Valentine’s Day is here! Of course we think books make a great present all year long, but there’s something special about getting the most perfect, thoughtful book from a loved one for Valentine’s Day. Flowers fade. Chocolate disappears. But the right book lasts forever. Are you looking for a book for that special someone? Our staff picked a few recommendations:
For the Guy Who Doesn’t Know He Likes Love Stories: A Farewell to Arms
This war story doubles as one of the most famous love stories of all time. Frederic and Catherine’s relationship unfolds quietly and intimately against the chaos of World War I, making their moments together feel fragile and deep. Hemingway’s famously clean, direct prose makes the book incredibly easy to fall into—you don’t have to “work” to read it, you just move through it. (Adam)
For the Partner Who Likes Their Love Stories Smart, Atmospheric, and A Little Unsettling: The Bog Queen
What begins as a forensic mystery becomes something deeper—a story about connection across time, land, and the lives of women whose histories are often buried or controlled by others. As Agnes investigates a 2,000-year-old body preserved in an English bog, the novel slowly braids her life with that of the Iron Age woman, creating a haunting sense of intimacy across centuries. Anna North writes in a propulsive style that keeps the book feeling grounded and readable even as the story moves into mythic, environmental, and almost supernatural territory. (Amy)
For the One Who Believes in Second Chances, Even When They’re Complicated: Twice
Twice by Mitch Albom follows a man who can relive moments of his life, giving him rare second chances. He tries to fix mistakes and shape a better future, only to learn that every redo has a cost. What begins as a clever premise quietly becomes a love story that sneaks up on you. (Derick)
For the reader who wants a love story that breaks their heart slowly and beautifully: Klara and the Sun
In a way, I liked this even better than Never Let Me Go. Thoughtfully narrated, with complex character dynamics, it leaves a heartbreaking imprint on the reader. (Sadie)
For … Anyone At All (Including Yourself): The Book of Delights
Ross Gay’s The Book of Delights is a collection of tiny essays that tend to the mundane, to noticing everything, to love and life and joy and frustration and how very delightful this entire jumble of being can be, if only we remember to see it all. Give this one to your mom, your dad, your partner, your friend, your neighbor, a complete stranger, anyone at all. Be sure to get a copy for yourself, too. <3 (Loree)
When you check out, be sure to grab one of our Ex Libris stickers and make the book truly theirs. And don’t skip the inscription—a good inscription is part of the gift, not an afterthought.
A few tips for writing a meaningful book inscription:
- Say why you chose this book. Even one sentence matters.
- Mark the moment. (Valentine’s Day 2026, Snowfort, first winter in the new house, etc.)
- Keep it in your real voice. It doesn’t need to sound like a greeting card.
- Err on the side of sincere. Future-them will be glad you did.
- Sign it. Full name, nickname, whatever you actually use with them.
See you at the ‘Fort!