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Books matching: intergenerational trauma

100 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    The Fortunes of Jaded Women by Carolyn Huynh
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    The Fortunes of Jaded Women by Carolyn Huynh is a multi-generational tale that follows the lives of Vietnamese women from Vietnam to Little Saigon in Orange County, California, exploring themes of family curses, mother-daughter relationships, and Vietnamese culture. The book delves into the complexities of family dynamics, intergenerational trauma, and the struggles of balancing traditions with modern values, all while maintaining a whimsical and wickedly funny writing style that brings the setting of Little Saigon to life.


  2. #2

    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...

  3. #3

    Corregidora by Gayl Jones
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    "Corregidora" by Gayl Jones is a novel that delves deep into the legacies of slavery, particularly focusing on the experiences of black women and the impact of intergenerational trauma. The story follows Ursa Corregidora, a blues singer, whose family history traces back to slavery years in Brazil and Argentina. Through Ursa's voice, the author portrays the struggles of her ancestors, emphasizing themes of abuse, sexuality, and the lasting effects of slavery on individual lives within the African American community. The narrative weaves together past and present, showcasing how the past continues to shape the present reality of the characters, particularly Ursa's relationships and sense of self.

    It was 1947 when Mutt and I was married. I was singing in Happy’s Café around on Delaware Street. He didn’t like for me to sing after we were married because he said that’s why he married me so he cou...

  4. #4

    Too Much Lip by Melissa Lucashenko
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    'Too Much Lip' by Melissa Lucashenko is a raw and brutal story that centers around an Aboriginal family dealing with past events that continue to impact their daily lives. The protagonist, Kerry, returns to her country town where tensions run high among family members united in their hatred for the corrupt Mayor negotiating to sell off their ancestral land. The book tackles gut-wrenching issues with strong, complex characters and a satisfying outcome that left some readers personally saddened yet hopeful for understanding and reconciliation.

    A stranger rode into town only it wasn’t a stranger, it was Kerry, come to say goodbye to Pop before he fell off that perch he’d been clinging to real stubborn way for so long. Cancer, Ken reckoned, n...

  5. #5

    How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
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    'How to Sell a Haunted House' by Grady Hendrix is a modern day Gothic ghost story that follows a protagonist contending with colorful family members and creepy dolls in a Southern setting. The book combines horror elements with outrageous humor and touches of sadness, creating a well-designed tale filled with shocking events and creepy puppets central to the plot. The author's writing style is praised for its unique blend of horror, dark humor, and exceptional storytelling that keeps readers hooked until the insane and brilliant climax.


  6. #6

    The Magical Language of Others by E.J. Koh
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    'The Magical Language of Others' by E.J. Koh is a memoir that delves into the complex relationships between family members across different generations. Through a series of letters written by the author's mother, the book explores themes of love, loss, forgiveness, and the search for identity. Koh's writing style seamlessly weaves together personal experiences with historical and cultural insights, creating a poignant narrative that resonates with readers.

    There is a Korean belief that you are born the parent of the one you hurt most. I was revenge when I was born in 1988 at O’Connor Hospital in San Jose, California. I was the reincarnation of somebody ...

  7. #7

    Motherthing by Ainslie Hogarth
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    'Motherthing' by Ainslie Hogarth is a darkly humorous exploration of complex family dynamics, mental illness, and intergenerational trauma. The story follows Abby, who moves in with her husband Ralph to care for his mother, Laura, after her suicide. As Ralph spirals into depression following his mother's death, Abby grapples with her own troubled past and the eerie presence of Laura's ghost. The narrative delves into themes of parental rejection, dysfunctional relationships, and the desperate search for love and validation.

    The book is narrated from Abby's perspective, providing a nuanced portrayal of her struggles with self-worth, emotional instability, and the desire for familial connection. Through Abby's interactions with various characters, including Mrs. Bondy, her workplace surrogate mother, and Ralph, the author navigates the delicate balance between dark humor and disturbing scenes, creating a captivating and thought-provoking read.

    The night Ralph’s mother flayed her forearms, a woman in a red dress handed him a business card. I know how woman in a red dress sounds because I thought the same thing at first. When I got back to th...

  8. #8

    Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty
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    Night of the Living Rez by Morgan Talty tells the powerful story of David and his family as they navigate life on the reservation. Through a collection of poignant short stories, Talty weaves a narrative filled with heartache, hope, and love. The novel explores themes of addiction, poverty, family dynamics, and the complexities of Native American life, offering a raw and honest portrayal of the characters' struggles and relationships. Talty's evocative prose and careful storytelling bring to life the daily challenges and triumphs of David, his sister Paige, and their mother as they return to their roots on the reservation.

    The book captures the essence of rez life for David, portraying him as a multifaceted character who grapples with his own identity and relationships. Talty's writing style, reminiscent of authors like Cormac McCarthy and Raymond Chandler, delves deep into the emotions of the characters, painting a vivid picture of their experiences. From the vivid descriptions of the reservation to the portrayal of familial bonds and cultural heritage, Night of the Living Rez offers a moving and insightful look into the complexities of Native American life.


  9. #9
    The Painted Drum
    Book 8 in the series:Love Medicine

    The Painted Drum - Love Medicine by Louise Erdrich
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    'The Painted Drum' by Louise Erdrich follows the story of Faye, an appraiser who discovers an Ojibwa drum at an estate and decides to take it home, leading her to find the original owner. The narrative intertwines intergenerational tales with First Nation tradition, lore, and modern Native life, exploring themes of loss, tradition, and recovery. delves into the significance of the drum, its healing power, and the connections it fosters among the characters, all while showcasing Erdrich's lyrical writing style and her ability to create complex relationships and communities.

    Shawnee sat her little brother down and pried the crayon from his strong, chubby fist—it was purple, it looked to him like something good to eat, the name of the crayon was even grape. The feel of the...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Love Medicine )

  10. #10

    Solar Storms by Linda Hogan
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    'Solar Storms' by Linda Hogan is a coming of age story set in a remote Native American community. The novel follows a young woman named Angel who leaves behind the foster system to live with her great grandmother Agnes, great great grandmother Dora Rouge, and step grandmother Bush. The book is praised for its beautiful prose, insightfulness, and the balanced ending between grief and hope. While some readers found the writing to be didactic and romanticized at points, overall, there is a sense of dignity and restraint that is compelling.

    The plot explores themes of coming of age, finding oneself, understanding the past and present, and embracing love, family, and heritage as vehicles toward recovery and appreciating the natural world. The book is described as a renewing story of celebrating life, despite presenting a bleak view of nature and the human condition. The main characters are seen as moving beyond trauma too easily, simplifying complex issues of grief and mourning.

    I WAS SEVENTEEN when I returned to Adam’s Rib on Tinselman’s Ferry. It was the north country, the place where water was broken apart by land, land split open by water so that the maps showed places bo...

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