Top Ten Tuesday: Books to Cheer You Up on Valentine’s Day

Posted on by Holly

Happy Tuesday!! This week’s Top Ten Tuesday topic (hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl) is a love freebie, so I’ve decided to do a classic Valentine’s Day themed post. However, instead of listing books about romantic relationships, I’m sharing ten eight books to cheer you up on Valentine’s Day. This strange holiday isn’t always all it’s chocked up to be, and sometimes it can make people feel rather lonely and down. Hopefully these books can brighten your pink and red, candy-hearts filled day!

Dear Fahrenheit 451 by Annie Spence

Don’t feel like reading about romance between people? Then why not read about people’s love for books? This book is a collection of love letters to books written by a witty, enthusiastic librarian. It will remind you of all the reasons why you love reading, as well as the fact that you’re never alone when you’re in a community of fellow readers. What’s not to love?

My review.

Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton

Although much of this fantastic memoir is about love (as is clear from the title), it’s not solely about romantic love. Rather, Dolly Alderton takes us through her experiences with love for friends, love for life, and, most importantly, love for herself. This memoir will make you laugh and cry and feel all of the emotions, all through Dolly’s witty British charm.

My review.

The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen

You might be asking yourself, “Why would Holly recommend a classic romantic Sarah Dessen novel on this list?” That’s because this particular Sarah Dessen novel is unlike so many of the others in that, SPOILER ALERT, the protagonist actually ends up without a love interest and with a much better sense of herself. I recently reread this novel over this past summer and was pleasantly surprised by how much this resonated with me even now.

My review.

Becoming by Michelle Obama

While Michelle and Barack’s love story could be a fairy tale romance in and of itself, this memoir also exposes how not every relationship is as perfect and seamless as it may seem on the surface. Not only is this memoir is empowering and inspiring, but it also emphasizes the importance of friendships and love for oneself at all stages of life.

My review.

Matilda by Roald Dahl

Matilda is a book brimming with love: not between Matilda and her awful parents, but between Matilda and Miss Honey as well as Matilda and her books. It’s an important reminder that love can be found in all sorts of places.

My review. | Matilda as a Feminist Text

The Princess Bride by William Goldman

I’m including this fairy tale-esque love story in this list because it’s ridiculous and witty and funny. My hope is that it is much more likely to make you laugh than feel sad. (Also would highly recommend the movie adaptation!)

My review.

Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

Although this novel does include a romantic relationship, it also contains some incredible friendships. From Taylor and Raffy and Santiago and Griggs to Tate and Fitz and Jude and Webb and Narnie, these friendships will fill you with all the hope and fuzzy feelings you could want. I’ve recommended Jellicoe Road countless times on this blog because it is one of my absolute favorite books–it’s perfect for so many occasions and feelings!

My review. | A Classic Couple: Jane Eyre and Jellicoe Road

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Now, hear me out. Rather than taking this play seriously, I recommend reading it through the lens that it was probably meant to be viewed: as a comedy or parody of romance. This whole ordeal happens in just three days!! And they hardly know each other!! Sometimes it’s helpful to remind ourselves how ridiculous and blinding romance can be. And, hopefully, it will give you a little chuckle.

A Classic Couple: Romeo and Juliet and The Hunger Games

What are your thoughts about the books on my list? Do you have any recommendations? How do you feel about Valentine’s Day? Let me know in the comments section below!

Yours,

HOLLY

29 thoughts on “Top Ten Tuesday: Books to Cheer You Up on Valentine’s Day”

  5. I love how you emphasized other “romantic” relationships in this post, Holly! It’s refreshing to read about other dynamics, especially around this season 😅. I love the idea behind Dear Fahrenheit 451!

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  7. I’ve read most of these books and while I’m ambivalent about Valentines day as a celebration (probably going to do something very low key for it if anything) I love thinking about beautiful and empowering literature that isn’t just about love.

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  8. I love your take on the topic. That’s so sweet and thoughtful of you! ❤ Matilda does have such a great relationship in it and also has the nostalgia factor going for it 😋

    My TTT.

    Liked by 1 person

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  12. Great picks! Love this weeks freebie and seeing what everyone comes up with. Double love the fact that you included Matilda AND Becoming. OH! And The Princess Bride–honestly your entire list is perfect so I should stop before I just parrot back all the books you listed.

    Liked by 1 person

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  14. Despite the fact that I love contemporary fiction I have as yet to read a Sarah Dessen novel. Someday I really should remedy this because they sound fun! Or most of them do. 🙂 Thanks so much for the recent visit to Finding Wonderland, Holly.

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  15. Pingback: FEBRUARY 2020 | Wrap-Up – Nut Free Nerd

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