January – Booklist
The New Year is a chance to create new relationships and revive old friendships. These books explore the messy, and beautiful connections we make — from the spark of a first meeting to the quiet work of mending a broken bond. Friendship is an essential part of being human, but it seems to get harder as we grow older. Grab a blanket and a warm drink; these stories are designed to keep your heart crowded even on the coldest days and may guide you towards building a more connected future.
Nonfiction
Tell Me More: Stories About the 12 Hardest Things I’m Learning to Say by Kelly Corrigan
Combines memoir with motivation in a series of essays that tackle the twelve phrases the author believes make true connection possible but are among the hardest to say.
Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make and Keep Friends by Marisa G. Franco
How do we make and keep friends in an era of distraction, burnout, and chaos, especially in a society that often prizes romantic love at the expense of other relationships? Making new friends, and deepening longstanding relationships, is possible at any age, in fact, it’s essential and this book provides research-based ways to improve your connections.
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnagie
Originally published in 1937 and revised in 1981 this well-known guide provides fundamental techniques in handling people. Includes how to make people like you, how to win them to your way of thinking, and how to be a leader without offending or causing resentment.
Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know About the People We Don’t Know by Malcolm Gladwell
Examines what can go wrong when we interact with strangers. Using examples from history and recent headlines, the author looks at how we often misjudge the motivations and trustworthiness of others. Some strong language, and violence.
Fiction
The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
While the fate of Middle-earth hangs in the balance, Frodo, a home-loving hobbit, inherits a magic ring that leads him on a journey that he can’t survive without a circle of devoted friends. Read The Two Towers (DB047487) and Return of the King (DB047488) for the complete story.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Cathleen McCarron
Socially awkward and perpetually cranky, Eleanor works a boring office job and avoids dealing with other people whenever possible. She begins to open up after she develops a crush on a local musician and meets Raymond, the new IT guy. Strong language.
The Honk and Holler Opening Soon by Billie Lets
Caney Paxton, a Vietnam vet who has lost the use of his legs, runs a small roadside cafe in Sequoyah, Oklahoma. The regulars at the Honk and Holler are surprised when Caney hires first a Native American waitress and later a Vietnamese cook. The two newcomers soon bring life to the cafe’s humdrum routine.
River Season by Jim Black
In a small 1966 Texas town, 13-year-old Jim’s solitary fishing trips are interrupted by Sam, an older Black man who eventually becomes a vital father figure to him. Their blossoming friendship challenges Jim’s initial hesitations, proving that the most life-changing connections often come from the people we least expect to meet. Some language.
Image Description: Paper doll cut outs in bright colors stand hand in hand on a wooden surface in the foreground. Unfocused leaves and blue sky dappled with sunlight make up the background.