You might not have thought of reading as an activity that can help you form stronger bonds in your relationship. Reading is incredibly rewarding so doing it together turns it into a special experience. You can learn much from literature inspired discussions or from sharing a self-help book. And just think how physically close you have to be to read the same book – win! Next time you’re deciding how to spend an evening together, reach for one of these books.
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Second Glance by Jodi Picoult
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One of Jodi Picoult’s very best, this is a tale of renewed life and renewed love that has a really addictive supernatural twist to make it more than just your traditional romance novel. A story about a suicidal man and his tragically lost wife teaches couples lessons about passion and fate and creates some interesting discussion about the boundaries between death and life.
Buy at: amazon.com
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The Ethical Slut by Dossie Eaton
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This is a wonderfully informative self-help book that gives a great insight in to the dynamic and reality of having open relationships. There are sections on things like communication and jealousy that can be really helpful for monogamous couples too. All in all, a really interesting and useful read.
Buy at: amazon.com
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Frequently asked questions
Couples who read together can strengthen their relationship. It helps them learn new things, understand each other better, and spend quality time together, which can build a stronger bond.
You can read together as often as you like. Some couples might enjoy reading every night, while others might do it once a week. The key is to find a routine that works for both of you.
If you and your partner have different tastes, you can take turns choosing books, or find a genre that both of you are interested in. It's also a chance to explore new genres and learn more about each other's preferences.
Yes, reading together can improve communication by giving couples something to talk about and share opinions on. It can also improve understanding and empathy between partners.
Books that are good for couples include relationship guides, love stories, self-help books, novels that prompt discussion, and any book that interests both partners and sparks conversation.
The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes
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If you’re looking to share some emotional and psychological depth, then this is the book for you to share with your partner. The novel focuses on a middle-aged man who is forced to confront his past. Themes of family, marriage and career ambition all intertwine to make a really rich and rewarding read.
Buy at: amazon.com
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What We Talk about when We Talk about Love by Raymond Carver
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This collection of short stories is fun to read and pass on to your partner. Easy to read but filled with lots of different talking points that can get some real and meaningful conversation going between the two of you. The collection features the now iconic short story Birdman.
Buy at: amazon.com
Raymond Carver's collection of short stories, What We Talk about when We Talk about Love, is an excellent choice for couples looking to deepen their bond. The stories are easy to read, but full of thought-provoking topics that can lead to meaningful conversations. The collection includes the now-famous short story, "Birdman," which is a touching exploration of love, loneliness, and relationships. With its simple yet powerful language and imagery, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression on both readers. This collection is available for purchase on Amazon.
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The Lover’s Dictionary by David Levithan
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This novel is short but it packs a definite punch, with a narrative that examines the inevitable ups and downs of a long term relationship, complete will all of the twists and turns that we are familiar with. You and your partner might be able to learn a thing or two from the story!
Buy at: amazon.com
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If you would take, you must first give, this is the beginning of intelligence.
High Fidelity by Nick Hornby
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One of Nick Hornby’s most famous novels, telling the story of Rob whose girlfriend has just left him for another man, leading him to examine exactly what it is that he wants in the future and how realistic traditional goals may or may not be for him.
Buy at: amazon.com
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Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
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This is more of a coming of age tale for college age readers, but there are definitely lessons to be learned for older couples too. A touching story about two students who find a connection with one another based around the death of a close shared friend many years before.
Buy at: amazon.com
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Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
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This is one for you and your partner if you’re looking for some unadulterated sweetness. It tells the tale of two teens falling head over heels in love with one another for the first time, with each chapter changing perspective to give you a realistic feeling of how all-encompassing first love is.
Buy at: amazon.com
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The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
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This is a really informative and interesting book that expresses just how easy it is to fall in love, whilst saying that it is much harder to stay in love. The author gives couples secrets for the longevity of love and how to keep the spark alive within your relationship, offering both hypothetical and practical advice along the way.
Buy at: amazon.com
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Stardust by Neil Gaiman
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This is a magical novel that will put your faith back in the realm of fairy tales and true love. Not only is the story a page turning, rip roaring adventure, but it also has some deep insight in to how far people will go for the ones that they love, and what they are willing to sacrifice.
Buy at: amazon.com
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At Night We Walk in Circles by Daniel Alarcon
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This book is great for couples because it brings up lots of different questions related to the longevity and persistence of love and the fact that it is so hard to pin down and define. And the vibrant Latin American backdrop will make you want to arrange a trip with your boo right away!
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Travels with Charley in Search of America by John Steinbeck
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This book is perfect for any couple that are looking to pan a road trip or getaway together. The amount of inspiration that can be found within the pages is off the charts, with Steinbeck creating vivid depictions of classic American life that will have your feet itching and wanting to get straight in the car and hit the road!
Buy at: amazon.com
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The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
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This is something of an unusual pick but trust me, it’s a fun read for couples to discuss! This beach read is a fun mixture of fantasy and realism with a big dose of sentimentality, which in a roundabout way helps you to gain a better understanding of the human world!
Buy at: amazon.com
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein is a unique beach read that combines elements of fantasy and realism to create a thought-provoking narrative. The story follows a race car driver, Enzo, as he navigates the complexities of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness. Through Enzo’s journey, readers gain a better understanding of the human experience and the importance of relationships.
The novel is written in a way that allows couples to discuss and debate the themes throughout the story. It encourages readers to reflect on their own lives and relationships, making it an excellent choice for couples looking to build their bond. The Art of Racing in the Rain is an enjoyable and insightful read that will leave couples feeling closer than ever.
The book has been praised by critics and readers alike for its engaging story and captivating characters. It has been adapted into a major motion picture and is currently available for purchase on Amazon.com. Whether you’re looking for a beach read or a book to discuss with your partner, The Art of Racing in the Rain is the perfect choice.
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Netherland by Joseph O’Neill
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If there is one thing that this book definitely is, it’s a conversation starter. If you are looking for something meaty to read and then pass on to your partner in search of healthy and interesting conversation, then this novel about one man’s personal fall out after 9/11 is definitely for you.
Buy at: amazon.com
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Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
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This will be a test of your own reading ability as well as a test of your relationship commitment. It’s not the most accessible novel, but it shows that you care about each other’s opinions and goals if you both manage to get through this classic about two epic and intertwining love stories.
Buy at: amazon.com
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Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
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This is sometimes tough but always rewarding read that will teach you and your partner about themes like sexual assault, domestic violence, gender empowerment and racism. They may not be themes that necessarily relate to your life directly, but it’s always great to become more educated as a couple.
Buy at: amazon.com
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The Flamethrowers by Rachel Kushner
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Everything about this book is effortlessly cool, providing heaps of historical, political and social commentary that will certainly have you are your partner discussing lots of different themes. There is something for everyone as the protagonist moves to 1970s New York and enters a world of discovery.
Buy at: amazon.com
Do you and your partner’s reading tastes usually collide or are they in sync? I’d love to hear if you’re going to try reading some of these together.
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