Books that Celebrate Family, Gratitude, and Giving Thanks

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One of the best ways to capture the spirit of the holidays is through reading books that celebrate family, gratitude, and giving thanks. From heartwarming to dysfunctional family stories, if you’re looking for some recommendations to read this season as you gather with family and friends or decide to go at it solo, I have some recommendations for you.

A Literary Exploration of Family Dynamics, Gratitude, and Giving Thanks

As the holiday season approaches, we often find ourselves reminiscing about family traditions, practicing gratitude, and navigating the complex dynamics that inevitably arise.  Whether you’re planning to spend the season surrounded by loved ones or relishing in some much-needed alone time, literature provides a unique way to explore these themes in depth.  So in this episode, I’ll share some heartwarming as well as dysfunctional family stories.

HEARTWARMING FAMILY STORIES

Our exploration began with heartwarming tales of family bonds and overcoming adversity.  Louisa May Alcott’s classic “Little Women” beautifully portrays sisterhood and familial values, making it an ideal read for this season.  “Bear Necessity” by James Gould-Bourn, another recommendation, takes readers on a compelling journey of resilience, demonstrating the power of family and friendship in overcoming life’s challenges.

LIST OF HEARTWARMING FAMILY STORIES

1. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (Amazon or Bookshop)
2. Bear Necessity by James Gould-Bourn (Amazon or Bookshop)
3. Musical Chairs by Amy Poeppel (Amazon or Bookshop)

DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY STORIES

Because the holidays are not always warm and fuzzy for everyone, I also wanted to share some dysfunctional family stories too. “Fireworks Every Night,” “The Real Mrs Tobias,” and “House of Trelawney” offer a different perspective on dysfunctional families.  These stories offer a candid look at the complex relationships within dysfunctional families.

LIST OF DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY STORIES

1. Fireworks Every Night by Beth Raymer (Amazon or Bookshop)
2. The Real Mrs. Tobias by Sally Koslow (Amazon or Bookshop)
3. House of Trelawney by Hannah Rothschild (Amazon or Bookshop)

Navigating the holidays can be stressful, especially when dealing with difficult family dynamics.  So reading books that delve into these themes not only offers an escape but also provides insights into managing such stressors. From stories that celebrate family gratitude and giving to tales of dysfunctional family dynamics, there’s something for everyone.  Hopefully, as you dive into these stories, you’ll feel seen or get insights into handling familial relations.

What do you think about the books on this list?

Have you read any of these books?  Are any of these books on your TBR?  What books would you add to this list?  Let’s talk about it in the comments.

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