Family Family by Laurie Frankel was a deeply moving experience that delved into the complexities of family, identity, and societal perceptions. The novel centers on India Allwood, a renowned actress who, after starring in a film portraying adoption negatively, publicly criticizes its narrative. As an adoptive mother herself, India’s candid remarks ignite a media frenzy, challenging her to defend her family’s truth against widespread misconceptions.

Frankel’s writing is both engaging and insightful, offering a refreshing perspective on adoption that emphasizes joy and love alongside challenges. The characters are richly developed, each contributing to a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is heartwarming. The novel adeptly navigates the intricacies of modern parenthood, the blending of different family structures, and the societal pressures that come with public scrutiny.

The story challenges traditional notions of family and explore the profound bonds that unite us, Family Family is a must-read. Laurie Frankel has crafted a narrative that resonates on a deeply human level, reminding us that family, in all its forms, is both beautiful and complex.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first read the author, i did come across an article about her outline how she dealt with he son becoming transgender which helped write a previous novel. This one focused more on adoption. Her journey with her daughter shoes in the way the writes. You can feel the compassion for characters through the pages. I hope to read more form her soon.

This book blew my socks off! The is the first book I’ve read by award winning author Laurie Frankel, and I’m sorry that it has taken me so long to find out about her. I can’t wait to dive into some of her previous works, particularly the much lauded “This Is How It Always Is.”

The writing, the subject matter, the characters, and the unconventional way the chapters are written are all superb! This is a book about adoption, and families, and friendships, and devotion , and grit, and determination, and deep, abiding love. It is a manifesto for standing up for what we believe in, for ourselves, our principles, our values, and our rights. It demonstrates the power and strength of women, often cast as unequal partners to men, and our inalienable right to choose what we do with our bodies! No one should be denied this right, despite the current trend in many places to do just that — deny women the right to have jurisdiction over themselves. The current Supreme Court in the Dobbs case had to dig deep, into the laws of the 1800’s about slavery, to deny women our rights, completely ignoring the 14th Amendment and 50 years of precedent.

The novel also skewers the invasive and destructive nature of today’s media, both traditional and social, where much of what we read and hear is opinion, not fact. It demonstrates how the media can take anything said and spin it in a way that conforms to a particular viewpoint, regardless of the speaker’s actual intent. “Family Family” does all of this by focusing on one woman in particular and the people who have populated her life. I’m flabbergasted that Ms. Frankel was able to convey so much in just one, small, personal tale. I applaud her. This book is a must read!

Thank you to Ms. Frankel, Henry Holt and Co., and NetGalley for providing me an advanced reader’s copy of this digital book. I truly am grateful! I am leaving this review VOLUNTARILY!

Oof... So I feel this novel really highlights the pros and cons to the beautifully messy world of adoption. It can be both fulfilling and devastating. Laurie Frankel does a beautiful job of putting the reader on that emotional rollercoaster ride. The POV from children across different timelines is os unique and adds incredible depth to an already emotional story concept. However, I wish the story could have highlighted the trauma that often comes with children who have been through the adoption process. The characters just seemed too positive about it all , which isn't necessarily bad, just unrealistic.

Great read! Laurie creates deep rich characters that pull at your heart strings and remind you of your own family in some ways. Thank you for advanced copy!

Laurie Frankel has quickly worked her way up to one of my favorite authors. This is only the second book of hers I’ve read, but there’s something about her writing that’s so real, yet enlightening and hopeful and her characters that she creates are flawed but so wholly lovable. Family Family centers around one big, messy and imperfect family. This book is soo wholesome. It breaks the mold of needing to have trauma or tragedy be the center of a story, and instead places love and acceptance as driving factors. I will say, Frankel has how to write the “perfect parent” down flawlessly.

Sooooo spectacular I added all of this author’s books to my TBR list. It truly checked all the boxes for me.

Thank you Net Galley & to the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Good read. As an adoptive mother, I've learned about the many faces of adoption, both positive and negative. Recommend this book.

Laurie Frankel’s Family Family is a heartwarming and complex novel that explores the intricacies of adoption and what it truly means to be a family. The protagonist, India Allwood, is an actress who, despite her glamorous career, finds herself thrust into a media storm after she speaks out against the portrayal of adoption in a film she's working on. The story beautifully weaves through India’s real-life experiences as an adoptive mother of twins, Fig and Jack, showcasing that adoption is not just a tale of trauma or sadness, but also one of love, connection, and sometimes messiness.

What I really enjoyed about this novel was how Frankel sheds light on the realities of adoptive families, portraying adoption with nuance rather than falling into the stereotypes we often see in media. India’s journey as a mother navigating the press, the public, and even family dynamics adds humor and poignancy to the story. Frankel’s writing is engaging, filled with witty dialogue, and offers a refreshing take on what makes a family – not blood, not just love, but the effort and commitment to stay together through the good and the bad.

The novel stands out because it acknowledges that family, in whatever form it comes, is inherently complicated. It’s the kind of book that will leave you reflecting on the many forms family can take, while also keeping you entertained with India’s boldness and the endearing, chaotic nature of her family life.

I would highly recommend Family Family to anyone interested in contemporary fiction that touches on adoption, parenthood, and the evolving meaning of family in modern society. Laurie Frankel delivers a rich, thought-provoking narrative that both challenges and uplifts the reader. Whether you’ve read her other works or are new to her writing, this book will leave an impression.

If you’re looking for a mix of humor, heart, and an authentic portrayal of family, this is a novel you shouldn’t miss!

Loved this book. This author is an must read for me after this and 'this is how it always is'. The way each chapter ends on a cliff hanger big or small....kept me reading past my bedtime!

You know one of those books where you start reading and just can’t put them away to take care of your adult responsibilities? FAMILY FAMILY by Laurie Frankel is one such contemporary read.


Full review on my blog

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. This was such a heartwarming and compelling read! I love a good blended family story and this one totally hit the mark. The storyline was terrific and the characters relatable and enjoyable. Highly recommend and looking forward to more from Laurie Frankel

This was so close in being a great book for me. An adoption story, acknowledging adoption trauma however I think it missed on the adoptee's point of view and their experience, that is what we are really missing! The beginning of this novel was strong, we me highlighting passages and tearing up but as it progressed it seemed to go in circles. Not for me but I think others will find it well written.


Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Laurie Frankel is highly enjoyable. This one kept me on the edge of the seat and turning the pages. I recommend for a good autumn vibes read!

I just adore Laurie Frankel. Tender and thoughtful while simultaneously compelling enough to keep me flipping pages. Even when I don't find the plot particularly compelling, I always end up loving it.

Loved this family story. The characters were well drawn and made me want to live in this world. A good contempary family story that explores what makes a family family.

Family Family is a beautiful novel about how adoption need not always be tragic -- it can be joyous. While some of the situations in the book are heart-rending, the dialogue is always sparkling and hilarious. India's family grows and grows throughout the course of a PR nightmare, and readers will love every member of this family.

One potential detraction from the book might be its length. I felt my interest wane at points when new characters were being introduced late in the game. I had been prepared for this by another reviewer, and I'm glad I knew in advance.

If you are looking for an uplifting contemporary novel that is family-affirming, I highly recommend this novel.

My thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt for the free copy of this book. My apologies to them and to myself as well for taking so long to read it. This review reflects my honest opinions.

This review will be posted to Goodreads on August 15, 2024.

Love an adoption story that breaks the mold. Lots of amazing representation here..the humor was a fun addition that wasn’t needed but made a difference!

Thank you to Net Galley for an advanced copy of this book. I love, love, loved it!! Means everything. As part of an adoptive family it was wonderful to see the other side. And that adoptive children can grow up in loving families and enjoy rich lives. And that people have choices - and what is right for one is not right for everyone - and that the choice might be different depending on timing. Highly recommend.

This book is absolutely everything I hoped it would be and all that I didn’t even know I wanted it to be - from the language to the plot points to the characters and the feelings. There were times I laughed, others when I wanted to cry, but mostly I {as a birthmother} felt so seen in a way I haven’t yet in novels.

“It was possible to lose but not be lost, to be sad without wishing things were other than they were.”

“I didn’t want anything. Or, really, I wanted everything.”

This is a story centering adoption in multiple ways, a variety of mothers and mothering, and even more it’s ONE STORY. It’s messy and complex and full of relationships and people and so much love. Laurie Frankel has a gift for writing families who are so real that you feel certain you know them.