The theme of this month's Valentine's Day Special is "love in all its forms". This collection of books highlights love between friends, chosen family, romantic love, and self love.
Want to recommend a book? Submissions can be made by filling out the form here.
The plot follows the ups and downs of the relationship of a young man and a young woman who have been best friends since childhood. They aren't lovers but they love each other. Their relationship is more than friendship. There are parallels in their relationship to The Oddesey, to Shakespeare's The Tempest and to the video game stories that the two protagonists write together for their business. The novel explores polyamory and gender fluidity as well.
Recommended by Karen B. (and Julia C.)
With beautiful illustrations, this sweet story is a about a quiet boy who meets a girl through their mutual love of birdwatching. I just love that how through the backdrop of these stunning images of birds and nature a lifelong friendship develops into love. That you can be different and still find a friend that understands you. That sometimes we can make beautiful connections when and where we least expect it. It's so cute.
Recommended by Brianna P.
A timeless coming-of-age story that has seen many screen adaptations, this book has been capturing hearts for over 150 years! The March sisters, whom Alcott based off of herself and her own sisters, are just as lovable today as they were when the book first came out in 1868. Together, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy find the love-and the lovelornity-that comes with growing up.
Recommended by Madeline D.
This book has stuck with me over the years in ways few others have. At its core it is about memory and the erasure of history- but it is also about love, deep and enduring love, and death, and war. Maybe its tone is a little melancholy for a Valentine’s-themed list- but I think this novel’s representation of love is truly beautiful.
Recommended by Emily L.
I love this books ability to cover a wide arrangement of themes such as women and gender as well as culture and tradition. It's a story of friendship and love along with overcoming adversity in life.
Recommended by Isabella B.
This book has it all. Dark academia. Lush descriptions of beautiful landscapes. Class commentary. A daring and unexpected romance. A gorgeous Merchant-Ivory film adaptation to watch when you've finished the book.
Recommended by Clark G.
This is a richly described fantasy novel that enchanted me. I re-read it every year in the fall or winter for its warmth and magic.
Recommended by Leea S.
A beautiful blend of longing, sadness, hope, vulnerability, and immense love.
Recommended by Jesse M.
It's fun and funny with relatable characters. I don't read many romance novels but this one is worth it.
Recommended by Cat R.C.
A poetic, wonderful book about lessons we can learn from marine mammals about deep dives, deeper breaths, caring, honoring boundaries and more.
Recommended by Amy H.
Came for the intriguing title, stayed for the inventive use of epistolary format and the time-and-death-defying romance. Easily devoured in a day -- and you'll want to!
Recommended by Nicole K.
Being loved for every part of yourself, showing love to others when they are themselves around you.
Recommended by Manda T.
Pride and Prejudice is such a familiar story , and yet I was presented with perspectives (and some history!) that I'd never realized. I especially loved that this was set in modern day Toronto and that it features main characters that are Muslim and Indian.
Recommended by Elizabeth C.
This book is about so much: Naples in the 1950s to the present, social class, patriarchy, romance, political clashes, and organized crime, but the most compelling part is the beautifully complicated story of the friendship between Elena and Lila.
Recommended by Sara M.
The understanding of what love is. An "unusual 1960s novel about three people with serious physical disabilities who meet at a state hospital and decide to throw in their lot together at a house of their own."
Recommended by Naomi R.
This book was a heartwarming story that weaved several characters' storylines together in a masterful way. A major theme of the book is finding love and belonging in unexpected places.
Recommended by Hilary C.
An inspiring journey of self-discovery and self-love! And as a bonus, a touching love story.
Recommended by Katya V.
This empowering novel explores the importance of intergenerational friendships, building supportive communities, and self-love.
Recommended by Clark G.
