20 Books for Couples to Read Together for Better Relationships
No matter where you are on your journey as a couple, everyone can benefit from some relationship advice from time to time.
If you’re not ready to dive into therapy, there are some great books for couples to read together that could change the whole dynamic of your relationship. Starting a book club with your loved one may seem funny, but reading books on relationship growth as a couple can do wonders for your relationship.
If you’re dealing with a plot twist in your love story, or find yourself navigating a rough patch, reading a great book together could be just what you need to spark a meaningful conversation. To help you on your way, we’ve rounded up some of the best books on offer for couples to get stuck into!
How do couples read a book together?
Reading a book with your partner might sound strange, but trust us, it’s not as odd as it sounds!
Try to shake the image of you reading aloud to your boyfriend or girlfriend like you’re telling a kid's story, and think about sharing common learnings to help you grow as a couple! These relationship books are designed to help you navigate life as a team and give you opportunities to grow as individuals.
Starting your own little book club with your partner is a great way to connect, even if it means battling over the same copy! Or, if you prefer to listen together on your next car journey, most of these titles are also available in audiobook form.
While we’re focused on book recommendations around relationship growth, having a date night centered around your favorite spy novels doesn’t sound so bad either!
Is it good for couples to read together?
While some people frown on self-help books, sometimes you need some expert relationship advice to guide you through. If you’re not quite sure about therapy, these books could be a good start for you and your partner to start a new chapter together.
Therefore, we think it’s a great idea for couples to read together as these dual learnings could really transform your relationship.
These books offer a different perspective on your relationship issues and might trigger the kind of changes you could never have managed on your own. After all, isn’t it the sign of a good book if you come away with something new?
It might feel odd picking up two copies in the bookstore, but it could be the first step towards the healthy relationship you crave!
What are the best books for couples to read together?
If you’re reading to start your couples book club, we have the best books to get you started! From books on the ups and downs of love to advice from relationship experts, there is bound to be something you both agree on!
Remember reading these books shouldn’t feel like a chore, or like you’ve been assigned homework by your significant other, but something you both want to do together.
So even if you’re not the biggest bookworm, we’ve got something for everyone in our reading round-up!
1. The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts by Gary Chapman
As a #1 bestseller, this book has a lot of wisdom contained in its pages and is a firm favorite amongst couples.
Do you know what your partner’s love language is? This book defines the five love languages as physical touch, acts of service, words of affirmation, gift-giving, and quality time. Not only that, but it helps you discover your own while also fulfilling your partner’s needs.
That sounds like a must-read to us.
2. Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love by Dr. Sue Johnson
If you’re interested in learning more about Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), then this is the book for you and your partner.
Dr. Johnson outlines the benefits of this form of therapy, offering advice on how to strengthen your relationship by deepening your emotional connection. With practical tips on how to kickstart meaningful conversations with your partner, this could be just what you need to improve your communication.
3. Eight Dates by Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman
This husband and wife duo are most well-known for establishing the Gottman Institute or Gottman Method of therapy, and their wisdom doesn’t end there!
This book invites you on eight dates with a difference, with each one inviting you to tackle a different aspect of your relationship — from sex to spirituality.
4. Getting the Love You Want by Dr. Harville Hendrix
Looking to eliminate the negativity from your relationship? Dr. Hendrix is your guy.
Having spent the last 30 years as a relationship therapist, this book offers couples practical advice on how to grow together for the future. If you’re looking for a ‘conscious’ marriage, rather than stumbling around in an ‘unconscious one’, put this on your Amazon wishlist.
5. The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide by Dr. John Gottman and Nan Silver
Another one from the mind of Dr.Gottman, this book is often known as his defining work.
With all his experience, it’s said he can decide within 15 minutes whether your marriage will work. While he can’t cast his lens over you personally, the relationship advice contained within this book is sure to be a huge help to married couples everywhere.
6. Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton
If you’re usually a fiction-loving couple, this could be the one for you.
Dealing with everything from heartbreak to friendships, this one might have you reaching for the tissues. Now made into a successful TV show, this book looks at all the different kinds of love that you experience in life — making you laugh and cry in equal measure.
7. What Love Is, and What It Could Be by Carrie Jenkins
In this book, the philosopher Carrie Jenkins offers a whole new look at what love means and more importantly, what it could mean with the right person by your side.
If you’re not a fan of traditional relationships, this book offers inclusive insights into the parameters of love. So no matter the kind of relationship you’re after, this book could offer the more tailored advice you’re after.
8. The Road Less Traveled by Scott Peck
This self-help book promises to offer new insights on how to face up to life’s challenges.
Whether you want to head this with your significant other or need to work on yourself, this book offers advice on how to discover the kind of relationship you’ve always wanted — as well as reminding you why you deserve it!
9. All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks
The age-old question: “What is love all about?”
From feminist icon bell hooks, this book aims to peel back the layers of what love is all about and why we love the way we do. This book offers a new path and perspective on love, as well as how to get there!
10. Attached: Are you Anxious, Avoidant or Secure? by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller
Learning about your attachment style, whether secure or insecure, is an important part of any relationship.
This book offers insights into the different attachment styles, and how they might be affecting your relationships. Offering advice on how to heal, and how to support your loved one (whether they’re anxious or avoidant), this book is a must-read for all couples.
11. The Mastery of Love: A Practical Guide to the Art of Relationship by Don Miguel Ruiz
Love comes in many forms, and this book could be the step toward mastering all of them!
By using stories to bring his emotional message to life, Ruiz shows us all how to heal our emotional wounds in order to achieve successful relationships.
12. The Power of Two Workbook: Communication Skills for a Strong & Loving Marriage by Susan Heitler
Have you been struggling with communication and conflict resolution in your relationship? This book could help you get back on the right track.
As a practical guide, this book invites couples to kickstart a journey of learning together. By working through this book together, you’ll hopefully have the tools to turn the page on a new chapter in your relationship.
13. Questions for Couples: 469 Thought-Provoking Conversation Starters for Connecting, Building Trust, and Rekindling Intimacy by Marcus and Ashley Kusi
If you’re going through a rough patch in your relationship, sometimes it can be tough to get beyond the small talk.
This activity book offers a range of conversation starters for couples to get back on track. These open-ended questions allow you to open up to your partner, and really work on your intimate connection.
14. Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence by Esther Perel
This sociological study is all about unraveling the meaning of sex in committed relationships, and how our quest for secure love can feel like a robbery of passion.
This smart and sexy book promises to give you and your partner a whole new perspective on the meaning of sex in your relationship, and why you never ever have to give up your spark in the name of security!
15. Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus: Practical Guide for Improving Communication by John Gray
Even if you’re not into relationship books, you’ve definitely heard of this title.
This legendary book offers insights into the male and female approaches to love, it offers insights into how to achieve a happy relationship. No matter your gender, this book should be on everyone’s reading list.
16. The Soulmate Experience: A Practical Guide to Creating Extraordinary Relationships by Mali Apple
Do you believe in soulmates? If you’re looking to bring an extra dimension to your relationship, or want to discover more about your relationship needs, this guide is for you.
This book encourages couples to delve deep into their relationship to unlock their full potential, with chapters on intimacy, trust, and more.
17. Love Sense: The Revolutionary New Science of Romantic Relationships by Dr. Sue Johnson
Are humans meant to be monogamous? Well according to Sue Johnson’s research, yes we are!
This revolutionary new look at relationships defines love as an unbreakable bond, just like someone’s attachment style. This book provides couples with advice on how to develop this ability and get the most out of their long-term relationships.
18. The Relationship Cure: A Five-Step Guide to Strengthening Your Marriage, Family, and Friendships by Dr. John Gottman
Relationship on the rocks? This book offers the kind of cure you’re looking for.
From the expert Dr. Gottman, this revolutionary five-step program offers advice on how to repair damaged relationships. Based on twenty years of research, this book emphasizes the importance of emotional intimacy, and how you can work towards your dream relationship as a team.
19. The Art of Loving by Erich Fromm
This classic hopes to define every kind of love, from romantic love, and familial love to self-love.
This book encourages everyone to start their own journey to find all types of love, encouraging readers to find love within themselves so they can go on to find winning relationships.
20. The All-or-Nothing Marriage: How the Best Marriages Work by Eli J. Finkel
Whether you’re thinking of walking down the aisle, or have been married for twenty years, this is a book to add to your shelf.
As a relationship expert in the field, Finkel offers in-depth advice on what a good marriage is and how you can hope to achieve it as a couple. With concrete tips and strategies for success, this book promises to hugely benefit your relationship — no matter what stage you’re at!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best fiction books for couples to read together?
If you want to start a fiction book club with your partner, there are a number of fiction books that are great for couples to read together. When it comes to what you decide to read, it’s completely up to you! We recommend starting a voting system to see who gets the weekly pick. If you’re looking for a place to start we’d recommend books like ‘Before the Coffee Gets Cold’, ‘On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous’, or if you’re looking for a tearjerker, ‘The Beekeeper of Aleppo’.
