Books matching: unconventional family dynamics
79 result(s)
- #1
Save:In the book 'Symbiosis', the story continues with Doka, Sensee, and Adalla making strides towards a less harmful living situation with their sentient hosts, the Zenzee. The plot delves into the societal changes, sacrifices made, and challenges faced by the characters as they navigate political intrigue, familial dynamics, and environmental conservation within the unique premise of inhabiting a live space beast. The writing style features dual perspectives, rich world-building, and an exploration of themes surrounding symbiotic relationships and societal inequalities.
(Also, see 88 recommendations for the series Escaping Exodus ) - #2
Save:'Reproduction' by Ian Williams is an experimental family saga that spans generations, exploring the complexities of relationships and unconventional family structures. The novel follows the lives of characters like Felicia, Edgar, Army, Oliver, Heather, and Riot, delving into themes of immigration, choices, and living with consequences. The book is uniquely structured, with four parts that jump through time and perspectives, incorporating elements like short stories, poems, and fragmented narratives.
Before she died her mother was prickly. Before her mother died she was. One more time. Before her mother died she, her mother, was prickly. One more time. Before her mother died she, her mother, prick... - #3
Save:"So B. It" by Sarah Weeks follows the story of Heidi, a 12-year-old girl who lives with her mentally disabled mother and their agoraphobic neighbor, Bernadette. Heidi is on a quest to uncover the mysteries of her past, particularly about her father and her mother's history. When Heidi finds a mysterious roll of film and develops it, she embarks on a journey that leads her to revelations about her identity and family. Through Heidi's perspective, readers are taken on an emotional journey of self-discovery, sacrifice, and love, as she navigates through the challenges of her unconventional family situation.
The narrative of "So B. It" is heartwarming and beautifully written, drawing readers into Heidi's world as she grapples with questions about her origins and her place in the world. The story delves into themes of family, identity, and resilience, showcasing Heidi's determination to uncover the truth about her past despite the obstacles she faces. captures the poignant moments of Heidi's journey, highlighting her growth and maturity as she unravels the secrets that have shaped her life.
If truth was a crayon and it was up to me to put a wrapper around it and name its color, I know just what I would call it—dinosaur skin. I used to think, without really thinking about it, that I knew ... - #4
Save:Luster by Raven Leilani is a novel that delves into the complex relationships and messy realities of life, particularly focusing on the protagonist, Edie, a 23-year-old black woman. The story follows Edie as she becomes involved with a 46-year-old white man named Eric, who has an open marriage with Rebecca, a doctor dealing with autopsies. As Edie moves in with them, the dynamics of their relationships unfold, exploring themes of race, sex, isolation, and self-discovery. The narrative is described as a mix of dark humor, raw emotions, and compelling storytelling, capturing the struggles and growth of the characters amidst their unconventional circumstances.
The writing style of Luster is praised for its brutal beauty and unique voice, offering a blend of witty narration, dark humor, and poignant observations. Through Edie's perspective, the novel explores themes of creation, identity, and the complexities of human relationships, presenting a narrative that is both compelling and thought-provoking. The book navigates through Edie's journey of self-discovery, her interactions with Eric, Rebecca, and their adopted daughter Akila, and the various challenges she faces in her pursuit of purpose and connection.
The first time we have sex, we are both fully clothed, at our desks during working hours, bathed in blue computer light. He is uptown processing a new bundle of microfiche and I am downtown handling c... - #5
Save:'Weetzie Bat' by Francesca Lia Block is a modern-day fairy tale set in Los Angeles, following the whimsical adventures of Weetzie and her friends as they navigate love, unconventional family dynamics, and serious issues such as AIDS and nontraditional relationships. The book is described as a fantasy-colored, glittering tale with heavy and important topics woven into the narrative, creating a unique blend of magical realism and gritty realism. The characters, including Weetzie and her best friend Dirk, form their own family through love and acceptance, facing challenges with a positive outlook and belief in the power of love.
The writing style of 'Weetzie Bat' is often likened to a beautiful, sad, and gritty fairy tale, with elements of magical realism and poetic hipster language that add depth to the story. The book touches on serious and controversial issues like homosexuality, AIDS, and nontraditional family structures in a matter-of-fact tone, shedding light on these topics in a thought-provoking manner while maintaining a bright and magical setting in Los Angeles.
- #6
Save:"Hunting and Gathering" by Anna Gavalda is a heartwarming story set in Paris, where four unlikely individuals - a starving artist, a foul-mouthed chef, an aristocrat with a stutter, and a forgetful grandmother - find themselves sharing a home. Through their interwoven lives, the book explores the theme of creating family out of the friends we make and the healing power of human connection. The narrative is driven by dialogue, focusing on the characters' struggles, relationships, and personal growth as they navigate life's challenges in a quirky and charming manner.
The novel captures the essence of love, friendship, and hope as the characters, each dealing with their own issues and baggage, come together to form an unconventional yet supportive family unit. The story unfolds in a delightful and heartwarming way, showcasing the unique personalities of the characters and the bonds they form, ultimately highlighting the message that being together can make all the difference in one's life.
PAULETTE Lestafier wasn’t as crazy as they said. Sure, she knew what day it was, since that was all she had left to do now. Count the days, wait for them, and forget. She knew for certain that today w... - #7
Save:The Beet Queen by Louise Erdrich is a character-driven novel that follows the lives of siblings, Mary and Karl Adare, who are separated by circumstances and grow up in the small town of Argus, North Dakota. The story spans decades and is narrated from various viewpoints, capturing the intertwined lives of the family members and friends in the town. The book explores themes of family dynamics, personal traumas, and the impact of changing times on individuals and the community.
Louise Erdrich's writing style in The Beet Queen is described as rich, compassionate, and character-focused. The author weaves together multiple storylines, providing insights into the lives of diverse characters and their relationships. The novel is praised for its vivid depiction of the town of Argus, the character development, and the use of alternating perspectives to create a compelling narrative.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Love Medicine ) - #8
Save:'The World According to Garp' by John Irving is a novel that follows the life of T.S. Garp, exploring his journey through happy moments followed by tragedies, making readers both sympathize and despise the character. The book delves into complex themes such as feminism, single parenting, marital affairs, and societal issues, all while showcasing Irving's unique storytelling style that blends humor, compassion, and eccentricity.
Irving's narrative weaves a rich tapestry of quirky characters, extreme situations, and bizarre incidents that range from laugh-out-loud funny to incredibly sad. The protagonist, T.S. Garp, is a writer whose life mirrors the wacky stories he creates. The novel is a mix of humor, tragedy, and classic storytelling, offering readers a glimpse into a world that is both eccentric and deeply human.
John Irving, a highly imaginative storyteller whose fictional values and narrative techniques have invited comparison with Charles Dickens and other popular nineteenth-century novelists, was born in E... - #9
Save:'The Night Rainbow' by Claire King is a poignant and emotive story narrated by five-year-old Pea, who, along with her younger sister Margot, navigates a world of neglect and innocence following the death of their father. The book beautifully captures the complexities of childhood, trust, and family dynamics through Pea's eyes, as she grapples with trying to make her depressed mother happy and finds solace in her imaginative adventures with Margot. King's writing style immerses the reader in the sticky heat of a summer in France, using vivid imagery and metaphors to convey the story's themes of love, loss, and the resilience of childhood innocence.
Maman’s belly is at the stove, her bottom squeezed up against the table where we are colouring. Her arm is stretched forwards, stirring tomato smells out of the pan and into our socks. She isn’t singi... - #10
Save:In "The Silver Arrow" by Lev Grossman, Kate and her younger brother Tom receive a magical train as a birthday gift from their eccentric rich uncle. Becoming the conductors of the train, they embark on an adventure transporting talking animals to their destinations, with environmental concerns intertwined in the narrative. The book is a heartwarming middle-grade novel with elements of magic, adventure, and important life lessons, all wrapped up in a whimsical and engaging writing style that captivates readers of all ages.
Reading it over, she wasn’t sure it was the greatest letter anybody had ever written, and she wasn’t 100 percent sure that the word please was in the right place. But she thought it contained her pers...
