The Best Family & Friendship Books from the 2020 Summer Reading Guide

There’s nothing like a great book about family and friendship to remind us of the power of human connection. Whether you’re looking for heartwarming reunions, complicated relationships, or stories about second chances, this selection from the 2020 Summer Reading Guide offers unforgettable reads that explore love, loss, and the unbreakable bonds we share. Perfect for summer reading, these books will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on the relationships that shape our lives.

Top 6 Books

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

From the author of The Mothers comes a powerful novel about twin sisters whose lives take dramatically different paths. Desiree and Stella grow up inseparable in a small Southern town, but as adults, Stella chooses to pass as white, leaving her family behind. Meanwhile, Desiree stays, raising her Black daughter in the same place she once longed to escape. As their daughters unknowingly cross paths years later, secrets unravel, forcing both sisters to confront the choices that defined them. The Vanishing Half is a deeply moving exploration of identity, race, and the ties that bind us, even when we try to sever them.

You can get a copy of The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett on Amazon.

I Was Told It Would Get Easier by Abbi Waxman

A road trip, a college tour, and a mother-daughter duo with an ever-growing emotional gap—what could go wrong? From the author of The Bookish Life of Nina Hill, this witty and heartwarming novel follows Jessica and her teenage daughter, Emily, as they embark on a weeklong college tour with a group of other parents and students. Tensions rise, long-held secrets come to light, and unexpected revelations force them to reevaluate their relationship. I Was Told It Would Get Easier is a laugh-out-loud yet poignant story about generational misunderstandings and the complexities of family.

You can get a copy of I Was Told It Would Get Easier by Abbi Waxman on Amazon.

Friends and Strangers by J. Courtney Sullivan

Elisabeth, a new mother and accomplished journalist, struggles to adjust to life in a small town. Sam, a college student with dreams beyond her reality, is hired as Elisabeth’s babysitter. As their lives intertwine, they develop a deep but complicated friendship. However, the stark differences in their backgrounds—and a single betrayal—will alter their relationship forever. Friends and Strangers is an insightful novel about privilege, class, and the unseen complexities of even the most well-intentioned friendships.

You can get a copy of Friends and Strangers by J. Courtney Sullivan on Amazon.

Want by Lynn Steger Strong

Motherhood, financial anxiety, and the longing for connection collide in Want, a novel that perfectly captures modern struggles. Elizabeth appears to have it all—two kids, a Ph.D., and a life in New York—but beneath the surface, she and her husband are drowning in debt. When she reconnects with her childhood best friend Sasha, she realizes they are both battling personal crises. A gripping and raw examination of ambition, friendship, and what it means to truly “have it all,” Want is an emotionally charged novel for readers who love character-driven stories.

You can get a copy of Want by Lynn Steger Strong on Amazon.

Musical Chairs by Amy Poeppel

Bridget has everything under control—until she doesn’t. Her long-distance boyfriend suddenly dumps her over email, her daughters return home with their own problems, her aging father announces a surprise wedding, and her beloved classical music trio is falling apart. With everything in chaos, Bridget finds herself unexpectedly facing new opportunities for love, family, and career. A delightful blend of humor, heart, and second chances, Musical Chairs is the perfect summer read for those who enjoy stories about reinvention and the beautiful mess of life.

You can get a copy of Musical Chairs by Amy Poeppel on Amazon.

Bear Necessity by James Gould-Bourn

Danny is a struggling single father to Will, an 11-year-old boy who hasn’t spoken since his mother’s tragic death. Desperate to connect with his son and make ends meet, Danny takes a bizarre job as a street performer in a panda costume. To his surprise, Will begins opening up to the panda, unaware it’s his father. Heartwarming, funny, and deeply touching, Bear Necessity is a beautiful story about grief, resilience, and the lengths a parent will go to in order to reach their child.

You can get a copy of Bear Necessity by James Gould-Bourn on Amazon.

The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi

This haunting and unforgettable novel begins with a simple sentence: “They burned down the market on the day Vivek Oji died.” The Death of Vivek Oji unravels the mystery surrounding Vivek’s life and death, exploring themes of identity, family, and the struggle for acceptance. Set in Nigeria, the novel follows Vivek’s journey of self-discovery and his close bond with his cousin, Osita, and a group of friends who truly see him for who he is. Akwaeke Emezi delivers a breathtaking novel that is both heartbreaking and hopeful.

You can get a copy of The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi on Amazon.

Louisiana Lucky by Julie Pennell

What would you do if you won the lottery? For Lexi, Callie, and Hanna—three sisters from a small Louisiana town—it seems like their dreams have finally come true when they win a staggering $204 million. But as they quickly learn, money can’t solve every problem. As old tensions rise and unexpected challenges arise, the sisters must navigate their newfound wealth while holding onto the family bond that has always sustained them. Louisiana Lucky is a fun, charming, and heartfelt novel about family, fortune, and the lessons that come with getting exactly what you wished for.

You can get a copy of Louisiana Lucky by Julie Pennell on Amazon.

Which Book About Family & Friendship Will You Read First?

These 2020 Summer Reading Guide Family and Friendship Books offer a mix of humor, drama, and heartfelt moments that explore the beauty and complexity of relationships. Whether you’re looking for a story about sisters, mother-daughter dynamics, long-lost friends, or unexpected family bonds, there’s something in this guide for everyone.

Which one will you add to your summer reading list? Let’s chat in the comments!