Repairing the Family

By Jay Grummel

Earlier this month I wrote about fond families, however the holidays are made up of many different types of families. Some will be hostile and dysfunctional or some will be loving and understanding. Whatever your family looks like this season, it’s always nice to read about ones other than your own. So, here are some books to dive into when you may need them most.

 

Far From the Tree – Robin Benway

This beautifully crafted YA novel tackles a different kind of sibling relationship. Grace, Maya and Joaquin were separated by the foster care system. Grace, an only child who was adopted at birth recently put her own baby up for adoption. This sparks the need to find her biological siblings. Maya, the youngest of the bio-siblings is eager to find herself amongst them. After growing up surrounded by gingers as a brunette, she seems to pick out any similar trait they have. Joaquin the oldest has lived seventeen years in the foster care system and seems to have no interest in bonding. This story follows three blood siblings find themselves in the world and in each other. Perfect for anyone who needs a feel good story!

A Place for Us – Fatima Farheen Mirza

This story follows an Indian-Muslim family living in California. We as readers get to witness the beginning of this family to their separation, as the kids grow and find their own lives in America/American culture. This story focuses on the struggles between tradition and modernity and what it’s like to live in a place where the culture does not always match your own. This story is special due to how closely we get to follow the family, the obstacles we get to watch them overcome, and the growth children have into their adulthood.

Little Fires Everywhere – Celeste Ng

Focusing on two families living in the 1990s Shaker Heights, Ohio. Both families are brought together by their children. It starts when Elena Richardson rents out her rental home to Mia Warren and her daughter Pearl. Quickly, Elena’s son Moody develops a crush on Pearl, befriending her. Pearl soon starts spending most of her time at the Richardsons’ developing her own crush on Moody’s brother Trip. Soon Mia becomes worried of Pearl’s idealisation of the Richardsons, finding herself more and more worried. Mia is offered a job as Elena’s housekeeper, which she accepts bringing the families closer together.

Maine – J. Courtney Sullivan

Maine for the Kellehers is where the children run wild, adults are laughing and old irish songs are sung. Generations of Kellehers have left their mark on their beachfront property, won in a bet after the war. One summer, three generations of Kelleher women decide to stay on the property, each bringing their own hopes and fears. This time Maine unveils the sibling rivalry, alcoholism, Catholic guilt and so much more. This book is perfect for you if you’re wanting a more realistic take on family and how they function.