12 Female Friendship Books for Galentine’s Day

An ode to Black girlhood and the friendships that get you through life. Told in flashbacks, Another Brooklyn tells the story of August’s experiences growing up in Brooklyn in the 1970s. Filled with lyrical prose and so much heart, this book is a true homage to girlhood friendships in all its wonderful messiness.

Friendship can be complicated, and few books explore the complexities of female friendship as well as this novel by Vivek Shraya. Neela and Rukmini fall into friendship the way some people fall into love — and make no mistakes, falling into friendship can be just as messy. Each woman is captivated by the other, but internet fame and jealousy come between them in the worst of ways. Their relationship is just as complicated as so many in real life are, and Shraya refuses to sand down the edges to make it more palatable. The beauty is in all those sharp edges.

From female athletes paving the way for future generations to scientists making incredible breakthroughs, this nonfiction book explores groups of women that have profoundly impacted history. Trust me when I say this is a must-read. Not only will you discover the overlooked stories of women throughout history, you’re going to have a great time doing it, too. This book is just so much dang fun. It doesn’t gloss over the sexism and racism that have impacted women throughout history, but by telling these stories it brings light to so many forgotten and unknown women. Truly, a celebration of female friendship. It’s high time you discover your new favorite girl squad.

How far would you go to save a friend? Prisoner of war “Verity” tells an unreliable tale of her time as a British spy who crash-landed in France during WWII. There is little to no hope of rescue. But the pilot and passenger of the plane that crashed were best friends, and though one may be lost, for the other there is still a chance of survival. As Verity spins her tale, prolonging her inevitable execution, it becomes clear the the lengths a friend is willing to go to save another. Code Name Verity is a hauntingly beautiful tale of friendship and courage in the midst of war.

The bonds of friendship between women can become a sisterhood. And for Tavia and Effie, who have lived together and loved each other as family for years, their sisterhood is unbreakable. These two magical girls understand each other better than anyone else. They are there for each other through thick and thin, protecting each other’s secrets and guarding each other’s backs. Everyone deserves a best friendship like this one.

Some friendships come and go, but the truest ones span lifetimes. In 1940s San Francisco, a group of queer women come together and find their place with each other even as the larger world refuses to accept them. In modern times, the last surviving member of that friend group fulfills a promise made decades ago to ensure her friends find the love and peace — and retribution — they all deserve.

If Dumplin’ shined a light on body positivity and self-acceptance, Puddin’ does the same for the messiness of teen friendship — especially between total opposites. Millie and Callie are unlikely friends. One is a long-time fat camp attendee ready to rebel against her parents’ wishes and chase her own dreams. The other, a dance team captain without much luck at making friends with other girls. But when circumstances bring them together, they realize they have more in common than not. But friendship is a choice — and choosing it isn’t always easy. For Millie and Callie, though, that choice will prove so, so worth it.