Ups, Downs, and Everything
In-Between: 11 Great Books About Female Friendships

by Jennifer Ridgway

Photo credit: Hero Images, Hero Images/Getty Images

Friendship is an important part of life; studies show that having friends (true friends) helps us in many ways. Of course, what friendship means evolves as we grow. From our childhood friends, who were really our best playdates, to our high school friends, who helped us navigate dating and zits and homework, to, now, our mom friends, who commiserate with us, provide a shoulder to cry on about marriage and family, and give us advice on parenting (only when asked, though!).

Below are a few books that celebrate the joy (and heartbreak) of friendship.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2019.