8 Books About Friendship To Read In 2025

Friendship is one of the most cherished and complex human relationships, and literature has long captured its nuances, joys, and trials. For those seeking to understand friendship more profoundly or simply celebrate it, books about friendship offer unparalleled insight. Below is a list of 8 books about friendship—each a masterwork that reveals different facets of companionship, loyalty, conflict, and love.

1. “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini

Their friendship is genuine yet complicated by ethnic and class divisions, culminating in a betrayal that haunts Amir for years. As the narrative unfolds, Amir seeks redemption by returning to a war-torn Afghanistan, hoping to right his wrongs. The novel explores how friendship can endure pain, guilt, and silence. It’s a moving exploration of how personal growth is often tied to how we treat those closest to us. The Kite Runner is a masterclass in emotional depth and loyalty.

2. “Charlotte's Web” by E.B. White

Charlotte's efforts to save Wilbur by spinning words into her web highlight the profound impact of kindness and loyalty. Her unwavering dedication teaches young readers about the essence of true friendship—sacrifice, love, and selflessness. Through simple prose and rich emotional undertones, E.B. White crafts a timeless tale that speaks to both children and adults. The book is a beautiful reminder that the strongest friendships often come from the most unexpected places.

3. “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman

Fredrik Backman’s A Man Called Ove introduces readers to a grumpy, isolated man whose life takes a dramatic turn when a lively family moves in next door. Ove’s journey from solitude to connection is both heartwarming and profound. Through accidental friendships and reluctant connections, Ove slowly reopens his heart. His transformation shows how human contact—even when unwanted—can heal old wounds. Backman’s storytelling is laced with humor, sorrow, and touching humanity, illustrating that even the hardest hearts can be softened through meaningful relationships. The novel celebrates second chances and the unexpected friendships that can change lives forever.

4. “Anne of Green Gables” by L.M. Montgomery

Anne of Green Gables follows the spirited orphan Anne Shirley as she is adopted by siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. Anne’s vivid imagination, fiery temper, and unrelenting optimism make her unforgettable. Among the many relationships she forms, her deep friendship with Diana Barry stands out as a testament to youthful loyalty and affection. The two girls navigate school, gossip, and personal growth together, forming a bond that shapes their identities. Montgomery captures the magic of childhood friendships, where shared secrets and dreams feel like the entire world. Anne’s friendships are an essential pillar in her emotional and intellectual maturation.

5. “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck

John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men presents one of literature’s most poignant portrayals of male friendship. George and Lennie, two itinerant workers during the Great Depression, dream of owning their own piece of land. George serves as protector and guide to Lennie, whose mental challenges make life difficult in a harsh world. The novel delves into loyalty, power imbalance, and broken dreams. Steinbeck’s minimalist style amplifies the emotional weight of their friendship, showing that in the darkest times, a friend can mean everything.

6. “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio

Wonder centers around Auggie Pullman, a young boy born with a facial deformity, as he begins school for the first time. Through multiple perspectives—Auggie’s, his sister’s, and his classmates’—the novel explores how friendship can challenge biases and foster growth. Auggie’s journey is not just about fitting in, but about teaching others to see with compassion.

7. “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak

Her bond with Rudy Steiner, the spirited boy next door, brings warmth and loyalty to a world otherwise marked by fear and loss. Additionally, Liesel’s relationship with Max, the Jewish man hiding in her basement, illustrates how friendship can thrive even in the darkest, most dangerous circumstances. Narrated by Death, Zusak’s novel masterfully combines sorrow and beauty, making it a profound testament to the endurance of love and friendship in times of war and oppression.

8. “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe” by Fannie Flagg

The novel focuses on the bond between Idgie Threadgoode and Ruth Jamison in the 1920s South, as well as the later connection between Evelyn Couch and Ninny Threadgoode. Through storytelling and shared experiences, the book emphasizes how friendships empower women to break societal norms, find their voice, and support each other through life’s hardships. The dual timelines enrich the narrative, showing how stories of friendship endure. Flagg’s work is a celebration of companionship, courage, and the legacies friends leave behind.

Final Thoughts

The 8 books about friendship outlined here offer rich, varied, and heartfelt explorations of one of life’s most treasured relationships. By immersing ourselves in these stories, we gain wisdom, hope, and a renewed appreciation for the friends who shape our lives. Whether you seek inspiration, comfort, or insight, these books serve as invaluable guides to the art and heart of friendship.