8 Books with Something to Say About Love
Photo by Jobert Jamis Aquino on Unsplash
These books challenge perceptions of romantic, platonic, and familial love through discussions of heteronormativity, sexuality, self-love, marriage, and community.
On the complications of modern love:
Changes: A Love Story by Ama Ata Aidoo
"A wonderfully warm novel that truly shows that the more things remain the same (love) the more changes we (society) go through."
—Nikki Giovanni
On the reality of “true love:”
Love War Stories by Ivelisse Rodriguez
“This is the short story collection I've been waiting for. Love War Stories arrests the heart with its stunning exploration of women who are put through a kind of hell in their determination to find true love. Hilarious at times even in the midst of the tragic and heartbreaking, Love War Stories is extraordinary. Punto y final.”
—Angie Cruz
On romance and feminist values:
Eat My Heart Out by Zoe Pilger
"With this electric romp of a novel, Pilger turns a neon light on to the intersection of romantic love and feminism."
—Publishers Weekly
On the power of young love:
His Own Where by June Jordan
“This June Jordan treasure is a rare piece of fiction from one of America's most vital poets and political essayists—a tender story of young love in the face of generational opposition, a modern-day Romeo and Juliet that sings and sways."
—Walter Mosley
On the formation of enduring friendships:
In the Name of Friendship by Marilyn French
"Without romanticizing women's friendships, she shows them to be the saving grace of civilization."
—Gloria Steinem
On lesbian love, lust, and life:
The New Lesbian Pulp edited by Sarah Fonseca and Octavia Saenz
“Rebellious, subversive, and sexy, reading any of the stories in this collection is like taking a refreshing breath of air. Packed full of revenge, drama, and so much lesbian love, these new and vintage tales are the perfect escape.”
—Ms. Magazine
On the gravity of whirlwind romance:
A World Between by Emily Hashimoto
“A celebration of identity, queer love, messy families, and the ferocity of want. I love this book's expansive heart, nuance, and radiant joy."
—T Kira Madden
On the many manifestations of motherly love:
How Mamas Love Their Babies by Juniper Fitzgerald
"Shatters monolithic depictions of motherhood. . .By depicting love and security beyond a White, professionalized class, the book allows children of different backgrounds to see their family lives reflected authentically."
—Colorlines
