The End of the Alphabet by C.S. Richardson

From fiction to memoir, non-fiction essays to pop culture sagas, here are my picks for the best books to give, receive, or simply read for Valentine's Day.

The End of the Alphabet by C.S. Richardson

Gloriously romantic and supremely written - and beautiful through and through - The End of the Alphabet is quite definitively one to read - and to share, as it makes for a wonderful gift idea for friend or lover. Perfection.

Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

Mitchell's sweeping romantic tale is a classic for a reason: lush landscapes, complex characters, and the kind of drama - war, strife, feuding lovers - romance fans can only dream of.

Landing by Emma Donoghue

Irish novelist Emma Donoghue charms readers with her romantic comedy, Landing, a tale of starcrossed lovers and the distance that spans between them - literally, as well as figuratively.

Last Voyage of the Valentina by Santa Montefiore

Fans of historical fiction will love this novel, which combines historical intrigue with the flair and romance of Italy. It's about family, love, and coming home - and what truly matters in life.

Persuasion by Jane Austen

Classics are almost always romantic - and Persuasion by Jane Austen is one of my favorites. It provides exactly what the Queen of Romance is known for: passion, charm, societal hindrances, and deliciously contrived reasons why the love-lorn pair must always be apart.

Meeting Mr. Wrong: The Romantic Misadventures of a Southern Belle by Stephanie Snowe

Read about how one sassy, southern, single mom finds love - by dating one loser after another - in this hilarious, witty, and touching true story.

Love and Biology at the Center of the Universe by Jennie Shortridge

With topics focusing on loss, love, and sex, Love and Biology at the Center of the Universe isn't so much as a classic romance as it is a brilliant contemporary tale of one woman losing everything - and then re-discovering herself all over again.

Six-Word Memoirs on Love and Heartbreak by Larry Smith and Rachel Fershleiser

If you had to describe your love life in six words, what would you say? Larry Smith and Rachel Fershleiser asked this of hundreds of writers, and compiled this romantic, emotional, and oftentimes funny collection of six-word memoirs, like: "Offered my heart; he embraced it." (Sue Kimber) and "Not always perfect. But so worthwhile." (Lauren Anderson).

The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer

The entire box set of the popular Stephenie Meyer series hits stores on Valentine's Day - perfect timing to surprise the romantic in your life. After all, nothing says romance more than a sweeping, exciting love triangle between humans, vampires, and werewolves.

Other People's Love Letters: 150 Letters You Were Never Meant to See edited by Bill Shapiro

Need inspiration for writing the perfect Valentine's Day card? Just looking for some romantic inspiration? Other People's Love Letters is a quick, fun, and deliciously intrusive read that showcases the best - and worst - sides of passion.