It's been a long time coming, but Netflix's latest book-to-television adaptation [1], Firefly Lane [2], is officially here, and the verdict is in: we need a second season [3] — pronto! The 10-episode series is based on Kristin Hannah's novel of the same name [4] (as all great television is), and it centres around inseparable best friends Tully and Kate. A 30-plus year friendship in the making, Tully and Kate have seen and experienced the worst and the best of it; but like with any friendship, these women have their qualms. Theirs just happen to be more heightened and uglier than others. If you're like me and still suffering from a Kristin Hannah book hangover, try picking up one of these other fabulous reads that'll remind you why you fell in love with Firefly Lane [5] in the first place.
Eleanor & Park
Eleanor and Park are as inseparable as Tully and Kate. Set against the backdrop of rural Omaha, NE, in the late 1980s, Rainbow Rowell's Eleanor & Park [6] follows two rebellious teenagers determined to make their love story survive despite the challenges and situations forced upon their relationship by their family and peers. This coming-of-age story is a must read — just have the tissues ready!
Lady Sunshine
If you loved the spanning timeline in Firefly Lane [7], consider reading Amy Mason Doan's forthcoming novel, Lady Sunshine [8]. The story follows cousins Jackie and Willa, who develop an incredibly close bond in the summer of 1979, even though their personalities couldn't be more opposite. Then tragedy strikes and 20 years later, Jackie is still trying to piece together the truth behind Willa's strange disappearance.
The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants
The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants [9] is undoubtedly the pinnacle of storytelling when it comes to books centreed around female friendships. Now a major motion picture, Anna Brashares's writing masterpiece introduces inclusivity and characters all readers can identify with.
Mrs. Everything
A similar premise, Jennifer Weiner's Mrs. Everything [10] focuses on two sisters growing up in 1950s Detroit. Throughout the book, Jo and Bethie are introduced to new people and ideas, which will continue to push them further and further away from each other and the bond they once held so sacred as little girls.
Conversations With Friends
The number one responsibility of being someone's best friend is being able to call them out on their BS or destructive behaviour. If you've ever found yourself in this position, then you'll want to read Sally Rooney's Conversations With Friends [11]. Will Frances accept Bobbi's friendly advice as a token of love or will she take it to heart and ruin their friendship in the process?
Swear on This Life
In Swear on This Life [12] by Renée Carlino, readers meet J. Colby and Emiline: best friends turned childhood sweethearts. He was her first everything and is the only person in the world who fully understands her. More than 10 years have passed since the night she was torn away from him, and now that their paths are about to cross, Emiline is worried it might be too late. Can they repair the damage for another shot at a happy life together?
Island Girls
The only thing Arden, Meg, and Jenny all have in common is having the same birth dad in Island Girls [13] by Nancy Thayer. Trapped in their father's last dying wish, the three half-sisters are forced to spend the summer together in hopes of cementing their stake in his Nantucket villa.
Rich and Pretty
Best friends — we love to hate 'em. Sally and Lauren have had a sisterly bond for the better part of 20 years and have experienced all of life's firsts together. Once inseparable, these best friends are quickly realising maybe their friendship doesn't have the makings to survive adulthood. Rich and Pretty [14] by Rumaan Alma has a lot of the addicting qualities that made Firefly Lane [15] such a captivating read.
Summer Sisters
You can't find a book more similar to Firefly Lane [16] than Judy Blume's Summer Sisters [17]. The novel showcases the ups and downs of a female friendship through Victoria, an ambitious go-getter, and Caitlin, a girl who can offer Victoria a world of luxury. Just like Tully and Kate, Vix and Caitlin are each other's biggest champions as well as their biggest critics.
Someone Else's Secret
Fresh out of college with hopes of an exciting summer, Lindsay begins nannying for a wealthy family on Martha's Vineyard. As the summer progresses, Lindsay develops an unexpected bond with the eldest child, Georgia. That is until a traumatic event unfolds, terrorizing their friendship. A decade later, Georgia is ready to break her silence and help her former nanny seek justice. Julia Spiro's Someone Else's Secret [18] touches on similar themes to those found in Firefly Lane [19], like female friendships, ambition, and survival.
The Vanishing Half
Another time-span-like read, The Vanishing Half [20] stretches over the course of 40 years recounting the tales of two very different — yet identical — twin sisters. Brit Bennett's emotional novel will make you cry, challenge you to examine your past, contemplate your future, and make you want to call your closest gal.
Some Women
Jumping ships from a friendship rooted in childhood to reading about a friendship among three complete strangers is Emily Liebert's Some Women [21]. Her 2016 novel is a reminder that you can make new friends where you least expect it, and it's those surprise friendships that make going through life just a little bit easier.
The Girls in the Stilt House
Longtime Kristin Hannah fans will love The Girls in the Stilt House [22], a historical read by Kelly Mustian that follows two girls — one Black, one white — as they form an unlikely partnership in hopes of protecting the ones they love.
Friends and Strangers
If anyone knows how much difference one year can make, it's new mom, Elisabeth, and Sam, a rising college senior. Trying to get a handle on motherhood and her bustling career, Elisabeth hires Sam in a plea for help with her infant son. In J. Courtney Sullivan's Friends and Strangers [23], readers will learn that nothing tastes more sour than being betrayed by someone you welcomed into your own home.
Fly Away
Last but not least, we couldn't forget Kristin Hannah's sequel to Firefly Lane [24], Fly Away [25]. If you're dying to know what happens next and what the heck that cliffhanger was about, then this should be at the top of your TBR list.