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?
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.
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.
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.
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!)
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
Nut Free Nerd 
Some great love stories there. https://pmprescott.blogspot.com/2020/02/ttt-021120.html
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Thank you!
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I really enjoyed Becoming! Haven’t read any of the others.. Should check them out!
My post!
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Glad you enjoyed Becoming, too! It’s such a great book. Looking forward to checking out your post!
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Becoming is such a good suggestion for this prompt!
My TTT .
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Thank you! I thought so too–such an empowering read!
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What a great topic! I’m rarely depressed if I’m alone in Valentine’s day, because heart shaped chocolate cures all ills, but I think Matilda and the Princess Bride are really great choices.
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Haha very true–chocolate does cure all!
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I love how you emphasized other āromanticā relationships in this post, Holly! Itās refreshing to read about other dynamics, especially around this season š . I love the idea behind Dear Fahrenheit 451!
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Thank you!! I always appreciate reading lists like this, so I figured I would make one myself haha.
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I’ve read a couple off your list and I’m very interested in Dear Fahrenheit 451 so will have to go and investigate that one further.
Thanks
Lynn š
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Oooh yes, I hope you enjoy Dear Fahrenheit 451! It’s a great one.
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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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Yes, definitely!! We love beautiful and empowering literature! ā¤
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I love your take on the topic. That’s so sweet and thoughtful of you! ā¤ Matilda does have such a great relationship in it and also has the nostalgia factor going for it š
My TTT.
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Thank you! I agree–a little nostalgia goes a long way! ā¤
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Obama and Dessen’s books will definitely cheer people up.
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Absolutely!
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I like your intention with this list, Holly! I still need to make time for Becoming, it’s just that I haven’t been in the mood to pick it up hehe
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Definitely worth picking up! I highly recommend the audiobook, something that form is easier to get into. Hope you enjoy!
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Ahhh having a protagonist end up single is so rare (especially in YA fiction). I love Sarah Dessen too so I really need to get to The Moon and More ASAP!
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Right!! I hope you enjoy The Moon and More!
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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.
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Haha thank you so much!! Glad you enjoyed it! ā¤
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What a great post! Yes, it’s easy to forget that Valentine’s isn’t a day that’s wonderful for everyone. I think The Princess Bride is a great suggestion. I had fun reading that one! ā¤
My Top Ten Tuesday
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Thank you!! Glad you also enjoyed The Princess Bride!
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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. š Thanks so much for the recent visit to Finding Wonderland, Holly.
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Oooh you should definitely pick up a Sarah Dessen book if you like contemporary fiction! Her books are so much fun.
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