As the leaves change colors and the weather gets colder, Thanksgiving approaches, bringing with it the promise of delicious food and quality time spent with loved ones. While many people may associate Thanksgiving with turkey, pumpkin pie, and football, it is also a time for reflection, gratitude, and family drama. These themes are often explored in literature, with the holiday serving as the backdrop for stories of love, loss, and redemption. Here are ten books that take place over Thanksgiving:

1. “The Corrections” by Jonathan Franzen
This critically acclaimed novel follows the dysfunctional Lambert family as they gather for Thanksgiving in their Midwestern hometown. Tensions rise as old grudges resurface and secrets are revealed, leading to a climactic and emotionally charged holiday dinner.

2. “The Thanksgiving Visitor” by Truman Capote
In this heartwarming novella, Capote recounts his childhood memories of Thanksgiving in rural Alabama. The story centers around his friendship with his elderly cousin, Miss Sook, and the unexpected visitor who brings joy and healing to their holiday celebration.

3. “The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd
Set in South Carolina in the 1960s, this novel follows a young girl named Lily Owens as she escapes her troubled home life and finds solace and understanding with a group of beekeeping sisters. Thanksgiving serves as a turning point in Lily’s journey of self-discovery and healing.

4. “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot
This nonfiction book tells the remarkable story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were taken without her knowledge or consent and used for groundbreaking medical research. The narrative spans generations and delves into complex ethical questions surrounding science, race, and family, with Thanksgiving serving as a poignant backdrop for reflection and reconciliation.

5. “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern
In this magical novel, two young illusionists engage in a mysterious competition set within a fantastical circus that appears without warning. Thanksgiving marks a significant moment in their rivalry, as their paths intersect and their fates become intertwined in unexpected ways.

6. “Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng
Set in a picture-perfect suburban community, this novel explores the complicated dynamics between two families whose lives become intertwined when a custody battle erupts over a Chinese-American baby. Thanksgiving serves as a pivotal moment of reckoning for the characters as they grapple with issues of identity, privilege, and belonging.

7. “Beloved” by Toni Morrison
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel tells the haunting story of Sethe, a former slave haunted by the trauma of her past. As she grapples with the ghostly presence of her deceased daughter, Thanksgiving becomes a symbol of both loss and resilience in her quest for freedom and redemption.

8. “The Nest” by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney
In this debut novel, four siblings come together over Thanksgiving weekend to confront their financial woes and fractured relationships in the wake of their inheritance being jeopardized. As they navigate the complexities of family ties and personal ambition, Thanksgiving serves as a catalyst for self-discovery and reconciliation.

9. “The Abstinence Teacher” by Tom Perrotta
This satirical novel follows a sex education teacher and a conservative soccer mom as they clash over moral values and religious beliefs in a small town in New Jersey. Thanksgiving becomes a battleground for their ideological differences, sparking debates about faith, sexuality, and freedom of expression.

10. “A Prayer for Owen Meany” by John Irving
In this epic novel, the titular character Owen Meany plays a pivotal role in the lives of those around him, shaping their destinies and challenging their beliefs. Thanksgiving serves as a moment of reflection and revelation as the characters grapple with faith, fate, and the enduring power of friendship.

These ten books offer a diverse range of perspectives on Thanksgiving, showcasing the holiday’s capacity to illuminate the complexities of human relationships and the search for meaning and connection. Whether you’re looking for a heartwarming tale of family bonds or a thought-provoking exploration of societal issues, these books are sure to enrich your Thanksgiving reading list.