Harold and Maude by Colin Higgins: A Book Recommendation

Harold and Maude by Colin Higgins

Harold and Maude is an absolutely delightful novel by Colin Higgins!

The story revolves around the life of a young man named Harold, who has a peculiar fascination with death. He drives a hearse, fakes his own death quite regularly, and attends funerals for entertainment.

One day, he meets Maude—an unconventional 79-year-old woman—at one of these random funerals. It turns out that she shares a bit of his macabre sensibilities. They quickly become the best of friends, then more.

I quickly deemed this one of my all-time favorite books. It’s funny and quirky, yet it dabbles with real-world philosophies and has so much heart.

I remember it was frowned upon. Considered frivolous, or dangerous, or unbecoming—one of those terms that the moribund use to keep the adventurous in tow.

Colin Higgins, Harold and Maude

If you’re giving Harold and Maude as a gift, here are a few things to consider:

The vibes are hilarious, joyful, introspective, and inspiring with a fast pace.

It’s the perfect book for anyone who feels like they want more meaning in life, who enjoys spending time with the elderly, and who appreciates odd couples.

Permission to judge a book by its cover!

Doubly-inscribed first printing of the dark romantic comedy, later expanded into a cult-classic screenplay.

I about lost my mind when I saw this first edition on Etsy by rare book seller TypePunchMatrix!!! Out of all the covers I’ve seen for this book over the years, this one with the white background is the most fitting. The truest to the story, vibe-wise, with “Harold” in black text and “Maude” full of vibrant color.

*Harold and Maude fulfilled my POPSUGAR Reading Challenge prompt for a book based on a popular movie. In fact, the story was first a screenplay and later was novelized.