Ever had a friendship drift apart so gradually you barely noticed it happening? Or maybe it ended with a bang, leaving you wondering what went wrong? Books about lost friendships get it. They dig into the complexities of those bonds, the unspoken tensions, and the pain of growing apart. If you’re looking for a story that resonates with your own experiences of friendship, here are five books that really hit home.
Product Overview / Quick Summary:
- Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah: A decades-spanning story of two women and the enduring power of friendship.
- Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty: Explores the complexities of female friendships amidst secrets and lies.
- My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix: A horror-comedy about a friendship tested by demonic possession.
- Waiting to Exhale by Terry McMillan: Follows four Black women navigating life, love, and friendship.
- The Girls’ Guide to Hunting and Fishing by Melissa Bank: A coming-of-age story that explores different kinds of friendships and relationships.
Top 5 We Used To Be Best Friends Books
1. Firefly Lane
Firefly Lane tells the story of Tully and Kate, two women from different backgrounds who forge an unlikely friendship in the 1970s. Their bond endures through thick and thin, navigating careers, love, and family. But as the years pass, secrets and betrayals threaten to tear them apart.
Pros:
- ✅ Captures the essence of long-term female friendships.
- ✅ Explores the complexities of loyalty, ambition, and forgiveness.
- ✅ An emotional and engaging story that will keep you hooked.
Cons:
- ❌ Some plot points can feel predictable.
- ❌ The characters can be a bit stereotypical at times.
- ❌ The ending might not satisfy everyone.
Verdict: If you love stories about lifelong friendships with all their ups and downs, Firefly Lane is a great choice. Be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster.
2. Big Little Lies
Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies is set in a wealthy seaside town and centers around a group of mothers whose lives become intertwined due to their children attending the same school. Beneath the surface of perfect lives lie secrets, lies, and simmering tensions that ultimately lead to a shocking event. The book explores the complexities of female friendships, motherhood, and the pressure to maintain appearances.
Pros:
- ✅ Offers a compelling and suspenseful plot.
- ✅ Explores the darker side of motherhood and female relationships.
- ✅ Features well-developed and relatable characters.
Cons:
- ❌ Some readers may find the characters unlikeable.
- ❌ The ending might feel somewhat abrupt.
- ❌ Deals with sensitive topics that may be triggering for some.
Verdict: Big Little Lies is a gripping read that delves into the complexities of female friendships and the secrets we keep. It’s perfect for those who enjoy suspenseful and thought-provoking stories.
3. My Best Friend’s Exorcism
In My Best Friend’s Exorcism, Grady Hendrix blends horror and humor to tell the story of Abby and Gretchen, two best friends whose bond is tested when Gretchen becomes possessed by a demon. Set in the 1980s, the book is a nostalgic and entertaining exploration of friendship, loyalty, and the power of believing in each other, even when faced with the supernatural.
Pros:
- ✅ A unique and entertaining blend of horror and comedy.
- ✅ Explores the strength of friendship in the face of adversity.
- ✅ Offers a nostalgic trip back to the 1980s.
Cons:
- ❌ Some readers may find the horror elements too tame.
- ❌ The humor might not appeal to everyone.
- ❌ The plot can be somewhat predictable.
Verdict: If you’re looking for a lighthearted and entertaining horror story about the power of friendship, My Best Friend’s Exorcism is a fun read. It’s perfect for fans of 80s nostalgia and quirky storytelling.
4. Waiting to Exhale
Waiting to Exhale by Terry McMillan follows the lives of four Black women – Savannah, Robin, Bernadine, and Gloria – as they navigate love, careers, and the challenges of being single in a society that often overlooks them. Their friendship is a constant source of support and strength as they deal with heartbreak, betrayal, and the search for fulfilling relationships. It’s about finding yourself and leaning on your friends through thick and thin.
Pros:
- ✅ Realistic and relatable portrayal of female friendships.
- ✅ Explores important themes of race, identity, and self-discovery.
- ✅ Features strong and independent female characters.
Cons:
- ❌ Some readers may find the language and themes explicit.
- ❌ The plot can be somewhat episodic.
- ❌ Deals with mature themes that may not be suitable for all readers.
Verdict: If you’re looking for a honest and engaging story about the complexities of female friendships and the challenges faced by Black women, Waiting to Exhale is a must-read. It offers a powerful and insightful look at life, love, and the importance of sisterhood.
5. The Girls’ Guide to Hunting and Fishing
The Girls’ Guide to Hunting and Fishing by Melissa Bank is a collection of interconnected short stories that follow Jane Rosenal as she navigates her twenties and thirties. The book explores her relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners, offering a humorous and insightful look at the challenges of growing up and finding your place in the world. I remember reading this when I was younger and it really resonated with me as I was also figuring out adulthood.
Pros:
- ✅ Witty and insightful observations on life and relationships.
- ✅ Relatable and well-developed characters.
- ✅ Offers a fresh and humorous perspective on coming-of-age.
Cons:
- ❌ The episodic structure may not appeal to all readers.
- ❌ Some stories are stronger than others.
- ❌ The ending might feel somewhat open-ended.
Verdict: If you’re looking for a charming and witty read about the ups and downs of life, love, and friendship, The Girls’ Guide to Hunting and Fishing is a great choice. It’s a perfect book to curl up with on a rainy day.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right book about lost friendships can depend on what you’re looking for in a story. Here are a few things to consider:
- Genre: Do you prefer realistic fiction, suspense, horror, or something else?
- Themes: Are you interested in stories that explore specific themes, such as betrayal, forgiveness, or personal growth?
- Writing Style: Do you prefer a lighthearted and humorous tone or a more serious and introspective one?
- Character Development: Look for books with well-developed characters you can connect with.
- Recommendations: Check out reviews and recommendations from other readers to get a sense of what to expect.
FAQs
Q: What makes a good book about lost friendships?
A: A good book about lost friendships should offer relatable characters, explore the complexities of relationships, and evoke genuine emotions. It should also provide insights into the reasons why friendships end and the impact of loss.
Q: Are these books only for women?
A: While some of these books focus on female friendships, the themes of loss, betrayal, and forgiveness are universal and can resonate with readers of any gender.
Q: Do these books offer happy endings?
A: Not all of these books have happy endings. Some explore the painful realities of lost friendships, while others offer a sense of closure or hope for the future.
Q: Can these books help me cope with a lost friendship?
A: Reading about similar experiences can be therapeutic and help you feel less alone. These books can offer insights and perspectives that can aid in the healing process.
Conclusion
Exploring stories about lost friendships can be a cathartic experience. These books offer a range of perspectives on the complexities of human relationships, from the heartwarming to the heartbreaking. Whether you’re looking for a story that mirrors your own experiences or simply want to delve into the nuances of friendship, these five books are a great place to start.
This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on a link and buy a product, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
