Friendship is a precious gift, and there’s no better way to celebrate it than with a good book. In this article, we’ll review the top 7 books about friendship, perfect for reading on Friendship Day 2023. Whether you’re looking for a heartwarming story, a funny read, or a thought-provoking exploration of friendship, you’re sure to find something on this list that you’ll love.
Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman:
Big Friendship is a heartwarming and insightful book about the power of close friendships. Sow and Friedman, the hosts of the popular podcast Call Your Girlfriend, share the story of their own friendship, from their first meeting to the present day. Along the way, they offer advice on how to build and maintain strong friendships, both in good times and in bad.
The book is divided into three parts: “The Roots,” “The Branches,” and “The Fruits.” In the first part, Sow and Friedman discuss the importance of friendship, the different types of friendships, and how to find your people. Second part, they explore the challenges that friendships face, such as distance, conflict, and change. In the third part, they offer advice on how to nurture your friendships and make them last a lifetime. Big Friendship is a must-read for anyone who values their friendships. It is a funny, honest, and inspiring book that will make you think about your own friendships in a new way.
Friendship in the Age of Loneliness: An Optimist’s Guide to Connection by Adam Smiley Poswolsky
In this digital age, the importance of friendships and connections has become increasingly evident after a year of social distancing and lockdowns. Addressing the growing loneliness epidemic, Adam “Smiley” Poswolsky offers a refreshing guide to nurturing our relationships and forming deep connections. Despite being more connected virtually, research indicates that people are lonelier than ever, with the average American not having made a new friend in the past five years.
Poswolsky emphasizes the positive impact of close friendships on our well-being, happiness, and longevity. He explores why maintaining these bonds can be challenging and why we spend only a small fraction of our time with friends. In this inspiring guide, he provides practical habits and playful reminders to help readers create meaningful connections, make new friends, and strengthen existing relationships. The book encourages readers to strike a balance with technology, prioritizing real-world experiences and engaging in self-reflective exercises. Written in short, actionable sections, Poswolsky reminds us that nurturing friendships is essential, ritualistic, and one of the most rewarding aspects of life.
We Need to Hang Out: A Memoir of Making Friends by Billy Baker
In the hilarious and heartwarming comic adventure, “We Need to Hang Out,” Billy Baker, a middle-aged everyman, realizes he has lost his friends amid his busy career and family life. The loneliness epidemic strikes him hard, prompting him to embark on a quest to revive old friendships and create new ones. With over 50 million Americans over forty-five suffering from chronic loneliness. Baker’s mission becomes not only personal but also a call to action.
Throughout the book, he humorously navigates the challenges of reconnecting with old buddies. And forging new connections while juggling work, marriage, and parenthood. Along the way, Baker explores the roots of modern-day isolation, seeking advice from experts. And learning from real-life examples of lasting friendships. “We Need to Hang Out” is a compelling and relatable story that celebrates the importance of human companionship. And encourages everyone to prioritize meaningful relationships in this age of solitude.
“Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead” by Brené Brown
In her book, Bren̩ Brown challenges the widely accepted myth that vulnerability is a weakness. She argues that, in truth, vulnerability is strength and when we shut ourselves off from vulnerability Рfrom revealing our true selves Рwe distance ourselves from the experiences that bring purpose and meaning to our lives.
Brown draws on her own research and personal experiences to explore the paradoxes of courage. She argues that we become strong by embracing vulnerability, we dare more greatly when we acknowledge our fear, and we experience joy and connection when we live our lives with authenticity. “Daring Greatly” is a thought-provoking and inspiring book that will challenge you to rethink your relationship with vulnerability. If you are looking for a book that will help you live a more courageous and fulfilling life, I highly recommend this one.
That Sounds Fun by Annie F. Downs
In her book That Sounds Fun, Annie F. Downs explores the importance of fun in our lives. She argues that fun is not just a frivolous indulgence, but a essential part of what makes life worth living. Downs shares stories from her own life, as well as research on the benefits of fun, to show how it can help us to be more creative, resilient, and connected. She also provides practical tips on how to find and make time for fun in our busy lives.
That Sounds Fun is a charming and inspiring book that will make you want to get out there and start having more fun. Downs’s writing is engaging and her insights are insightful. This book is a great reminder that fun is not something to be taken for granted, but a gift to be cherished. Overall, That Sounds Fun is a well-written and thought-provoking book that will make you think about the role of fun in your own life. If you’re looking for a book that will help you to find more joy in your life, then I highly recommend this one.
Find Your People by Jennie Allen
In Find Your People, author Jennie Allen emphasizes the significance of genuine emotional connections in a world that often feels disconnected and isolating. Drawing on scientific insights, historical wisdom, and personal anecdotes, she addresses the barriers to forming new friendships. And offers practical steps to initiate meaningful connections. By delving into the art of authentic conversations. And viewing conflict as a potential relationship strengthener, Allen guides readers towards healthy and fulfilling relationships. She helps readers identify the type of friend they are and the types they need. Presenting five essential ingredients for cultivating lasting friendships. Through this book, readers are encouraged to embrace the joy of community. Moving away from the epidemic of loneliness to experience a life known and loved, shared with the right people.
I Thought It Was Just Me by Brené Brown
In this book, Brené Brown explores the universal human experience of shame. She argues that shame is not about feeling bad about ourselves, but about feeling like we are not good enough. Brown provides a framework for understanding shame and how it affects our lives. And she offers tools for overcoming shame and living a more authentic life.
This book is a valuable resource for anyone who has ever felt ashamed. Brown’s writing is clear, engaging, and full of personal stories that make the concepts she discusses easy to understand. The book is also full of practical exercises. That can help you to overcome shame and live a more authentic life. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking to understand shame and how it affects their life. It is a powerful and transformative book that can help you to live a more fulfilling life.
