Books to Read and Gift for Galentine's Day
A celebration of strong female characters, friendships, and sisterhood
Listen to me read the post above. ⬆️
Notes from a Kindred Spirit is a bi-weekly newsletter about embracing curiosity, exploring hobbies, living with chronic illness, and finding contentment in the everyday.
Hi friends,
Do you celebrate Galentine’s Day?
If you don’t know what I’m talking about, Galentine’s Day is celebrated on February 13th, the day before Valentine’s Day.
It began in 2010 with an episode of Parks and Recreation where the character Leslie Knope explains what it is, and since then it’s become an unofficial holiday. It’s a day to get together with your gal pals and celebrate female friendships.
You can read my Galentine’s Day message here. ⬇️
🎉So, in honour of Galentine’s Day, I’ve got another roundup of book recommendations for you! 🎉
After this, I’ll be taking a break from big book lists, but I couldn’t let Galentine’s Day pass without featuring books with some of my favourite female relationships and strong female characters.
You could gift any of these for Galentine’s Day, but I also specifically included two books that will make perfect gifts for your bosom friends.
Three (women) Musketeers + chronic illness representation
One for All by Lillie Lainoff | Historical fiction, young adult | Published in 2022
One for All is a spin on the classic The Three Musketeers featuring POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) representation and young women taking on the role of musketeers.
We follow Tania de Batz who feels the most at home in her body when fencing with her papa in the barn. But when Papa is tragically murdered, Tania fulfills his last wish by attending a finishing school for young ladies in Paris.
She soon learns the school is actually a training school for new Musketeers working undercover to protect the French monarchy! Tania will have to decide where her loyalties lie and learn to trust herself as well as her sisters in arms.
My thoughts
I absolutely loved this book! The adventure and historical aspect of it, the found family, watching Tania grow—all of it! This book has intrigue, romance, and such great female leads.
As a person with a chronic illness, I really appreciated how Tania’s POTS was handled and the lovely note from the author at the end of the book. Disability and chronic illness rep are so important, but it’s even better when they’re wrapped up in a great book!
Highly recommend!
Trigger warnings: death of a parent, ableism, murder, sexual assault, violence, death
The story of the Trojan War from the women’s perspectives
A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes | Historical fiction | Published in 2019
Simply put, this novel tells the story of the Trojan War and its aftermath from the perspective of the women and goddesses.
My thoughts
I really enjoyed this book! I didn’t know how the book was structured until I began reading and then I was worried I wouldn’t like it, but the format worked for me.
The author must have done extensive research for this novel and it showed! I did like reading about some characters more than others, but it never felt like it dragged too much.
It is tragic and beautifully written and really captures the emotions of the women who were left behind or enslaved while the men were busy trying to prove themselves in battle.
Trigger warnings: death, war, child death, slavery, rape, murder
The perfect gift for all of your friends
How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis | Non-fiction, self-help | Published in 2020
This short, easily digestible book focuses on managing your household from a lens of self-compassion. KC Davis’ central principle is: “You don’t work for your home; your home works for you.”
She explains that mess is not a moral failing and encourages readers to throw out “rules” about how a house “should” look in favour of figuring out how your house can function best for you and your family.
My thoughts
As someone who lives with a chronic illness, I wish this book had existed years ago! The perspective shift offered by KC Davis is so refreshing!
I’m glad I have this book in my toolkit for the next time my chronic illness affects my ability to do household chores. I love how inclusive the author’s writing is. She makes suggestions for people with physical disabilities, neurodivergent folks, and more.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who struggles with household tasks—which I think is most of us!
Honourable mentions
A gift for the creative friend who could use some encouragement
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert | Non-fiction, self-help | Published in 2015
Spicy romantasy, but with strong female relationships
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas | First in a series | Fiction, fantasy | Published in 2015
A classic to share with your bosom friend and kindred spirits
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery | Fiction, classic | Published in 1908
Your turn! Do you have a book to add to this list of Galentine’s reading suggestions? Or one that makes a great gift? Hit reply to this email and let me know or leave a comment!
Happy reading,
P.S. 💘🎁 Falling behind on your Galentine’s and Valentine’s Day gifts? I got you—check out my Gift Planner & Tracker.
Digital products for the bookworms:
📖 If you’re a book club host or a bookworm who doesn’t know what to read next, check out my Curated Book Lists!
📚 BOOK CLUB HUB for the book club host who wants to organize their club with ease so they can focus on the fun part—reading good books and chatting about them with friends! It’s perfect for small to medium virtual or in-person clubs.
I just finished The Song of Achilles, which makes me want to read A Thousand Ships! Also, I loved Anne of Green Gables growing up 💛 Another Galentine's series that came to mind is The Sisterhood of The Traveling pants. It's YA, but it's good!
I'm currently reading Anne of Green Gables for the first time (I have the gorgeous puffin in bloom edition as well!) and having the absolute time of my life. I needed Anne when I was younger, but I'm so glad to have her now. I definitely also recommend it as a gift!