Looking for ideas for books to gift your friend? We’ve got you covered!
Friendship Day in India is celebrated on the first Sunday in August, which falls on August 4 this year. The International Day of Friendship is globally celebrated on July 30 every year. Though we don’t need a special day or another excuse to celebrate the friends in our lives, it’s always special to have a day dedicated to them.
Bands, bracelets, and chocolates are usually the go-to gifts to celebrate the simplicity of these relationships. Along with these, why not consider a book? Books make for great gifts!
Read 7 Reasons Why Books Make The Best Gifts to know why.
Now that you know, read on…
Whether your friend is a voracious reader or is just starting their reading journey (or if you’re trying to sneakily convert them into one), there is a book for everyone in our list!
Here is a Bookscape-certified list of books to gift your friend!
For messy, second-chance friendships:
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
This novel explores the deep and evolving friendship between Sam and Sadie, two video game designers who collaborate on successful games while navigating personal and professional challenges. A poignant tale about love, creativity, and the messiness of friendships that drift in and out while struggling to pursue one’s dreams.
For the most long-standing friendship, spanning years:
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
The first book in the Neapolitan Quartet traces the intense and complex friendship between Elena and Lila from childhood in a poor Naples neighborhood to their adult lives. Through the lives of these two women, Ferrante takes us through a neighbourhood, a city and country as it changes in ways that, in turn, also transform the relationship between her two protagonists.
For children and middle-grade readers:
Chaddi Buddies by Oswald Pereira
Inspired heavily from his childhood experiences, Pereira’s Chaddi Buddies celebrates the innocence and enduring bonds of childhood friendships. Set in a small Indian town, it follows a group of friends from their childhood pranks to their adult lives, showing how their bond withstands the test of time. A heartwarming choice for Friendship Day and accessible for everyone, Chaddi Buddies reminds readers of the simplicity and strength of childhood friendships and the lifelong memories made.
For found families and strangers who come together:
The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley
This uplifting novel begins with a simple green notebook that Julian, a lonely artist, leaves in a café. It ends up connecting six strangers who share their authentic selves, forming unexpected friendships that change their lives. The diary is left behind on purpose to be found and picked up by the next person as each person is invited to be their authentic selves in this notebook. An inspiring story about ‘authenticity’ and human connection.
For female friendships:
Fiona and Jane by Jean Chen Ho
Narrated from both perspectives, Fiona and Jane is the story of our titular protagonists, two Taiwanese American women, from their teenage years in Los Angeles to adulthood. This is a candid account of two Asian women who dare to dream of being happy and finding themselves in a changing, contemporary America. If you’re a woman in your 20s or 30s and have an enduring female friendship in your life, this book is for you!
For teenage friendships that help you grow:
Darius the Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram
Darius, a Persian-American teenager, travels to Iran and forms a meaningful friendship with Sohrab, a local boy. Their bond helps Darius navigate his depression and cultural identity, offering a touching portrayal of acceptance and understanding. A refreshing and heartfelt story for Friendship Day, Khorram’s debut novel highlights the healing power of friendship across continents and cultures, making it one of the highly recommended books to gift your friend.
For those who cherish the depth and diversity of friendships:
Thick as Thieves: Tales of Friendship by Ruskin Bond
Ending this list with a classic Ruskin Bond book that celebrates friendship. This collection of short stories delves into various facets of friendship, from childhood camaraderie to lifelong bonds and unexpected interactions. Each tale, whether that be the bond between a tiger and its master, or a mystery uncovered by three little boys, showcases the warmth, loyalty, and sometimes the bittersweet nature of true friendships.
For more gifting ideas, read: 15 Best Books To Gift Everyone In Your List
