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Best Family Life Books

December 2024

The Ten-Year Nap

Meg Wolitzer’s “The Ten-Year Nap” delves into the lives of four women who stepped away from their careers to raise children. Now, a decade later, they grapple with the consequences of their choices. With wit and insight, Wolitzer explores the complexities of modern motherhood, ambition, and identity. I found myself nodding along, recognizing the struggles and triumphs of these relatable characters. It’s a poignant reminder that life rarely follows a straight path, and that’s okay. A must-read for anyone navigating the tricky balance of family and self-fulfillment.

Other People’s Houses

Abbi Waxman’s “Other People’s Houses” is a delightfully witty peek into the lives of four families in a close-knit Los Angeles neighborhood. As the neighborhood carpool driver, Frances Bloom thinks she knows everything about her neighbors, until she accidentally walks in on Anne Porter in a compromising position. Suddenly, the facade of suburban perfection crumbles, revealing the messy, complicated lives behind closed doors. With humor and heart, Waxman explores marriage, friendship, and the secrets we keep, reminding us that sometimes the grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the picket fence.

The Garden of Small Beginnings

Lilian Girvan’s life took an unexpected turn when her husband died in a car accident. Now, three years later, she’s a single mom juggling work, two daughters, and a sister who’s determined to drag her back into the land of the living. When her boss assigns her to illustrate a vegetable encyclopedia, Lilian finds herself enrolled in a gardening class. Surrounded by quirky characters and budding plants, she discovers that new beginnings can sprout in the most unlikely places. With humor, heart, and a touch of dirt under her fingernails, Lilian learns that sometimes, the smallest seeds can grow into the most beautiful gardens.