The 11 Best Family Life Fiction Books
Book RaiderFamily life fiction: it's like real life, but with less dish washing, more plot twists, and everyone’s vocabulary is set on "Wordsmith." Who wouldn't want that? While we're on the topic, let's talk about the crème de la crème of this genre, the supreme rulers of the domestic saga, the rockstars of relatable (and sometimes not-so-relatable) family affairs.
Plotting the course of generational narratives and familial relations, these books dish out hearty portions of love, laughter, disappointments and the ever-present drama. They highlight the beauty in everyday moments, succeed in pulling heartstrings, and remind us that fiction is simply a mirror of life. So grab a cuppa, find a comfy spot and let's dive head-first into the page-turning, thrilling roller-coaster world of the best family life fiction books.
Little Fires Everywhere
by Celeste Ng
Why Little Fires Everywhere is on this list: Family life? Check. Fiction? Yup, it's got that too. Intrigue? In buckets. Little Fires Everywhere fits right into our list with its compelling exploration of motherhood and the decisions that end up defining us.
Set in sleepy suburban Shaker Heights, this book is anything but a snooze. It's a hotbed of secrets and lies, as the seemingly perfect Richardson family crosses paths with an enigmatic mother and daughter duo. Every family has its secrets, but it's the little fires that are often the most destructive.
What readers like: Readers love the engaging characters and the book's ability to pull them into a world of curated lawns and hidden chaos. The plot is as bendy as a twist tie, keeping readers guessing with every turn. The writing style? As smooth as butter on warm toast. It's an absolute must-read if you dig complex characters, intricate dynamics, and suburban drama served with a side of introspection.
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A Man Called Ove
by Fredrik Backman
Why A Man Called Ove is on this list: This charming story speaks volumes about family life, not in the traditional sense, but through its emphasis on belonging, unity, and acceptance. It's like a warm bear hug in a chilly winter, filling you with a feeling as fuzzy as your favorite socks.
The book centres around Ove, a grumpy yet loveable man who lives alone. His world turns upside down when a lively young family moves next door. Through a series of heart-warming interactions and unexpected friendships, Ove discovers a new sense of family that he never thought possible.
What readers like: Readers have fallen head-over-heels for Backman's skill to create compelling characters, particularly Ove, whose gruff exterior hides a goldmine of kindness. The story perfectly mixes pathos with humor, and many have found themselves both laughing out loud and shedding a tear or two. It's a tale that sticks to your soul long after you've turned the final page.
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The Jetsetters
by Amanda Eyre Ward
Why The Jetsetters is on this list: This brilliantly written book digs into the drama and messiness of family life while taking readers on an high-tech adventure cruise. It's well nigh perfect for our list of fiction books on family life.
The Jetsetters is about a quirky widow who scores a contest win and embarks on a 10-day Mediterranean cruise with her three estranged adult children. As the family journeys through various European cities, secrets are unveiled, old wounds resurface, and the family dynamic unfurls in interesting and unexpected ways. There's humor, tension, love and healing in this fast-paced and fun holiday read.
What readers like: Readers enjoy the author's knack for combining humor and deep feeling in the portrayal of the relatable family dynamic. They also like that the book is both light-hearted vacation reading and a thoughtful exploration of complex family bonds.
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The Vanishing Half
by Brit Bennett
Why The Vanishing Half is on this list: This novel takes a deep dive into the dynamism of family relationships and personal identities, making it a perfect fit for our list of top Family Life Fiction books.
The Vanishing Half spans decades of family drama, telling the story of twin sisters who drift apart, with one choosing to escape their small southern town and the other choosing to stay and embrace her community. What follows is a profound exploration of race, colorism, and the inescapable ties of family. Without being nose-in-a-book serious, Bennett mixes a pinch of mystery with a sprinkle of social issues, making this novel the perfect dish to feast on.
What readers like: Readers have fallen head over heels for this book due to its compelling narrative, emotionally rich characters, and the author's knack of addressing social issues with a delicate hand. Bennett's lyrical prose, the profound explorations of identity, and the roller coaster emotional journey characters go through keep the reader gripped from start till end.
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Redhead by the Side of the Road
by Anne Tyler
Why Redhead by the Side of the Road is on this list: Looking for a slice of family life served with a side of heartwarming humor? Look no further. Anne Tyler's 'Redhead by the Side of the Road' fits snugly into the family life fiction genre like a well-worn armchair.
Meet Micah Mortimer, an ordinary middle-aged man living a steady but mundane life. His routine existence is turned upside down when a teenager suddenly shows up on his doorstep, claiming to be his son. The book unwinds the beautiful, awkward drama that ensues, making us smile, ponder and sometimes, squirm a little in our seats. It’s full of small moments that make a big life, complexities of relationships and the unexpected turns of daily living.
What readers like: Readers have fully embraced Micah, loved how relatable he is and how he navigates life's curveballs - and, let's be honest, who doesn't like a good curveball from life? They've also appreciated Tyler's signature style - portraying the normalcy of life with a delicate blend of seriousness and lightness. It's like a warm cup of cocoa – sweet, comforting and just a little bit indulgent.
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All Adults Here
by Emma Straub
Why All Adults Here is on this list: If you're looking for a book that dives into the funny, messy, and profoundly human side of family life, then 'All Adults Here' is your next to-go read.
This book welcomes you to the quirky world of the Strick family. The matriarch, Astrid Strick, witnesses an accident which triggers a sea of memories, making her question her parenting skills and how she might have impacted her children's lives. As the layers of this family's life are peeled back, you'll find mistakes, regrets, secrets, and also loads of love - basically, all the ingredients of an imperfect but genuine family life.
What readers like: Readers are charmed by the book's realistic portrayal of family dynamics and relatable characters. As they navigate through the book, they develop a kind of attachment to the Strick family, drawn in by their genuine nature and human flaws. Plus, the book's warm humor makes it a delightful read even as it delves into complex emotional themes.
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When Things Are Alive They Hum
by Hannah Bent
Why When Things Are Alive They Hum is on this list: This touching tale fits right into our list of great family life fiction because it captures the essence of love, sorrow, joy, and life changes that families often go through. Plus, it has a whimsical touch that just might make the ordinary seem extraordinary.
When Things Are Alive They Hum is about two extremely close sisters on a life-changing journey across land and sky. The storyline tugs at your heartstrings as it unfolds the courageous symbiosis of siblings Harper and Marlowe, particularly Marlowe's rare condition that makes her hum when she's around living things. It's a beautiful exploration of what it means to live, love and be a family, even in the most peculiar of circumstances.
What readers like: Readers have absolutely fallen for this book - they can't get enough of Bent's playfully poignant writing style and the enchanting realism of the story. The balance of life's ups and downs presented through the narrative makes readers feel deeply connected to the characters. And let's not forget how much they love the intriguing humming aspect! It's something refreshing and different to say the least.
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The Arsonists' City
by Hala Alyan
Why The Arsonists' City is on this list: Packed with the complexity, joy, and strife of familial relationships, 'The Arsonists' City' fits snugly in our list as it weaves an intricate story of family's ties and secrets.
The Nasr family is spread across the globe - Beirut, Brooklyn and Austin, to name a few places. When the family's patriarch dies, the family reunites in their ancestral home, revealing decades-long secrets and challenging familial bonds. Amidst the sensual backdrop of Beirut, 'The Arsonists' City' masterfully explores the complexities of family life, touching on themes of love, loss, family bonds, and identity.
What readers like: Readers have fallen head over heels for Alyan's poetic writing style, vivid descriptions of Beirut, and well-rounded, complicated characters. They appreciate how she effortlessly navigates through multiple generations, geographies and cultures, shedding light on familial bonds - both tangled and cherished. If you're in the mood for a family saga that packs a punch, this might just become your next favorite read.
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The Wives
by Tarryn Fisher
Why The Wives is on this list: Nestled amidst the ordinary yet intriguing drama of domestic life, The Wives unravels the tale of a family that seems ordinary from the outside but bubbles with secrets within. It's a must-read for everyone who enjoys insights into family relationships with a dash of suspense and mystery.
You think you know a guy, and then boom, he has two other wives you don’t know about. This is Thursday’s life. She’s the legal wife of Seth, who has two other wives that aren’t just secrets to the world but to each other. As she digs deeper into the other wives’ lives, the curtain lifts and secrets pour forth, leading to a plot that's both darkly humorous and deeply engrossing.
What readers like: Readers love the cleverly woven strands of domestic life and suspense, which keep them guessing until the very end. Fisher’s adept storytelling and in-depth character development turn this book into a gripping page-turner. Folks have loved the way Tarryn Fisher makes them feel like a detective, finding bits and pieces to solve the puzzle of this unconventional family.
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The Most Fun We Ever Had
by Claire Lombardo
Why The Most Fun We Ever Had is on this list: If you're after a roller-coaster story packed full of family drama, love and hilarity, 'The Most Fun We Ever Had' should be on your reading list. It perfectly captures the essence of familial life while offering you a generous dose of fiction that will keep you entertained.
The book is an engaging exploration of the Sorenson family. The story swings between the past and present, chronicling the lives of Marilyn and David Sorenson, and their four wildly different daughters. Each character is carved with a unique charm, setting the stage for uproarious situations, emotional encounters, and surprise twists. It’s a tightly woven tale that reaches into the depths of family life—warts and all.
What readers like: Readers have been raving about Lombardo's talent for creating authentic characters and painting vivid, relatable scenes. They’ve appreciated the book's humor interspersed with poignant moments. It's been enjoyed for the warm fuzzy feelings it creates, reiterating a not-so-subtle reminder: family is crazy, complicated, but at the end of the day, it's family.
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All Together Now
by Matthew Norman
Why All Together Now is on this list: Matthew Norman brilliantly layers the highs and lows of family life with humor and warmth in 'All Together Now'. The story is a real page-turner that balances the tough stuff with heartwarming moments that speak to the beauty of family bonds.
In 'All Together Now', we follow the life of an eccentric billionaire who, after a heart attack, realizes the importance of family. He invites his long-lost childhood best friends to rekindle their bond, unravel past secrets, and piece together a mega-celebration for their high school reunion. It's a riotous journey full of laughter, tears, and rediscovery of family.
What readers like: Readers have loved the engaging narrative, real-to-life characters, and the way humor is woven through all weathers of life. The realistic take on family dynamics and the charm of reconnecting old friendships are something readers found particularly relatable and heartwarming.
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