Books matching: dysfunctional families
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- #1
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls is a memoir that delves into Walls' tumultuous childhood growing up in poverty with two unstable and neglectful parents. Walls details astounding anecdotes of her unconventional upbringing, showcasing a family that lived an offbeat, nonconformist lifestyle. The book portrays the struggles of the author and her siblings as they navigate through a challenging and unusual childhood, fending for themselves and raising each other while their parents prioritize their own desires over responsibilities.
Walls' writing style is described as compelling, emotional, and honest, drawing readers into her story with vivid descriptions and a witty voice. The book offers a window into a world that many readers may never experience, shedding light on themes of resilience, forgiveness, and love in the face of adversity. The narrative unfolds through a series of shocking and heart-wrenching events, leaving readers both saddened and inspired by the author's journey from a difficult past to an uncertain future.
I WAS SITTING IN a taxi, wondering if I had overdressed for the evening, when I looked out the window and saw Mom rooting through a Dumpster. It was just after dark. A blustery March wind whipped the ... - #2
'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... - #3
"Running with Scissors" by Augusten Burroughs is a memoir recounting the author's tumultuous childhood and adolescence. Living with a mentally ill mother, he is sent to live with her psychiatrist, Dr. Finch, where he navigates bizarre and dysfunctional relationships, including a love affair with an older man. The book is a darkly humorous and candid portrayal of a dysfunctional family dynamic, exploring themes of abuse, resilience, and survival. Burroughs' writing style blends humor and honesty to create a unique and engaging narrative that delves into the author's unusual life experiences.
Y MOTHER IS STANDING IN FRONT OF THE BATHROOM MIRror smelling polished and ready; like Jean Naté, Dippity Do and the waxy sweetness of lipstick. Her white, handgunshaped blow-dryer is lying on top of ... - #4
'This is Where I Leave You' by Jonathan Tropper is a darkly humorous and heartwarming story about Judd Foxman, who faces the dual blows of his father's death and his wife's affair. Forced to sit shiva with his dysfunctional family for seven days, Judd navigates through old grudges, family dynamics, and unexpected revelations. The book expertly combines humor, insight, and poignant moments as the Foxman family comes together in the midst of grief and chaos.
The plot unfolds with a mix of irreverence, wit, and raw emotion, showcasing the complexities of family relationships and personal struggles. Tropper's writing style is fast-paced, humorous, and filled with witty observations, making the story both entertaining and thought-provoking. The characters, flawed yet relatable, bring depth to the narrative as they navigate through life's challenges, secrets, and unexpected twists.
Dad’s dead,” Wendy says offhandedly, like it’s happened before, like it happens every day. It can be grating, this act of hers, to be utterly unfazed at all times, even in the face of tragedy. “He die... - #5
'The Liars' Club' by Mary Karr is a powerful memoir that delves into the author's tumultuous childhood in Texas and Colorado. Through vivid imagery and compelling storytelling, Karr narrates the horrors and resilience of her upbringing, painting a raw and unflinching portrait of her dysfunctional family dynamics. The writing style captures the reader's attention by evoking all five senses, immersing them in the heat of East Texas, the stench of stale bars, and the emotional turmoil of a young child facing abuse and trauma.
Karr's memoir is a gripping tale that balances between howling misery and howling laughter, showcasing the author's ability to recount her childhood with humor, insight, and self-deprecation. The narrative follows Karr's journey as she navigates the chaos of her family life, revealing moments of bravery, strength, and love amidst the darkness. offers a poignant reflection on survival, familial bonds, and the impact of a challenging upbringing on one's identity and resilience.
My sharpest memory is of a single instant surrounded by dark. I was seven, and our family doctor knelt before me where I sat on a mattress on the bare floor. He wore a yellow golf shirt unbuttoned so ... - #6
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn is a dark and disturbing psychological thriller that follows reporter Camille Preaker as she reluctantly returns to her hometown in Wind Gap, Missouri to investigate the murders of two young girls. The book delves into the small town's secrets, the complexities of family relationships, and Camille's own troubled past, including her struggles with self-harm. The narrative is intense, gripping, and filled with unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The writing style in Sharp Objects is described as atmospheric, bleak, and engrossing, with excellent characterization that brings the dark and twisted psyches of the characters to life. Gillian Flynn's debut novel skillfully weaves together elements of mystery, family drama, and psychological suspense, creating a chilling story that explores the depths of human darkness and the impact of past traumas on present actions.
My sweater was new, stinging red and ugly. It was May 12 but the temperature had dipped to the forties, and after four days shivering in my shirtsleeves, I grabbed cover at a tag sale rather than dig ... - #7
'The Nest' by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney is a novel that delves into the lives of the Plumb family, focusing on the dynamics between four adult siblings eagerly awaiting their inheritance known as 'The Nest.' However, their expectations are shattered when they discover that their mother has used a significant portion of the money to bail out their troubled brother, Leo. The story navigates through the complexities of family relationships, financial struggles, and individual ambitions, showcasing how the siblings must come to terms with the loss of their anticipated windfall and confront their own flaws and vulnerabilities. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, weaving a tale of dysfunction, growth, and reconciliation within the affluent backdrop of New York City.
Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney's writing style in 'The Nest' is praised for its ability to create multidimensional characters, engaging plot twists, and a balance of humor and emotional depth. The novel explores themes of family bonds, the consequences of wealth, and the pursuit of happiness amidst disappointment and unexpected challenges. Through a blend of wit, introspection, and relatable portrayals of flawed characters, Sweeney crafts a story that resonates with readers seeking a nuanced exploration of modern family dynamics and personal growth.
Because the three Plumbs had agreed on the phone the previous evening that they should not drink in front of their brother Leo, they were all—unbeknownst to one another—sitting in separate bars in and... - #8
The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy is a novel that delves into the complex dynamics of the Wingo family, focusing on siblings Tom and Savannah, as well as their troubled past and the impact it has on their lives. The narrative unfolds through Tom's perspective as he recounts the family's dark secrets and struggles, including mental illness, abuse, and trauma. Conroy's writing style is described as lyrical and poetic, painting a vivid picture of the American South, particularly South Carolina, and exploring themes of love, tragedy, healing, and redemption.
It was five o’clock in the afternoon Eastern Standard Time when the telephone rang in my house on Sullivans Island, South Carolina. My wife, Sallie, and I had just sat down for a drink on the porch ov... - #9
'The Family Fang' by Kevin Wilson follows the story of the Fang family, consisting of performance artists Caleb and Camille, and their children Annie and Buster. The parents involve their children in their disruptive art pieces since childhood, leading to a dysfunctional upbringing where the children struggle to establish their own identities separate from their parents' performances. As adults, Annie becomes an actress and Buster an aspiring writer, both trying to break free from their manipulative parents. The book delves into themes of family dynamics, art, self-discovery, and the lasting impact of childhood experiences on adulthood.
The narrative of 'The Family Fang' is described as whimsical, darkly humorous, and at times disturbing. The writing style is noted for being creative, unique, and engaging, with a plot that unfolds with elements of tension, mystery, and self-destructive tendencies. The story navigates through the complexities of parent-child relationships, showcasing the struggles of the Fang siblings as they come to terms with their unconventional upbringing and strive to find their own paths in life.
Buster was standing in a field in Nebraska, the air so cold the beers he was drinking were freezing as he held them. He was surrounded by former soldiers, a year returned from Iraq, young and strangel... - #10
Tracy Letts' 'August: Osage County' delves into the dysfunctional dynamics of the Weston family after the disappearance of the patriarch, Beverly Weston. The play explores themes of family secrets, repressed truths, and unsettling revelations as the extended family reunites at their Oklahoma household, leading to explosive confrontations and bitter conflicts. Letts' writing style is lauded for its mix of dark humor, real drama, and complex emotions that resonate with the readers, reminiscent of the works of renowned playwrights like O'Neil and Williams.
A rambling country house outside Pawhuska, Oklahoma, sixty miles northwest of Tulsa. More than a century old, the house was probably built by a clan of successful Irish homesteaders. Additions, renova...