The 5 Best Family Relationship Book Recommendations

On the cusp of cuffing season and the October canon event (iykyk), few things are certain. But, one thing that will always be consistent is family. Not, necessarily the relatives you have to fight over the dining room table with, but the family you claim whether that be found or otherwise. With this week’s selection, and Thanksgiving just around the corner, let’s embrace family and the powerful stories that can emerge from these relationships.

1. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

This novel explores the intertwined lives of two families in a suburban neighborhood. Little Fires Everywhere examines how parents and children can clash over differing values, as well as how secrets, both big and small, can unravel even the most seemingly perfect families. The book features themes of privilege, race, and motherhood, wrapping up into a thought-provoking and multidimensional novel.

1. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

A timeless tale, perfect for the holiday season, Little Women tells the story of the four March sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. Their bond is the backbone of this novel in this coming-of-age story, showing how family ties evolve in the face of an ever-changing world. It's a beautiful reminder of how the people closest to us can shape who we become.

1. The Crossing by Cormac McCarthy

In The Crossing, two brothers, Billy and Boyd travel between worlds as they traverse the Texas-Mexico border. The only thing remaining consistent is each other. As they journey across the Southwestern U.S., the book delves into the complexity of sibling bonds and the meaning of loyalty and survival. The brother’s evolving relationship in the face of adversity and change reflects what it means to protect and care for the people closest to you. 

1. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

While Six of Crows is packed with action and fantasy, it also focuses on the concept of found family. The six main characters come from diverse and fractured backgrounds, yet over time, they create a bond that’s as strong as blood. Kaz, Inej, Jesper, and the rest of the crew show that family doesn’t always have to be defined by blood, but it can be built on something greater and withstanding. 

1. Crying in H-Mart by Michelle Zauner

This autobiographic memoir follows the relationship between Michelle Zauner and her mother as her mom’s health begins to decline. It’s a raw, powerful exploration of grief, culture, and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. Michelle's rich and culture-dense story ponders the meaning of family and contrasts how relationships and environments can shift our perspective, especially in the face of loss and change.