20 best books on women’s friendships – 2023 reading list & recommendations

Are you looking for some book recommendations that celebrate the power and beauty of women’s friendships? Look no further! In this article, we have compiled a list of the 20 best books about women’s friendships that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted. Whether you’re in the mood for heartwarming stories, gripping mysteries, or thought-provoking memoirs, these books are sure to satisfy your craving for meaningful and authentic narratives about female camaraderie. So, grab a cup of tea, cozy up, and get ready to dive into these incredible tales of friendship!


The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

by Taylor Jenkins Reid

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a captivating and poignant book about the intricacies of women’s friendships. Set in the glamorous world of Hollywood, this novel delves into the life of the iconic Evelyn Hugo, a legendary film star who is known not only for her beauty and talent but also for her seven marriages.

As the story unfolds, we are taken on a journey through Evelyn’s extraordinary life, as she reveals the secrets and complexities of her relationships with her husbands. But what really sets this book apart is the exploration of Evelyn’s friendships with other women, which prove to be even more profound and enduring than her marriages.

With richly developed characters and a compelling narrative, this book explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, love, and sacrifice. It celebrates the power of women’s friendships, showcasing the resilience and strength that can be found in these relationships.

Through Reid’s masterful storytelling, readers are immersed in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood while also being reminded of the universal truths and struggles that women face in their personal and professional lives.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a beautifully crafted story that delves into the complexities of women’s friendships and the indomitable spirit that can arise from them.

Little Fires Everywhere

by Celeste Ng

Little Fires Everywhere is an electrifying book on women’s friendships that will ignite a fire within you. Set in the idyllic suburb of Shaker Heights, Celeste Ng’s captivating novel explores the complexities and secrets that lie beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives.

In this book about women’s friendships, we meet Mia Warren, a bohemian artist who upends the carefully constructed world of Elena Richardson, a wealthy and privileged resident of Shaker Heights. As their lives intertwine, a powerful bond forms between them, challenging societal norms and forcing both women to confront their own deeply buried desires and fears.

Ng delicately explores the intricate dynamics of women’s friendships, delving into themes of motherhood, identity, and the choices that shape our lives. With her exquisite prose and keen insight, she unravels the complexities of these relationships and the profound impact they can have on our sense of self and belonging.

Prepare to be enthralled by this women’s friendships book that will leave you questioning the nature of friendship and the lengths we go to protect those we love. Little Fires Everywhere is a powerful testament to the resilience, strength, and complexity of the bonds that connect us all.

Big Little Lies

by Liane Moriarty

Big Little Lies is a captivating book on women’s friendships that delves into the lives of three fascinating women who become entangled in a web of secrets, lies, and the complexities of motherhood. Set in a picturesque seaside town, this gripping book about women’s friendships explores the darker side of seemingly perfect lives.

The Help

by Kathryn Stockett

The Help by Kathryn Stockett is an extraordinary book on the power of women’s friendships. Set in 1960s Mississippi, this captivating novel delves into the lives of three women who form an unlikely bond in a society plagued by racial discrimination.

The Girls

by Emma Cline

The Girls by Emma Cline is a mesmerizing journey into the complex and captivating world of female camaraderie. This enthralling novel delves deep into the intricacies of women’s friendships, exploring the powerful bond that can form between young girls and the unforeseen consequences that can arise.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

by Rebecca Skloot

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot is a captivating book on women’s friendships that explores the remarkable story of a woman whose cells changed the course of medical history.

The Color Purple

by Alice Walker

The Color Purple by Alice Walker is a powerful and inspiring book that delves into the complexities of female bonds. Often hailed as a timeless masterpiece, this novel is a celebration of sisterhood, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of women.

The Joy Luck Club

by Amy Tan

The Joy Luck Club: A Remarkable Tale of Female Bonding

Discover the fascinating world of female camaraderie and the power of shared stories in Amy Tan’s extraordinary novel, The Joy Luck Club. Set against the backdrop of San Francisco’s Chinatown, this riveting book delves into the lives of four Chinese immigrant women and their daughters, offering a powerful exploration of the intricate dynamics of women’s friendships.

Through captivating storytelling, Tan weaves together the unique narratives of these eight women, revealing their joys, struggles, and deep-rooted cultural heritage. Each chapter offers a glimpse into the lives of these remarkable characters, showcasing their strength, resilience, and unwavering bond with one another.

This thought-provoking book about women’s friendships explores the complexities of mother-daughter relationships and the challenges of reconciling different cultural identities. As the women gather regularly to play mahjong and share their stories, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, navigating the intricacies of love, loss, and sacrifice.

With rich prose and vivid imagery, Tan paints a vivid portrait of these women’s lives, seamlessly blending the past and the present. From the treacherous days of war in China to the pursuit of the American Dream, each character’s tale is brought to life, relaying the universal themes of hope, resilience, and the search for identity.

As you immerse yourself in the pages of The Joy Luck Club, be prepared to be captivated by the profound connections formed between these women. This women’s friendships book will not only leave you pondering the intricate dynamics of female relationships but also remind you of the timeless power of storytelling as a means of healing, understanding, and finding strength in the bonds we forge with one another.

The Secret Life of Bees

by Sue Monk Kidd

The Secret Life of Bees is a captivating and heartfelt novel that delves into the intricate world of female camaraderie. Set against the backdrop of civil rights movement in 1960s South Carolina, this extraordinary book unravels the essence of women’s friendships, exploring the power of sisterhood, resilience, and love.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is an enchanting book that delves into the wonderful world of female companionship, exploring the beauty and strength of women’s friendships. Set in the aftermath of World War II, this captivating novel takes us on a journey to the idyllic island of Guernsey, where a group of extraordinary women form an unconventional book club.

The Nightingale

by Kristin Hannah

The Nightingale: A Tale of Female Camaraderie

Prepare to be captivated by Kristin Hannah’s extraordinary novel, The Nightingale. Set against the backdrop of World War II, this gripping tale is not just another war story; it is a powerful exploration of the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood and the resilience of women in the face of adversity.

In this remarkable book on women’s friendships, Hannah weaves together the lives of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, who couldn’t be more different. Vianne is a quiet, cautious woman who finds solace in her family, while Isabelle is a rebellious and impulsive spirit, yearning for adventure. As the war escalates and their lives are turned upside down, these two women must navigate the treacherous landscape of occupied France, each in her own way.

As the sisters embark on their own journeys of survival and resistance, their paths intersect with an underground network of women who risk everything to help others. Through their shared experiences and sacrifices, they form an unbreakable bond, proving that in the midst of chaos, women’s friendships can be a source of strength and inspiration.

With her vivid prose and meticulous research, Hannah takes readers on a heart-wrenching journey, shedding light on the untold stories of the women who fought and suffered during the war. She explores the courage and resilience of these characters, reminding us of the incredible power that lies within the female spirit.

The Nightingale is a poignant and unforgettable book about women’s friendships, a testament to the indomitable spirit of women and the enduring power of love. Through its pages, Hannah reminds us of the unsung heroines of history and the strength that can be found in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.

The Paris Wife

by Paula McLain

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain is a captivating book on women’s friendships that takes readers on a journey through the lives of two remarkable women. Set in the 1920s, this novel explores the deep bond between Hadley Richardson, Ernest Hemingway’s first wife, and her close friend, Fife. As they navigate the vibrant streets of Paris, their friendship blossoms amidst the backdrop of artistic revolution and the Lost Generation. McLain skillfully weaves a tale of love, betrayal, and resilience, capturing the essence of women’s friendships in a time of great upheaval. This book about women’s friendships is a must-read for anyone seeking a riveting story that celebrates the strength and power of female connections.

The Thirteenth Tale

by Diane Setterfield

The Thirteenth Tale: A Captivating Saga of Female Bonding

Discover a mesmerizing tale that delves into the intricate web of female relationships, where secrets, loyalty, and sisterhood intertwine. Diane Setterfield’s The Thirteenth Tale is an enchanting journey through time, literature, and the depths of the human heart.

Setterfield weaves a tapestry of mystery and intrigue, inviting readers into the lives of two extraordinary women. Margaret Lea, a reclusive bookworm with a passion for literature, is summoned to the secluded estate of renowned author Vida Winter. As Vida unravels her haunting life story, Margaret becomes enthralled with the enigmatic tale and finds herself drawn into a world filled with dark family secrets and hidden truths.

Through their shared love of literature, Margaret and Vida form an unlikely bond, transcending the barriers of time and age. Their connection deepens as they navigate the complexities of their own lives, unearthing the power of friendship and the resilience of the female spirit.

The Thirteenth Tale is more than just a book about women’s friendships; it is a celebration of the unbreakable bonds forged between women. Setterfield’s exquisite prose and intricate storytelling will transport you to a world where friendships are tested, secrets are revealed, and the power of connection triumphs over adversity.

Prepare to embark on a remarkable journey through the pages of this captivating novel, where the mysteries of the past intertwine with the present, and the magic of female friendship shines brightly. The Thirteenth Tale is a must-read for anyone seeking a compelling story that explores the complexities of women’s relationships and the enduring power of friendship.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

by Ann Brashares

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares is a captivating book on women’s friendships. This heartwarming story follows four best friends – Carmen, Tibby, Lena, and Bridget – as they embark on a summer adventure that will change their lives forever.

When the girls discover a magical pair of jeans that miraculously fits each of them perfectly, they come up with a plan to share the pants throughout the summer. Despite being physically apart, the pants become a symbol of their unbreakable bond and a source of support as they navigate the challenges of growing up.

As the girls face various trials and tribulations, the pants serve as a reminder of their connection and provide comfort during difficult times. Through the ups and downs of love, family, and self-discovery, these four friends learn the importance of trust, loyalty, and the enduring power of women’s friendships.

Brashares beautifully captures the essence of the unique bond between women, showing that true friendship can withstand anything. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is a must-read for anyone seeking a heartwarming and relatable story about the strength and resilience of women’s friendships.

The Glass Castle

by Jeannette Walls

The Glass Castle is an extraordinary memoir that delves into the intricacies of female camaraderie. This captivating book explores the bonds that are forged between women, painting a vivid portrait of resilience, strength, and unbreakable friendship. Jeannette Walls masterfully crafts a tale that celebrates the power of connection, weaving a narrative that showcases the indomitable spirit of women.

The Bean Trees

by Barbara Kingsolver

The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver is a captivating book on women’s friendships. It tells the story of Taylor Greer, a determined young woman who leaves her small Kentucky town in search of a better life. On her journey, she encounters a mysterious Native American child whom she names Turtle and becomes her guardian.

As Taylor settles in Tucson, Arizona, she forms unexpected and powerful friendships with fellow women who have also faced their fair share of hardships. Together, they navigate the challenges of poverty, motherhood, and the complexities of relationships.

With its richly drawn characters and thought-provoking themes, The Bean Trees is a book about women’s friendships that explores the resilience, compassion, and strength that can emerge when women come together. Kingsolver’s poignant storytelling and vivid descriptions make this novel a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities and joys of women’s friendships.

The Poisonwood Bible

by Barbara Kingsolver

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver is an extraordinary tale of sisterhood, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds that connect women. This enthralling novel delves into the intricate web of relationships among a family of women, exploring the power of their enduring friendships.

The House of the Spirits

by Isabel Allende

The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende is a captivating tale that delves deep into the intricate dynamics of female bonds. This spellbinding novel explores the profound connections that women forge throughout their lives, weaving together a tapestry of love, resilience, and sisterhood.

The Bluest Eye

by Toni Morrison

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison is a powerful and thought-provoking book that delves deep into the complexities of female connections. This extraordinary novel explores the intricacies and fragilities of women’s friendships, painting a vivid picture of the underlying emotions and societal pressures that shape these relationships. Morrison’s mesmerizing prose will transport you into the lives of her characters, allowing you to experience their joys, sorrows, and everything in between. This book about women’s friendships is a must-read for anyone seeking a profound and illuminating exploration of the bonds that tie women together.

The Bell Jar

by Sylvia Plath

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath is a captivating novel that delves into the intricate world of female connections. Plath’s masterpiece offers a profound exploration of the complexities and nuances within women’s friendships. Through the lens of her protagonist, Esther Greenwood, Plath paints a vivid picture of the emotional rollercoaster that is women’s camaraderie. Brace yourself for an immersive journey into the depths of sisterhood, as this remarkable book uncovers the intricacies of these profound bonds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 20 best books about women’s friendships offer a captivating exploration of the complexities and beauty of female bonds. From heartwarming tales of lifelong companionship to gripping stories of betrayal and redemption, these books will resonate with readers of all backgrounds. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, entertainment, or a deeper understanding of the power of friendship, these books are a must-read. So grab a cup of tea, settle into your favorite reading spot, and dive into these extraordinary stories that celebrate the enduring strength and resilience of women’s friendships.