Realistic yet comforting, All Friends Are Necessary gives readers a heartwarming story to help us remember what matters most in surviving and thriving in all of life's messiness. With equal parts grief and joy (and a healthy dose of nature’s wonders), this novel celebrates the beauty of all of the found families, loving friendships, and unconventional life situations we might find ourselves in. Moniz effectively explores the challenges of living in today's world, but reminds us that we don't have to go through any of it alone.3 s Sarah Jiménez2

I loved this sweet and stirring novel that touches on the many depths of grief. Protagonist Chino relies on his friends - old and new - to uplift him after his marriage dissolves (also following a devastating miscarriage). Fragments of Chino’s past vacillate in his present, the memories reeling just beneath the surface as Chino tries to make sense of the loss. Instead of falling to a dark solitary place, Chino’s loving and loyal friends help him pick up the pieces. The secondary characters, Metal Matt, are quirky, down to earth, and relatable - as are their adventures in and around San Francisco. Chino’s fluid sexuality leads to several sexual encounters and different levels of intimacy (exquisitely written!). All in all, I was rooting for Chino from page one. I understood his heartache, the distance he kept from his father and their complex relationship, and his true friends who met him exactly where he was. I also loved reading a story about chosen family, and the people we meet and lose along the way. Muniz’s writing style is clean and cutting, packing so much action and emotion in simple scenes. Definitely recommend!!!1 Kate81

3.75 stars

After an unfortunate tragedy that leads to the dissolution of his marriage, Efren “Chino” Flores moves back to the Bay Area from Seattle where he reconnects with old friends, makes new ones, and learns what makes a community. This was a book where my enjoyment of it really snuck up on me. At first, I really wasn’t sold on this at all. I loved the concept, but the execution felt really lacking and the writing style just wasn’t working for me. By the end of it, though, I was really enjoying it.

All Friends Are Necessary is an exploration of grief and healing and community and non-traditional family structures. There were some truly gorgeous moments, but ultimately, I wanted more from the characters. I think all the characters could have benefited from more depth and exposition. There were a lot of really interesting concepts here (e.g. What do you do for the love you have for someone when they’re no longer in your life in the capacity they once were? What does family mean and how can you create your own?), but sometimes their exploration needed to go just a little bit further. The story is also broken up into parts that cover specific time periods and stages of Efren’s healing, but I found that they weren’t always cohesive. They almost read as separate stories at times. Despite these issues I had with it, I really did start to love this book by the end.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-arc!2024-reads arc contemporary ...more Sofia33 6

4.5 stars. Rounded up to 5 stars.

Indeed, all friends are necessary and for platonic love to be featured so prominently (more so than the romantic relations) in a novel is precious to me. After a personal tragedy upends his life, Efren "Chino" Flores moves back to the Bay Area where his lifelong friends reside. Together, the friends go through the waves of life: dating, job opportunities/losses, protests, and, eventually, a pandemic. Yet, their love for each other is never tested but rather steadfast. Moniz conjures such evocative descriptions of both setting and characters. The redwoods and native ferns are as much characters as Chino and his group. You, the reader, feel close to these friends, it's as if you were there with them. Just an excellent portrait of a community.

I was sent an ARC by the editor of this book. Thank you to the team at Algonquin Books and Hachette Book Group. "All Friends Are Necessary" will be available in the US on June 11, 2024. Rachel Matsuoka248 1 follower

3.5/5. The Bay Area sitcom genre of Armistead Maupin meets the poetic style of Bryan Washington. Mostly a freewheeling, modern slice-of-life (with hits of poignance) that perfectly captures the local flavors of San Francisco, Oakland, and the Bay Area. I loved that this was a book about a group of friends in their late 30s who were still having whimsical shenanigans and serendipitous interactions with friends, lovers, and people in their community and reflects a way of life where not everything at this age has to be about children and the traditional family... until it became about pregnancy and a baby in the end, which to me was ultimately disappointing. A book about found family to me has to have fascinating and lovable characters to stand on, but unfortunately I didn't really fall in love with this ensemble or their love interests. Still lovely to read, I just wish it took a different direction than it did. Susan Ballard1,821 74


I’m unsure how to describe this book, but the title sums it up nicely.

Chino Flores returns to the Bay Area after he and his wife Luna suffer a great loss. After his marriage crumbles and he is now alone in his grief, he reconnects with friends.

The narrative follows Chino as he walks through his days, dealing with things hanging out with friends, riding his bike, discovering new lovers, and trying to get sober.

What makes this book unique is its candidness and dichotomy. From his ever-present grief to his studies of ferns, his sexual interludes, and his new-found family, this runs the gamut of emotions. Most scenes felt tender and heartfelt, and they flowed naturally, while a few felt a bit forced, even out of place.

A quirky, refreshing story about the nurturing aspects of friendships and connections. How we can grow and heal after loss and learn to open ourselves to love again.

Thank you @algonquinbooks for this gifted book.

books-i-own friendship-fiction2 s Elizabeth Norman86 3

"All Friends Are Necessary" by Tomas Moniz is a joyful, poignant and tender novel that highlights the love formed between a chosen family and a group of friends, both before and during COVID. I loved Moniz' exploration of different types of relationships and his examination of ways to play and get away from toxic masculinity. The author achieves great character depth in a short novel. The book also felt very real in terms of grief, and characters facing their own failings in the face of it. Oakland and Northern California provide a wonderful setting and almost felt their own character. I love that Moniz's author's note ends with a request for readers to write him snail mail letters and a promise to answer. It feels a fitting end to this kind-hearted book. I will miss these characters, especially Chino and Metal Matt. Thanks to Alongquin Books and Netgalley for an eARC. Paula W464 77

This is an upcoming book (due to be published 6/10/24) by Tomas Moniz. Genre = very adult yet folksy book. I was provided with a copy of the audiobook by the author/publisher/Libro.fm with no expectations of a review, though I’m thrilled to do so. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Efren “Chino” Flores is an ex biology teacher who lost his way in life following a divorce that happened after his wife’s miscarriage. Yet he has a protective web of friends and lovers (male and female) who help keep him on track and love him unconditionally.

This book is folksy, but very adult and spicy in parts. It is heartwarming and queer-friendly. Mostly, though, it speaks to the importance and power of strong friendships and community. I loved it! 4.5 stars. Heather93 22

A vibrant and organic kaleidoscopic rendering of life, relationships, and real human emotion. Humorous, joyful, and at times sad, all rolled into one. frankie miller 9

i think this is the best book i’ve ever read, and i don’t say that lightly Melissa167


Full review to follow upon publication. The Bookish Narwhal303 12

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