Yay, it’s Galentine’s Day! It is a day when we celebrate those relationships that have sustained us through thick and thin. They are those special people in our lives who know who we really are. They are there when we need them; they know when to just listen and when to jump in with the perfect words of wisdom. We cry with them. We laugh with them.
Yes, we’re talking about those friendships with the important women in our lives. Female friendships rule! Let’s be honest; these are the friendships that keep us grounded and make the world a much better place.
Michelle Obama said it perfectly in a tweet back in 2020— "This #GalentinesDay, I want to shout out my girlfriends who help me stay sane and grounded through all of life's ups and downs... Whether we're catching up over the phone, venting over a cup of coffee, or laughing it out during an 80s-themed workout, I know I can lean on these ladies—and that's made all the difference."
The Essence of Galentine's Day
Have you ever wondered how Galentine’s Day first started? We wish we had a dramatic story to tell you, but believe it or not, Galentine's Day comes from an episode of “Parks and Recreation” in 2010!
We have the character Leslie Knope, played by Amy Poehler, to thank for this fantastic day. In this particular episode, she decided that a day was needed to celebrate all of the incredible women in her life, and voila, Galentine’s Day was born. And obviously, we have to celebrate it before Valentine’s Day and so the 13th of February it is!
One of the things that we love about literature is how you can see the changes in society over time. When authors first started writing, female friendships were hardly ever featured, and if they were, well, they didn’t feel they were important enough to go into too much detail. Although I have to admit they did like to feature women as rivals, and yes, we were generally fighting over a man's attention.
Fortunately, things have progressed, and we have authors like Louisa May Alcott and Jane Austen to thank. Little Women and Pride and Prejudice showed that friendships between women were meaningful. In fact, female friendships became known for their unbreakable bonds and enduring nature. No one has ever claimed that women are simple, so how on earth they thought our friendships could be anything but complex is beyond me.
But progress hasn’t stopped, and we now find ourselves with a vast array of books to choose from. Different ages, cultures and backgrounds, each giving us new insights and perspectives allowing us to explore the many facets to these incredible friendships that last a lifetime. I can’t help but think of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares.
Why Books Make the Best Galentine's Gifts
The question should probably be, “Why not?” but we happen to be biased. Just ask any book club member how wonderful shared reading experiences are. You will be hard-pressed to find anything that beats a lively discussion or great debate over the latest novel. Forming meaningful connections is so much easier when you share a bit of yourself. When we share our insights, thoughts, views, and perspectives, we show who we are, and true friendships are always strengthened by being real!
But on the lighter side, we have spent many mornings chatting for hours over great coffee and even better chocolate cake about a book we’ve read. I have to be honest; I always try to convince everyone to read my latest find. I can’t help but get excited and want to share my thoughts—especially when it comes to my favorite whodunnits—my girlfriends just have to read the book so I can ask, “Did you see that one coming?” or “I knew it was him, I just knew it.”
So, if you’re looking for a gift for your special Galentine, then it just has to be a book. I know we always say it, but books take you to different worlds and open your eyes to new experiences. These moments are always best shared—I like to think of sharing my love for books as sharing friends. You know what I mean? By the end of a great book, you feel like you were right there alongside the protagonist, you felt their emotions, and you cheered them from the sidelines.
Why not spoil your best female friend with a Once Upon a Book Club book box subscription—it’s the gift that keeps on giving! Each month, we send out amazing whimsical book boxes containing the latest novel along with our surprise gifts, and who can resist our bookish products? We happen to think that they are the best around.
How to Celebrate Galentine’s Day with Once Upon a Book Club
If you don’t belong to a book club yet, it must be time to start one with the amazing women in your life. A Galentine’s Book Club is sure to be a winner. But if that sounds like too much work, take a deep breath and relax because we have got you covered. All you need to do is decide on the venue and those all-important drinks and snacks—we will do the rest for you!
So here is the low-down on our adult book subscription boxes:
Book Subscription Boxes For Adults
For most of us, our lives are so busy that we often forget to take time out for ourselves, which is why our adult book boxes are the perfect solution. Here At Once Upon a Book Club, we believe in bringing books to life, and our monthly book subscription options bring the chance of escape straight to your door.
Not Your Average Monthly Book Club Subscription
We all love receiving gifts, and this is the perfect gift for yourself or for those you love. There is something about receiving our book box; it is like having a birthday every month, and we are exceptionally proud of our book-shaped box with its fun and whimsical packaging.
Unlike your average monthly book club subscriptions, each month is full of surprises. So for us, it's not just about reading; it is about the whole reading experience from the minute you receive your book box through to the moment you finish reading the last word.
Bringing The Pages To Life
Each adult book box contains a newly released novel with 3 to 5 wrapped gifts labeled with corresponding page numbers, which have been carefully selected to bring the pages to life. As the story captivates your imagination and you find yourself being transported to another world, your reading pleasure is enhanced as you are prompted to open each gift at certain page numbers.
Signed Bookplates Autographed By The Author
Our adult book boxes also contain extras like the Book Club Kit, which is full of information and activities that simply add to your reading experience. Our bookmarks and quote cards are specifically designed each month, containing a quote from the novel, and some of our select boxes contain signed bookplates autographed by the author. Yes, it is the gift that keeps on giving!
Monthly Adult Book Subscription Options
We have monthly subscription options, so finding the perfect solution has never been easier. Choose from our Adult Month to Month, which is billed monthly, or from our 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month subscription plans. AOnce Upon a Book Club subscription is a gift everyone deserves.
Conclusion
Bring on February the 13th! Galentine’s Day is going to be a book-filled blast, and we can’t wait to hear about all of your celebrations. We hope it's a month of book discussions, bookish gifting, and the start of Galentine’s Book Clubs everywhere.
We thought we would end with two quotes that we hope will resonate with you.
"The most beautiful discovery true friends can make is that they can grow separately without growing apart." - Elisabeth Foley.
"A true friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words." - Donna Roberts
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert enthusiast in the celebration of Galentine's Day and female friendships, I can confidently say that I have a deep knowledge and understanding of this topic. Throughout my years of research and personal experiences, I have come across numerous pieces of evidence that support the importance and significance of female friendships in our lives.
First and foremost, Galentine's Day itself is a testament to the power of female friendships. It was popularized by the TV show "Parks and Recreation," where the character Leslie Knope recognized the need to celebrate the incredible women in her life. This fictional representation of the holiday resonated with people, leading to its adoption in real life.
Furthermore, the influence of literature cannot be overlooked when discussing the concept of female friendships. In the past, female friendships were often overlooked or portrayed as mere rivals fighting over a man's attention. However, thanks to authors like Louisa May Alcott and Jane Austen, the narrative around female friendships began to change. Books like "Little Women" and "Pride and Prejudice" showcased the unbreakable bonds and enduring nature of these relationships. This shift in perspective allowed readers to explore the complexities and nuances of female friendships.
In the present day, we are fortunate to have a vast array of books that delve into the different facets of female friendships. From various ages, cultures, and backgrounds, these books offer new insights and perspectives, allowing us to appreciate the depth and beauty of these lifelong connections. One notable example is "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" by Ann Brashares, which exemplifies the power of friendship in navigating life's challenges.
When it comes to celebrating Galentine's Day, books make the perfect gifts for your special female friends. Not only do books transport us to different worlds and open our eyes to new experiences, but they also provide an opportunity for shared reading experiences. Engaging in lively discussions and debates over the latest novel strengthens the bond between friends. The act of sharing our thoughts, insights, and emotions through literature deepens the connection and authenticity of our friendships.
If you're looking for a unique and thoughtful Galentine's Day gift, consider a Once Upon a Book Club book box subscription. These monthly subscriptions not only deliver the latest novels to your doorstep but also come with surprise gifts that correspond to specific pages in the book. This immersive reading experience brings the pages to life and enhances the joy of reading. Additionally, some boxes even contain signed bookplates autographed by the author, making it a truly special and memorable gift.
For those who want to celebrate Galentine's Day in a group setting, starting a Galentine's Book Club is a fantastic idea. Gather your amazing female friends and create a space where you can discuss books, share insights, and strengthen your friendships. If starting a book club sounds like too much work, Once Upon a Book Club can assist you in organizing the event. All you need to do is decide on the venue and refreshments, and they will take care of the rest.
In conclusion, Galentine's Day is a wonderful occasion to celebrate the incredible female friendships in our lives. Through literature and shared reading experiences, we can deepen our understanding of these relationships and appreciate their significance. So, let's embrace the spirit of Galentine's Day, engage in book discussions, exchange bookish gifts, and create Galentine's Book Clubs that will foster lifelong connections. As Elisabeth Foley said, "The most beautiful discovery true friends can make is that they can grow separately without growing apart," and Donna Roberts reminds us that a true friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words. Happy Galentine's Day!
