Family History by Dani Shapiro

Published by

Sarah Ann

on

August 24, 2010

Family History offers an insightful, behind-the-scenes glimpse at the dynamics of a seemingly normal family.

Rachel Jensen leads an incredibly happy life. She has a fulfilling career, a loving husband, a beautiful teenage daughter, and an adorable infant son.

When her daughter Kate comes home from camp one summer with a dramatic change in mood and personality, Rachel chalks it up to normal teenage angst—until a terrible accident occurs. The events that follow put Rachel’s happiness to the test. Tragedy can happen to anyone, even those who are living their best lives ever.

Family History is incredibly realistic and intense, which is what makes this book a true work of art. Shapiro’s writing is poetic, intimate, and alarmingly truthful—and because of all these factors, it’s easy to place yourself in Rachel’s shoes and experience the same horror.

My eyes filled with tears off and on the entire time I read this book. I could feel Rachel’s pain so intensely that I genuinely wanted a happy ending for her and her family.

My only grip with Family History is its ending, which feels too abrupt. I would have loved an epilogue, or an update about the family’s status weeks, months, or even years down the road. I wanted this book to never end, it was really that good.

Here are my reviews for Black and White (2007) and Picturing the Wreck (1995), which were also great!

Other books by Dani Shapiro include:

What did you think about Family History?

Last Updated on January 20, 2026 by Sarah Ann

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