloan
Published 2019, 304 pages
This charming story about two 12 year old girls who's dads fall in love and want them to be a family follows the trope of "I hate you; we'll never be friends" to ending up being besties. Told in emails, cards, and letters, this is a fun, heartwarming read. Reviewed here.
Doc #1 by Mary Doria Russell
Published 2011, 394 pages
Historical fiction at its best. Based on exhaustive research, this is the story of Doc Holliday, living with TB, moving 'out west' for his health, moving to Dodge City and meeting and befriending Wyatt Earp. The friendship that became the stuff of legend. An excellent, evocative story of the wild west frontier.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Published 2017, 327 pages
A lonely, socially awkward young woman makes an unlikely friend at work that helps her acclimate with the world. Reviewed here.
Binti #1 by Nnedi Okorafor
Published 2015, 356 pages
This is actually a trilogy of novellas collected in one volume about a young woman who leaves earth to go to college where she meets people of different races, species, and habits. She makes a friend who is of a different species and they overcome some initial problems to become life-long friends. Reviewed here.
Tigerman by Nick Harkaway
Published 2014, 337 pages
An 'average guy' man befriends and helps a little orphan boy as the island they reside on is dying. This unusual friendship and wonderful writing style make for a great read!
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
Pulitzer winner
Published 1985, 945 pages
This classic epic western story is also a great friendship story. Talkative, happy-go-lucky Gus and quiet, dour Call couldn't be more different, and yet their friendship spans decades.
One Door Away From Heaven by Dean Koontz
Published 2001, 681 pages
A handicapped little girl and an 'alien' little boy become friends who save each other in this long but interesting novel. A little magic, some chuckles, some tears, and some philosophy.
Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones
Published 2011, 368 pages
A family drama with the opening line, "My father, James Witherspoon, is a bigamist." The man has two families and two daughters close to the same age. The girls become friends until the explosive truth is revealed. Can a friendship survive such a revelation?
Friendship can take many shapes and serve many purposes. Do you have a favorite book about friendship? In these stressful days, it would be kinda nice to read a comforting book about friendships!
