Books matching: dysfunctional relationships
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- #1
Save:Hilarious, bizarre, and wildly inappropriate at times - this is a cult-favorite dark comedy best enjoyed by fans of biting wit and apathy-fueled chaos. Not for the overly sensitive, but a must if you want big laughs from a story that doesn’t take itself (or anyone) seriously.
'Apathy and Other Small Victories' by Paul Neilan follows the life of a middle-aged man named Shane who is portrayed as apathetic, directionless, and cynical. The story revolves around Shane's encounters with suspected murder, dysfunctional relationships, and his mundane job as a temp in an insurance agency. The writing style is described as politically incorrect, irreverent, and full of dark humor, with the main character narrating his absurdly apathetic and comedic experiences.
I was stealing saltshakers again. Ten, sometimes twelve a night, shoving them in my pockets, hiding them up my sleeves, smuggling them out of bars and diners and anywhere else I could find them. In th...May 2006•241 pages - #2
Save:A gripping, raw, and inspiring memoir about breaking free from family bonds and forging your own path through education. Worth the hype, just be prepared for some emotional turbulence along the way.
Educated by Tara Westover is a memoir recounting the author's tumultuous childhood growing up in Idaho in a dysfunctional family. Tara's father, a strict Mormon and anti-government supporter, forbids her from attending school, leading her to work in the family's scrap yard instead. Despite the isolation and abuse she faces at home, Tara eventually breaks free and pursues education, earning scholarships and grants to study at prestigious universities like Cambridge and Harvard. The book delves into themes of familial dysfunction, survivalism, mental illness, and the transformative power of education.
My strongest memory is not a memory. It’s something I imagined, then came to remember as if it had happened. The memory was formed when I was five, just before I turned six, from a story my father tol...February 2018•370 pages - #3
Save:Jagged, funny, and tense - it’s a must-see on stage, but reading or listening just isn’t the same. Great for drama fans and those who appreciate raw family dynamics, but not for everyone.
True West is a play by Sam Shepard that revolves around two estranged brothers, Austin and Lee, who reunite at their mother's home in the California desert. As they struggle with their dysfunctional family's past and their own personal failures, they engage in a fierce rivalry over a film script, with one brother seeking to undermine the other. Their chaotic interactions, fueled by alcohol, lead to escalating fights and awkward moments that highlight their deep-seated unhappiness and the unravelling of their lives.
The writing style of True West is dynamic and intense, characterized by rapid dialogue and overlapping conversations that create a sense of urgency and chaos. While the play features layered themes of sibling rivalry and the quest for the American Dream, many find it works best when seen live rather than heard as an audiobook. Critics note that the production heavily relies on visual cues and the actors’ performances, with sound effects becoming distracting in audio form. Overall, the play captures the essence of flawed characters and the complexities of family dynamics in a striking and memorable way.
Lee Personal value. Yeah. Just a lot a’ junk. Most of it’s phony anyway. Idaho decals. Now who in the hell wants to eat off a’ plate with the State of Idaho starin’ ya’ in the face. Every time ya’ tak...January 1981•72 pages - #4
Save:A disturbing, expertly written literary gut-punch that’s as brilliant as it is brutal - recommended only for readers ready to confront the darkest corners of the human psyche.
The Piano Teacher by Elfriede Jelinek is a dark and disturbing novel that delves into the complex and twisted relationship between Erika Kohut, a middle-aged piano teacher in Vienna, and her overbearing mother. Erika's life is filled with self-harm, repressed sexuality, and a desire for control, which leads her into a sadomasochistic relationship with her student, Walter Klemmer. The narrative unfolds slowly, exploring themes of love, lust, control, and submission in a visceral and unapologetic manner, making it a challenging but compelling read that is not for the easily shocked.
The writing style of Elfriede Jelinek in The Piano Teacher is described as brilliant yet horrible, with a harsh expressionistic picture of sexuality. The narrative is compelling and compulsive, drawing readers into the strange and grotesque world of Erika and her tumultuous relationships. The book offers a disturbing but possibly realistic view of a troubled woman navigating her desires and demons, with a powerful writing style that brings poetry to dark and sticky topics, creating a train wreck of a story that is both fascinating and repulsive.
THE PIANO TEACHER, Erika Kohut, bursts like a whirlwind into the apartment she shares with her mother. Mama likes calling Erika her little whirlwind, for the child can be an absolute speed demon. She...1983•288 pages - #5
Save:A weird and wildly imaginative ride through the strange mind of Philip K. Dick - fun, flawed, and full of madcap satire. Not his masterpiece, but definitely a memorable trip for the adventurous reader.
'Clans of the Alphane Moon' by Philip K. Dick is a science fiction novel that delves into a bizarre and fascinating story set on a moon around Alpha Centauri, where former residents of a mental hospital have organized a new society based on their individual mental illnesses. The novel follows the interstellar politics that ensue when Earth takes an interest in the moon's inhabitants, leading to a complex narrative filled with paranoid intrigue, telepathic slime molds, dysfunctional relationships, and interplanetary conflicts. Through dark humor and a unique writing style, the author explores themes of madness, sanity, and the fluidity of human nature and perception.
Before entering the supreme council room, Gabriel Baines sent his Mans-made simulacrum clacking ahead to see if by chance it might be attacked. The simulacrum—artfully constructed to resemble Baines i...1964•237 pages - #6
Save:Wild, raw, and emotionally supercharged - if you’re here for the drama and can handle a messy love story that doesn’t pull its punches, you’ll probably be hooked. Just be ready for a wild ride (and maybe a touch of heartache waiting for book two).
'Closer' by Mary Elizabeth is a captivating story that follows the tumultuous relationship between Teller and Ella. The plot weaves between the past and present, showcasing the intense connection between the characters that has lasted over seven years. The writing style is dynamic, with vivid descriptions that bring the story to life, making the reader feel fully immersed in the world of Teller and Ella.
The author delves into the complexities of the characters, especially Teller and Ella, who are both dealing with past traumas and personal issues. The plotline keeps the reader engaged, with a compelling and addictive story that explores the toxic yet irresistible relationship between the protagonists. ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the reader eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
Thick white smoke flows from his lips, stretching toward the sky in hazy ribbons. The bitter scent of tobacco burns my nose and cuts my throat, but the discomfort is minimal in comparison to the brick...December 2016•306 pages - #7
Save:Hilarious, raunchy, and sometimes uncomfortably real, "In at the Deep End" is a smart, sex-positive romp with surprising emotional depth. Not for everyone, but it’s a wild ride for readers ready to take the plunge.
'In at the Deep End' by Kate Davies is a humorous and emotional journey of self-discovery for Julia, a mid-twenties government contractor who embarks on a new life after discovering her attraction to women. The book explores themes of coming out, toxic relationships, and friendship dynamics through Julia's experiences with her controlling partner, Sam, and her supportive circle of friends. The writing style is described as witty, engaging, and raw, with a mix of humor, introspection, and graphic depiction of intimate scenes that add depth to the characters and their relationships.
I was a little late to work the next day, so my usual desk was taken. I waved at Owen, who I usually sit with, across the grey no man’s land of desks and chairs. I could feel other people looking up a...July 2019•384 pages - #8
Save:Bold, inventive, and emotionally searing - "In the Dream House" reinvents memoir and confronts rarely discussed truths. Unforgettable, but not an easy read.
'In the Dream House' by Carmen Maria Machado is a memoir that intricately explores the author's experience in an abusive queer relationship. Rather than following a linear narrative, the book breaks down the story into fragments, interweaving reflections on gaslighting, folklore, and the author's writing process. The writing style is described as creative, original, thought-provoking, and emotionally impactful, offering a unique and engaging approach to discussing the complexities of abuse in lesbian relationships.
I daresay you have heard of the Dream House? It is, as you know, a real place. It stands upright. It is next to a forest and at the rim of a sward. It has a foundation, though rumors of the dead burie...November 2019 - #9
Save:A smart, sharply observed debut about messy modern relationships - emotionally raw, sometimes frustrating, but undeniably compelling. If you’re drawn to introspective fiction and complex, imperfect people, give it a try.
'Conversations with Friends' by Sally Rooney is a novel that delves into the complex relationships and personal issues of young college students in Dublin. The story follows Frances and Bobbi, two 21-year-old university students who perform spoken word poetry together and become entangled with a married couple, Melissa and Nick. As their relationships overlap and intersect, the characters navigate themes of friendship, love, self-discovery, and growing up. The narrative offers a deep understanding of the emotional struggles and self-awareness that young people experience as they try to find their true selves.
Rooney's writing style is described as direct, strong, and engaging, with complex and well-developed characters that captivate the reader. The novel captures the intensity of early adulthood, portraying the challenges and complexities of relationships, self-consciousness, and personal growth. The dialogue is smart and funny, with moments of beautiful imagery woven into everyday scenes, creating a compelling and thought-provoking narrative that explores the nuances of human emotions and interactions.
Bobbi and I first met Melissa at a poetry night in town, where we were performing together. Melissa took our photograph outside, with Bobbi smoking and me self-consciously holding my left wrist in my...July 2017•330 pages - #10
Save:Dale Peck’s Martin and John is a raw, striking novel best suited to readers who appreciate dark, unconventional storytelling and aren’t afraid to explore the depths of human pain and connection. Approach with an open mind - and maybe a box of tissues.
'Martin and John' by Dale Peck is a novel that delves into the themes of love, grief, and pain through unconventional narrative shifts and interconnected stories. The book follows the lives of characters named Martin and John, exploring their meeting, loving, and suffering, ultimately showcasing the solace found in life amidst anguish and dysfunction. The writing style uses repetitive imagery and themes to create a cohesive narrative, vividly portraying the struggles faced by LGBTQ individuals during the 1990s AIDS epidemic.
1993•250 pages
