Family Family was a new perspective on the adoption story. I appreciated the various perspectives employed in telling the story, and I especially liked Fig's narrative style. The book deals with adoption not as a last resort or as something that is inherently traumatic, but rather a conscious and beneficial choice. I also liked the portrayal of the media to try to put someone in a distinct box about their values, and I liked India's strong desire to not be labeled. Overall, there were a few issues I had about believability of a few plot points, but overall it was an enjoyable read of a different type of "family family."

This is probably my new favorite Laurie Frankel book. Family is family, whether you chose it or are born into it. This was a wonderful book about all the different kinds of family and addressed adoption, abortion, freedom of choice, the different kinds of families, all without being judgy, and at one point, India just wallops the crazy people who want to make her a poster child, with the the facts about her family,

I don't think there was a single character I didn't like, child and adult alike. The book makes you feel the whole gamut of emotions. Frustration with India and her fertility, respect for her choices, plus there were certain parts that were downright funny., parts that were sad, parts where I found myself sniffling. I found the dialogue believable and loved how she wrote each character.

I can't wait to add more Laurie Frankel books to my TBR and read them. I will read anything else she writes going forward.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions are mine and freely expressed.

I have mixed feelings on Family Family by Laurie Frankel. Warning: this review is full of spoilers.

My main issue is that part of the time the character's motivations did not seem sincere or realistic. How is it possible that four kids - two of whom are widely known by the public - are not found when they escape a home at night and take four buses for two days straight? They're very young and traveling alone, and it seems as if someone would have stopped them.

Adoption is, for the majority of the novel, pictured as something almost idealistic. None of the children experience trauma related to their adoption, and in my opinion there's a negative light cast on those who do feel that way - the characters often state that this is the only portrayal of adoption we ever see. I don't think that's true. Picturesque adoptions are often portrayed in novels and on news feel good stories.

For the two children that weren't in traumatic situations when they were adopted, I do wish we had seen that they can experience trauma regardless - despite the fact that they love and adore their families. Both of these things can be absolutely true. I'm not an adoptee myself, but it's something I've gathered from adoptees I've listened to. Please don't take my word as law on that, however. I am not the person who should be listened to.

I also wished we'd kept in contact with her college friend instead of the friend coming back at the end - we got hints that they were still close but did not see it.

As for what I liked, the characters were compelling. They each felt different from each other, and I was equally invested in both the past and present point of view. The actual writing was easy to read and follow.

I also loved that we were told that she was going to follow her first love, and her first love was Broadway, instead of Davis as we were lead to believe. That was a character decision I really loved.

The portrayal of fandom was super realistic, especially how fandom can drive up a show to keep going. Hearing little bits of what the fandom was up to for Val Halla made the show feel realistic - I wanted to watch Val Halla the entire time I was reading the book.

As an adoptee, this book takes a really refreshing look at adoption - not only the decision to place your child, but also to adopt your own. Frankel’s author’s note at the end drove home my feelings about this; stories about adoption don’t always have to be stories of resilience drenched in emotion, and this book is a very happy one.

Again I related to aspects of the story a lot from personal experience, and I enjoyed it overall, but I am not quite sure that Frankel’s tone of writing always clicks with me - there’s a quirky/humorous style here that sometimes came across more cringy than funny, making some characters feel a bit cartoonish. nevertheless an important story to tell and I think a lot of readers will enjoy this.

India Allwood is an actress, a mother, an adoptive mother, a birth mother, a girlfriend, a lover, a daughter, a friend. Through the course of her teen to adult life, as we learn in Family, Family, India Allwood has at times everything and at times much less. The one thing India always has is family.

Family, Family, by Laurie Frankel, tells the story of family. Showing, through India and her relationships, all of the beautiful ways families can be created and sustained. I loved the frankness and honesty of this story. The focus on family through many stages of life. I loved that India made mistakes, made choices, and fully lived the highs and lows of each, often occurring simultaneously. This may sound like just a feel-good story, but it's so much more than that. It's a story of love, of acceptance, of seeing the hard choices through the eyes of the decider, but also through the eyes of those impacted by the decisions.

If you love family, adventure, and laughter, all with a little celebrity shine, check out this book!

Does Laurie ever miss? Holy hell. This book was so singular and unlike anything I’ve read in ages. I loved it and think it’s one of those rare books that everyone csn relate and connect to. Amazing!!

Laurie Frankel is a great storyteller. I liked the flashbacks mixed in with present day and the different voices we hear. The twins are quirky and funny and I loved the family dynamics. I especially liked the conversation that just because family isn't blood related means it's sad or trauma filled. I think students will really resonate with a lot of this messaging. As an adult and a mom, I appreciated the themes of motherhood.

I adore Laurie Frankl and was EAGERLY awaiting to read this, her third novel. While I found her narrative voice much easier to connect with in this story than her second, I struggled to connect with the characters. The topic was fascinating, the story well-written and plotted. But the thing that kept me from inhaling this one was perhaps just the distance I felt between myself as a reader and the inner workings of our MC. I found the discussion on adoption fascinating - as identified in the story, this isn’t a perspective we often get - but do feel a little conflicted on her stance. Ultimately, though, I really enjoyed this one and will gladly keep reading Laurie Frankl’s books as long as she is writing them!

BOOK REVIEW: Family Family by Laurie Frankel
2024 Publication Date: January 23

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐

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T.I.M.E. BOOK REVIEW:
One Family's Tale... Uncommonly Told...
The landscape of domestic fiction is frequently painted with the broad strokes of nuclear family ideals, often neglecting the nuanced colors of reality — especially when it comes to stories of adoption. Laurie Frankel's latest offering, Family Family, invites readers into a narrative that challenges preconceived notions while elegantly insisting that the core of a family is more complex than blood or conventional rhetoric.

Standout Features of Family Family
• A Fresh Take on Adoption
Domestic fiction enthusiasts and family drama readers alike will be drawn to Frankel's exploration of adoptive family life, not as a tale marred by pain, darkest secrets and regret but as a multi-hued portrait of love, identity, and resilience. The novel harmonizes the protagonist's dual role as a Hollywood actress and an adoptive mother, deftly serving a storyline that subverts the tired tropes often weaved into adoption narratives.

Through the protagonist India Allwood, Frankel poses an evocative question... Is there space in contemporary fiction and media to depict adoption stories that deviate from tragedy and enter into joy and fulfillment?

India's journey peeks behind the curtains revealing a world where telling your truth can be both liberating and a dramatic catalyst for a media whirlwind.

• Beyond the Glamour: The Essence of Family
Frankel pulls us into the heart of India's personal life — Championing the theme that families forge their own bonds beyond the genetic ties society so often emphasizes.

This book will undoubtedly be at home on any list of best domestic fiction books not just for its storyline but for its capability to provoke contemplation on what truly makes family. The twin ten-year-olds that anchor the heart of the story are a testament to this, their innocence adding depth to their mother's decision-making under the spotlight's glare.

• Bridging Fiction with Reality
Family Family sails into a candid, authentic exploration of modern family dynamics, taking readers through the choppy waters of public scrutiny and private dilemmas...
How does one navigate motherhood and a career when the omnipresent lens of the public eye blurs the line between right and wrong?
How does a family remain intact amid external pressures aiming to redefine or dismiss its validity?

These are the themes Frankel spins into a tale that is as entertaining as it is significant, making this work a must-read for admirers of Laurie Frankel books and newcomers to her poignant writing alike.

• Laurie Frankel's Expert Craftsmanship
Laurie Frankel is no stranger to weaving complex narratives that resonate with readers—and her craft shines throughout Family Family. Her ability to navigate the tricky synergy between India's private and public personas accentuates the every-person aspect of her character.

This is a heroine that many will find personable, admirable, and embody an all-too-human connection as she takes her stand.

EPILOGUE
For those who yearn for substantial, heart-string-tugging narratives, Family Family is more than just another entry in the family drama novels genre — It's a stand-out piece that boldly states... Family is love in action, a multifaceted journey of discovery and acceptance.

In Frankel's expert hands, what could have been another cliché becomes an ode to families of all configurations.

We live in a world where the definition of family continually evolves... And it begs us to ask whether we are ready to embrace its myriad forms. With Family Family, Laurie Frankel has certainly laid out the invitation.

Our job, as readers — and as members of the wider human family — is to show up, one page at a time.

And I invite you to embrace the complexities and the joys... India Allwood's story isn't just a narrative to entertain (although it certainly does)... It's a nuanced reflection beckoning us to find our place within the tapestry of what a family truly means.

Hoping you keep reading... And keep exploring the beautiful complexities of life through literature... Cheers!... ✨😎✨

Pages: 400
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Sub-Genre: Domestic Fiction | Literary Fiction
T.I.M.E. Jalapeno Rating:️ Closed Door Romance
Time Period: Contemporary
Location: NYC | Los Angeles
Publisher: Henry Holt & Company

IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Movie: Instant Family ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
India Allwood's journey from an awkward teenager to a noted actor uncovers the complexities of adoption. When her latest film portrays adoption as a tragedy, India — an adoptive mother herself — sets out to reveal the fuller spectrum of emotions it entails, far beyond pain and regret.

Her candid and spontaneous remarks to a journalist sparks a media frenzy, challenging societal perceptions of her own unique, non-traditional family... And the dominoes start to fall from there!

BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION:
• The importance of embracing diversity within traditional narratives and stereotypes... Families can take different forms and still be loving, supportive, and valid.
• The importance of communication and honesty within a family, especially in times of struggle... India's journey in the book shows how speaking your truth can be both liberating and healing, even if it may come with consequences.
• The importance of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity... The protagonist, India, faces numerous challenges throughout the story but she never gives up on her family and her values.

Reader's Guide Available from MacMillan Publishers

BOOK QUOTE:
"Give it time... It will pass..." — Family Family by Laurie Frankel

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All my book reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at thisismyeverybody.com/blog/what-book-should-i-read

♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

I was taken by the concept with the book.
However I struggled while reading it. I didn’t connect with any of the characters although the topic of adoption interested me.

This is my second Laurie Frankel book and this one was just as fantastic as the last one. This is the story of India Allwood. India's story is told in two timelines. The first begins when she gets pregnant in high school at the age of 16 and decides to give the baby up for adoption. India dreams of becoming a Broadway actress and moves to NYC after graduation to pursue those dreams. The second timeline takes place in the present. India is in her 30s, a successful actress, and now herself the mother of two adopted children. This novel of course centers on the themes of adoption and what it means to be a "family" but I don't think any review can do it justice. All the characters are so well fleshed out and lovable with all their strengths and flaws including the children. Frankel is an amazing storyteller. This is the kind of book that you just want to hug when you finish it. I highly recommend it!

Strongly recommend! This was my first Laurie Frankel book and it won’t be my last!

Family Family is the story of India Allwood- an aspiring and later famous actress- and the family (or families) she helped create along the way. The story begins with India publicly criticizing the plot of the movie she recently starred in that dealt with the topic of adoption- and the resulting firestorm(s) and plot twists that followed. The story switches between timelines so we get to follow the story of India’s relationships and her journey to become a mother and an actress.

India was a truly fascinating character to me- she forges her own path through life in a very non-traditional manner that was so intriguing to me. This story also provides an extremely interesting and informative perspective on adoption- made me think about the topic in multiple new ways!

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review an advanced reader copy. Definitely recommend!

I really enjoyed this book. I’m adopted myself and it’s really talks about how adoptions affect so many different people in different ways. India may have made some questionable choices to some, but she also changed lives as well. I loved her character, she really went after what she wanted and didn’t allow anything to stop her at all.

This was every bit as wonderful and everyone says it is. It’s a delight to read - it’s one of those books that keeps you turning pages, but it also is such a meaningful story about, well, family, of course. Family that you are born into and family family that you choose.

This book is about a woman named India, her love of theater and performing, and at the same time, how she ends up pregnant and decides to give her child up for adoption. She chooses it as a way to bless another family because she feels blessed. Throughout her life, she makes similar choices based on her feelings of family and love.

Frankel mentions her own story of choosing adoption and how she wants all kinds of stories about adoption to be told, including those where the family all turns out ok, and no one felt pressured or second best to be adopted.

I loved reading this and discussing it with Zibby Owens for her bookclub. It was a fantastic discussion; grateful Laurie Frankel could join us.

A refreshing viewpoint on adoption that had me laughing out loud. I was so excited to turn every page! Thank you NetGalley for this advanced copy.

I've read other bestselling books by Laurie Frankel, and I'm grateful that Macmillan Publishing gave me the chance to read this arc. So many great lessons under the hood of this thought-provoking read. India Allwood's life-long goal is to be a famous actress. In her senior year of high school, she and her high school boyfriend, Robbie, find themselves pregnant. At the same time, India is getting an acceptance letter after an acceptance letter from every college where she has applied. India decides that since she's been so fortunate, she'll pay it forward and give someone the gift of adopting her baby. Rebecca India is born and adopted by a single mom, Camille, while India moves onto college. In her senior year of college, India and her college boyfriend, Davis, find themselves pregnant as India is about to embark on her stage career. Again, India chooses adoption, and the baby, Lewis. is adopted by Andrew & Drew. Years later, India is at the height of her success and seeks to be a mother. She adopts 4 year old Fig and Jack, twins who have been taken away from their mother and put in the foster system. All parties come together when India doesn't fare so well publicizing her latest movie around adoption, and Rebecca, now Bex, blasts it on social media, in a couple of videos, that her birth mother is India Allwood. Unbeknownst to her mother, Bex hops a plane to meet India followed shortly thereafter by Camille. The fun starts when the children of India, both biological and adopted, discover each other and orchestrate a reunion of sorts with their other little brother, Lewis, his dads, and both Robbie and Davis. Their shared purpose is to come to India's rescue as she hashes things out with her agent, the public, and the press and producers of her movie. This is a fun and cleverly written read with heart and wit galore. It's just published, and I heartily recommend you put it in your to be read pile!

It’s my first 5 star read of the year!! Thank you NetGalley and Henry Holt Books for the advance digital copy! This is out now! All opinions are mine.

This book is so good! India is a celebrity who finds herself in some trouble with her manager when she says the wrong thing publicly. And then gets in trouble with fans when she tries to fix it and ends up doubling down about her opinions on her own movie. But the movie is about adoption and she has very personal experience on this topic. This book is about family in all its forms. It’s about seeking out your people and finding family you pick, the people you want around you.

I could not stop reading this. Normally I really can say “just one more chapter”, but not with this one! I love Laurie Frankel’s writing and this is just more evidence that I will read whatever she writes. She draws you in. I felt like I was right there in the middle of this family. India and Hallie and everyone else. You should definitely add this to your TBR and join the family too!

Thank you, NetGalley and Henry Holt & Company for this free copy for review. I read this Laurie Frankel’s 2017 book This Is How It Always Is and LOVED it so I was very interested to read this book about adoption. I really enjoyed this book although it didn’t end up being exactly what I was expecting. But I guess it’s good when a book surprises you. This book goes back and forth between the past and the present day to explain how the main characters got to where they came to be. Families can be made in different ways and this book does a great way of supporting that through the story. This story made me laugh out loud at times and even made me tear up.

India Allwood is a famous film actress who has just caused a media frenzy. Her most recent movie is a topic she's very familiar with, adoption, and she has just shared her unfiltered opinion about this topic with the world. The events that follow are quite a ride!

Laurie Frankel wrote my favorite book ever, This is How It Always Is, so I had to give this one a try and it did not disappoint!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital proof of this book for me to review.

Here's all you need to know about Laurie Frankel's new book, Family Family:

It's a story about how families are created in many ways.

Fig and Jack, the twin children of actress India Allwood, are listening in as their mother gives a disastrous interview that causes her career to nearly collapse immediately. Much of this novel is from Fig's perspective, a 10-year-old with a fierce fear of fire and enough curiosity for four children.

The novel goes back and forth between the current timeline and India's life to this point, detailing everything from her failure to get into the high-school musical to her current acting gig as a TV superhero everyone knows.

I can't get enough of Frankel's writing style. She's just so good that it makes me terribly jealous. Her story is propulsive, funny, heartbreaking, and will make you think. She works the pandemic in without it being overbearing, just truthful.

I absolutely loved this one!