Khaled Hosseini's "A Thousand Splendid Suns" is a searing and heartbreaking novel that takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the lives of two women in war-torn Afghanistan.

Mariam, an illegitimate child living on the outskirts of Herat, is forced into a loveless marriage with Rasheed, a man much older than her, living in Kabul. Her life becomes a never-ending cycle of abuse, oppression, and heartbreak. Meanwhile, Laila, a bright and ambitious young woman, grows up in a relatively stable household in Kabul. However, her life is thrown into chaos when the war reaches her doorstep, and she is also forced into a loveless marriage with Rasheed.

As Mariam and Laila struggle to survive in a world that is constantly changing around them, they find solace in each other's company, forming an unbreakable bond that transcends the violence and oppression of their daily lives.

Through the author's vivid and evocative prose, readers are transported to the heart of Afghanistan, where the brutal realities of war and oppression take center stage. The women's journey is marked by struggle and hardship, yet their resilience and determination shine through as they fight to protect their families and maintain their dignity and humanity.

At its core, "A Thousand Splendid Suns" is a powerful and moving testament to the strength and resilience of women in the face of unimaginable adversity. The novel is a haunting and unforgettable portrait of a country and its people who have suffered the ravages of war and oppression for far too long. Hosseini's writing is both lyrical and powerful, capturing the beauty and tragedy of Afghanistan in equal measure.

Year: 2007

Author: Khaled Hosseini

Goodreads Score: 4.42/5

Elena Ferrante's "My Brilliant Friend" - one of the best books about friendship for adults - is a powerful and captivating novel that weaves a rich tapestry of post-war Naples, Italy. The story revolves around the complex and tumultuous friendship between two young girls, Elena Greco and Raffaella Cerullo, also known as Lila.

From the very beginning, we are drawn into the intricate web of Elena and Lila's relationship, which is marked by fierce loyalty, intense competition, and deep affection. Against the backdrop of poverty, violence, and political turmoil, the girls navigate the challenges of growing up in a world that often diminishes the role of women.

As the novel progresses, we see Elena and Lila's friendship evolve and change, shaped by their individual aspirations, desires, and struggles. Despite the many obstacles they face, their bond remains a powerful force that sustains them both.

At its core, "My Brilliant Friend" is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the complex nature of female friendship, examining themes of identity, class, power, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. The novel is a masterful work of storytelling, with richly drawn characters and a deeply evocative sense of time and place.

Through Elena and Lila's journey, we are reminded of the profound impact that friendships can have on our lives, and the ways in which they can shape and transform us. "My Brilliant Friend" is a timeless and resonant novel that will stay with readers long after they have turned the final page.

Year: 2011

Author: Elena Ferrante

Goodreads Score: 4/5

"Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close" is not just any memoir - it's a heartfelt and beautifully written exploration of the intricacies of female friendships. Penned by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman, it delves into the many challenges they faced while striving to keep their bond strong and intact.

Their friendship began in the bustling city of Washington D.C., where they met while working together. They quickly recognized their shared values and interests, and before long, they were inseparable. But as time went on, life's ebbs and flows threatened to pull them apart.

Despite the odds, Aminatou and Ann persevered, navigating the complexities of long-distance communication and the ups and downs of major life changes. They discovered the true value of honest communication, vulnerability, and the power of mutual support in keeping their friendship afloat.

Their memoir is a testament to the strength of female friendships and the determination required to sustain them. It's a book that will make you laugh, cry, and appreciate the precious friendships in your own life. So, for anyone looking to cultivate meaningful connections and deepen their own friendships, "Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close" - one of the best books about friendship for adults - is an absolute must-read.

Year: 2020

Authors: Aminatou Sow, Ann Friedman

Goodreads Score: 3.8/5

"The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" is a coming-of-age novel by Ann Brashares that tells the story of four best friends, Carmen, Tibby, Bridget, and Lena, who find a pair of jeans that miraculously fits each of their very different body types. They decide to share the jeans among themselves as they embark on separate summer adventures, each hoping the pants will bring them luck and comfort.

Throughout the course of the summer, the girls face a range of challenges and experiences that test their friendships and help them grow individually. Carmen struggles with her father's remarriage and her newfound Hispanic heritage, Tibby grapples with the illness of a young girl she befriends, Bridget confronts the loss of her mother and her own identity, and Lena falls in love with a boy she meets while visiting her grandparents in Greece.

Despite the physical distance that separates them, the girls stay connected through the pants, which become a symbol of their friendship and a reminder of the bond they share. As they navigate the ups and downs of their individual journeys, they learn to rely on each other and find the strength to overcome their personal struggles.

Through her vivid and relatable characters, Brashares captures the joys and challenges of growing up and the power of friendship to help us navigate life's twists and turns. "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" is a heartwarming and uplifting story that celebrates the beauty of female friendship and the transformative power of love, loss, and self-discovery.

Year: 2001

Author: Ann Brashares

Goodreads Score: 3.8/5

"Text me when you get home." - These seemingly simple words actually hold a lot of meanings for women who wish to ensure their loved ones' safety. And, in today's world, this phrase is about something even better than that; it's about standing together in solidarity.

From Broad City to Big Little Lies and beyond, the way we talk about female friendship has evolved. No longer is it seen as trivial or disposable, but rather as essential and meaningful as any other important relationship in our lives, be it with romantic partners, children, parents, or siblings.

Journalist Kayleen Schaefer shares her personal journey in understanding the power and significance of modern female friendships. From the competitive teenage years to navigating male-dominated workplaces, Schaefer ultimately discovers the magic of girl squads, soulmates, and chosen families that come with female friendship.

Through interviews with historians, creators of iconic films and television shows, celebrities, authors, and experts across the country, Text Me When You Get Home presents a fresh sociological perspective on how we view our friendships today. The result is a groundbreaking validation of the importance of female friendship, unlike anything seen before.

Year: 2018

Author: Kayleen Schaefer

Goodreads Score: 3.5/5