Excellent 4.5 out of 5
Reading together with your loved one can bring you closer together.
Reading together with your loved one can bring you closer together and encourage you to discuss different, engaging topics which help you gain a deeper understanding of how you view the world as individuals. Communication is key in a relationship, and this list of 8 'Best Books to Read as a Couple' will spark your discussions and form a stronger bond between you and your partner. Whether you're married, in a relationship, 'it's complicated' or even if you're single - these books are all thought-provoking reads.
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1. The Bad Girl by Mario Vargas Llosa
This tale, translated by Edith Grossman, is about unrequited love which continues through time and in a variety of locations. A man falls in love with a woman who constantly appears and disappears from his life - leaving him crushed every time she departs for another man.
Why is it one of the best books to read as a couple?
This book goes into depth about the cruel mind games that are sometimes played in complicated relationships, especially when passionate emotions are involved. You'll have a lot to discuss with your partner after reading this book together. Is Ricardo simply a romantic, or a fool infatuated with a girl that is bad for him?
Buy Now: The Bad Girl by Mario Vargas Llosa
2. The Girl on Paper by Guillaume Musso
After a millionaire author breaks up with his partner, he begins to experience extreme writer's bock and turns to alcohol and drugs to soothe his pain. Not long after, a character from one of his books appears in his house and becomes a reality. The uncanny story unravels from there.
Why is it a great book to read as a couple?
If you've met your match and you are convinced that they're the fictional character that's 'perfect on paper' and in real life - this is the book for you!
Buy Now: The Girl on Paper by Guillaume Musso
3. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Many would elect this novel as one of the greatest stories ever told. Tolstoy's characters are some of the most vivid and exquisite characters known to literature. Anna is a woman who leaves her lifeless marriage and favours another man, but not without consequences. The story is written so that you merely witness the events impartially, without passing judgement, as was the author's intent.
This is one of the top books to read together as couple because...
It allows for great discussions, whether it's about the characters and their personalities, or their extreme and shocking actions. "Love. The reason I dislike that word is that it means too much for me, far more than you can understand."
Buy Now: Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
4. Netherland by Joseph O'Neill
A book that should definitely be included in any couples' reading list is Netherland. Often said to be similar to the Great Gatsby, due to its U.S setting, with a strong focus on the infamous 'American Dream'. An engaging and thought-proving narrative that explicitly details the corrupt life, present in the city of New York.
This is one of the recommended books for couples because...
It's a narrative that will undoubtedly spark discussions and (healthy) debates between you and your S.O. It touches upon many social problems at the time and brings to light multiple relevant and relatable themes such as immigration, betrayal and friendship.
Buy Now: Netherland by Joseph O'Neill
5. Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus by John Gray
Certainly, one of the best books to read as a couple. This book will provide you and your partner with useful insights on the behaviours of both genders. A classic book that is bought by many due to its upheld status as a modern classic that has helped millions of couples to ultimately grow together despite their extreme differences.
Why is it a great book to read together?
It's an extremely relevant and helpful book when you feel like you don't understand your partner and vice versa. Let this book guide you through your differences as you read and analyse it together. Date night has never been so educational!
Buy Now: Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus by John Gray
6. The World According to Garp by John Irving
A crazy novel full of drama and discontent. Strongly revolving around the theme of feminism and women's strength and independence. Although much of the story features dark and aggressive events, it is offset by the glimmers of comedy that are scattered throughout the narrative.
Why is one of the top recommended books to read as a couple?
If you and your loved one are true feminists and enjoy a good plotline, there will be much to discuss about this eventful novel. A variety of different relationships are evident in this story, whether platonic, familial or romantic.
7. Getting the Love you Want by Harville Hendrix, Ph.D.
If you seek connection, like most of us do in relationships, this book will help you achieve it. This detailed book focuses on how to eradicate the negativity that often builds up in relationships. Furthermore, Hendrix gives you the '5 secrets of great relationships' which will guide you through how to improve your connection with your partner.
Why is this an excellent book to read together as a couple?
By reading this book together you will both have a chance to work on the problems you face as a couple. It will help you recognise how your childhood inevitably influences your relationships. This book will bring you and your S.O. closer together with the numerous tips recommended by this Psychology Ph.D. author.
Buy Now: Getting the Love you Want by Harville Hendrix, Ph.D.
8. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
A romantic fiction that follows a young romance through time. Race and immigration are strong themes in this book - unlocking the experiences that Nigerians had to face when immigrating to foreign countries such as England and America. Though the couple are separated for many years, their love is rekindled when they reunite in their homeland once again. An extremely romantic story with many important social themes.
Why this is one of the greatest books for couples?
If romance sparks your interest - this is the book for you. Although both main characters experience major struggles, they still manage to reunite, many years later. This will show you and your loved one that if they can get through their rough times and still end up together, then you can work through your difficulties too!
These are the 8 best books to read together as a couple. Enjoy your evenings and weekends with your sweetheart, discussing books and having a break from the digital side of life. Let your relationship grow intellectually and emotionally through these great books.
