Valentine’s Day is possibly one of the most beloved yet dreaded holidays of the year. Those in happy relationships are excited to revel in their love for their significant other, while those who are single get a big, red heart-shaped reminder that they’re alone.
With the invention of “Galentine’s Day”—a female-centric platonic take on the traditionally romantic Valentine’s Day—many single women do enjoy the decadence that the holiday brings (usually in the form of chocolate, cake, and anything pink).
Whether you’re looking forward to Valentine’s Day, could not be more irritated with its existence, or are simply looking for some book recommendations, here are 6 novels that you should read this Valentine’s Day.
1. If you’re looking for a classic rom-com, read Better than the Movies by Lynn
Painter.
Better than the Movies is possibly one of the best romantic comedy novels to have been released in recent years. While referencing classic rom-com films such as 10 Things I Hate About You, Notting Hill, and Bridget Jones’ Diary, this book is not only an homage to the genre, but adds to it in the most beautiful way.
The novel follows Liz Buxbaum, a rom-com-obsessed teen, whose first crush moves back to town, prompting Liz to try and get back on his radar with the help of her annoying neighbour, Wes Bennet. The novel mainly explores romance, but it also touches on grief, and eventually proves that some Daniel Cleavers actually turn out to be Mark Darcys in the end.
2. If you’re looking for a story so sad that it’ll make you feel better about being single, read A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
For an article about Valentine’s Day reads, this book is definitely a questionable choice, but hear me out.
A Little Life is a novel that many have found exceedingly depressing and disheartening (it heavily promotes the ideology that not everyone can be happy, and that mental illness is not always curable), but that’s also why it’s a great read for those looking to wallow in their sadness.
A Little Life tells the story of four friends from college who all move to New York. There’s Willem, the kindhearted actor; JB, the humorous artist; Malcolm, the indecisive architect; and Jude, the quiet and enigmatic lawyer, whose tragic backstory plays a large part in all their lives.
The love between the four friends is touching and poignant, and while I encourage anyone interested in reading this novel to research its trigger warnings, it’s an extremely impactful read. If you want to read about people who are struggling on Valentine’s Day, written in heavily engaging prose, consider A Little Life. There is also some romance in it, so it isn’t completely the antithesis of a Valentine’s Day read.
3. If you’re looking for a literary manifestation of anxiety that will distract you from your own worries, read Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead by EmilyAustin
This one is another strange Valentine’s Day recommendation, but it’ll definitely direct your mind away from thinking about the woes of singlehood. Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead tells the story of Gilda, a young woman who is wracked with anxiety about death, who accidentally gets a job as a Catholic church receptionist.
While Gilda is (technically) in a relationship, romance is not a large aspect of this book, making it perfect for those looking to pretend the holiday doesn’t exist and simply get lost in the anxieties of someone else instead of focusing on their own. This book is incredibly engrossing, thought-provoking, and is overall one of my favourite reads.
4. If you’re looking for a mystery with a hint of romance, read A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
If you’re interested in reading a mystery this Valentine’s Day, here’s a recommendation that also has a bit of romance added in.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is about Pippa Fitz-Amobi, who decides to investigate a five-year-old murder in her small town for a school project. With the help of Ravi Singh, the supposed murderer’s younger brother, Pip begins uncovering secrets and becomes embroiled in the murder story herself.
Although the focus of the book is largely on the murder and the surrounding mystery, the burgeoning love story between Pip and Ravi is perfect for those not wanting to read a romance but still wanting to dip their toes into the spirit of Valentine’s Day.
5. If you’re looking for a (platonic) love story between two women, read A
Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Like A Little Life, this recommendation is not for those wanting a happy love story. A Thousand Splendid Suns is another heart-wrenching tale, although it’s somewhat more hopeful than A Little Life.
It tells the stories of two women whose lives become irrevocably intertwined. Set in Afghanistan, a young girl named Mariam is forced to marry an older man, Rasheed, and eventually he takes the young Laila as another wife.
Amid the Taliban rule in Afghanistan, the two women must learn to live with each other, and endure life in miserable conditions. This novel portrays the love that the two women develop for each other, how this love sustains them, and the resilience of women. A Thousand Splendid Suns is a tearjerking Galentine’s read that highlights female friendship and maternal relationships.
6. If you’re looking for a timeless love story, read Emma by Jane Austen
To conclude this brief list of Valentine’s Day reads, it seems only necessary to include one piece of classic literature. Jane Austen is one of the most famous authors of all time, particularly for her ability to write love stories that stand the test of time.
My favourite Austen classic is Emma, in which Emma Woodhouse decides to play matchmaker and ends up falling in love herself. This isn’t the most original recommendation, but I had to include it, if only for the line where Mr. Knightley says to Emma, “If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more”.
The way that Emma is so focused on finding love for others that she almost doesn’t realize when she herself falls in love is such a perfect trope for Valentine’s Day—being surrounded by romance, not thinking about it for yourself, and then it surprising you anyways.
Whatever you feel about Valentine’s Day, whether you want to relish in the romance, wallow in your single woes, or forget the holiday even exists, one can’t outright deny the beauty of love.
Perhaps one day, when your Valentine’s Day mood shifts to another category, you can consult this list and find a new Valentine’s read more suitable for how you’re feeling.