There are many reasons Southerners love Steel Magnolias, which was written by playwright Robert Harling in 1987 and debuted as a film in 1989. The classic Southern story set in a small-town community is filled with friendship, laughter, love, and heartbreak. It meanders through life’s hardest moments with humor and resilience, while also highlighting the power of female friendships.
No matter how many times you’ve watched Steel Magnolias, there’s always room for more of those poignant plotlines. We’ve rounded up a list of classic and contemporary novels that capture that same spirit, centered on small-town Southern settings, deeply rooted friendships, and characters who face hardship with the help of others. Plus, a little humor doesn’t hurt!
Here are 11 books to read if you love Steel Magnolias as much as we do…