9 nonfiction books that will help you be a better friend

Tell Me More: Stories About the 12 Hardest Things I’m Learning to Say

by Kelly Corrigan

I adored this book; I wish I could download it into my brain. Kelly talks in depth about how after her friend Liz was diagnosed with cancer, they both pushed past the surface stuff to forge a powerful and enduring friendship. (The dedication page makes me cry every time: "I wish we could have done this together, Lizzard, though in a way, we sort of did.") This book will make you want to be a better friend, and also give you insight into how. Personal, heartfelt, and really really good.

Text Me When You Get Home: The Evolution and Triumph of Modern Female Friendship

by Kayleen Schaefer

Text Me When You Get Home examines the importance of female friendship and is sure to inspire a reflection about how it's impacted your own life. Part memoir and part social history, Schaefer's stories and illustrations show the many ways female friendship has evolved over the years. Don't be surprised if you feel a deep need to call or text your friends to tell them how wonderful they are once you're done reading.

My Glory Was I Had Such Friends: A Memoir

by Amy Silverstein

When Amy Silverstein had a heart transplant at age 25 in 1988, her doctors predicted she might live another 10 years at best. Instead 26 years passed, during which time Amy married her husband, lived a full life, and amassed a wonderful collection of friends. Then she learns her transplanted heart is failing and she'll need to undergo another transplant. Ultimately, she and her husband have to relocate to L.A. for several months while she waits for a new heart and nine of her friends decide they will take turns flying out and keeping Amy company while she waits for a heart. This goes on for months! We see not only how her friends relate to one another but also how their bonds grow as they support Amy. A beautiful and loving portrayal of friendship.

How to Be Loved: a Memoir of Life-Saving Friendship

by Eva Hagberg

An unexpected health crisis confronts Eva Hagberg with the truth. She faces a tough recovery, she is vulnerable and lonely, and she needs friendship more than ever. Although it feels like her life has fallen apart, Eva finds that simple acts of friendship slowly pull it back together. A beautiful reflection on pain, hope, and joy—this book reminds us that friends hold us up when we can't get back on our feet alone.

The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters

by Priya Parker

Years ago I asked a handful of friends to share tips for running better meetings—and an uncanny number recommended this book. Parker doesn't take her subject lightly: she believes that it is the way a group gathers that determines what happens there and how successful it will be, and that the little design choices the organizer makes can make or break it. As someone who tends to be interested in the behind the scenes of any endeavor, I was fascinated by her insights into why some gatherings work—and others don't. With chapter titles like "Don't Be a Chill Host" and "Never Start a Funeral with Logistics," Parker pushes her readers to think differently about why and how they gather. Helpful and thought-provoking.

Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close

by Aminatou Sow, Ann Friedman

Countless books, blogs, and podcasts are devoted to the importance of close friendship, but it's not all phone calls and brunch dates. Friendship can be complicated, and, just like any relationship, it takes work to maintain those close friendships. I enjoyed the authors' combination of thoughtful research and personal stories that highlight the importance of making and keeping close friends who help you grow, stick around for the hard stuff, and celebrate your victories. They'll be the first to say it’s not easy—while the two share joyful moments in their friendship journey here, they share plenty of messy moments and hard conversations as well—but it's possible, and it’s worth it.

Share Your Stuff. I’ll Go First.

by Laura Tremaine

Wise, warm, and relatable, this is the perfect read for anyone interested in exploring how to use their words to deepen their relationships. I read it SO FAST because I wanted to read the story of it, but the themes and questions have stuck with me for years now.

Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make—and Keep—Friends

by Marisa G. Franco

Psychologist Dr. Marisa G. Franco believes we need to prioritize friendship more. By looking at friendship through the lens of attachment theory, she makes the case for the many benefits of these relationships, including how they shape us and help us become our healthiest selves. This is a guide for how to strengthen and deepen your existing friendships, nurture new ones, and better manage conflict. Relatable, thought-provoking, and ultimately affirming.

Start with Hello: (And Other Simple Ways to Live as Neighbors)

by Shannan Martin

Over the past few years, we have all had to deal with loneliness, isolation, and disconnection. Shannan Martin says connecting with our neighbors will lead to security, camaraderie and joy. We can be open-hearted and empathetic with our community, seeing past what divides us and finding our common ground. Shannan’s funny but challenging stories about her diverse and complex neighborhood makes being a good neighbor accessible to everyone. Practical tips abound in this conversational read.

9 nonfiction books that will help you be a better friend

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