If you’re looking to explore the theme of friendship in literature, there’s no shortage of options. While many books on the topic are geared towards children and young adults, there are also plenty of options for adults looking to delve into friendship dynamics.
Whether you’re looking for a heartwarming tale of lifelong friendship or an exploration of the ups and downs of human relationships, there’s sure to be a book that speaks to you.
Exploring books about friendship for adults
As an adult, the friendships you make are often vastly different from the ones you had as a child or even in college. While childhood friendships are often based on shared interests and proximity. Adult friendships can be formed through work, hobbies, or simply meeting someone who shares your values.
The Evolution of Friendship from Childhood to Adulthood
Childhood friendships are often based on convenience because you see each other every day at school. And while common interests and activities do play a role, adult friendships tend to be more complex.
As you grow older, your friendships become based on shared experiences, like work, travel or children, or a deeper understanding of each other’s values and beliefs.
Adult Friendships and Social Skills
Maintaining and even making friendships as an adult requires a certain level of social skills. You need to be able to communicate effectively, listen actively, and be empathetic.
It’s also important to be able to balance your own needs with the needs of your friends and to be able to resolve conflicts.
The Impact of Friendship on Social Life
Friendships can have a significant impact on your social life.
Having a strong social support network can help you cope with stress, boost your self-esteem, and improve your overall well-being.
It can also give you a sense of belonging and help you feel more connected to your community.
The Role of Friendship in Adult Fiction
Friendship is a crucial theme in literature, and it’s not just for children’s books. Adult fiction also explores the complexities of friendship, and how it can shape our own bonds.
These stories often delve into the evolving nature of friendships, highlighting the challenges, joys, and deep connections that resonate with adult readers.
Female Friendship in Literature
Female friendship is a popular theme in literature, and for good reason.
It’s a powerful bond that can weather any storm.
Some books explore the joy and comfort of having a best friend, while others delve into the complexities of relationships.
From the sisterly bond in Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend to the fierce loyalty of the women in The Help by Kathryn Stockett, female friendship is a rich and rewarding topic for authors to explore.
Unlikely Friendships and Their Dynamics
Sometimes the most unlikely people become the best of friends.
Adult fiction often explores the dynamics of these relationships, and how they can change us for the better.
Historical Fiction and Friendship
Historical fiction offers a unique perspective on friendship, as it explores the relationships between people in different eras and cultures.
From the bond between two women in the 1700s in The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd to the unlikely friendship between a German boy and a Jewish boy during World War II in The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, historical fiction can shed light on the enduring power of friendship throughout history.
Inspirational Stories of Lasting Bonds
Inspirational stories of lasting bonds often highlight the resilience and depth of true friendship. These include the enduring connections we maintain with close friends.
These narratives showcase how various types of friendships can withstand life’s trials and tribulations, offering readers hope and motivation.
Through these stories, we explore the themes of friendship and see how genuine connections can provide unwavering support and enrich our lives.
Lifelong Friendships and Their Impact
True friends are hard to come by, but when you find one, the bond can last a lifetime.
There’s something special about having a friend who has been with you through thick and thin, someone who knows you better than anyone else.
Truth & Beauty is a memoir that explores the profound and complex friendship between author Ann Patchett and the late Lucy Grealy. It delves into their struggles and deep connections, offering an intimate look at how their bond influenced and supported them throughout their lives.
Fellowship Point by Alice Elliott Dark focuses on the deep and intricate friendship between Agnes Lee and Polly Wister. Looking into the personal and professional challenges as they collaborate on a creative project, highlighting the profound impact of their strong friendship throughout their lives.
Overcoming Hardships Together
Friendship can be a powerful force that helps you overcome difficult times.
When you have someone by your side who understands what you’re going through, it can make all the difference.
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara follows the lives of four college friends over several decades in New York City. It explores the importance of friendship as the group navigates the highs and lows of life, particularly focusing on Jude’s traumatic past. As Jude endures a hard time dealing with his internal struggles and painful memories, the unwavering support from his friends highlights how deep bonds can help individuals survive and heal through even the most difficult challenges.
Another book that celebrates friendship in overcoming hardships is The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. This non-fiction book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks. A woman whose cancer cells were taken without her knowledge and used for scientific research. Despite the injustices she faced, her story is one of resilience and the power of friendship to make a difference.
Diverse Representations of Friendship in Books
Friendship is a universal theme that transcends culture, gender, and age.
There has been a growing trend in literature to explore the complexities of friendship beyond the traditional tropes of childhood or adolescent friendships.
Books about friendship for adults often delve into the details of cross-cultural friendships, friendships beyond romantic relationships, and even friendships portrayed in graphic novels and short stories.
Cross-Cultural Friendships
Books that explore friendships between people of different cultures can be a great way to learn about other cultures and broaden your worldview.
These books often highlight the challenges and rewards of navigating cultural differences in friendships.
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan explores the cultural differences between an American-born Chinese woman and her boyfriend’s wealthy Singaporean-Chinese family. Exploring the contrasts between Western and Eastern values, traditions, and expectations. This makes it a relevant example of cross-cultural dynamics in the context of friendships, relationships, and family.
Anh Do’s first book, The Happiest Refugee, is a memoir that tells the inspiring story of the author’s journey from Vietnam to Australia as a refugee. While the memoir primarily focuses on his family’s struggles and triumphs, it also touches on the cross-cultural friendships Anh forms in his new country. As he navigates life in Australia, he builds relationships with new people from different backgrounds. Which highlights the importance of friendship in overcoming cultural barriers and finding a sense of belonging in a foreign land. Through these connections, we see how cross-cultural friendships can enrich our lives and help us thrive in a new environment.
Friendship Beyond Romantic Relationships
Friendship can be just as important and fulfilling as romantic relationships.
Books that explore friendships beyond romantic relationships can provide a refreshing perspective on the importance of platonic relationships.
These books often highlight the emotional and practical support that friends provide for each other.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz tells the story of the evolving friendship between two Mexican-Americans as they navigate identity, family, and culture. The book begins with a strong focus on their friendship, which eventually develops into a romantic love. It’s a poignant exploration of how deep friendships can evolve while maintaining the core connection that initially brought them together.
The Friend by Sigrid Nunez follows a writer who is grieving the recent death of her close friend and mentor. As she struggles with her loss, she inherits her friend’s Great Dane, a large and gentle dog who becomes a source of comfort and connection. The novel delves into themes of meaningful friendships, mourning, and the power of companionship.
Exploring Friendships in Graphic Novels and Short Stories
Graphic novels and short stories can be a great way to explore the complexities of friendship in a condensed format.
These books often use visual storytelling to convey the nuances of friendships and the emotional journey of the characters.
Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel is a graphic memoir that delves into her complex relationship with her father. The book intertwines her coming-of-age story with an exploration of her father’s life, revealing how their personal and emotional struggles influenced their connection.
Sandman by Neil Gaiman is a graphic novel series that blends mythology, fantasy, and reality. The series explores various forms of friendship, including those between mythical beings and humans. Also addressing themes of change, redemption, and the interconnectedness of all beings.
A Good Man is Hard to Find by Flannery O’Connor is a short story that centres on a family’s road trip that takes a tragic turn. It highlights the underlying dynamics of adult relationships and friendships within the family after their encounters with an escaped convict.
Adaptations of Friendship Books in Film and Television
Several beloved books about friendship have been adapted into successful films and TV shows, bringing their stories to a wider audience.
Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah was transformed into a popular TV show on Netflix, capturing the essence of the deep, enduring friendship between its main characters.
Similarly, the classic novel Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, with its timeless themes of sisterhood and friendship, has been adapted multiple times for both film and television, illustrating the lasting appeal of these classic bonds.
Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells was adapted into a film in 2002. It tells the story of a group of Southern women from a small town who have been friends since childhood. Exploring the deep, often tumultuous bonds between these women and how their friendship helps them navigate personal and family issues. It highlights the enduring strength of their connection and its impact on their lives.
These adaptations highlight how literature can vividly translate into visual storytelling, enriching the portrayal of friendships.
Selecting the Perfect Friendship Book
When it comes to selecting the perfect friendship book, there are a few things you should consider to ensure you find a book that resonates with you.
Here are some tips to help you curate a list of top friendship books:
Curating a List of Books about Friendship
- Consider the genre. Friendship books come in all genres, from romance to mystery to memoir and nonfiction books. Think about the type of book you enjoy reading and look for friendship-themed books in that genre.
- Read the reviews. Before selecting a book, read reviews from other readers to get an idea of what the book is about and whether it’s a good fit for you. Look for reviews that mention the friendship aspect of the book.
- Check out the “best of” list. Many websites and publications curate lists of the best books about friendship. Look for these lists and see if any of the books catch your eye.
- Ask for recommendations. Reach out to friends, family, or your local librarian for recommendations on great friendship books. They may have read something that you haven’t heard of yet.
Book Club Favourites Featuring Friendship
If you’re part of a book club, consider adding a friendship-themed book to your reading list.
Here are some top picks that have been popular among book clubs:
- The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. This book follows the journey of an elder man who learns important lessons about life and friendship after he dies.
- The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares. This young adult novel follows the adventures of four best friends who share a pair of jeans that fit each of them perfectly.
- The Friends We Keep by Jane Green. Following the lives of three great friends over several decades. And how their friendship evolves through various life changes, including career shifts, family dynamics, and personal challenges.
- A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. A grumpy yet lovable old man’s life changes when new neighbours move in next door.
- The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes. Set in the 1930s and follows a group of women known as the Packhorse Librarians of Kentucky.
My favorite books that feature friendship
This post wouldn’t be complete without a few personal recommendations.
- The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. A group of teens navigate a deadly competition and dystopian regime, forming pivotal friendships and alliances that challenge them and reshape their world.
- They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera. Two strangers meet on their final day, forging a profound friendship and romantic connection while making the most of their last hours.
- Serena Singh Flips the Script by Sonya Lalli. A successful professional navigating the expectations of her Indian family and society, redefines her life and friendships.
- The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. Two teenagers with cancer develop a deep and transformative friendship and romance while confronting their own struggles and dreams.
And it wouldn’t be a list of my favorite books about friendships without the mention of a few self-help books.
- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. Offering practical advice on improving interpersonal skills, building relationships, and influencing others positively through effective communication and empathy.
- Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close by Ann Friedman and Aminatou Sow. An insightful memoir that explores the authors’ deep friendship, sharing their experiences, challenges, and strategies for maintaining a strong and supportive connection over time and distance.
Friendship is a timeless and universal theme that deeply resonates with readers of all ages. Whether delving into the intricacies of female relationships, the dynamics of unlikely friendships, or the enduring bonds of childhood friends, literature provides a rich and rewarding exploration of this essential aspect of human experience. The interesting characters of adult fiction reveals the impact that friendship can have on our lives, shaping our identities and enriching our lives. As we continue to reflect on these stories, we gain a deeper appreciation for the power of friendship and its ever presence in own lives.
