5 Books About Friendship to Help You Feel Less Alone

It's hard to make and keep best friends when you're an adult, isn't it? Some friends move overseas, and others simply stop replying to messages and are constantly 'busy.' 

You aren't alone. Many people experience the same issues regarding friendships in adulthood. According to the Survey Center of American Life, adults spend less time with their good friends now than a decade ago. Some of the reasons for diminished friendships include:

• Work stress

• Social media distractions

• Life changes

This is the moment when great books about friendship come in handy. 

In fact, it's totally okay and even helpful to seek answers in books about friendship. And Headway can be your new digital companion on this journey, giving you the best insights on friendship in just 15 minutes! Keep reading to learn advice from bestselling book recommendations like 'Uninvited' and 'An Invisible Thread.' 

How Headway's books about friendship can help you

Struggling to maintain friendships or feeling lonely? Here's how Headway's book summaries can help you approach these issues:

• You can save time and gain insights

  Our bite-sized format is ideal for busy people. You can learn valuable lessons in just 15 minutes or less. 

• Learn strategies from experts

  Bestselling books from our library offer expert advice and practical tips on making new friends or deepening current relationships.

• Boost your emotional intelligence

  Develop your empathy and other crucial social skills for stronger friendships.

• Grow with us

  Read or listen to our book summaries — Headway gives you access to the world's best ideas. Make them a part of your daily routine and grow with us. 

What are the five best nonfiction books about friendship?

Friendship doesn't appear like magic — it's hard to find and easy to lose. These top five books about friendship are great starting points to better understand the connection between friends and even make new friends in adulthood. 

Also, for inspiration, check out the soulmate quotes to remind you of the true meaning of friendship.

1. 'How to Win Friends & Influence People' by Dale Carnegie

This self-help book isn't just about influence — it goes much deeper. Carnegie gives sage advice on empathy, EQ, and a better understanding of human connection. This modern classic is often listed on Amazon as a reader's favorite.

"You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you."

1. 2'Friendship' by Lydia Denworth

Science + friendship = this book. It's fantastic storytelling by Lydia Denworth on the biological aspect of friendship. She combines her knowledge of emotions with how healthy relationships shape our well-being, brains, and happiness.

"If monkeys have taught us anything, it's that you've got to learn how to love before you learn how to live."

1. 3'An Invisible Thread' by Laura Schroff and Alex Treniowski

An unexpected, unlikely friendship that changed the lives of two people is the theme of this bestseller. What do an 11-year-old panhalder and a successful executive have in common? This story covers compassion, trust, and resilience. You can read or listen to our summary of 'An Invisible Thread' in the Headway app.

"An invisible thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, and circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle. But it will never break."

1. 4'We Should Get Together' by Kat Vellos

If you struggle to make new friends, Vello's must-read is for you! The author offers a practical guide on making friends in adulthood without the awkwardness of it. 

" In our English language, we require the word friend to do a lot of heavy lifting and to mean a lot of different things."

1. '5Big Friendship' by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman

This Amazon must-read offers an honest and read-worthy representation of the friendship between two women through the best and worst moments. Was it worth it? Find out for yourself in the Headway app. 

"If you prioritize only your romantic relationships, who is going to hold your hand through a breakup?"

Ten more books that celebrate friendship

Here's a list of fiction and nonfiction books about friendship that are must-reads if you want to learn more about deeper, stronger relationships. This is a blend of practical advice and an artistic portrayal of friendships.  

1. 'The Friendship Cure: A Manifesto for Reconnecting in the Modern World' by Kate Leaver

2. 'Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close' by Aminatou Sow & Ann Friedman

3. 'Tuesdays with Morrie' by Mitch Albom

4. 'Let's Take the Long Way Home' by Gail Caldwell

5. 'The Art of Friendship' by Kim Wier

6. 'Charlotte's Web' by E.B. White

7. 'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini

8. 'A Man Called Ove' by Fredrik Backman

9. 'Anne of Green Gables' by L.M. Montgomery

10. 'Call of the Wild'  by Jack London — this story proves that friendships can heal and lead to transformation even in the worst environments. 

This all-time classic is arguably one of the best books on loyalty and friendship. And it's available in a bite-sized format to take you on an emotional journey.

When friendship saves you: Real stories, real lessons

What exactly do books about friendship teach us? These heartwarming friendship stories are excellent reminders that friendship isn't always convenient and doesn't appear from nowhere.

If you're ready to strengthen your friendships or make new friends, read or listen to the book summary of 'Reflections of a Man'. It's easy! The Headway app offers quick access to the main points of each friendship book.

How to apply friendship lessons from books in real life

Learning about friendship complexities isn't enough — you have to put the advice into practice. Sounds hard? Maybe. But it'll be worth it in the long run. These key lessons are meant to strengthen your relationships with friends:

1. Always show up

   Be present at your friend's graduation, stage performance, or housewarming party. It's a red flag for them if you miss their important events. These are milestones in their lives, and you get to be a part of them. 

2. Practice active listening

   Listen to your friend's stories, even the boring ones. Don't interrupt them. One day, they'll listen to your long story.

3. Be vulnerable

   No, you're not always fine — and sharing that with your friends is totally okay. Be open and share your genuine emotions; it'll only strengthen your connection.

4. Small acts of kindness

   Buy your friend their favorite coffee, write a message of support when they need it, or simply be there for them. These acts of kindness are truly beneficial for deeper connections.

5. Invest effort and be patient

   Sometimes, you'll fight and not even speak for days. But be patient, analyze your actions, prepare explanations, and be honest about how you feel. Every argument can be solved, but not every friend can be saved.

These points are the foundation of a best friendship, built over time.

Why friendship matters most in adulthood

Friendship is one of the most powerful forces in our lives, but as adults, keeping close connections can feel more complicated than ever. Books about friendship show us why those bonds matter so much for our mental health and happiness. 

A New York Times article highlights the loneliness many adults face and how deep, genuine friendships can help us feel less isolated and more alive. These books offer practical insights and heartwarming stories that remind us how to nurture those connections.

Check out 'Act Like a Lady' on Headway for an inspiring take on female friendships and self-confidence.

Build stronger connections with books about friendship on Headway!

Books about friendship are a great starting point for building deeper connections with your friends. These stories are diverse, from mixing science and friendship to unlikely friendships that influence your life. 

But let's be honest, sometimes life gets busy. This is why you need the Headway app —  you can learn about the struggles of friendship and how to make new friends in a bite-sized format. Headway's library is constantly updated with books about friendships, which are perfect for summer reading. 

Even better? You can read or listen to any book summary with your besties. This way, you can discuss your reading achievements and insights, and grow together as a book club. Download the Headway app — don't wait for connection to come to you, go after it.