Yes. Yes, it is Valentine’s Day week! If you’re single like me, and you love to read, here is a list of books to read when you’re the odd one out this Valentine’s Day. Heads up, book boyfriends/girlfriends do NOT count as real Valentine’s- according to normal society. But what do they know? From LGBTQ to poetry- there is something for everyone to get their romantic fill this Valentine’s Day.
LGBTQ:
Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman
Okay, if you know about Armie Hammer, then you know. But let’s not talk about that. Or the movie. We’re here for the book. The book is amazing. You follow Elio, a teenage boy that develops a romantic relationship with 24 year old Oliver. The story navigates their summer and the outcomes of their budding relationship. The age gap isn’t exactly a great thing but the story alone is absolutely beautiful. It is probably the best romance novel I have ever read. It will transform you from this cold Valentine’s Day to a warm summer beach in Italy.
When Katie Met Cassidy by Camille Perri
This story starts when Kentucky girl, Katie, moves to New York City and meets Cassidy. Cassidy is a sophisticated, “self-assured woman, in a man’s suit”. The novel follows their platonic to romantic relationship and explores sexuality and gender with humor and romance. I haven’t read this personally, but it is on my to-be-read list. It has great reviews and is a highly recommended book by many. Laugh out loud with Katie and Cassidy instead of awkward conversations with that last minute Tinder date.
Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
If you haven’t read this book yet, please do. Simon is a highly relatable character as he tries to handle the oh-so-funny classmate Martin’s blackmailing scheme. Simon must be Martin’s wingman or face exposure of his sexuality. This book is funny, heart warming, tear jerking, and relatable. I highly recommend this if you’re looking for an easy, laid back read.
Classics
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Love is in the air. You might as well read this uber romantic classic. It’s considered THE romance and I must agree. You may have hated it during junior year lit class but I promise, it’s not all bad. When I first read the interactions between Lizzy and Darcy I felt like it really inspired my undying passion for enemies to lovers plot lines. So if you find yourself feeling empty from the lack of any sort of love life- read this. And it gives you the excuse to watch the movie version with Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. If you aren’t into the fluffy romance stuff, I recommend Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Is your Pinterest board filled with dark academia? This book is for you.This is my favorite classic novel of all time. It’s so good. Slow-burn, stormy, dark, complex, and interesting are all words used to describe this literary work. That makes it the perfect combination for this cold and snowy Valentine’s week. Mr. Rochester is the poster boy for gothic romance literature. Some may criticize me for this, but if he isn’t my future husband, then there will be no future husband. Reading this for Valentine’s Day is basically manifesting that, right? If you had that My Chemical Romance shirt in middle school then this is the book you need to get your hands on.
Evelina by Frances Burney
Listen, we all have that crush on that one guy from the coffee shop with that one beanie and that one Carhartt coat. Trust me, he’s not as obscure as he looks so don’t bother. But in case he is and in case you do bother. Read Evelina. Chances are, he may be tired of listening to Tame Impala in his room this Valentine’s Day. So you may want to be at that coffee shop reading this obscure romantic novel.This book isn’t exactly romance romance, but just enough to get you by this Valentine’s Day. As a precaution, study songs by Tame Impala in case he can’t read.
Contemporary Romance
Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
This book is so cute. Effortless and definitely chic lit. The two main characters are like oil and water but somehow blend perfectly. It features chronically ill Chloe Brown and her ruggedly handsome superintendent, Red. Together, they help Chloe complete a list of seven “directives” to get a life. Heart warming and cozy, this read will be very enjoyable.
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
If you’re looking for a whole series to curl up with this week, Crazy Rich Asians is perfect. Visit this upscale world with Rachel and Nick. Navigate their relationship as Rachel faces the complications of Nicks.. advantaged family. And ‘advantaged’ is applied lightly. This book may replace the thoughts that run rampant through your head about that cute guy in your business class. But no promises! Fall in love with Nick Young on Valentine’s Day.
Kiss an Angel by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Your mom’s paperback romance has never seemed so tempting. This book is good. Plot wise. Romance wise. Character wise. The romance is only a bonus. If you miss town fairs and summer time romance, this is a great read. Daisy and Alex’s chemistry is insane! You watch their romance unfold throughout the story and it is one heck of a ride. It also has cute animals so why wouldn’t you want to read?
If you’re into poetry, try these:
Love Poems by Pablo Neruda
Her by Pierre A. Jeanty
The Princess Saves Herself in This One by Amanda Lovelace