134911795Synopsis: “As a society, there is a tendency to elevate romantic love. But what about friendships? Aren’t they just as – if not more – important? So why is it hard to find the right words to express what these uniquely complex bonds mean to us? In Friendaholic: Confessions of a Friendship Addict, Elizabeth Day embarks on a journey to answer these questions. Growing up, Elizabeth wanted to make everyone like her. Lacking friends at school, she grew up to believe that quantity equalled quality. Having lots of friends meant you were loved, popular and safe. She was determined to become a Good Friend. And, in many ways, she did. But in adulthood she slowly realised that it was often to the detriment of her own boundaries and mental health. Then, when a global pandemic hit in 2020, she was one of many who were forced to reassess what friendship really meant to them – with the crisis came a dawning realisation: her truest friends were not always the ones she had been spending most time with. Why was this? Could she rebalance it? Was there such thing as…too many friends? And was she really the friend she thought she was? Friendaholic unpacks the significance and evolution of friendship. From exploring her own personal friendships and the distinct importance of each of them in her life, to the unique and powerful insights of others across the globe, Elizabeth asks why there isn’t yet a language that can express its crucial influence on our world. From ghosting and frenemies to social media and seismic life events, Elizabeth leaves no stone unturned. Friendaholic is the book you buy for the people you love but it’s also the book you read to become a better friend to yourself.”

My Review

I really enjoyed this and read it very quickly for a nonfiction book. I’d seen it around for a while, but wasn’t too sure if I wanted to read it or not. Would it be a bit depressing telling me I was a rubbish friend, or would it be an fascinating insight about how friendships work for other people?

Well I can tell you straight away that it wasn’t depressing at all.

Like most people I’ve had good and bad friendships. Over the years I’ve dropped friends, lost friends, made new friends, and held onto old friends. It can be quite a minefield at times especially as you get older, but also I know what I want from friendships these days, so I suppose it’s a bit easier in some ways.

Unlike the author I’m not a friendaholic. I’ve always had a small group of friends, and do better one to one, than being in a big group. I really don’t like mixing my friends with other people’s friends. Maybe it’s got something to do with growing up with four siblings and not wanting to share?

I enjoyed Elizabeth Day’s insight into friendships, and I loved the short chapters from different people she’s met along the way, sharing their take on what being a friend means to them.

Highly recommended if you enjoy nonfiction.

Book 17 of 20 Books of Summer