4 Fiction Books About Dysfunctional Families For A Break From Your Own This Thanksgiving

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As we gather with family to spend time together during Thanksgiving, let's be real — not a single table out there is completely tension-free. You may think your family is the only dysfunctional one, but the truth is, every gathering comes with its fair share of chaos. Whether it's your politically out-of-touch aunt or some healthy sibling resentment, every family deals with some kind of drama. 

It's probably why there's an uptick in people researching the signs of whether or not a certain family member is toxic this time of year. But for those who love to read, there's another comforting escape: reading about imperfect families that remind us we're not alone in the madness. Reading such books isn't really about feeling better about our own family dysfunction cause someone's seems worse; instead, they should remind you that sometimes dysfunction is simply the messy side of love, bonding, and connection. 

From siblings dealing with meddling parents who want to play matchmaker to children coping with the long-term effects of being raised by unconventional parents, these stories will put you in your feelings this Thanksgiving holiday. The best part? Some of them even take place over a chaotic Thanksgiving weekend, making them the perfect companions when you need a break from the overstimulation. Get ready to lose yourself in these chaotic, heartfelt stories about family, love, and everything in between. 

Jackie Lau's "A Match Made for Thanksgiving" made our list of romance books set in the fall that will give you all the cozy feelings, but this book doubles down as one with a chaotic family affair, too. It's the perfect read when you're looking for something unserious. Lau has included all the components of a lighthearted holiday read with all of the fall vibes, a touch of romance, and some seriously chaotic family meddling. 

When the Wong siblings return home to Mosquito Bay for Thanksgiving, they thought they were in for another year of the usual round of nagging about getting married and settling down. Instead, their parents and grandparents have taken matters into their own hands and turned Thanksgiving dinner into what feels like a dating show. With a potential partner for each of their children at the table, their evening is anything but peaceful. Nosy elders, awkward setups, but plenty of laughs. 

One Amazon reviewer wrote, "I devoured this in one sitting in the drowsy afternoon/evening of digestion that is Thanksgiving day in my family, and it was absolute perfection. Two delightful MCs you root for from the beginning and hilarious family shenanigans ... Highly recommended at any time of year." It's the perfect book to wind down with a glass of wine in hand and some delicious pie. If you have a Kindle, as of October 2025, it's free, so there's really no reason not to give it a try. 

Jenna Bush Hager selected "The Irish Goodbye" by Heather Aimee O'Neill as the October pick for the Read With Jenna book club, introducing it as "a window into a family filled with secrets, love, and forgiveness." It's O'Neill's debut novel, and it's another book set right in the heart of the Thanksgiving holidays. The book is much more serious than "A Match Made for Thanksgiving," so it's perfect for readers who are looking for something deeper and more emotionally layered than a lighthearted holiday read. 

The book follows the Ryan sisters' lives decades after a tragedy upended them. They decide to put on a brave face and reunite at their Long Island family home for Thanksgiving. As old wounds, deep regrets, and long-buried secrets begin to surface, each sister must confront the past while navigating the complex bonds tying the family together. O'Neill explores themes of the very things that make us human: love, grief, and forgiveness. She crafts a beautiful yet suspenseful story about a family, their secrets, and life after grief.

We introduced the book as one of the perfect celebrity book club picks for October 2025 to add to your reading list, and our writer added it to hers right away. She thought it would be the perfect book to cozy up with during Thanksgiving weekend. The author does an excellent job balancing heartbreak and hope. The book is also a message to readers that even the most broken families will find their way back to each other. 

Oyinkan Braithwaite's "My Sister, The Serial Killer" is about a peak dysfunctional family. The story is told by Korede, a girl who has always felt like she's come second in everyone's eyes when compared to her oh-so-perfect sister, Ayoola. It's always been Korede's job to keep things together, cleaning up after Ayoola and the messes she leaves behind. The only problem? Her sister's messes are her boyfriends, who keep turning up dead. Talk about a messy family life!

Braithwaite tells a brilliantly funny and twisted story about two sisters, exploring themes of identity, loyalty, and just how far people will go to protect their family, no matter how wrong they may be. The book was the winner of both the Anthony Award and the Los Angeles Times book prize, with Marie Claire introducing the book as "The wittiest and most fun murder party you've ever been invited to." This is the perfect book to read if you're looking for a story about a dysfunctional family with a darker edge to it. If you've had enough of the drama and tears, and you want something that'll keep you on the edge of your seat, "My Sister, the Serial Killer" must be added to your reading list for the Thanksgiving holidays. One Amazon reviewer wrote, "OMG! This is dark! This is incredibly funny, entertaining! This is wild! This is incredibly smart, sarcastic, and sardonic! Why did I wait too long?"

It doesn't matter how old you are; sometimes a good young adult novel is all you need. And for Thanksgiving, grab yourself a copy of Adib Khorram's "Darius the Great Is Not Okay."  Fellow author, Becky Albertalli, described the book as "heartfelt, tender, and so utterly real." As a debut novel, the author also took home the prestigious William C. Morris Debut Award. 

Darius is a teenage boy who feels lost everywhere he goes. Whether it's at school or in his own home full of his Iranian heritage, he doesn't exactly feel like he belongs. But on his first trip to Iran, everything changes. The old family ties, new surroundings, and a welcoming neighbor allow Darius to see himself clearly. For the first time in a long time, Darius is comfortable with who he is, and he also begins to see his family in a new light, too. 

Through Darius's story, Khorram explores themes of identity, mental health, and belonging with a lot of heart and a touch of humor. No matter your heritage or the place you call home, this is a story you'll find yourself relating to in some way. It'll make you realize that no matter how much you feel like you just can't seem to fit in, somewhere out there, there is always a place for you.