Family

Leo Tolstoy famously begins the novel Anna Karenina with the sentence: "All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way." In this thematic collection, we have gathered noteworthy texts that navigate the joyous and sorrowful emotional terrain of the family unit.

King of Gluttony

by Ana Huang

Publication year 2026

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Conflict, Love, Family, Self Discovery

Tags Romance

Ana Huang’s contemporary romance novel, King of Gluttony (2024) is the sixth installment in the Kings of Sin series. Huang is a #1 New York Times bestselling author known for her popular romance series, including the Twisted series, which is in development for television. Upon its release, King of Gluttony became a New York Times bestseller. The novel centers on lifelong rivals Maya Singh, the chief brand officer for her family’s food empire, and Sebastian... Read King of Gluttony Summary

Kira-Kira

by Cynthia Kadohata

Publication year 2004

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Family, Grief, Love, Race, Childhood & Youth, Coming of Age, Siblings, Social Class, Economics, Justice, Power & Greed

Tags Historical Fiction, Grief & Death, Asian Literature, Coming of Age, Realistic Fiction, Civil Rights & Jim Crow South, US History, Parenting, Race & Racism, American Literature, Children`s Literature, World History

Cynthia Kadohata’s first novel, Kira-Kira (2004), is a historical coming-of-age novel for middle-grade readers. The novel tells the story of the Japanese American Takeshima family, who live in the Chesterfield, Georgia, in the 1950s. The protagonist and first-person narrator is the younger daughter, Katie. The narrative spans seven years, involving the family’s move from Iowa to the South, where Katie’s parents become workers in the poultry industry. The narrative follows Katie as she awakens to... Read Kira-Kira Summary

Kiss of the Fur Queen

by Tomson Highway

Publication year 1998

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Fear, Forgiveness, Hate & Anger, Shame & Pride, Justice, Religion & Spirituality, Family, Childhood & Youth, Colonialism

Tags Realistic Fiction, Coming of Age, Trauma & Abuse, Animals, Love & Sexuality, LGBTQ+, World History, Historical Fiction, Canadian Literature

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Kiss the Girls

by James Patterson

Publication year 1995

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Conflict, Perseverance, Fear, Guilt, Hate & Anger, Revenge, Gender Identity, Masculinity, Mental Health, Death, Appearance & Reality, Family, Teamwork, Social Class, Community, Politics & Government, Good & Evil, Justice, Safety & Danger

Tags Mystery & Crime Fiction, Horror & Suspense, Psychological Fiction

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Kitchens of the Great Midwest

by J. Ryan Stradal

Publication year 2015

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Food, Family, Perseverance

Tags Food

Kitchens of the Great Midwest (2015) by J. Ryan Stradal is an immersive novel delving into the rich heritage and lifestyles of Midwestern Americans who are descendants of Norwegian immigrants navigating the challenges of the Dakota prairies and open country. The narrative unfolds as they forge a living, experience love, endure financial setbacks, and persevere in an unforgiving territory. This culinary journey serves as a window into the heart of the Midwest, capturing traditions like... Read Kitchens of the Great Midwest Summary

Krik? Krak!

by Edwidge Danticat

Publication year 1996

Genre Short Story Collection, Fiction

Themes Femininity, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Grief, Mothers, Family

Tags Historical Fiction, Survival Fiction, Gender & Feminism, Women`s Studies, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction

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Kristin Lavransdatter

by Sigrid Undset

Publication year 1920

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Guilt, Hope, Love, Nostalgia, Regret, Gender Identity, Coming of Age, Death, Family, Marriage, Community, Religion & Spirituality

Tags Historical Fiction, Classic Fiction, Scandinavian Literature

Kristin Lavransdatter is a trilogy of historical novels by Norwegian author and Nobel Prize winner Sigrid Undset. Published between 1920 and 1922, the trilogy consists of The Wreath, The Wife, and The Cross. The novels chronicle Scandinavian life during the Middle Ages. They follow the eponymous protagonist, Kristin Lavransdatter, a woman living in 1300s Norway. The trilogy is generally considered Undset’s magnum opus.This guide is based on the 2005 Penguin Books edition, translated by Tiina... Read Kristin Lavransdatter Summary

Lake Effect

by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney

Publication year 2026

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Conflict, Forgiveness, Guilt, Love, Family, Loyalty & Betrayal

Tags Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Romance

Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney’s 2025 novel, Lake Effect, is a family saga that explores the long-lasting repercussions of a single, life-altering choice. Set primarily in a suburb of Rochester, New York, the narrative begins in 1977 when Nina Larkin, a talented cook in a passionless marriage, and Finn Finnegan, an ambitious grocer from across the street, engage in an affair, leave their spouses, and elope. The novel spans three decades, tracing the deep and often painful... Read Lake Effect Summary

La Linea

by Ann Jaramillo

Publication year 2006

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Family, Immigration, Teamwork, Siblings, Safety & Danger, Coming of Age, Mothers, Daughters & Sons, Fathers, Perseverance

Tags Realistic Fiction, Action & Adventure, Coming of Age, Immigration & Refugeeism, Education, Education, Historical Fiction, Arts & Culture

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