Top Ten Tuesday: Books to Date this Valentine's Day

"Top Ten Tuesday" is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl!

The next week of my life is an incredibly busy one, in a way that is not entirely my fault. 

You see, the root of my problem lies in the conspiration of two people: my younger sibling, who arrived on this earth on Valentine's Day 22 years ago, and my mother, for being the one who brought them here. Then I can't very well take umbrage against the Catholic calendar, for placing this year's Mardi Gras celebration on the day following, as they got here first. But then, of course, rounding out the mix, my best friend happens to be celebrating her birthday only two days later. I mean, what's with all of these people I love, choosing such inconvenient times to have been born, and excellent reasons to celebrate, all arriving together at once! 

So you might understand how, between all of those activities and expectations, I have no idea how I am supposed to find the time to plan for Valentine's Day. Granted, there's no significant other in this mix, but I was fully anticipating spending the day at home with the person cat I love most of the whole world. Now what am I supposed to do, with such limited time?

If you're like me, and need a little help putting any Valentine's Day plans to good use, here are a couple of books to pick up to make sure the day is a super-sweet one!

1. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Taylor Jenkins Reid

It's one of the most-recommended reads out on the Internet, but it's earned the title for good reason: this immediately engrossing fictional saga of one starlet's many suitors hearkens back to the glamour of Old Hollywood, with a modern mindset. It's got its twists and turns, and is definitely known to invoke a tear or two. The perfect Valentine's read for an afternoon spent at your favorite coffee shop. Who knows what sort of person you'll meet there!

2. Here for It: Or, How to Save Your Soul in America, R. Eric Thomas

One of my favorite reads of 2021, this memoir will remind you about the importance of falling in love with yourself before you fall in love with anyone else. Thomas' love story with his husband might have been one of my favorite parts of this book, but his perspectives on everything from race and religion, to learning how to navigate a difficult world while being true to the complexities of you, make him an incredible storyteller. Perfect to read in between rounds of sending a valentine or two, in the form of donations to your favorite local charities. Nonprofits needs some lovin', too!

3. The Song of Achilles, Madeline Miller

Another oft-recommended favorite of social media, and another one ready to send you spiraling into a puddle of soft pillows for a good cry. Unlike Evelyn, this fictional exploration of the relationship between Patroclus and Achilles is best consumed indoors, lest your tearful visage startles other civilians. Cuddle up with an extra-soft blanket and get ready for some catharsis. 

4. Spinning Silver, Naomi Novik

It's an unconventional choice on this menu, despite the fact that not one, but TWO romances factor heavily into its plot. But they're never the focus: instead, a panel of incredible female heroines plunge the story along, through an effortless and lyrical Fantasy tale inspired by Jewish folklore and the story of "Rumpelstiltskin." Grab a gaggle of gal pals and host a reading party, complete with plenty of chocolate, in honor of this bevy of badass ladies. 

5. Garden Spells, Sarah Addison Allen

Magical Realism abounds in this story about the importance of family and food, and the surprises that may await you when reconnecting with your roots... both in the sisterly sense, and the vegetable kind. The story features its own kinds of lovebirds, but what you'll really walk away hungry for, is all of the delicious eats mentioned throughout its pages, and the powers they hold. Schedule yourself a reservation at that restaurant you've been dying to try, and take this read as your date!

6. In Other Lands, Sarah Rees Brennan

YA and Coming-of-Age might not seem like entirely normal romantically-minded fare for the average adult palate, but it's the different kinds of love reflected within its pages that count the most, including friendships, relationships, and family, but more specifically, the kinds of family you choose for yourself. Fall in love with the fish-out-of-water Elliot as he tries to make sense of a Fantasy realm he's stumbled into, and spend some time enjoying the fresh air outside on a nice long walk: there's a whole world still waiting for you to explore, Valentine. 

7. Brooklyn, Colm Toibon

Sometimes, you need to carve out a little piece of the Universe for yourself, before you decide on the kinds of people you want to fill it with. This well-loved romantic pick - about a young woman's journey from Ireland to America and back, and the people who make each place feel like home - also doubles up as an incredibly excellent movie, which makes it the perfect choice for a viewing party with that person you've been meaning to call back. 

8. Bachelor Nation: Inside the World of America's Favorite Guilty Pleasure, Amy Kaufman

Sure, love is in the air, but you know what? Sometimes, it stinks. And when as many red roses and fantasy suite cards go into the production of it as on ABC's The Bachelor, something's going to end up smelling a little off. Kaufman's nonfiction breakdown of the show's sordid history, complex production, and past contestants is a must-read for fans of the franchise. This Valentine's Day, save your good bottle of red for a Tuesday night instead, and get to sipping with this quick read. (It's not like anyone's watching Clayton's season, anyways.) 

9. Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen

Sure, reading P&P while contemplating a day of romance alone seems a little trite by this point, but it's called a classic for a reason! Spend a little bit of solo time perusing this well-tread romance, and take some other classic actions for yourself while you're at it: pull together a tray of sweets, turn up some background music, and snag some pretty flowers for your favorite vase. You'll be perfectly at your leisure for any gentlemen callers who might stop by... you'd never know who might be ready with a surprise proposal, DESPITE how annoying your mother is at parties. 

10. A Very Punchable Face, Colin Jost 

At the end of the day, aren't we all just looking to spend our Valentine's Day with someone with a cool job, reliable source of income, and a great smile, who can really tickle your funny bone? SNL head writer Jost is here to fit the bill, as his hilarious and unexpectedly heartwarming memoir reminds you that such good catches are still out there. (They may be out there getting caught by the likes of Scarlett Johansson, but still.) Laugh the day away with the audiobook, narrated by the hunk himself, while giving your house a much needed tidy: time flies when you're having fun, and even if you're the only one sliding between your sheets tonight, it's nicer when they're freshly laundered. You'll find your Valentine in no time at all, and when you do, you'll have a clean house and smile on your face at the ready!

What's in YOUR Top Ten? (And what are you doing for Valentine's Day next week?) Let me know, in the comments below!