The Greatest "Friendship, Fiction, Romance" Books Since 1990

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Genres

Friendship

The "Friendship" category of books focuses on the relationships between individuals who share a deep bond of mutual affection, trust, and support. These books explore the complexities of friendship, including the challenges and rewards of maintaining close connections over time. They often depict the joys and struggles of navigating the ups and downs of life with the help of loyal companions, and may touch on themes such as loyalty, forgiveness, and the power of human connection. Whether exploring the dynamics of childhood friendships or the complexities of adult relationships, books in this category offer readers a heartwarming and insightful look into the power of friendship.

Fiction

Romance

The Romance category of books typically involves stories that revolve around romantic relationships between two or more characters. These stories often explore themes of love, passion, and intimacy, and may include elements of drama, suspense, or humor. Romance novels can range from sweet and innocent to steamy and erotic, and may be set in a variety of time periods and locations. Overall, the Romance genre offers readers a chance to escape into a world of love and romance, where anything is possible.

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  1. 26. Frankly In Love by David Yoon

    The book centers around a high school senior of Korean-American descent who struggles with the expectations of his traditional parents and his own Southern California upbringing. Caught between his parents' desire for him to date a Korean girl and his own romantic interest in a non-Korean classmate, he embarks on a fake relationship with a family friend facing similar pressures. This arrangement, meant to appease their parents, leads to a complex journey of self-discovery, as he navigates the challenges of identity, love, and friendship in a multicultural landscape.

    The 9251st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me by Mariko Tamaki, illustrated Rosemary Valero-O’Connell

    The graphic novel centers around a high school student named Freddy who is grappling with her tumultuous relationship with the charismatic Laura Dean. Despite Laura's repeated infidelities and breakups, Freddy finds herself drawn back to Laura time and again. As Freddy navigates the complexities of love, friendship, and self-discovery, she begins to understand the importance of healthy relationships and self-respect. With the help of her friends, particularly her best friend Doodle, Freddy learns to set boundaries and recognize her own worth, ultimately confronting the cycle of toxic behavior and seeking a path toward personal growth and fulfillment.

    The 9251st Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

    The novel follows the journey of Felix Love, a transgender teen grappling with identity and the desire for love. Despite his name, Felix has never been in love and fears that his marginalization as a Black, queer, and transgender individual makes him one too many steps removed from the happily-ever-after he craves. His quest for self-discovery and acceptance takes a turn when he begins receiving transphobic messages after someone publicly posts his deadname and pre-transition photos at school. In a bid to get revenge, Felix lands in a complicated love triangle, but the experience leads him down a path of introspection, challenging his perceptions of relationships and what it means to love himself fully.

    The 9416th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. You Should See Me In A Crown by Leah Johnson

    The book follows the story of Liz Lighty, a high school senior who feels out of place in her small, prom-obsessed Midwestern town. With dreams of attending a prestigious college and becoming a doctor, Liz's plans are derailed when her financial aid falls through. In a desperate bid to secure a scholarship, she enters the race for prom queen, a competition steeped in tradition and popularity contests that she has always despised. As Liz navigates the cutthroat world of high school politics, she also embarks on a journey of self-discovery, finding new friendships, embracing her identity, and experiencing her first love, all while challenging the norms of her community and learning to shine as her authentic self.

    The 9416th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar

    The book follows a Bangladeshi-Irish teenager as she navigates the complexities of her identity, culture, and sexuality in contemporary Dublin. When her school organizes a business competition, she decides to start a henna business, only to face rivalry from another student with a similar idea. As the competition intensifies, so do her feelings for her competitor, leading to a poignant exploration of love, family expectations, and the courage to be true to oneself amidst the challenges of racism and homophobia. The protagonist's journey is a heartfelt tale of self-discovery and the struggle to honor one's heritage while forging a unique path forward.

    The 9416th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel by Casey McQuiston

    "Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel" is a heartwarming and humorous story about the unexpected romance between Alex, the First Son of the United States, and Henry, the Prince of Wales. After a public altercation, they are forced to fake a friendship for the sake of international diplomacy. However, as they spend more time together, their fake friendship turns into a genuine connection, leading them to question their own identities, their responsibilities, and the true meaning of love. This delightful and captivating novel explores themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the power of love to overcome societal expectations.

    The 9425th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

    The novel centers around the transformative bond that forms between a quirky and creative young woman who becomes a caregiver for a wealthy young banker left paralyzed from an accident. Despite their contrasting backgrounds and initial reservations, they develop a deep connection that challenges their preconceived notions of love, life, and what it means to truly live. As she becomes determined to show him that life is worth living, they embark on a series of adventures together that lead to unexpected consequences, forcing them to confront what they are willing to sacrifice for love and each other.

    The 9494th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

    The novel centers on a young Jamaican British woman living in London, navigating the complexities of her identity, mental health, and relationships. After a painful breakup with her long-term boyfriend, she finds herself in a downward spiral, struggling with her self-worth and the pressures of societal expectations. As she deals with workplace discrimination, problematic dating experiences, and familial issues, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing, supported by a cast of well-drawn friends and family members. The story offers a candid and often humorous exploration of contemporary issues such as race, feminism, and mental health, while providing a nuanced portrayal of the protagonist's resilience and growth.

    The 10063rd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. Eleanor And Park by Rainbow Rowell

    This novel is a touching story set in the 1980s, revolving around two high school misfits in Omaha, Nebraska, who find an unexpected connection through their shared seats on the school bus. Eleanor, a quirky and bullied girl with a troubled home life, and Park, a half-Korean boy who struggles with his identity, slowly bond over comic books and mixtapes. As their friendship blossoms into a tender and complex first love, they must navigate the challenges of adolescence, family dynamics, and societal expectations. The story is a poignant exploration of young love, identity, and the power of acceptance.

    The 10925th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

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