Which Dysfunctional Family Drama Should You Read?
Which Dysfunctional Family Drama Should You Read?
The holidays are just around the corner, and no matter how hard we all might try to place nice with our families, being in such close quarters is often a recipe for disaster. And by disaster we mean open emotional warfare, childhood trauma we never fully recovered from, or the latest in why in the world would someone act that way, ever.
Luckily, you aren't alone. There are plenty of books that portray more hardcore family dysfunction that yours: from autobiographical novels, memoirs, to graphic novels, th
The holidays are just around the corner, and no matter how hard we all might try to place nice with our families, being in such close quarters is often a recipe for disaster. And by disaster we mean open emotional warfare, childhood trauma we never fully recovered from, or the latest in why in the world would someone act that way, ever.
Luckily, you aren't alone. There are plenty of books that portray more hardcore family dysfunction that yours: from autobiographical novels, memoirs, to graphic novels, th
The holidays are here, and your relatives are arriving. What's the first thing you do?
What does your family argue about?
What's the one topic you cannot broach with your mother?
What's for dinner?
What's your mantra, going into the holiday season?
Your significant other is visiting for the holidays. What's going through his or her mind?
The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen
The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen
THE CORRECTIONS by Jonathan Franzen
You were raised in a small town (or at least it felt that way). Though you may think you escaped, by moving to New York or somewhere fancy like that, your parents will not let you forget that you've abandoned them in their old age and despair. Every year you wonder why things have to be so miserable, never realizing you were taught to think in this hateful way. And don't even get started on your siblings. Oh, brother. Literally.
Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt
Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt
ANGELA'S ASHES by Frank McCourt
Your family is a family of immigrants, and boy, your mother will not let you forget it. Somehow you've made it into adulthood despite the enormous Catholic guilt piled on top of you over the ages, but hey, it's tradition.
My Struggle by Karl Ove Knausgaard
My Struggle by Karl Ove Knausgaard
MY STRUGGLE by Karl Ove Knausgaard
Your parents are a mystery to you. In fact, everyone is a mystery to you. You spend most of your time wandering through the fields behind your house, wondering what it means to be human, and how in the world we are supposed to continue through this endless stream of awkward social interactions and responsibilities. You just want to tell your parents and siblings how desperately you love them without having to say anything.
The Patrick Melrose novels by Edward St. Aubyn
The Patrick Melrose novels by Edward St. Aubyn
THE PATRICK MELROSE NOVELS by Edward St. Aubyn
Well, in the parents lottery you certainly won the jackpot. You parents take martial warfare to the next level. Their capacity for revenge against each other is endless, and oftentimes you are the pawn in between them. Sure, you went to Oxford and you have plenty of money. You also have a major drug abuse problem. Good luck, kid.
The Liar's Club by Mary Karr
The Liar's Club by Mary Karr
THE LIAR'S CLUB by Mary Karr
Only in your family would your alcoholic mother think it was fantastic that you'd decided to write a memoir about your upbringing, including the time she shot your father and threw a glass bottle across the room. "Good for you, honey," she said.
Fun Home by Alison Bechdel
Fun Home by Alison Bechdel
FUN HOME by Alison Bechdel
In your family, when it comes to sexuality, secrets are lurking just beyond the surface. Struggling with questions about yourself, you realize finding the truth out about your own family and your parents relationship ultimately explains all the dysfunction of the past. And, your life becomes a successful Broadway musical. Congratulations!