Books matching: dysfunctional dynamics
100 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:Bring it to the beach if you want something light, witty, and real about flawed families under one glamorous roof. Just don't expect huge surprises - or to fall in love with everyone you're vacationing with.
A large group of family and friends decide to take a two-week vacation to the island of Mallorca in 'The Vacationers'. The book delves into their struggles to figure out their relationships with each other and with outsiders who enter the mix. The story explores what is truly important in keeping interpersonal connections vibrant and meaningful, showcasing how some relationships sustain while others do not. The author accurately portrays how families and friends interact with each other, making it a relatable and engaging script for a potential movie.
The Vacationers is a summer beach read that follows the day-to-day account of the two-week vacation, highlighting the issues the family collectively and individually deals with. The book offers a blend of humor, drama, and character development, with a storyline that moves along well and does justice to a family and friends working through their brand of dysfunction during a vacation. The characters and their issues are wholly relatable, and the writing and development of each relationship are honest and plausible, creating a story that is engaging and enjoyable.
Sylvia waited in front of the house, staring down 75th Street, toward Central Park. Both of her parents were the type that believed that a taxi would always present itself at just the right moment, es...May 2014•356 pages - #2
Save:A challenging yet rewarding read - brilliant, weird, and unforgettable. "As I Lay Dying" is a must-try for fans of literary innovation and American classics, but it’s not for the faint of heart or those seeking a breezy story.
'As I Lay Dying' by William Faulkner tells the story of the Bundren family as they embark on a journey to honor their matriarch, Addie's, dying wish to be buried in Jefferson. The narrative unfolds through multiple viewpoints, showcasing the family's dysfunctional dynamics and the challenges they face along the way. The novel is known for its dark humor, stream of consciousness narrative style, and the unique voices of each character that provide a fragmented yet compelling portrayal of the Bundrens' journey.
Jewel and I come up from the field, following the path in single file. Although I am fifteen feet ahead of him, anyone watching us from the cottonhouse can see Jewel's frayed and broken straw hat a fu...1915•266 pages - #3
Save:A smart, atmospheric kickoff to a long-running series - perfect for fans of classic whodunnits and cozy mysteries, especially those who love a layered cast and a side of neighborhood charm.
Retired FBI profiler Gregor Demarkian is invited to a Christmas dinner at the mansion of a wealthy man, only to find the host murdered upon arrival. As Gregor gets involved in the investigation, he uncovers a complex web of family secrets and motives within the Hannaford household. Set in the Armenian American neighborhood of Philadelphia, the book introduces a diverse cast of characters and intricately weaves together multiple subplots. The writing style is engaging, with a focus on detailed settings, well-developed characters, and a mix of cozy mystery elements and country house murder mystery vibes.
There was a tiered set of wire baskets hanging from a hook in the kitchen ceiling, filled with boxes of Celestial Seasonings teas. Emma Hannaford took out the Morning Thunder and put it on the counter...1990•353 pages - #4
Save:Short, intense, and deeply unsettling - a must-read for fans of claustrophobic horror and dysfunctional family drama, but be prepared for ambiguity and some truly dark places.
Many readers found "We Need to Do Something" by Max Booth III to be a dark and unnerving horror novella that centers around a dysfunctional family trapped in a bathroom during a tornado. The book explores themes of dark magic, tension, claustrophobia, and family dynamics, with a writing style that keeps the readers glued to the pages and delivers a mix of supernatural and psychological horror elements.
May 2020 - #5
Save:A bold, darkly hilarious, and biting portrait of an American family in all its glorious dysfunction - brilliant for some, too bleak or abrasive for others. Worth the read if you’re in the mood for something sharp, honest, and a bit uncomfortable.
'The Corrections' by Jonathan Franzen is a darkly funny novel that delves into the lives of the Lambert family, portraying their struggles and dynamics in a dysfunctional American family setting. The book follows the aging couple, Enid and Alfred, as they try to bring their three adult children together for a last Christmas, unraveling the failures, secrets, and buried hurts that haunt them. Through brilliant writing and vivid character portrayals, Franzen captures the essence of family life and suburbia, exploring themes of guilt, longing, and the complexities of relationships.
The madness of an autumn prairie cold front coming through. You could feel it: something terrible was going to happen. The sun low in the sky, a minor light, a cooling star. Gust after gust of disorde...September 2001•658 pages - #6
Save:A brilliantly strange, moody, and multi-layered fantasy about stories, memory, and growing up. Not for everyone, but unforgettable for those who click with its magic.
Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones is a modern retelling of the Tam Lin and Thomas the Rhymer myths, following the protagonist Polly as she unravels the mysteries of her past and discovers hidden memories. The plot is described as haunting, confusing, and twisty, with a complex and multilayered storyline that combines fantasy elements with a realistic setting. The writing style is praised for its sophistication, character development, and the subtle incorporation of folklore and memory themes.
Polly sighed and laid her book face down on her bed. She rather thought she had read it after all, some time ago. Before she swung her feet across to get on with her packing, she looked up at the pict...December 1970•444 pages A beautifully written, painfully honest memoir about addiction, recovery, and finding faith - poignant, sometimes darkly funny, and deeply human. Not a light read, but highly recommended for memoir lovers and anyone curious about recovery or spiritual transformation.
Mary Karr's memoir "Lit" delves into her journey through adulthood, detailing her struggles with alcoholism, marriage, motherhood, and her eventual conversion to Catholicism. The book portrays her raw and honest exploration of her past, including her battle with addiction and her path to recovery, all narrated with the poetic beauty of a talented storyteller. Karr's writing style captures the essence of her experiences, from the darkest moments to the uplifting triumphs, offering a candid reflection on her life's challenges and growth.
Age seventeen, stringy-haired and halter-topped, weighing in the high double digits and unhindered by a high school diploma, I showed up at the Pacific Ocean, ready to seek my fortune with a truck ful...2008•430 pagesBrilliantly weird, occasionally confusing, and entirely unique - a wild ride for fantasy fans who love surreal, unconventional reads.
"Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves Town" by Cory Doctorow is a dark and surreal tale that follows the life of Alan, a man with a mountain for a father and a washing machine for a mother. The story weaves between alternate reality, dysfunctional family dynamics, and the quest to provide free WiFi to a neighborhood. The narrative is filled with bizarre characters, magical realism, and unexpected twists, creating a unique blend of contemporary fantasy and technological fiction. Doctorow's writing style is engaging, with jumps in timeline and strange elements that keep readers captivated as they delve into Alan's world of eccentricity and mystery.
Alan sanded the house on Wales Avenue. It took six months, and the whole time it was the smell of the sawdust, ancient and sweet, and the reek of chemical stripper and the damp smell of rusting steel...2005•350 pages- #9
Save:A compelling, fast-paced, and revealing family memoir - part cautionary tale, part behind-the-scenes drama. You'll learn a lot about the roots of Trump's behavior, but don't expect a completely neutral viewpoint or loads of brand-new revelations.
'Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man' by Mary L. Trump, PH.D. is a revealing account of the dysfunctional Trump family dynamics, particularly focusing on the influence of Fred Trump Sr. on his children, including Donald Trump. Mary Trump, through her first-hand experiences and insights, delves into the toxic family environment, highlighting the manipulative and damaging behaviors that shaped Donald Trump's personality and leadership style. The book offers a deep dive into the Trump family history, shedding light on the upbringing, relationships, and influences that contributed to the development of Donald Trump as a public figure.
Mary Trump's writing style in 'Too Much and Never Enough' is described as insightful, well-written, and easy to follow. Readers appreciate the detailed character sketches of the Trump family members, the psychological analysis of their behaviors, and the narrative that provides a comprehensive understanding of the familial dynamics. Through Mary Trump's perspective as a clinical psychologist and a family insider, the book offers a critical examination of the Trump family's history, motivations, and the impact of their actions on shaping Donald Trump's controversial personality.
They’d lived in the “House,” as my grandparents’ home was known, for less than a year, and it still felt unfamiliar, especially in the middle of the night, so when twelve-year-old Maryanne found her m...July 2020•259 pages - #10
Save:A breezy, humor-filled read that’s more about family drama and fun than solving mysteries - perfect for existing fans but not the best jumping-on point or for those wanting a meatier supernatural story.
'Careful What You Witch For' in the series 'Wicked Witches of the Midwest Shorts' by Amanda M. Lee is a short story told from the perspective of Clove, one of the cousins in the Winchesters family. The story involves drama, laughter, and encounters with a ghost, Aunt Tilly, and the girls' fathers at their inn. Readers enjoy the twisted humor displayed in the writing style and the unique perspective provided by Clove's narration.
February 2015•83 pages
