Here’s a Free Matchmaking Service for This Valentine’s Day
Did you know? In addition to providing excellent book reviews and recommendations, we’re also in the business of matchmaking. Read on to try out our latest offering so you don’t have to spend this Valentine’s Day alone.
If You Like Pets
Lily and the Octopus by Steven Rowley
Think pets > people? You and Ted from Lily and the Octopus are on the same page then.
Ted claims his whole life is completed by his lovable, easily-excitable dachshund Lily. He’ll spend his nights, talking with Lily about boys, playing monopoly, and even eating pizzas with her. When Lily’s health is compromised by an ‘octopus’, you’ll realise there are no lengths Ted wouldn’t go for his loveable companion.
If you’ve skipped a night out with your friends just to hangout with your pet, this one’s for you.
Get the book here: Physical Copy, eBook
If You Like Independence
The Martian by Andy Weir
Tucked yourself in a snug, comfortable position? Got your toes nicely wrapped under your warm blankey?
Wouldn’t it be a shame if someone were to… ask you for help?
You won’t have that problem if you’re alone with Mark Watney from The Martian.
Well… ok he’s not really a loner but he’s forced to survive alone in a literal alien environment.
Despite that, Mark somehow managed to scrounge up a month’s worth of resources and made them last for four years. Heck, imagine him rummaging your fridge for leftovers and whipping something scrumptious just for you.
The best part of it all? Four years on his own facing off against gargantuan odds couldn’t break his optimism and sense of humor.
If you’d want to be alone with a survivor, Matt’s your man.
Get the book here: Physical Copy, eBook
If You Like Commitment
A Man called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Cantankerous, cranky, and crabby, this next companion might seem a little like Squidward. He’s solitary, set in his ways, and dishes out unreserved criticisms. But underneath the grouchy exterior is a man who loves his deceased wife more than anything else in the world.
Just look at how much his wife meant to him:
“Ove had never been asked how he lived before he met her. But if anyone had asked him, he would have answered that he didn’t.”
…and:
“He was a man of black and white. And she was color. All the color he had.”
Dawwwww~ *clears throat* If you’re going to pick this one up, we suggest packing a box of tissues for all the feels.
P.S. Did we also mention he gets a pet cat companion? Plus points!
Get the book here: Physical Copy
If You Like Books
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
Pfft… Who are we kidding, of course you love books! And guess what? So does A.J. Fikry.
A.J. is an owner of a failing bookstore, a widower, and, much like the previous companion, a grouch. Not to mention he’s a literary snob who hates genre mash-ups, celebrity memoirs, vampire novels.
But despite all that, he’s a great friend to have, especially if you love books. A.J. will often turn to books and literature to provide comfort, relationship touch points, and even solid advice.
Here’s an example:
“Remember, Maya: the things we respond to at twenty are not necessarily the same things we will respond to at forty and vice versa. This is true in books and also in life.”
Get the book here: Physical Copy, eBook
So who did you get this Valentine’s Day?
All books featured are available via the NLB Mobile app or at our public libraries.
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Text by
National Reading Movement
National Library Board
