slugwifereads's profile picture

slugwifereads's review

3.25
fast-paced

I loved the look at how race plays a significant role in relationships, but I was hoping for more content no how to keep friends close and less focus on Aminatou and Ann's friendship specifically. I loved the conversations they were having, but it felt advertised as more of a how-to and less of a detailed look at their relationship
hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

jemalzer's review

3.5
hopeful reflective slow-paced
challenging emotional funny hopeful informative medium-paced

I loved this book. It made me feel seen and heard and told me what I needed to hear even when I wasn’t ready for it. I recommend this to anyone who has a long term friendship whether it is going strong or if you’re in a rough patch in it. It reminded me that friendships are important parts of life and they need to be nurtured and cared for in order to continue. 
keatonluisa's profile picture

keatonluisa's review

3.5
hopeful informative fast-paced

This book had a lot of phrasing where you can tell it was written by two millennials, but if you can look past that you'll see a few valuable insights into a friendship that's lasted for years that you can apply to your own relationships.

That said, this did give me an anxiety spiral that all my friends secretly hated me and had problems with who I was as a person. Proceed only if you're in a good mental space.
beccamfreeman's profile picture

beccamfreeman's review

5.0

Did not know what to expect going into this book, but LOVED it! Really enjoyed how the narrative of Aminatou and Ann's friendship was interwoven with sociological research on friendship. Can't wait for it to come out so I can buy for all my BIG friends.
funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

As a light yet informative non fiction  book “Big friendships “ is a gem! 
It’s a good book. 
Not knowing the authors I found their take on friendship interesting. 
Them backing it up with other sources was informative.

While there were lots of pop culture references to make millennial me seen and chuckle (RIP Google reader) this book has substance. 

Highly recommend the audio version. Not only do they narrate it themselves, they also give other figures mentioned in the book their own voice. 
100% such a book should be done. 
antidietleah's profile picture

antidietleah's review

3.0

This was good, but more memoir than 'how to'...

lharencrully's review

4.0
informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

prdxreader's review

5.0

Friendships are essential and fragile.
Even more so, for big friendships, which they define well in the book. Friendships have the power to transform us and keep us safe, very few of our social constructs prioritize our friendships.

Ann and Aminatou shared a lot of themselves, which provides context for the book. Their wisdom on the subject is hard earned.

This book is worth it for its discussion on interracial relationships (the trapdoor of racism!). I’m glad they also made the connection to chosen family, which I think is directly related to the concept of big friendship.

Would recommend!!