While every day is a great day to celebrate the important friendships in your life, National Best Friends Day, opens a new window makes the occasion official on June 8 every year. Looking for a new way to connect with your bestie this summer? Why not buddy read a book that explores all the excitement, complexities and love that friendship has to offer us?
Here are eight book recommendations (four fiction and four nonfiction) that we encourage you to check out during your next visit to the library, opens a new window.
Fiction Recommendations
The first in a four-book series by the pseudonymous Italian author, Elena Ferrante, "My Brilliant Friend" begins the story of a lifelong, complex relationship between narrator, Elena, and her friend, Lila. On The New York Times' list of the 100 Best Books of the 21st Century, opens a new window, this book takes the number one spot.
Backman's latest release "My Friends" follows four teenagers whose friendship creates a bond so powerful that it changes the life of a complete stranger twenty-five years later. It explores the meaning of friendship, loyalty and the invisible ties that shape our lives.
In the shared and private spaces of Iowa City, a social circle of lovers and friends navigate tangled webs of connection as they try to figure out what they want, and who they are.
A witty, warm and irreverent book that traces the lives of two young Taiwanese American women as they navigate friendship, sexuality, identity and heartbreak over two decades.
Nonfiction Recommendations
Makes the bold and compelling argument that a close friendship is the most influential and important relationship a human life can contain, helping you improve as a person and in your relationships with others.
The handbook for anyone who's ready for better friendships. Author Kat Vellos tackles how to handle the four most common challenges of adult friendship: constant relocation, full schedules, the demands of partners/family and our culture's declining capacity for compassion and intimacy in the age of social media.
A poignant memoir about navigating early adulthood, focusing on the messy, hilarious and heartbreaking journey of love, friendship and self-discovery from her teenage years through her late twenties.
Argues for a human-centered approach to meetings, parties and other group events, moving beyond routine to create meaningful experiences by focusing on purpose, specific rules and intentionality.
Whatever you choose to read and whoever you choose to read with, don't forget to join Summer Reading Detectives, opens a new window to track your days and earn cool prizes. The challenge is open to those of all ages.
We hope to see you (and all your best friends) at the library soon! Check out our upcoming events, opens a new window for more ways to connect with KCPL throughout the summer.
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