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Books matching: family stories

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  1. "Facing the Mountain: A True Story of Japanese American Heroes in World War II" by Daniel James Brown tells the story of Japanese Americans who faced discrimination and incarceration during World War II, yet chose to fight for the United States in the 442nd infantry Regiment. not only focuses on the battles these soldiers fought in Italy, France, and Germany, but also sheds light on the racism and discrimination Japanese Americans faced on the West Coast and Hawaii. Through detailed accounts of the soldiers' experiences in concentration camps, legal battles, and on the battlefield, the book highlights the resilience and heroism of these individuals.

    Daniel James Brown's writing style in "Facing the Mountain" is praised for its comprehensive storytelling and meticulous research. The author delves deep into the history of Japanese Americans during World War II, interviewing survivors and examining records to provide an in-depth look at the 442nd Regimental Combat Team's struggles and achievements. not only portrays the bravery and sacrifices of these soldiers but also addresses the lasting impact of racism and discrimination faced by Japanese Americans in the 1940s.


  2. #2

    Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
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    "Homegoing" by Yaa Gyasi is a powerful novel that traces the descendants of two half-sisters, Esi and Effia, born in Ghana, whose lives take different paths during the 18th century. One sister is sold into slavery and taken to America, while the other remains in Ghana, married to a white slaver. The book follows successive generations from both lineages, providing a sweeping narrative that explores themes of family, identity, history, and the enduring impact of slavery on both African and American descendants. The novel is structured as a series of linked stories, each chapter focusing on a different character in the family tree, moving between Ghana and America, capturing the struggles, triumphs, and hardships faced by each generation.

    Yaa Gyasi's writing style in "Homegoing" is praised for its beauty, descriptive prose, and captivating storytelling. The book seamlessly alternates between the two family branches, offering glimpses into the lives of each character over centuries, from the Gold Coast of Africa to present-day America. Gyasi skillfully weaves together historical events, familial connections, and individual experiences, creating a compelling narrative that sheds light on the complexities of race, heritage, and the enduring legacy of slavery across generations.

    THE NIGHT EFFIA OTCHER was born into the musky heat of Fanteland, a fire raged through the woods just outside her father’s compound. It moved quickly, tearing a path for days. It lived off the air; it...

  3. #3

    Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
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    Pachinko by Min Jin Lee is a multi-generational family saga that follows a Korean family's struggles and hardships from the early 20th century in Korea to their migration to Japan and eventually the United States. The story delves into the historical context of the Japanese occupation of Korea, discrimination against Koreans in Japan, and the challenges faced by the family through wars, poverty, and cultural clashes. The narrative spans several generations, portraying the characters' resilience, sacrifices, and the impact of world events on their lives. The writing style is straightforward, with a focus on character development and exploring themes of identity, belonging, and survival.

    At the turn of the century, an aging fisherman and his wife decided to take in lodgers for extra money. Both were born and raised in the fishing village of Yeongdo—a five-mile-wide islet beside the po...

  4. #4

    The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
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    The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan is a novel that delves into the intricate relationships between four Chinese mothers and their American-born daughters. Through interconnected vignettes, the book explores themes of cultural differences, generational divides, and the struggles of understanding and connecting with one's family history. Set in San Francisco, the story spans decades and continents, revealing the complexities of mother-daughter dynamics and the impact of heritage on individual identities.

    Amy Tan's writing style in The Joy Luck Club is described as captivating, poignant, and emotionally evocative. The narrative weaves together the stories of multiple characters, offering a rich tapestry of experiences that touch on themes of sacrifice, tradition, and the search for belonging. Through a blend of past remembrances and present reflections, Tan masterfully crafts a tale that resonates with readers by exploring the universal complexities of family relationships and the enduring power of cultural heritage.

    When I was little, my mother told me my great-grandfather had sentenced a beggar to die in the worst possible way, and that later the dead man came back and killed my great-grandfather. Either that, o...

  5. #5

    The Witching Hour - Lives of the Mayfair Witches by Anne Rice
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    "The Witching Hour" by Anne Rice is a massive, addictive book that follows the story of the Mayfair family through thirteen generations, each more intriguing than the last. Set in New Orleans, the novel delves into the history of the Mayfair witches spanning centuries, from ancient Scotland to modern times. Rice's writing style, which includes first-person narration, creates an intense and creepy atmosphere that immerses readers into the world of witches, spirits, and mysteries.

    And even now in this quiet hotel room above New York City he felt the old alarming disorientation. He’d been talking again with the brown-eyed man. Yes, help her. No, this is just a dream. I want to g...

  6. #6

    Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane
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    'Ask Again, Yes' by Mary Beth Keane is a multi-generational family drama that follows the intertwined lives of two neighboring families, the Stanhopes and the Gleesons, over several decades. The story delves into themes of love, family relationships, mental illness, forgiveness, and the consequences of tragic events that shape the characters' lives. The narrative is rich in character development, portraying flawed but relatable characters navigating through complex family dynamics and personal struggles.

    The author, Mary Beth Keane, skillfully weaves together the stories of the Stanhopes and the Gleesons, exploring the impact of untreated trauma, mental illness, and alcoholism on their relationships. Through a compelling and moving narrative, Keane delves deep into the human experience, portraying themes of forgiveness, second chances, and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. offers a poignant exploration of family dynamics, showcasing the characters' growth, challenges, and the enduring power of love and forgiveness.

    GILLAM WAS NICE ENOUGH but lonely, Lena Teobaldo thought when she first saw it. It was the kind of place that if she were there on vacation she’d love for the first two days, and then by the third day...

  7. #7

    One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
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    One Hundred Years of Solitude tells the story of the rise and fall, birth and death of the mythical town of Macondo through the history of the Buendía family. The novel is inventive, amusing, magnetic, sad, and alive with unforgettable characters brimming with truth, compassion, and lyrical magic that strikes the soul. The book is a masterpiece in the art of fiction, weaving together mystical stories and dozens of colorful and crazy characters into a twisted and tangled family history.

    The book is written in a unique style with dense and beautiful prose, where the author can change the direction of the story in a few words. It explores the theme of history repeating itself over generations of a family, using rich literary devices like repeating character names with slight variations through each generation. The narrative seamlessly slips back and forth between reality and fantasy, creating an immersive and thought-provoking reading experience.

    MANY YEARS LATER, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendía was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice. At that time Macondo was a village of twenty ...

  8. #8

    The House of Broken Angels by Luis Alberto Urrea
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    'The House of Broken Angels' by Luis Alberto Urrea is a poignant and heartwarming novel centered around Big Angel, the patriarch of a large Mexican American family, who is terminally ill and decides to host one last birthday party. The book delves into the history of the family, their migration from Mexico to San Diego, and the complex dynamics among the family members. The narrative combines tragedy and humor, exploring themes of love, loss, and the impact of the current political climate on the family.

    The storytelling style of the book involves rich character development and intricate family relationships, with a mix of flashbacks and present-day scenes. The author, Luis Alberto Urrea, weaves together a multi-generational saga that unfolds mostly within a single day, offering a glimpse into the relentless nature of life amidst the looming presence of death. The novel captures the essence of family bonds, individual struggles, and the bittersweet moments that shape the De La Cruz family's journey.

    He tossed in his bed, the sheets catching his feet in a tangle. Sweat tickled his sides as he realized what was happening. The sun was up—it was bright through his eyelids. The burning pink world. Eve...

  9. #9

    Absalom, Absalom! by William Faulkner
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    'Absalom, Absalom!' by William Faulkner is a complex and dense novel that delves into the intertwined histories of the Sutpen and Compson families in the American South. The story is narrated through multiple perspectives, exploring themes of race, class, family legacies, and the impact of the past on the present. Faulkner's writing style is characterized by long, intricate sentences, stream-of-consciousness narration, and a nonlinear structure that challenges readers to piece together the fragmented narrative.

    The novel unfolds as a mystery, slowly revealing the tragic and haunting secrets buried within the families' histories. Faulkner's intricate storytelling weaves together themes of Southern gothic literature, exploring the repercussions of slavery, racism, and personal vendettas across generations. Through his rich and evocative prose, Faulkner creates a vivid portrait of the Deep South, capturing the complexities of human relationships and the enduring legacy of the past on the characters' lives.

    From a little after two o’clock until almost sundown of the long still hot weary dead September afternoon they sat in what Miss Coldfield still called the office because her father had called it that—...

  10. #10

    All Souls: A Family Story from Southie by Michael Patrick MacDonald
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    All Souls: A Family Story from Southie by Michael Patrick MacDonald is a memoir that delves into the tumultuous history of growing up in the projects of South Boston during the 1960s and 1970s. The author vividly portrays the tragic realities faced by the residents of Southie, including the prevalence of drugs, corruption, crime, and poverty. MacDonald's writing style is described as poignant, candid, and deeply moving, as he narrates his personal tragedies and triumphs, along with his love-hate relationship with the rough Irish projects that shaped his family's lives.

    The book sheds light on the impact of gang control, drug addiction, and a culture of silence that plagued the neighborhood, while also exploring themes of resilience, compassion, and the fight against injustice. Through MacDonald's storytelling, readers are exposed to the harsh realities of life in Southie, from violent anti-bussing battles to the struggles of impoverished families trying to survive in a society marked by division and powerlessness.

    IWAS BACK IN SOUTHIE, “THE BEST PLACE IN THE world,” as Ma used to say before the kids died. That’s what we call them now, “the kids.” Even when we want to say their names, we sometimes get confused a...

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