These books selected by the New Adult Advisory Board capture family dynamics of all kinds.
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
In one of the most popular memoirs of the last few years, former child actor Jennette McCurdy discusses her complicated and challenging relationship with her mother.
Fight Night by Miriam Toews
Fight Night, by a Canadian author, is told from the perspective of a nine-year-old girl, Swiv. The story discusses three generations of women living in Toronto and is a powerful novel about mothers, daughters and grandmothers.
The Islands by Dionne Irving
Set across multiple continents and generations, this novel follows the stories of Jamaican women, either immigrants or descendants of immigrants. This collection of short stories is reflective, character-driven, diverse, and a powerful compilation of stories about colonialism, race and family.
Scarborough by Catherine Hernandez
From the perspectives of various low-income and diverse families living in Scarborough, Ontario, Scarborough is a novel close to home. It offers a raw yet empathetic glimpse into a troubled community that locates its dignity in unexpected places: a neighbourhood that refuses to be undone.
Everyone in my Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson
Stand-up comedian Benjamin Stevenson brings comedy and murder into a hilarious whodunnit, where an entire crime family are suspects, along with their families. Because everyone in the family (almost) has killed before, they are all suspects in a murder mystery comedy centred around complex family dynamics.
Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
Found family is family, too! In this fantasy novel by TJ Klune, Wallace Hugo dies before he is ready to go and spends a week rushing around to get the most out of life before the ferryman of souls takes him away forever.
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
If you are looking for a long read to get you through the holidays with your family, A Little Life is the book for you. Follow four college classmates in New York City as they grow, change, and experience life together, all sharing a particular bond that they can’t shake.
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
What would you do if you found out your younger sibling had the habit of killing their partners? This is exactly the problem Korede finds herself in in this hilarious slasher novel about crime, love, and the lengths one sister is willing to go to protect her family.
