If You Love Grace And Frankie, Here Are The Books You Should Read
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"Grace and Frankie," the show about two women in their 70s starting over and finding an unlikely friendship in one other, has warmed the hearts of viewers since its debut in 2015 (via Town and Country Mag). Starring the dynamic Jane Fonda and effervescent Lily Tomlin, the show, which ended earlier this year after seven seasons, has made a name for itself as the longest-running series on Netflix.
It's almost impossible not to fall in love with either Grace Hanson (Fonda) and Frankie Bergstein (Tomlin) when you watch the show. Created by Marta Kauffman and Howard J. Morris, "Grace and Frankie" begins with the women struggling to find their footing after their longtime marriages to their partners Robert (played by Martin Sheen) and Sol (played by Sam Waterston) end because the men have fallen for each other and want to get married, per Rotten Tomatoes.
Grace and Frankie couldn't be any more different from each other. Grace is business-savvy and organized, while Frankie is laidback, messy, and free-spirited. The beauty of the show lies in how these courageous women learn to navigate one of the most devastating moments in their lives by leaning on each other.
Fans were devastated when the finale aired and have been trying to understand the ending of "Grace and Frankie" as a way of keeping the show alive ever since. If you're one of those fans, you just might enjoy reading these books.
The Big Finish by Brooke Fossey is a great choice for Grace and Frankie fans
One of the most heartwarming themes of "Grace and Frankie" is that getting old doesn't have to mean the end of life as we know it. This is exactly what the 2021 book "The Big Finish" explores as well, per Reader's Digest.
Dallas, Texas-based author Brooke Fossey's debut novel "The Big Finish" follows the narrative of 88-year-old Duffy Sinclair, who wants to stay away from nursing homes and a life further wasted. When an unlikely friendship blossoms between Sinclair and his friend Carl Upton's granddaughter Josie (who stumbles in through their bedroom window), the grumpy old man's life is forever changed (via Goodreads).
Sinclair is exposed to experiences that blow the boredom of his existence wide apart, per Goodreads. The book is a realistic yet entertaining look at how old age doesn't have to stop you from experiencing life to its fullest (via Kirkus).
You may also enjoy reading Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close
In "Grace and Frankie," the deep yet often turbulent deep bond between Grace and Frankie is explored in the most interesting way. Both of the leading ladies find comfort in each other in their most vulnerable moments, but they also push each other out of their comfort zones. If you've enjoyed this element of "Grace and Frankie," you're sure to love reading "Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close" by media professionals and friends Amintou Sow and Ann Friedman.
Sow and Friedman have been fascinated with friendship for a while now, exploring the topic on their podcast "Call Your Girlfriend" and also in their book (via The Atlantic). The book is a raw and funny account of their friendship and how it has survived and blossomed through the years, according to Amazon. Sow is a Brooklyn-based writer, public speaker, and cultural commentator, and Friedman is a journalist living in Los Angeles.
Speaking to The Atlantic, Sow said that there's a difference between being someone's friend and being friendly with someone. "One of the reasons for writing 'Big Friendship' was that a lack of vocabulary for what a friend is, or what a long-term, meaningful relationship with a friend is, was something that we had both struggled with," she explained.
The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat is another book you'll love
Written by Edward Kelsey Moore, "The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat" is another book that celebrates the ups and downs of friendship among women (via Kirkus). It's ideal for "Grace and Frankie" fans for this reason and more. The book follows the lives of three friends — Odette, Clarice, and Barbara Jean — who've known each other since the 1960s. Their bond was so iconic that soon they were known as The Supremes, per Kirkus.
The friends have seen one another through some of life's most difficult moments already, but they have a few particularly large storms left to weather together. This is what Chicago-based author and musician Moore both humorously and lovingly explores in his debut novel (via Goodreads).
The book has also been adapted into a film directed by Tina Mabry and produced by Searchlight Pictures, according to Deadline.
Florence Gordon by Brian Morton is solid pick, as well
In "Florence Gordon" by Brian Morton, readers are introduced to the inspiring life of the eponymous protagonist. She's 75 years old, smart, strong, and determined. After looking after her family for most of her life, she is keen to chart her own course and work on a book. However, she is soon thrust into chaos after her son Daniel comes back into her life with his wife and daughter, per Amazon.
Grace and Frankie also have more than just their failed marriages and blossoming friendship to juggle. They also have to deal with their children's lives and troubles just as all dutiful parents seem to have to from time to time. In fact, the secondary stars of the show add a crucial nuance to the entire series. Each of the stars playing those roles have interesting stories as well, so much so that the the richest Grace and Frankie star might actually surprise you.
If you enjoyed this dynamic between the central characters and their children in "Grace and Frankie," you're sure to love this book by Brian Morton. It might just evoke some of the same emotions you felt while watching the Netflix show (via Bustle).
Two Old Women by Velma Wallis is one more book to add to your list
The setting might be different and the conditions somewhat varied, but the story in Velma Walls' "Two Old Women" revolves around two elderly women trying to navigate a new chapter in their lives together. This is why the novel is a great choice for fans of "Grace and Frankie," per Electric Lit.
The story focuses on 75-year-old Sa' and 80-year-old Ch'idzigyaak from the indigenous Gwich'in tribe of Alaska. They're left to fend for themselves one harsh winter and find strength and courage in each other as they do so. The conditions might be severe, but the women persevere, learning to hunt for food and create a warm shelter for themselves.
The book is very much about optimism, just like "Grace and Frankie." For co-creator Kauffman, the show has held true to its hope-filled message throughout all seven seasons. "Even though the first season was primarily about the women dealing with their husbands coming out, falling in love, and marrying, the show was still always about starting your life over — and hope," she shared with Town and Country Mag.
Incidentally, Kauffman is also the creator of all-time popular comedy series "Friends." In fact, there's a surprising "Friends" connection in "Grace and Frankie" which you may have missed. Maybe that's why she's so well-versed on these platonic connections!