The Top Ten Tuesday meme is brought to you via The Broke and the Bookish.
Hello all of my book-loving friends, and Happy Tuesday! Today's Top Ten Tuesday topic is friendship.
I consider the most important aspect of storytelling--whether it's in the form of books, movies, or television--to be character development. I am not intrigued by static characters--I need characters that are multi-dimensional and dynamic. And, I think that it is impossible for characters to grow without some kind of support system. That's right, I'm talking about friends. These are the people who push us to do and be better, who challenge us mentally, and love us and stick by us no matter the situation.
Without further ado, here are my Top Ten books about friendship. Enjoy!
1) The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
I think that what made this story so great for me was the relationship between Charlie, Patrick, and Sam. Patrick and Sam are the definition of true friends. And, they befriended Charlie although he was quiet and considered odd. They each taught him so much about love, life, and friendship.
After reading this, I wanted Patrick and Sam to be my best friends, and that's one of the best effects a book can have.
2) The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
This book is so heart wrenching. The story about the friendship between Amir and Hassan is one that will stick with you for the rest of your life. And, it should definitely be re-read throughout the years. The Kite Runner teaches how friendship extends beyond caste systems, differences, and borders.
3) A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Another of Housseini's bestsellers, A Thousand Splendid Suns tells the story of Mariam and Laila's lives, and their friendship which blooms under unfortunate circumstances. Their friendship allows them to do what is considered impossible for women in the Afghan society they live in.
4) Looking for Alaska by John Green

The story of Miles (aka Pudge) and his adventures at Culver Creek High School with a group of fun and intelligent friends is one that I highly recommend. These friends, including the beautiful Alaska Young, as Miles says "make [him] different". And, in his case, different is better.
5) One Day by David Nicholls
Some may classify it as a romance, but I consider One Day to be a story of friendship more than anything else. Readers witness the friendship of Dex and Em fall apart, rekindle, and eventually evolve into something more. If you have ever struggled with being in love with one of your close friends and not knowing what to do about, this book is for you.
6) My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
This is my favorite Jodi Picoult novel, and I have read nearly all of them. This is a complicated story about a family with a daughter named Kate who has leukemia, and another daughter, Anna, who was manufactured to save her life. Although the story is about family and the relationship between these two sisters, I think it touches on friendship as well. I like to consider my sisters as my lifelong friends, the friends who have to stick with me because they share so much with me, they are bound to me, and they are the only ones who understand just how crazy my family is.

7) The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
Do I really have to explain this one? The Harry Potter series is a seven-book story about magic, mischief, and adventure. But, it is also a story about friendship and love. Harry, Hermione, and Ron are thicker than thieves and this story would not be the same without their compelling friendship.
8) The Maze Runner by James Dashner
(I did not list the entire series of The Maze Runner because I have not yet finished it. I am currently on The Scorch Trials.)
When Thomas first enters the Glade, he feels alone and confused. But, eventually he gets the swing of things, understanding how the system works and how the doors of the maze close every night.
The Maze Runner is an adventurous dystopian story that leaves you asking many questions. But, what helps you to keep turning pages isn't just the mystery of what's in the maze or why there is a maze, it's the friendships Thomas forms with the other members of the Glade--Chuck, Alby, Minho, and Newt.
I love these books and I am extremely excited to see the movie adaption starring Dylan O'Brien in September.
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I only made it to 8 this week. But, I think this is a great list nonetheless.
Talk to me in the comments: What are some of your favorite books about friendship? And, if you completed your own Top Ten Tuesday, be sure to link it as well!
Thanks and see you next Tuesday!
--Teisha xx
Some great picks with different books than other lists I have seen today :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
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ReplyDeletei have wallflower and sister's keeper on my list too!
ReplyDeletei'm a new follower!
www.she-read.blogspot.com
Awesome! I didn't think many would choose My Sister's Keeper, but great minds think alike:) Thanks for following!
DeleteLooking for Alaska is my all time favorite John Green book. Pudge is absolutely marvelous! I think it would make a wonderful movie. The Harry Potter series definitely has a great friendship. Same with Perks! Great picks. (:
ReplyDeleteThanks! The Fault In Our Stars is my favorite, but Looking for Alaska will always hold a special place in my heart because it was my first Green book. I'm currently reading Paper Towns, so we'll see how I like that:)
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