As Valentine’s Day approaches, whether you’re a genuine romantic, a sceptic, or someone seeking wisdom in love, there’s a book awaiting your attention. ‘Tis the season for tales of star-crossed lovers, unrequited passions, and many emotions. Amidst the usual rituals of watching romantic movies and indulging in heart-shaped candies, don’t underestimate the joy of losing yourself in a compelling love story. From erotica to nonfiction, novels, and poetry, here are ten books promising to infuse your Valentine’s Days with an extra dose of tenderness.
All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks
bell hooks remains an indispensable voice in discussions about love. Published in 1999, “All About Love” continues to resonate, exploring love as an act of care and compassion for oneself and others. Hooks advocates for a transformative understanding of love, emphasizing its dynamic nature with the memorable assertion, “The word ‘love’ is most often defined as a noun, yet we would all love better if we used it as a verb”.
How Stella Got Her Groove Back by Terry McMillan
For fiction enthusiasts, Terry McMillan’s timeless “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” unfolds the story of an overworked single mother, Stella, finding unexpected love in Jamaica. This classic love tale challenges preconceptions and has even been brought to life on screen with the legendary Angela Bassett.
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
Former teenage lovers Eva and Shane reignite sparks at a literary event in Tia Williams’s “Seven Days in June“. This exploration of erotica and romance follows the duo for seven intense days in a hot Brooklyn summer, prompting a reevaluation of their second chance at love when old wounds resurface.
Heartburn by Nora Ephron
Nora Ephron, known for her romantic comedies, wrote “Heartburn“, a tale of love and betrayal based on her life. Pregnant cookbook writer Rachel grapples with chaos as she discovers her husband’s infidelity. True to Ephron’s style, the story is cosy and peppered with recipes, with a film adaptation starring Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson adding a delicious cinematic touch.
Delta of Venus by Anaïs Nin
For an intimate Valentine’s Day, Anaïs Nin’s “Delta of Venus” presents a collection of short stories exploring desire and intimacy through diverse characters. In this erotica anthology, Nin weaves tales of Parisian hatmakers rediscovering sexuality and disguised women seducing strangers, creating a captivating narrative.
Everything I Know about Love: A Memoir by Dolly Alderton
In a funny and heartfelt memoir, journalist Dolly Alderton shares her experiences with love, heartbreak, and self-discovery in “Everything I Know About Love“. Personal anecdotes and cultural observations offer insights into navigating the complexities of love, romance, and partnership.
Love Poems by Pablo Neruda
The romantic allure of poetry is embodied in Pablo Neruda’s “Love Poems“, written on the enchanting Italian island of Capri. This Nobel Prize winner’s collection inspired the heartwarming 1994 Italian film “Il Postino”, offering a timeless exploration of love through verse.
The Lonely Hunter: How Our Search for Love Is Broken: A Memoir by Aimée Lutkin
Aimée Lutkin’s memoir, “The Lonely Hunter“, resonates with the potential loneliness of the season. Lutkin embarks on a year-long journey, uncovering society’s biases against the uncoupled through enlightening dates and the latest research on singlehood.
Foreverland: On the Divine Tedium of Marriage by Heather Havrilesky
Advice columnist Heather Havrilesky examines her 15-year marriage in “Foreverland“, offering a refreshingly candid portrait of the gritty and poignant layers within the centuries-old institution of marriage and its relevance in the modern age.
The Art of Online Dating: Style Your Most Authentic Self and Cultivate a Mindful Dating Life by Alyssa Dineen
Stylist Alyssa Dineen offers guidance in “The Art of Online Dating” a step-by-step guide to curating a genuine online persona that aligns with your real-life self. Learn the art of crafting a captivating bio, selecting the perfect photos, and choosing the most suitable dating app for a mindful dating experience.
Whether you’re seeking passion, introspection, or laughter, these ten books promise to make your Valentine’s Day a literary journey through the many facets of love.
