Hello beautiful people!
There’s no real explanation necessary for this one – simply list some of your favourite friend groups in novels. There are ones that I mention too often (i.e. Harry Potter), so I tried to name books and series that don’t typically come up in my posts. It kinda worked out…but ya know…
Five. The Raven Cycle series by Maggie Stiefvater
Even though I didn’t end up enjoying this series, I will be the first one to admit that Maggie created a strong friendship group in The Raven Boys. The characters have some DARK pasts, each going through some struggle that they’re trying to overcome. Without this friendship group, I think their ability to overcome these challenges would be much more difficult and harder to bear. They all do a lot for one another.
Four. Akatsuki no Yona series by Mizuho Kusanagi
Okay…the friendship group in Akatsuki no Yona is the DEFINITELY of self-sacrificing. Hak and Yona have known one another since they were children, so their connection isn’t too shocking. But the rest of the group haven’t know Hak or Yona for that long at the beginning and they’re still willing to do what they can to protect one another. There is some “magic” stuff that kinda plays into this. However, the choice is still there’s and they make the one to form a close-knit family rather than go separate ways. The banter and teasing is freakin’ hilarious…this is one of those series I tend to laugh out loud at a lot.
Three. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
Simon vs. is such a great book – not only is Simon just SUPER adorable, but the friendship element is fantastic. I love the realism of it – though the group is tight-knit, they aren’t perfect. Each person has their own challenges and they all don’t always see eye to eye. But at the end of the day, they forgive one another and continue to grow stronger. The banter is also HILARIOUS among Simon and his friends.
Two. Ghost Hunt series by Shiho Inada and Fuyumi Ono
I never had any intention on reading this series until I came across the anime; once I discovered there were more cases in the Ghost Hunt manga series, I started from the beginning and gave it a go. What starts as a bunch of individually based ghost hunters grows into this strong friendship group, who are all willing to enter very dangerous situations to protect one another. This is by far one of my favourite manga series out there.
One. Gakuen Alice series by Tachibana Higuchi
Gakuen Alice is a HUGE series, one of the first longer manga series that I stayed dedicated to. I love how the friendship dynamics don’t start off as perfect, but rather slowly and gradually become this epic bond. By the end of the series, readers see how immensely strong their bond is to one another…it’s probably one of the most self sacrificing and all giving friendship series I’ve ever come across.
BONUS. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
Ya, ya…it’s supposed to be top 5 not 6…but this was REALLY difficult! The Outsiders will always be my number one choice. They aren’t just a strong group of friends…they’re family. The group go through SO MUCH in such a small novel. Even with all of the trials they face, what keeps them all going is each other. The friendship bond is beautiful in this story, one I truly think everyone can learn from.
As always, Happy Reading!
Great list! I still have yet to finish the Raven Cycle. So far have only read the first book so far (listening to the audiobook). I have tried to get into the second one but for some reason, I just kept getting distracted. Which is weird because I did enjoy reading the first one. What was it about the series that made you not enjoy it in the end?
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I think the series has amazing characters and an intriguing plot. I just couldn’t get into her writing style, which is a shame. A lot of people like the series though; I just can’t get past her writing style for some reason. I think they get better so if you like it so far I’d keep giving it a go and see if you enjoy the third and fourth more 😊
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Thanks for the clarification! It sucks when that happens, not being able to enjoy a book because of something specific, even though you can’t really pinpoint what it is exactly. It happens to me ALL the time!
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Ya…I never thought I’d be picky based off of writing style…but apparently I am. Usually I can read a book as long as the characters are well written, since I’m a character oriented reader. But it’s not shocking that I’m picky on writing since I’m a poetry lover 😅
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I am the same way. Usually I don’t really have any comments about the writing style, unless it is really unique, strange or obviously bad. 😂 Personally haven’t really tried out any poetry, maybe that will broaden my “writing style horizon”.
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Hahaha!! I took a reading poetry course in undergrad and it really opened my eyes. If you ever want some recs, let me know! 😊
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Sure! Any recommendations for beginners? 🙂
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Hmmm…let me look at my collection. William Blake is always a good one. His talent is unquestionable and the poems are wonderful/easy to comprehend. His works are very nature oriented.
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Thanks for the recommendation! I will look into it straight away 😊
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Gakuen Alice looks so cute! I don’t mangas very often, but I definitely need to check this one out now, hehe. And I love the friendship in Simon vs. as well!
Lovely post! ☺️❤️
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It’s super adorable! It actually gets pretty serious and dark later on, which I wasn’t expecting! It’s still great – it really added to the story.
Thank you love! ❤
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The friendship group in Simon… is so cute, make me wish I was a teenager again!
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I know eh?? I miss my youth!!
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Great choices! I absolutely agree with the Raven Boys and Outsiders! ❤
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Thanks! The Outsiders will always be one of my top books ❤
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I adore the gang in the Raven Cycle, their relationship and banter is adorable.
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