BOOKS

Welcome back to our Bestie Book Club—
a community for book lovers from Girls' Life magazine.

If you're new here, hello and welcome! Here's how this works: Each month, we read, discuss and obsess over a new book. And if you haven't already, be sure to follow us on TikTok, Instagram and X for Bestie Book Club updates, fun reading challenges, amaze giveaways and so much more!

Raise your hand if your perfect weekend plans include throwing the most epic slumber party for your squad 🙋‍♀️

Break out the popcorn and your cutest pair of PJs, because you're about to be the hostess with the mostess—thanks to all the inspo we dreamed up from Karen's Sleepover, our May Bestie Book Club pick (and the newest installment in the adorbs Baby-sitters Little Sister graphic novel series).

These novels follow Karen Brewer (younger stepsis to Kristy Thomas aka Madam President of The OG Baby-sitters Club). We’ve already cringed along with Karen's hilarious (and totally relatable) haircut mishaps and aww’d at her heartfelt BFF moments. Now, Karen is ready for her biggest adventure yet—planning her very first sleepover.

Ready to make your own late-night soirée absolutely unforgettable? We asked our Book Besties for the inside scoop on throwing the best-ever bsf bash. Grab your copy here and cozy on up...

In Karen's Sleepover, our fave hostess makes a pretty big deal out of baking cookies and stocking up on snacks. So before your girls arrive, hit up the grocery store for these tried 'n' true treats...

🍬 Sweet 
Think about the gals coming over: Maybe Scarlett likes gummy bears, but Olivia prefers Oreos. Book Bestie Joy (@joytuckofficial) suggests the ultimate solution for accommodating everyone's tastebuds: “I love having an ice cream bar with different flavors and toppings.” Snag a big carton of Neopolitan, then set out bowls of sprinkles, candy, hot fudge and nuts (and pls don't forget the cherry on top!).

🍕 Savory 
Popcorn + pizza = the top-tier movie night combo, according to Book Bestie Kira (@cali.kira). Our fave? A DIY nacho plate (all you need is tortilla chips, a jar of salsa, a tub of guac and shredded cheese) or soft pretzel bites (with honey mustard for dipping, ofc).

Karen might have her older bro Charlie tell spooky stories for her sleepover entertainment, but we've got some fun alternatives if, ya know, you don't happen to have a sib willing to regale you with tales...

🏠 Indoors 
“Truth or Dare is my favorite slumber party classic,” shares GL girl Tatum (@tatumbradyofficial). We couldn't agree more: It's the perfect way to get to know your besties on a deeper level (while getting some juicy crush confessions). Other ideas? Take a few online friend quizzes (we have a few here!) or break out the notebooks for a throwback round of MASH.

🌳 Outdoors 
“I love to play manhunt! It’s a game where everyone has a flashlight and you have to walk around finding people in the dark without getting caught in the light,” says Book Bestie Riley (@danceprincessriley). Or set up your backyard for an epic water balloon fight (a little friendly competition is *always* a good thing).

Once the sun goes down, cozy up on the couch for your squad's fave flick—GL girl and actress Kierney's (@kierney_depaepe_official)'s fave part of the night. Take a page from Karen's book and screen a classic like The Wizard of Oz, bc no matter what anyone says (side-eyeing Karen's classmate Pamela so hard rn), old movies never go out of style. Looking for something newer? Our Book Besties are split on their suggestions...

👻 Scary movies 
“Scream! It’s a spooky sleepover classic.” — Kira
“Five Nights at Freddy’s. The suspense is so fun.” — Riley

💗 Rom-com movies
“13 Going on 30. We definitely relate to Jenna wanting to be older than she is!” — Ashley and Kelly
“The Princess Diaries. Mia Thermopolis’ princess lessons are always iconic.” — Tatum 

Quick! What emojis describe Karen’s Sleepover? 
🔦🧸🥨🍿🛏️ — Riley
 🏕️👯💕🍕🍪 — Kira
😃😠🥳😱😴 — Ashley and Kelly 
🥰🎉💖🍪💤 — Tatum
🛏️🌸😎📚📸 — Kierney
❤️🫶🙈✨🍕 — Joy

Last but not least: Yes, sometimes sleepovers can bring up frustrated feels or friend drama (just like how Karen's BFF got uninvited to the party 👀). All of our Book Besties agree that talking it out and being honest is the way to go. “Try to put yourself in the other person's position,” sisters + Book Besties Ashley and Kelly (@beachseakersgirls) say. “Listening and talking are the most helpful things you can do.”

But the most important part of the night? Bonding with your buds! And just like in Karen’s Sleepover (grab the book here to keep reading with us!), slumber parties are best when you’re with the friends you love. 

Want to get involved with our Bestie Book Club? Here’s how…
+ SOLO. Take a self-care sleepover just for yourself! Gather your fave snacks, your cutest cozy game (Animal Crossing, anyone?) and a classic movie. 
+ ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Connect with us to share your best sleepover moments (+ any thoughts on this month’s read!) @glbestiebookclub.
+ WITH YOUR SQUAD. Plan an epic slumber party, obvi! End-of-school celebration time! 🥳

by GL | 5/14/2024