Spend time with these families.... when you've had enough of your own

I'm sure you love your family but you can admit it. Sometimes holiday celebrations (possibly with alcohol freely flowing), can become overwhelming and stressful. So if you are tired of hearing political arguments or detailed descriptions of medical procedures or the talents and successes your far-flung cousins, loose yourself in another family's problems. Try a family saga novel.

In general, family sagas follow one family over many generations or include interactions with several families. Just like Romeo and Juliet, you might find a love story of two young people of families who are bitter enemies or maybe you'll follow an entire community from pre-history to present day. There are usually many characters for you to love, hate or even identify with in these typically dramatic, multigenerational novels.

I have included links to the Bergen County Library Consortium (BCCLS) catalog listing and information about eBCCLS listings, where available, for each title. Use your BCCLS library card to request a copy to be sent to your library. Even if you don't have a BCCLS library card, you can probably find these titles in any library catalog (at least in the US). Don't have a library card? Get one now! If you live in Bergen County, NJ, you can get your registration started here.

Chesapeake by James A. Michener

Chesapeake begins with a description of the shores of the Chesapeake Bay before any European settlers arrive. Next you are introduced to a young man who has escaped religious persecution in 1600s England. While he builds a family dynasty, read about pirates, slaves, planters, abolitionists and corrupt politicians. The ups and downs of the family mirror the historical changes in the United States itself. You'll even learn about the breeding and development of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever (hint: the bay water is cold and icy in the winter).