Friendships in your 20s can be intense, confusing, and transformative. These books capture the complexity of female relationships—from loyalty and rivalry to love and heartbreak—and offer lessons every young woman can relate to.
1. "The Friend" by Sigrid Nunez
Plot: When a writer unexpectedly inherits a friend’s Great Dane after her friend’s death, she embarks on a journey of grief, healing, and connection.
This novel is a meditation on the quiet power of friendship and the ways friends support us through life’s hardest moments, even when they’re absent.
2. "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
Plot: The March sisters navigate love, ambition, and societal expectations during the Civil War era, forming unbreakable bonds with each other and their friends.
It highlights the joy, jealousy, and support in sisterhood and friendships, reminding young women that strong connections can empower and challenge you at the same time.
3. "Such a Fun Age" by Kiley Reid
Plot: When a young Black babysitter is accused of kidnapping the white child she cares for, her employer’s friendship and guidance are put to the test, revealing uncomfortable truths about privilege, loyalty, and moral responsibility.
This witty, contemporary novel challenges readers to think critically about the ethics, boundaries, and complexities of modern friendships and mentorships.
4. "Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close" by Aminatou Sow & Ann Friedman
Plot: This non-fiction book blends memoir, research, and practical advice to examine the work and rewards of sustaining long-term friendships.
It’s a guide to building friendships that last—teaching communication, forgiveness, and celebrating joy—perfect for women balancing busy lives and relationships.
5. "Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman
Plot: Eleanor lives a regimented, solitary life until a random act of kindness connects her with colleagues and friends, helping her confront her past.
The novel shows how transformative friendships can be, especially in adulthood, and how opening up to others can help you grow emotionally.
6. "Fierce Attachments" by Vivian Gornick
Plot: A memoir reflecting on Gornick’s complicated relationship with her mother and the friendships that shaped her life.
It explores emotional honesty, boundary-setting, and the power of candid conversations—crucial lessons for navigating friendships in your 20s.
7. "The Joy Luck Club" by Amy Tan
Plot: Four Chinese immigrant women form a mahjong club in San Francisco, sharing stories about their lives and raising daughters, revealing generational tensions and enduring bonds.
This novel highlights how friendships and mentorship among women transcend culture, age, and circumstance—showing young women the value of both giving and receiving support.
