I am sorry for the inconvenience but I don’t have the time to read this anymore and have lost interest in the concept. I believe that it would benefit your book more if I did not skim your book and write a rushed review. Again, I am sorry for the inconvenience.

Funny. Heartwarming. Favorite!

Laurie Frankel's Family Family is a beautiful exploration of adoption and family with great characters. I loved every minute of it!

It took a minute for me to get in the groove but after about 50 pages I was hooked on the main character, India’s story. At first there are a lot of characters and many things to be curious about. Eventually, the reader realizes that chapters alternate between present time and India’s past. It was a journey of love and loss but not the kind of loss that left me gutted - loss that was explained with feelings, reason, humor and practicality. The messaging of the book was clear and the author’s voice was strong without being preachy - mostly through decisions that characters made. I like being surprised by books and this one revealed delicious nuggets through the ending. I also appreciated that the pandemic was included - it gave a story with unexpected twists even more of a whirlwind. No relationship is perfect and this book showed messy sides and sweet sides through a unique family family. I really like liked it.

This is a really good book. I was hooked from the first page. The characters are really relatable and likable. There's family, adoption references, The main character has a baby and puts her up for adoption. She then becomes an actress and does a movie about adoption.

Family Family review

“Representation matters not just because it matters that you see yourself in the world but because it matters that you see yourself positively in the world. Representation matters because it matters that you see not-yourself---people who are unlike you, families that are unlike yours, possibilities you hadn't thought of yet---and it matters that you see not-yourself positively too.”

Adoption - Emotional - Playful

India Allwood is not your typical sixteen-year old. An aspiring actor armed with a stack of index cards and an idea of what makes a family a family.

I loved this book on audio! I felt like I was watching a movie the entire time. Each character in the novel had their own distinct personality, and their unique challenges added depth the narrative.

Oh my, Laurie Frankel just writes in a manner that cracks both my heart and my beliefs wide open. Wow- what a writer. This one, about a bold female actress character who chooses early-in-life adoption, not once, but multiple times, really made me think about the whole topic of bodily rights, social pressure, the push to "choose a side on an issue." This was TRULY a great read, in the manner that Frankel's "This is How It Always Is" pushed me to consider "what ifs," the unknowns of life, parenting, childhood and families. You won't read anything else like this one. Laurie Frankel is amongst the greatest of writers, in my estimation.

Such a lovely story about the complexity of family and the beauty of different kinds of families. Her previous books were really good, and I had high expectations, but thought this lived up to her previous books. Couldn't put it down.

Laurie Frankel has been an auto-read author for me ever since I read THIS IS HOW IT ALWAYS IS. Happy to say her newest book FAMILY FAMILY, about the joys of adoption, didn’t disappoint.

This story follows actor India Allwood as a teenager, while she’s growing up and chasing her Broadway dreams, and as a 30-something in the present via the eyes of her daughter Fig. The author does such a great job of playing with structure and voice and narration; I was immediately hooked on both storylines and I loved the line level writing.

Like her previous novels, this book approaches its topic (adoption) with a clear, capital-O opinion. At times, this felt a little too on the nose; I would’ve liked some space for nuance, especially given the length.

Overall, while this isn’t my new favorite Laurie Frankel (or even my second fav because I adored ONE TWO THREE) I really enjoyed this! It was fantastic on audio. I recommend it for anyone who liked the tone of voice and characters (strong-minded feminist female lead and uber-precocious children) in LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY.

Family Family is my first encounter with Laurie Frankel's work, and it certainly lives up to the hype! So much so that I immediately checked out two more of her books.

I have to admit, Family Family does carry a touch of sentimentality, featuring idealized characters, nearly magical coincidences, and a fairytale-like resolution. However, this escapist tale is also utterly charming, unique, fun, funny, and heartwarming. It’s vibrant and brimming with life and love, especially in its portrayals of children and the various child-parent relationships. I couldn’t help but like it, despite my usual aversion to such themes.

I also recognize that readers who have experienced adoption might have varied responses to this idealized portrayal of adoption by an adoptive parent. Reviews reflecting these perspectives are invaluable, emphasizing the importance of own-voices stories from those who have lived the experience. Nonetheless, I appreciated the viewpoint in this story and its afterword (and title), highlighting the necessity of telling diverse stories to represent the complex human experience, especially regarding family.

Family, Family is a family saga that explores adoption and the family we choose. Adoption is often viewed as a last resort to having a child, but for some it is their first option and the way they choose to have the family they want. The story includes characters that were all well developed, a dual timeline and multiple POVs. This is the book for anyone that loves a great family saga.

This book was my bookclubs book of the month and it was such a fun family drama read!

Family Family by Laurie Frankel is a poignant exploration of the multifaceted nature of family and the intricacies of motherhood, adoption, and life's journey. Through richly drawn characters, Frankel skillfully navigates the complexities of familial relationships, inviting readers into a world where the definition of family extends far beyond traditional norms. With heartfelt honesty, she delves into the joys and challenges of parenthood, offering a nuanced portrayal of the universal experiences that bind us together. Frankel's narrative is both tender and thought-provoking, prompting readers to reflect on their own understanding of what it means to belong and to love. Family Family is a beautifully crafted tale that celebrates the diversity of human experience while reminding us of the enduring power of love and connection.

I loved this book. I could not put it down. The story was refreshing and new. The characters were funny and endearing and adorable. The dialogue was quippy and smart. I loved every minute of it, was so sad when it was over, yet I felt it ended at the right moment. I don't typically read the author's note, but for this one I did and I'm so glad for it. I loved This Is How It Always Is, and it was heartwarming to hear about Frankel's connection/inspiration to both books. I will highly recommend this to patrons and friends alike. A great great book. Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co. for this ARC!

I was so excited to read this book because This Is The Way It Always Is is one of my favorite books of all time, and also by this author, but I found this book mostly boring. Which is surprising because the premise sounded so good! India is a Broadway star turned actress who stars in a new movie with a central theme about adoption - and as an adoptive mother herself, she takes issue with the film's tired tropes about adoption, about making the decision a tragedy. When she tells a reporter that she thinks the movie is bad, chaos ensures. I think what didn't work about this for me what the changing timeline points of view, because the current timeline was so much less interesting than the past one.

Laurie Frankel’s latest family drama, Family Family, centers around adoption in its many forms. India Allwood is a larger-than-life TV star seeking to transition to movies, but finds herself embroiled in all sorts of drama when she speaks out against her latest project. The movie is based on the standard adoption stereotypes, and India knows from her own experiences that adoption is not one size fits all – people choose to give up children for adoption and people choose to adopt for many reasons. As an adoptive mom, India wants everyone to understand that family doesn’t have to mean that you are blood related and that no matter what… family is complicated. After speaking out, India finds herself in the middle of a massive crisis, fielding criticism from all sides and fighting those calling for her to be “canceled.” When her twin ten-year-olds decide to call in reinforcements, India’s past decisions come to light adding fuel to the already blazing fire. Frankel’s short chapters and hilarious dialogue create such a propulsive and engaging tale, and her message that family takes many forms is an important and timely one.

Within the pages of this captivating narrative lies a world waiting to be explored. With its compelling characters, vivid settings, and thought-provoking themes, this book offers a journey that transcends the ordinary. From the highs of triumph to the lows of despair, the story weaves a tapestry of emotions that resonate deeply with readers. As the plot unfolds, it unveils layers of mystery, intrigue, and revelation, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page. Whether seeking adventure, solace, or simply a momentary escape, this book promises to captivate and inspire, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of its readers.

Thank you to Henry Holt and Company and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

While this was a pleasant enough read- there were multiple tropes going on that didn't always play well together. The main character wasn't particularly likable and the children's subplot wasn't fleshed out enough.

Great read .. different story on giving up a baby for adoption, and what happens after finding a birth mother.

Laurie Frankel just knows how to get to the heart of humanity. In this book, she tackles adoption and the ways in which it is discussed and portrayed in society. She does so with humor, love, and characters that you fall in love with and cheer for throughout their journey. We meet India in high school. She has dreams of making it big in the world of acting. As we watch her grow, we see her become an adoptive mother who finds herself in the hot seat with Hollywood when she tells the media that her most recent movie is not good. India is sick and tired of people talking about adoption like it's bad and a shameful secret. India wants stories that are beautiful and ones that talk about how placing a child for adoption can be a happy occasion for everyone involved. Her own story is wonderfully messy and shows a person with real character growth. The people who come in and out of India's life are just as fully formed. I found myself caring about this entire cast of characters. I laughed, I cried, and Frankel made me think. I adore her writing. She has become an auto-read author for me. I highly recommend this book and give it a solid 5 stars!

A thought provoking drama that highlights what it means to be a family. I loved following our main character, India, on her discovery journey through what family actually means and the concept that family doesn't always have to mean a relation by blood. I liked how Frankel wrote about the subject of adoption, as I feel like this topic isn't written about well enough.

Honestly, while I did like the main concept of this, it kind of fell flat to me. The characters all seemed farfetched in the way they address their traumas later in the future. And the flow felt a bit jumpy, the pacing was a bit odd. Besides that, good concept, but the execution just didn't quite do it for me.

India Alwood, the TV star and Broadway sensation, has recently finished a movie that pissed everyone off. Her children pick up on the fact that things are seriously wrong. And when all is going wrong, who do we reach out to? Family, of course. But what’s the difference between family and “family, family”? Surely, you’ve heard people say, “Well, yes, they’re family, but they’re not family family.” So, what’s the difference? I guess you’ll have to read the book to find out.

Loved the book. Absolutely wonderful story, which was not at all surprising from Laurie Frankel. She’s so incredibly talented - but it’s not just that. She’s able to take an “issue” and make it personal. No, that’s not right. She doesn’t make it personal. It’s always been personal. We just allow ourselves to forget this so we can make detached and “rational” political decisions. Frankel reminds us that it’s always been about real people, real families.

Thanks to Laurie Frankel, Henry Holt & Company, and Netgalley for this ARC in return for my honest review.