With the start of the cozy fall season on the horizon, some of us at Bookstr thought we’d take a moment to reflect on books that make us grateful for one of our all-time favorite tropes — the comfort of found families. In case you have a soft spot for it, too, take a look at our list of five recommendations!
Spy x Family by Tatsuya Endo
I am a thousand percent grateful for the Forgers. The found family trope is just so wholesome, and they’re the epitome of that. As it turns out, a spy, a mind reader, an assassin, and a psychic dog are a recipe for comedy gold. Their chemistry as a unit adds so much heart to the story. That’s what makes both the trope and the real-life concept of found families endearing: that people can find a home within the most unconventional dynamics. If a cast of characters has that foundation, it’s a successful story.
Gabriela Collazo, Editorial
Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
Now, I know everyone will say this is a movie, but we must remember it was a book first — and the book is very different (in a good way) from the movie. I found this one very entertaining and funny as it actually reminds me a lot of my own family. We all have our problems, both with ourselves and with each other, and though we argue with one another from time to time, we do it with love.
It was nice to finally see a family — though found — do the things that mine does that make most people deem us weird. To argue, poke fun, plot revenge, and then suddenly become a pile of mush in a chair… There’s also the young relative who’s got that old soul vibe going for them, whom others 100% perceive as an old lady set in her ways. And let’s not forget how one person wants to be clean, and another is like, It is clean! All in all, it’s a very realistic found family. One that, at the end of the day, will make you laugh with love.
Abigail Hibbard, Graphics
Six of Crows Duology by Leigh Bardugo
I know I’ve chosen the most obvious answer, but if you love a good found family story and haven’t read this duology, you are severely missing out. This is technically a spin-off of Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone series, but you don’t have to read that before starting these books. The reason it’s known as the Found Family read is because it’s a multi-POV story following six very different people with very similar goals. They are brought together for a heist that puts their skills to the test and faces them with life-or-death situations, which in turn brings them all closer together (some even more than others; the tension and slow-burn romance is absolutely perfect).
Reading this duology made me feel grateful for my own found family because it really puts into perspective just how easily an unlikely group can come together through shared circumstances. Some of my closest friends have so little in common with me, but because we’ve lived through similar experiences, we’ve truly bonded in unexpected ways. I love them all dearly.
Emma Mercer, Graphics
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
While only two of the five planned books of the series are currently out, the found family in Fourth Wing is continuously growing. I cannot wait to see where this goes and how each of the different people/groups adds to the dynamic. I think Yarros’ book, more than anything else, is about finding those you resonate with outside of your family. The wings become closer to you than your blood relatives; the FMC Violet has a rocky, unstable relationship with her own family members, unable to trust them fully, which becomes apparent in Iron Flame.
I love the subtle interactions within the group dynamic the most when it comes to the found family. The comfort each member has in being fully expressed in who they are and what they like/dislike is beyond anything one could hope for in any relationship.
Kristi Eskew, Executive Editor
Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
In Bloodlines, Sydney Sage’s journey exemplifies the found family trope. Raised in a religious family that condemns vampires, Sydney is initially isolated due to their harsh beliefs. However, she finds genuine love and acceptance among the vampires she was taught to hate. This new family supports and understands her in ways her own relatives never could, highlighting the concept of a found family. This group becomes a true home through mutual respect and care.
My own experiences resonate with Sydney’s story. My religious family’s expectations left me feeling alone. I’m thankful for my adoptive mom, best friend, roommate, and boyfriend, who have become my chosen family. Celebrating holidays and sharing life with them has given me the trust and connection I didn’t find with my blood relatives. Bloodlines reminds me of the profound impact of the family we’ve created together.
Freya, Social Media
Found family isn’t the only trope we’re grateful for at Bookstr, but it undoubtedly is a heartwarming one to reflect on. Let us know on our socials what tropes make you feel grateful, too!
If you’re looking for more trope-based recommendations, check out the Tropes We Love and Loathe!
Find these books — and more of your future favorites — on our list of Bookstr Team Recommendations.
