Reviews

This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel

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reydeam's review against another edition

3.0

This is a good book. It's interesting. The characters are engaging. The overt theme is controversial, there are many themes than the obvious. It's complex.

Rosie and Penn have a rock solid relationship; I liked them a whole bunch, but I was also (at times) annoyed with them too. The family is idyllic and almost a little too perfect with how they dealt with the circumstances and secrets. There is tension and uncertainty but no flaws really, a bit too picturesque — these are my complaints for the story, everyone got along far too well considering the toll of the secret. It was all a bit too perfect. Even so, Rosie and Penn's relationship is breathtaking. It was refreshing to read about a mom and dad trying to figure out the life of their family in a thoughtful manner; their problem solving, compassionate and loving approach is admirable. Still, there is something about this book that didn't sit right with me,and no it wasn't the secret. I think it was the lack of other perspectives, and the preachy tone.

This Is How It Always Is did not persuade me one way or the other; it did cause me to pause and consider the complexity of life. For certain, the author did a beautiful job bringing this story into being, but I found myself bored. I almost put this book down at page 177, I'm glad I didn't.

This is a good story, there are many words and thoughts within these pages that are quote worthy. This book makes you think.

caseymaree's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

floackle's review against another edition

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2.0

I don't want to give this book such a low rating because so few popular books even try to tackle trans issues. The truth is though that this is barely a beach read. It's characters aren't memorable, it's dialogue is cheesy bordering on unbelievable, and it's plot is saccharine sweet. Listening to it on audiobook was dangerous because of the amount of eye rolling it inspired. I want to like it because trans stories need to be told today, I just wish somebody better told it.

watson_my_shelf's review against another edition

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5.0

THIS. BOOK. IS. BEAUTIFUL!

Following the journey of a family with five children, one of whom is exploring their gender identity, Frankel's narrative is both heartfelt and enlightening. With her own experience as a parent of a trans daughter, Frankel brings an authenticity that deeply resonates.

The story delves into the tough decisions families with transgender members often face, from school disclosure to medical considerations. It's a thought-provoking journey. There are so many considerations for a trans child that I had never thought about. Do you tell the neighbors? What about teachers at school? Friends? So much to think about!

What makes this book truly exceptional is its focus not only on the trans child but also on how their journey ripples through the entire family. Throughout the book, the dad - Penn - is telling the children a magical story, which is always timely with what is going on with the family. The parallel narrative of Penn's bedtime stories adds a wonderful depth to the storytelling.

Emotional, educational, heartwarming, and inspiring, this book showcases the resilience and compassion within families navigating similar challenges.

I recommend this to anyone and everyone. It is beautiful, and you will learn something. This book has been on my shelf since 2020, and I wish I had picked it up sooner.