Like Festivus or Friendsgiving, Galentine's Day started as a fake holiday on a television show (Parks and Recreation). In the past decade, it has become a popular real holiday in its own right, celebrating female friendship and platonic love. Taking place on February 13 (the day before Valentine's Day), Galentine's Day has been written about in The Atlantic, CNN, and Cosmopolitan, among other publications, and it's not uncommon to see it celebrated at restaurants with specials on food and drinks.
We're getting into the Galentine's Day spirit this week as well. Our staff has picked out six books, both fiction and nonfiction, that laud companionship among women in all stages of life. Enjoy relaxing with one of these books, perhaps with some friends and a glass of something refreshing.
'Hey Ladies,' by Michelle Markowitz
Based on the column of the same name, Hey Ladies! is a laugh-out-loud read that follows a fictitious group of eight 20-and-30-something female friends for one year of holidays, summer house rentals, dates, brunches, breakups, and, of course, the planning of a disastrous wedding. This instantly relatable story is told entirely through emails, texts, DMs, and every other form of communication known to man.
'Girl Squads: 20 Female Friendships That Changed History,' by Sam Maggs
A modern girl is nothing without her squad of besties. But don't let all the hashtags fool you- the #girlsquad goes back a long, long time. In this hilarious and heartfelt book, geek girl Sam Maggs takes you on a tour of some of history's most famous female BFFs.
'Moment of Lift,' by Melinda Gates
A debut from philanthropist Melinda Gates, a timely and necessary call to action for women's empowerment.
'Rules for Visiting,' by Jessica Kane
When she is unexpectedly granted some leave from her job, May is inspired to reconnect with four once close friends. She knows they will never have a proper reunion, so she goes, one-by-one, to each of them. May considers her journey a female Odyssey. What might the world have had if, instead of waiting, Penelope had set out on an adventure of her own?
'My Brilliant Friend,' by Elena Ferrante
Through the lives of two women, Ferrante tells the story of a neighborhood, a city, and a country as it is transformed in ways that, in turn, also transform the relationship between her protagonists.
'It's Not All Downhill From Here,' by Terry McMillan
Loretha Curry's life is full. A little crowded sometimes, but full indeed. But when an unexpected loss turns her world upside down, Loretha will have to summon all her strength, resourcefulness, and determination to keep on thriving, pursue joy, heal old wounds, and chart new paths. With a little help from her friends, of course. The book is currently on order and should be on library shelves in April.
Last Modified April 20, 2024
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