They Love Me, They Love Me Not: Romantic and Anti-Valentines Reads
Chenoa Baker ’21 interviews Jocelyn Codner, Outreach Librarian, about Jennie King Mellon Library’s resources that celebrate Valentine’s Day. There are plenty of anti-Valentine’s Day reads for non-fans of February 14th too!
Are you falling in love with Valentine’s Day or protesting the very nature of the holiday? Either way, we have great book resources for you. Valentine’s Day is advertised as a special day to enjoy time with a romantic partner, but it has a different meaning to different people. Jocelyn adds, “When we were younger in elementary school, there was a heavy focus on friendships for Valentine's Day because we were little kids. As we become adults, millennials and younger to middle age adults have returned to that in our older age because it is a nice opportunity to share how you feel your platonic love with your friends.” You can celebrate love in a variety of ways, through friendships, family, self-love, and appreciating art and nature.
On the other hand, Anti-Valentine’s is increasingly popular in recent years. Many celebrate Anti-Valentine’s Day because they oppose the commercialized version of the holiday and may want to celebrate time alone, commemorate other accomplishments, or explore Valentine’s Day through an alternative avenue.
List of Curated Reads
Whatever your preference may be to celebrate this holiday, we have a curated list of JKM Library books and EZ-Borrow books to explore.
Valentine’s Day Reads
1. Of Love and Shadows by Isabel Allende (translated from the Spanish by Margaret Sayers Peden)
Are you ready for a Marxist love story? Isabel Beltrán, a privileged journalist, works with an impoverished photographer, Francisco Leal. They eventually fall in love when they are sent on an assignment to investigate a unique crime. This book is available at the JKM library. Put a hold on it today!
2. Once Ghosted, Twice Shy by Alyssa Cole
Jocelyn recommends this novella as “spicy and fun.” After a dating app rendezvous between Likotsi and Fabiola, they figure out if they are truly a match or not. This relatable, modern-day book is great to celebrate Valentine’s Day because it shows the strength of love even when the first time is not the charm. Request this book or discover more of Alyssa Cole’s romances from E-ZBorrow today!
3. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
Ready for an exciting Latinx paranormal LGBTQ romance? While the protagonist explores their gender, they try to exorcise their murdered cousin and unleash someone else from their past. Explore this novel by requesting this book through E-ZBorrow!
4. Pride by Ibi Zoboi
This book is an Afro-Latinx retelling of Pride and Prejudice in modern-day Brooklyn. If that is not enough to spin a classic, the characters have to grapple with their city’s gentrification in this witty and fun tale. Learn more about the Darcys’ and the protagonist, Zuri, by requesting this book through E-ZBorrow.
5. Salvation: Black People and Love by bell hooks
This read is all about Black love! Hooks, a prominent Black cultural critic, shares about her views on how African American love has the power to heal and transform society. Hooks has an amazing ability to put words to real life experiences and feelings. Put a hold on this book today and pick it up at the JKM Library!
6. Like the Singing Coming Off the Drums: Love Poems by Sonia Sanchez
Sanchez combines haiku style with sensual blues, according to Goodreads. A book of poems is great for contemplating and celebrating love because it turns abstract feelings into lyrical wonder. This book may even be great to quote for Val-Day cards and sentiments for your loved ones. Put a hold on this collection today and pick it up at the JKM Library!
Anti-Valentine’s Day Reads
1. Heartburn by Nora Ephron
This novel is about a relationship crashing and burning. According to Goodreads, it is “inspired by a confection of adultery, revenge, group therapy, and pot roast, the creator of Sleepless in Seattle reminds us that comedy depends on anguish as surely as a proper gravy depends on flour and butter.” This is great for Anti-Val Day because it acknowledges the tragic, complicated, and comedic side of love not working out. Request this book through E-ZBorrow today!
2. Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
Enjoy this classic adventure of suspense and dinosaurs when humankind rediscovers dinosaur DNA. It is a great distraction from commercialized Valentine’s Day. It may even give the same heart palpitations that love does as you fall in love with this gripping read. Put a hold on this book today and pick it up at the JKM Library!
3. Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
Beauty Queens is highly recommended by Jocelyn. She says that it is, “hilarious, exciting, anti-capitalist, anti-patriarchy, and guaranteed to keep your mind off of Valentine’s Day.” Thisbook is about pageant contestants stuck on a beach after a plane crash. To learn more, use E-ZBorrow to request this book!
4. All the Single Ladies: Unmarried Women and the Rise of an Independent Nation by Rebecca Traister
Based on statistical evidence, single women are a bit short of 50% of the American population. According to Goodreads, Traister interviewed social scientists and single women to learn how they all manage single life. Not only do her findings point to how singleness has always been a part of American history, but that being single can be fun, independent, and strategic. Request this book through E-ZBorrow today!
5. The Lonely City: Adventures in the Art of Being Alone by Olivia Laing
What does being alone amplify in your life? Laing writes this book to showcase the many things to explore while being in solitude. Hint: art is one of these things! This is especially timely because of the pandemic and the many circumstances that people are going through right now. This is a quirky guide to navigating that space. If this interests you, request this book through E-ZBorrow.
While Valentine’s Day stirs up positive and negative emotions, we encourage you to observe this day in whichever way works for you. We hope that you feel inspired by these recommendations to spend a date with a book this year.
