February, synonymous with love, is a time when certain feelings are intensified, whether it be joy or heartache. The arrival of Valentine’s Day brings excitement for some, as they get the opportunity to slip away from routine and show their affection for their loved one in new and special ways.
For others, it may be a reminder of what they once had or what they’re still searching for. And for some, February is just another month. The perception of this month varies greatly from person to person, but one thing remains constant – love is all-encompassing.
To celebrate the theme of love, we’ve curated a collection of books that delve into this complex and multifaceted emotion in all its forms.
These books remind us that love is not just limited to romance, but it is present in every aspect of our lives – from the relationships we have with our friends and family, to the interactions we have with strangers, and most importantly, our relationship with ourselves. This month, let us embrace love in all its magnificence by exploring these literary works.
ALL ABOUT LOVE – BELL HOOKS
Although published in 1999, ‘All About Love’ by Bell Hooks has been picking up well-deserved traction recently, and its impactful message is more relevant than ever in our fragmented and somewhat lacklustre society. Despite its deceptively romantic title, this thought-provoking treatise is far from a typical romance novel.
‘All About Love’ lends itself as a softly spoken, theoretical approach to the fundamental emotion that drives our very existence. Get ready to be captivated by Hooks’ enticing narrative – readers will effortlessly be drawn in, switching between absorbing her wisdom and humility, highlighting profound statements that provoke self-reflection, and reflecting upon the exposure of dissonance towards our own experiences.
Like a great therapist – but for a fraction of the price! This book should be required reading for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Get ready to be transformed by Hooks’ raw, honest, and life-changing lessons about love.
(Editor’s note: A personal favourite of mine – I will sing this book’s praises to anyone willing to listen.)
REALLY GOOD, ACTUALLY – MONICA HEISEY
If you are looking for a laugh-out-loud book to lift your spirits, look no further! “Really Good, Actually” by comedian and writer Monica Heisey, is a delightful and humorous take on self-help and personal growth.
Heisey has written for television shows such as ‘Schnitt’s Creek’ and ‘Workin’ Moms’ and has now generously lent her wonderous talents to the realm of literature. The author’s writing style is painfully relatable and witty, making even the most serious topics approachable and entertaining.
With practical advice and real-life anecdotes, Heisey guides readers through the ups and downs of life, reminding us to embrace our imperfections and find joy in the small things whilst simultaneously making us feel like we are conversing with a trusted friend.
This book is a breath of fresh air in the self-help genre and is sure to leave readers feeling inspired and uplifted. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a light-hearted, meaningful yet incredibly funny read.
CONVERSATIONS ON LOVE – NATASHA LUNN
“Conversations on Love” by Natasha Lunn is a thought-provoking and insightful book discussing the topic of love. This book was particularly engaging as it guided the reader through a combination of personal anecdotes and interview-style questions.
Lunn explores the different channels of love, such as romantic love, familial love, and self-love, through a series of conversations with individuals from diverse backgrounds which helps to broaden your perspective regarding the subject matter. The author’s writing style is conversational and engaging, making it an easy read. What sets this book apart is the author’s unique ability to delve into the complexities of love and brings forward the wisdom of the individuals she converses with.
The book is a great reminder that love takes on different forms and meanings for different people which helps to broaden your overall understanding of the topic and shifts the perspective on how you should think about love. Overall, “Conversations on Love” is a heart-warming and eye-opening book that explores the many facets of love.
Whether you’re looking for inspiration or just want to expand your understanding of love, this book is worth the read. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in personal growth, relationships, and the meaning of love.
8 RULES OF LOVE- JAY SHETTY
“The 8 Rules of Love” by popular author and motivational speaker Jay Shetty, is a book that seeks to explore the fundamental aspects of love and provides practical insights into building and maintaining healthy relationships.
Shetty mobilises his wealth of knowledge and experience as a life coach and former monk, to produce a comprehensive guide to better understand and implement healthy love practices in all areas of life from romantic relationships to friendships, and familial bonds.
What makes this book stand out from the crowd, is Shetty’s implementation of ancient wisdom and spirituality, combined with modern-day examples, to demonstrate the eight key principles of love. These principles, which include the use of empathy, vulnerability, selflessness, and gratitude, are translated in a simple and accessible manner, making them easy to digest for readers. The book offers practical exercises and meditations that enable the reader to practice cultivating healthy love and deepen their connections with others.
These exercises are designed to be simple to implement, yet powerful and effective, and provide readers with a tangible way to put the principles of love into practice. The book definitely takes a more informative route which acts as a compass to navigate the all-encompassing feeling of love.
Whether you’re seeking to improve a current relationship or looking to attract love into your life, Jay Shetty’s practical and compassionate advice is sure to provide the guidance and inspiration you need to succeed.
“The 8 Rules of Love” is a must-read for anyone who is looking to deepen their relationships and cultivate a more loving and fulfilling life. Expect the relationships around you to transform for the better!
THIRTY THINGS I LOVE ABOUT MYSELF – RADHIKA SANGHANI
“Thirty Things I Love About Myself” is an empowering and touching read by Radhika Sanghani. This book steers away from the narrative of giving love to others and puts the focus on the most important, yet highly neglected journey of pouring love into ourselves.
The author uses the main character Nina to explore the concept of self-love and confidence and invites the reader on a paralleled journey of introspection. Sanghani’s sweet message throughout the book encourages the reader to celebrate and embrace their unique qualities and individuality.
Throughout the book, the author shares her own experiences and reflects on the thirty things she loves about herself, offering readers a glimpse into her own journey towards self-acceptance making this book all the more relatable.
The novel is written with a conversational tone, making the reader feel as though they are having a personal conversation with the author. She is honest and raw, unravelling her own insecurities and vulnerabilities in a way that is both engaging and inspiring.
This book is a refreshing read – whether you’re struggling with self-acceptance or just looking for a personal read, “Thirty Things I Love About Myself” is highly recommended for anyone seeking to strengthen their self-love and confidence.
