I adore families in YA. We all have one and kind of know the process. They are chaotic, sometimes stoic, can be annoying but always loveable. Each person has their own place in the family and that place cannot be filled by anyone but them.
A more realistic family is in Morgan Matson's Second Chance Summers. It presents a modern family who decide to get away for the summer to their old cottage. The relationship that really stands out in this book, is between the main character and her father. You can see their bond clearly. Taylor was evidently a daddy's girl and it was great to see that relationship. We also get to watch the Edwards family come together in the face of tragedy and it's really refreshing and beautiful to watch.
Mari's Favourites
My absolute favourite family, is the Weasley family from Harry Potter. I come from a small household so I'm always fascinated and a little shocked by big families. The Weasley's are perfection. They are rowdy, loving, ginger headed witches/wizards! They aren't the most well off, but money isn't what they live on. Their home is filled with love and that's the most important thing in a family. It's a place where you feel safe and loved.A more realistic family is in Morgan Matson's Second Chance Summers. It presents a modern family who decide to get away for the summer to their old cottage. The relationship that really stands out in this book, is between the main character and her father. You can see their bond clearly. Taylor was evidently a daddy's girl and it was great to see that relationship. We also get to watch the Edwards family come together in the face of tragedy and it's really refreshing and beautiful to watch.
P.E.'s Choice
Then, I remembered White Cat by Holly Black. Cassel is part of a family of "Curse Workers" and he is the only one without any magic. Throughout the series, there is an enormous emphasis on family. Cassel's family is a bit like the mafia because they have all engaged in illegal activity, and Cassel struggles to reconcile loving them and wanting to be good. The forgiveness, the anger, and the knowledge that family will always matter makes the Curse Workers series one of my favourite worlds to visit.
Chaotic or not, My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick is one that I really like. If you've never read it, you should check them out. :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't read that one but I heard great things about the family relationship in that one.
Delete-Mari
I definitely love the Weasley family! So chaotic, but the household just sounds like an amazing one to belong in. Ditto the Garretts in My Life Next Door :D
ReplyDeleteI actually really like Hazel's family in TFIOS as well. Her parents are just so supporting without being smothering, and you can really see the love they all feel for each other!
How can one not love the Weasley they are perfection. If Percy doesn't want to be a part of them well I volunteer!
DeleteIt's great that you mentioned TFiOS. I didn't finish the book but the amount that I did read, I loved the parents. They were loving and realistic and perfect.
-Mari
I also adore the Wesleys, and from a recent book, I love both sets of parents from Aristotle & Dante Discover The Secrets of the Universe!
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard much of Aristotle & Dante Discover The Secrets of the Universe but it's great that you brought it to my attention or I would've whized by it.
Delete-Mari
Great pick! I absolutely adore the Weasley family, they are one of my favourites too. If I didn't pick them it would have to be the Garrett's from My Life Next Door. That family is amazing and I fell in love with all of them. Happy to see I am not the only one who loved them so much :)
ReplyDeleteThe Garrett's are a popular one I think they might be giving the Weasley's a run for their money if it weren't for our long standing love for the Weasley's. I think I'll have to read about the Garrett's soon :)
Delete-Mari
This is so interesting. I completely understand what you mean. So many books, especially nowadays focus on the romance aspect of the book and the family is usually absent or redundant.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favourites is the family in the Perfect Chemistry series. They are so tight knit and thier values are important to them. Also the Weasley's will always be a favourite! We Were Liars has a brilliant and flawed family too.
One favourite that I have heard and one to read it the Garret's from My Life Next Door. Which funnily enough, a lot have people have mentioned! :)
Thank for stopping by and sharing! :) xxx
Alex @ The Shelf Diaries
The Fuentes family! I can't believe I missed them. Yes, yes, yes. They were my first experience in reading about a latin family and it was wonderful. We could see that the family had some strong set of value and I loved reading about Mrs. Fuentes and the cousins. I think I need me a reread :)
Delete-Mari