Books matching: addiction and family dynamics
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- #1
Save:Emma Saylor, the protagonist of 'The Rest of the Story' by Sarah Dessen, finds herself spending the summer at her deceased mother's hometown, where she reconnects with family she doesn't remember. As she navigates the dynamics of her mother's side of the family, Emma Saylor delves into her past, unravels family secrets, and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of a lake, the story explores themes of identity, addiction, family relationships, and coming of age.
The narrative of 'The Rest of the Story' weaves a tale of Emma Saylor's transformation as she embraces her roots, learns about her mother's history, and navigates the complexities of family ties. Through Emma Saylor's experiences at the lake, the readers are taken on a journey of self-exploration, growth, and understanding of the impact of family history on personal identity.
“You think everything is like a fairy tale,” my other best friend Ryan told her, wincing as she reached down yet again to rub her sore feet. None of us were used to dressing up very much, especially i... - #2
Save:'Hey, Kiddo' by Jarrett J. Krosoczka is a graphic memoir that delves into the author's childhood, being raised by his grandparents due to his mother's heroin addiction, and not meeting his father until he was 17 years old. The book portrays the struggles and triumphs of Jarrett's unconventional family setup, highlighting themes of addiction, familial love, and the power of art as a coping mechanism. Through a candid and heartfelt narrative, Krosoczka shares his journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the complexities of family dynamics, all depicted in a graphic novel format that resonates with readers, especially those who appreciate graphic memoirs.
The author's poignant storytelling and evocative artwork capture the raw emotions and challenges faced by a young boy growing up in a non-traditional family environment. From dealing with absent parents to finding solace in his passion for art, Jarrett's narrative unfolds with honesty and vulnerability, offering a glimpse into the impact of addiction on familial relationships and the enduring bonds of love that shape his upbringing. 'Hey, Kiddo' not only portrays the author's personal struggles and triumphs but also serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of finding hope and healing in the midst of adversity.
- #3
Save:'Christodora' by Tim Murphy is a multi-decade saga centered around a family living in a condo building in the Village in New York City, intertwined with the narrative of the AIDS epidemic. The plot jumps back and forth in time, following various characters affected by the disease, drug culture, and activism, while also exploring themes of adoption, identity, and gentrification. Tim Murphy's writing style is described as compelling, well-written, and able to draw readers into the lives of diverse characters facing life's challenges.
By the time Christodora House settlement erected its handsomely simple new sixteen-story brick tower on the corner of Avenue B and Ninth Street in 1928—an edifice that loomed over Tompkins Square Park... - #4
Save:'All We Ever Wanted Was Everything' by Janelle Brown follows the lives of the Miller family as they navigate through various struggles and challenges in their affluent lives. The story delves into themes of the American Dream, self-expectations, and the pursuit of happiness while dealing with addiction, debt, and family dynamics. Janelle Brown's writing style is described as witty, captivating, and brutally honest, providing a realistic portrayal of the characters' journeys towards self-discovery and acceptance.
june in santa rita is perfect, just perfect. the sun sits high in the sky—which is itself just the right shade of unpolluted powder blue—and the temperature averages a mild eighty-three. It isn’t too ... - #5
Save:'Lunar Park' by Bret Easton Ellis is a postmodern novel that blurs the lines between reality and fiction, featuring a fictionalized version of the author himself as the protagonist. The book delves into themes of dysfunctional family relationships, horror, self-reflection, and the consequences of fame. The narrative weaves together elements of literary criticism, memoir, horror, and satire, creating a unique and complex story that keeps readers engaged until the unpredictable and emotionally charged ending.
and it’s a story that might bore you but you don’t have to listen, she told me, because she always knew it was going to be like that, and it was, she thinks, her first year, or actually weekend, reall... - #6
Save:In "Six Ways to Write a Love Letter" by Jackson Pearce, Remy Young, a session drummer with ambitions in the music world, gets the chance of a lifetime when he joins a tour with pop sensation Vivi Swan, who bears a striking resemblance to Taylor Swift. The plot unfolds as a bus mix-up leads them to spend unexpected time together, and Remy's preconceived notions about the pop star dissolve as he discovers she is more than just a public persona. Despite navigating heavy themes like family trauma and addiction, the story maintains a light, romantic feel, though pacing issues and character depth—especially with Vivi—often distract from the plot's emotional core.
Pearce's writing style captures the essence of life on tour, making it both fun and engaging, albeit sometimes focusing too much on side plots instead of the developing romance between Remy and Vivi. The narrative is told solely from Remy's perspective, adding a unique male-centric angle to the typical celebrity romance formula. Readers might find the pacing slow at first, but once it gains momentum, it becomes a sweet and enjoyable read. Despite its flaws, the book offers a glimpse into the complexities of fame and relationships, making it a worthwhile pick for fans of contemporary romance.
- #7
Save:Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors is a powerful story about the complexities of sisterhood and grief. The novel revolves around three sisters who are grappling with the loss of their fourth sister, exploring their varied reactions to this tragedy while also dealing with their personal struggles, including addiction. The writing style is vividly descriptive and emotionally charged, allowing readers to connect deeply with each character's journey. Readers often appreciated the book's ability to convey heavy themes while remaining beautifully crafted and engaging.
- #8
Save:Barrel Fever: Stories and Essays by David Sedaris is a collection of short stories and essays that showcase a mix of fiction and nonfiction pieces. The book includes humorous and acerbic narratives, with a focus on Sedaris' unique storytelling style. Readers are taken on a journey through various topics such as working as an elf at Macy's, exaggerated characters from Sedaris' life, and darkly comedic Christmas newsletters.
I WAS ON “Oprah” a while ago, talking about how I used to love too much. Did you see it? The other guests were men who continue to love too much. Those men were in a place I used to be, and I felt sor... - #9
Save:'Broken Knight' in the series 'All Saints High' by L.J. Shen follows the formula of guy and girl meeting as children and navigating through a love-hate dynamic, friends-to-enemies, or enemies-to-lovers relationship. It is a long story with emotional ties to the characters who face obstacles in their pursuit of love, leading to a happily ever after. The writing style includes steamy sex scenes that enhance the New Adult genre experience, but some readers found the back-and-forth nature of the relationships and misunderstandings to be a bit tiresome.
Bleeding helped me breathe better. I didn’t know what it meant, but it made Mom cry in her bathroom when she thought no one could hear. Whenever she glanced at my permanently busted knuckles, the wate...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series All Saints High ) - #10
Save:A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb is a unique tale of two souls, Helen and James, who are trapped between earth and heaven and fall in love. They inhabit human bodies, unraveling their past identities and forming a deep connection. The novel is a fast-paced and engrossing read that delves into themes of life, death, religion, and love, with a poetic and lyrical writing style that captures the emotions and struggles of the characters. The plot revolves around the impossible love affair between two spirits from different generations inhabiting modern-day teen bodies, dealing with typical teen issues alongside their haunting past lives.
The story unfolds as Helen, the protagonist, navigates being a ghost for 130 years and finds solace in her love for James, leading to a poignant exploration of the enduring nature of love. The book beautifully blends supernatural elements with themes of redemption, loss, and first love, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with readers. The author's prose is described as ethereal, atmospheric, and intense, with references to poets and writers adding depth to the storyline, making it a haunting and emotional journey.
SOMEONE WAS LOOKING AT ME, a disturbing sensation if you’re dead. I was with my teacher, Mr. Brown. As usual, we were in our classroom, that safe and wooden-walled box—the windows opening onto the gra...
