Books matching: addiction and family secrets
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- #1
In "Born to Be Wilde," the story follows the journey of Parth Sterling and Lavinia Gray, who have been at odds since they first met. When Lavinia discovers her mother's addiction to laudanum and financial misdeeds, she proposes to Parth out of desperation. Despite initially turning her down due to his suspicions about her motives, their mutual attraction complicates their relationship. As they navigate societal double standards, addiction, and family secrets, they must learn to trust and respect each other to find happiness together. Eloisa James' narrative skill shines through in setting the scene with vivid descriptions and social commentary, while also exploring themes of self-love and forgiveness.
The book intricately weaves together themes of love, respect, and redemption, as Parth and Lavinia's relationship evolves from animosity to understanding and passion. Readers are treated to a gradual realization of their feelings for each other, culminating in a heartwarming ending that leaves a lasting impact. Eloisa James' ability to blend humor, romance, and social commentary creates a compelling story that engages readers with its well-developed characters and intricate plot twists.
Miss Lavinia Gray considered herself reasonably brave. In her twenty-one years, she had been presented to both an English and a French queen without losing her composure. She had squeaked, but not scr...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Wildes of Lindow Castle ) - #2
Maya's Notebook by Isabel Allende is a contemporary coming-of-age story centered around Maya Vidal, a teenager abandoned by her parents, who spirals into a world of addiction and crime after the death of her grandfather. The novel moves back and forth in time, following Maya's journey from Berkeley to a remote island off the coast of Chile, where she seeks refuge from the criminal elements chasing her. Written in Maya's voice through her notebook entries, the story delves into her past, family mysteries, and struggles for survival and redemption.
The narrative of Maya's Notebook explores themes of family, addiction, redemption, and self-discovery as Maya navigates a tumultuous journey from a life of drugs, alcohol, and crime to finding solace and healing in a remote Chilean village. Through Maya's experiences and relationships with her grandmother Nini, her grandfather Popo, and the inhabitants of Chilote, the novel paints a vivid picture of resilience, love, and the complexities of coming to terms with one's past.
A week ago my grandmother gave me a dry-eyed hug at the San Francisco airport and told me again that if I valued my life at all, I should not get in touch with anyone I knew until we could be sure my ... - #3
Fiona Davis weaves a tale of two women, Sara Smythe from the late 19th century and Bailey Camden from 1985, whose lives are connected through The Dakota apartment building in New York City. The book explores scandal, secrets, intrigue, and family lineages, with a dual timeline structure that reveals historical details about the iconic building and the characters' intertwined stories. The plot unfolds through mystery and drama, drawing readers into the past and present of the landmark building.
After several years toiling as a maid and working her way up the ranks, she’d been awarded the position of head housekeeper at London’s Langham Hotel a month prior. One of her largest tasks was keepin... 'This Is Your Life, Harriet Chance!' by Jonathan Evison is a novel that delves into the life of 78-year-old Harriet Chance, who embarks on an Alaskan cruise planned by her deceased husband. The story alternates between past and present, revealing secrets, betrayals, and unexpected twists in Harriet's life. The narrative style includes a game show type narrator and a mix of humor, sadness, and introspection as Harriet navigates her past to make sense of her present.
Of course, Bernard’s still alive in her imagination—that’s only natural. Of course, she never heats the house above sixty-four degrees. Force of habit. Five decades of familiarity imprinted on her mem...- #5
The novel 'The Good Liar' by Catherine McKenzie revolves around a tragic event where a Chicago building explodes, resulting in over five hundred casualties, including Cecily's husband and best friend, Kate. The story follows Cecily, Kate, and Franny, a young woman claiming to be Kate's daughter, as they navigate their intertwined lives filled with secrets and lies. The plot is described as addictive, fast-paced, and full of unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers guessing and questioning the truth behind each character's actions and motivations. The narrative is told from multiple perspectives, offering insights into the characters' complex relationships and hidden truths while building suspense and mystery around the central event.
That’s rarer today than it was a year ago, because now, when I feel the tick of time, my body starts to prickle with an anxiety I can’t shake without medication, and I feel each second pass as if I’m ... 'Normal Family: On Truth, Love, and How I Met My 35 Siblings' by Chrysta Bilton is a memoir that delves into the complex and tumultuous journey of the author's unconventional family. It starts out as a mystery, exploring the author's quest for identity and belonging in a family structure that defies societal norms. Bilton skillfully weaves a narrative that touches on themes of family, love, addiction, mental illness, and the ethical implications of donor conception, all while providing a raw and honest account of her experiences and revelations. The writing style is captivating, offering a blend of simplicity and complexity that draws readers into a world filled with shocking truths and heartwarming connections.
- #7
Buried in this massive book are two compelling mysteries: a serial murder case set in New Orleans, Louisiana, and a more personal family drama set in Natchez, Mississippi. The story illustrates well the issues of repressed memory, child abuse, family secrets, and revenge. Forensic expert Dr. Cat Ferry, an odontologist, deals with bite marks on her victims and her own family issues, including her need for alcohol. The protagonist becomes a vehicle for the exploration of human experiences via the examination of psychological, social, and physical perspectives. The book delves into complex issues like incest and sexual abuse, set in New Orleans, with twists and turns typical of a good serial killer mystery.
We judge and punish based on facts, but facts are not truth. Facts are like a buried skeleton uncovered long after death. Truth is fluid. Truth is alive. To know the truth requires understanding, the ...
(Also, see 14 recommendations for the series Mississippi ) - #8
Long Bright River by Liz Moore is a gripping and multi-faceted story that delves into the lives of two sisters, Mickey and Kacey, set against the backdrop of Philadelphia's Kensington neighborhood. Mickey, a dedicated police officer, is on a frantic search for her missing sister Kacey, who is caught in the throes of addiction and living on the streets. As Mickey navigates the gritty world of drug dealers and crime, the story weaves between past and present, unraveling the complexities of their family history and the challenges they face. The writing style is described as beautifully narrated, eloquent, and emotionally charged, capturing the dark realities of addiction and the bond between the two sisters.
I was late to roll call this morning. Again. I am ashamed to admit it was the third time in a month, and I despise being late. A good police officer is punctual if she is nothing else. When I walked i... - #9
Identical by Ellen Hopkins is a gripping novel that delves into the lives of identical twins, Kaeleigh and Raeanne. The story unfolds to reveal the stark differences between the sisters, with one facing sexual abuse by their father while the other copes with neglect and seeks solace in drugs and risky behavior. Through Hopkins' masterful writing in verse, readers are drawn into a roller coaster of emotions as they witness the self-destruction and secrets plaguing the twins' lives. The book is praised for its shocking twists, raw portrayal of difficult topics like sexual abuse and addiction, and the haunting narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Just over an unremarkable mountain stretches the endless Pacific. Mornings here come wrapped in droops of gray mist. Most days it burns off by noon. Other days it just hangs on and on. Smothers like a... - #10
Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews is a disturbing and eerie story about four siblings who are hidden away in an attic by their mother. The plot revolves around the children's struggles with growing up, finding love, and dealing with abuse and neglect while trapped in the attic. The writing style is described as easy to read, yet the subject matter of the book is unsettling and controversial, touching on themes of incest, murder, and betrayal.
Many readers find the book captivating and addictive, with a plot that keeps them engaged and emotionally invested in the characters. The author, V.C. Andrews, is praised for her ability to create a dark and twisted story that resonates with readers, making them empathize with the characters' plight despite the disturbing events that unfold in the narrative.
Truly, when I was very young, way back in the Fifties, I believed all of life would be like one long and perfect summer day. After all, it did start out that way. There’s not much I can say about our ...