Big Friendship

by Aminatou Sow, Ann Friedman
Big Friendship cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Technical
  • ID: 2506
  • Added: 2025-10-15
  • Updated: 2025-10-15
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Gissellereads · 2025-08-10
insightful 4.50

The book is praised for its honesty and humor in exploring the complexities of a long-term friendship. The authors' personal experiences make the narrative relatable and insightful.

This review highlights how the authors, Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman, delve into the messy and beautiful aspects of their decade-long friendship. They argue that friendships require as much effort and attention as romantic relationships, which resonates deeply with readers. The reviewer appreciates the raw and hilarious storytelling that makes the book both entertaining and thought-provoking. It's a celebration of the strength and significance of friendships that transcend time and distance.

Quick quotes

    Two friends, Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman, tell the story of their equally messy and life-affirming Big Friendship in this honest and hilarious book.

    The authors share hard-won wisdom with honesty, hilarity, and compassion.

    This book argues that friendships are just as important as our romantic relationships, and they too deserve our attention and effort.

I've Read This · 2020-11-04
profound 4.20

The book is commended for its profound exploration of the importance of friendships. The authors' personal journey offers valuable insights into maintaining close relationships.

In this review, the book is celebrated for its deep dive into the significance of friendships, often overlooked in favor of romantic relationships. The authors' personal experiences and the concept of 'shine theory' are particularly highlighted as standout elements. The reviewer finds the book both poignant and practical, offering readers a new perspective on the effort required to sustain meaningful friendships. It's a compelling read that encourages introspection and appreciation for the friendships in our lives.

Quick quotes

    This book argues that friendships are just as important as our romantic relationships, and they too deserve our attention and effort.

    Aminatou and Ann share hard-won wisdom with honesty, hilarity, and compassion.

    Big Friendship is a bond of great strength, force, and significance that transcends life phases, geography, and emotional shifts.

The New York Times · 2020-07-13
enlightening 4.00

The book is noted for its candid discussion on the foundations of intense friendships. The authors' approach is both relatable and enlightening.

This review from The New York Times emphasizes the book's exploration of intense friendships as a crucial part of life's foundations. The authors' willingness to discuss their own struggles and triumphs in maintaining their friendship is seen as both brave and enlightening. The reviewer appreciates the book's balance of personal narrative and broader insights, making it a valuable read for anyone looking to understand the depth of friendships. It's a reminder of the importance of nurturing these relationships and the potential consequences of neglecting them.

Quick quotes

    In their new book, 'Big Friendship,' they describe intense friendships as one of life's foundations, neglected at our peril and, likely, our loneliness.

    Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman have been best friends for more than a decade. They care about each other so much they even saw a couples counsellor.

    The book is part clear-eyed and poignant memoir of a big, invaluable friendship and part frank discussion on the effort required to maintain it.

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