These 5 Books Might Make You a Better Friend

Emely Rumble, a therapist in New York City who brings literature into her practice, knows that reading can help people reflect on their lives.

In the summer of 2024, she hosted a book group discussion on “Fighting for Our Friendships,” by Danielle Bayard Jackson. As the group analyzed how someone in the book handled a challenging friendship, a group member had “an emotional breakthrough,” Ms. Rumble recalled.

The group member realized she’d tackled her own issue the opposite way, Ms. Rumble explained, and decided to take action that night. She sent her old friend a voice message, and after years of silence, the pair began repairing their friendship, Ms. Rumble said.

Friendships are vital to our health, the research shows, yet they often take a back seat to romantic relationships. “There are so few resources devoted to the topic,” said Miriam Kirmayer, a clinical psychologist in Montreal who focuses on social connection. But books, she said, can give us tools for creating and sustaining meaningful bonds.

These five titles, recommended by counselors, researchers and health professionals, explore how to build, nurture and repair your friendships — helping you shift your mind-set and find more joy in them.