India Allwood is a Hollywood actress who finds herself in the eye of a media storm. Her family is far from ordinary, and when a movie portrays adoption as tragedy, India publicly criticizes it, revealing her truth, exposing her own secrets, and redefining what family means.

Ever since she was a little girl, India has loved musicals and dreamt of being an actress. In alternating chapters, we delve into India’s past—from her teenage years in Seattle to her studies in New York and her life as a famous actress in L.A. Her life is messy and far from perfect, but she wouldn’t change a thing.

Seattle + NYC + Broadway musicals + funny characters + feminist issues = this book was right up my alley!

This is my second book by Laurie Frankel and I really enjoy her writing style. My favorite aspect of this novel is its characters. The children are cute, funny, and loyal and the adults are flawed yet utterly relatable.

I loved the book’s humor. It presents heartwarming moments with the adorable twins and witty dialogue that had me laughing out loud.

Family Family is a celebration of love, acceptance, and the courage to redefine what family means to you. I loved the message of the book. The author tackles the topic of adoption with nuance and compassion, challenging stereotypes and celebrating the diverse nature and experiences of families. I even loved the author's note at the end, it's so insightful and moving!

The audiobook is narrated by Patti Murin, who I think was a perfect choice for this book. Her background as a Broadway actress and her beautiful voice gave these characters an emotional depth that left me wanting more! Thank you, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the gifted audio copy.

“Regardless of how they get made, family is a force to be reckoned with.”

Laurie Frankel writes beautifully about precocious children and conflicted adults who act from a place of love. And this novel has both of these in evidence, carrying us back and forth in the life of India Alder, from want-to-be actress to a very successful one, with all the choices she makes along the way. For they are HER choices. Which explains how India can be both pro choice and pro adoption.
Just as an earlier (also wonderful) novel, This is the Way it Always Is,” takes a clear-eyed look at gender reassignment, this book considers the “other” side of adoption - the joyous one that places children with parents who desperately want them, allowing those who don’t (or who aren’t ready) to feel good about delivering their child into welcoming arms. Far from preachy, this is most of all an entertaining and often humorous book about making a family.
A recorded book-geek/fan-girl conversation between the author and the narrator is an added bonus. Many thanks to #NetGalley for the advance copy.

📖: Family, Family
✍️: Laurie Frankel
🎙: Laurie Frankel and Patti Murin
⭐️: 3 of 5
🎧: 5 of 5

My Thoughts:
I decided to DNF at 40%. The writing was good and the audio narration was fantastic but unfortunately I did not like the themes presented in this book. There was nothing triggering, it just didn't line up with my personal beliefs and I just didn't want to finish because of that. I am however still looking forward to finishing another novel by this author in the near future.
Thank you NetGalley, and MacMillan Audio for the opportunity to listen and review this advanced copy.

India is a theater kid (who can't sing) who has been accepted to every one of her dream schools in NYC. And she's pregnant. With a loving, supportive single mother and a loving, supportive boyfriend. So she has to make a choice...she chooses a closed adoption. But she's very careful about the person she chooses to be the parent.

Off India goes to NY and is in all the plays at school and getting rave reviews. She has a loving, supportive roommate/friend and another loving, supportive boyfriend. Her loving, supportive mother is back at home. And then she's pregnant, again. And chooses adoption again. And is very careful about the people she chooses to be the parents.

Now in her mid-late 20s, India is struggling to get parts in plays that she likes. Her agent has been telling her that he can get her into TV if she goes to LA. But it's not until she decides she wants to become a mother through adoption that she decides to say goodbye to NYC and hello to steadier, less intensive employment.

Everything starts to unravel when India makes some negative comments about the movie she made about a birth mother and the child she placed for adoption. Now the execs want her to apologize and the press is staked outside her house.

I wanted to like this book. It was a fast read and full of love and an ever-growing family. It was so unbelievable. I complain when characters make big deals over nothing, but this was the polar opposite. Major life changes were handled with grace and a distinct lack of drama. It felt strange.

Patti Murin narrates the audiobook and she does a fine job. Most of her narration was fine, but I was not a fan of her male voices..

Laurie Frankel must be a very calm and serene person. Her characters are all mature beyond their years and evolved to a point that I would forget India was no more than 32 years old. That's not necessarily a good thing. It might be fine if one character was this way, but everyone acts this way.

I know this book will be popular with a lot of people, but it wasn't for me..

My thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the advanced listener's copy in exchange for an honest review.

"This is How It Always Is" is a book tat I recommend all the time so I couldn't wait to get my hands on this story. As always, this author did an impeccable job at showing a happy side of something that a lot of people may perceive as negative. The story had depth and lightness and I loved it!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan audio for the advanced copy and the chance to review it honestly.

India grew up wanting to be an actor and she gets to be just that. Her new movie is about adoption but it’s the same tragic story. She’s an adoptive mom in real life and wants everyone to know there’s more to her family than just pain and regret.

Family Family is a great story that shows another side of adoption that we rarely hear about. I received this book as an ALC and I really enjoyed the narrator’s delivery. This book has different timelines and POVs but the book is written so well, it’s easy to keep up with and not get confused. The story is different than any I’ve read before and I felt like it was intriguing enough for any reader. I would definitely recommend this book to others!

Happy reading

I will always read a Laurie Frankel, and this one was every bit as beautiful as I expect from her. If you love endearing, dynamic characters and family dramas, this is definitely a book for you! The narration was also wonderful in the audiobook.

I really enjoyed the audio book of Family, Family narrated by the author herself, Laurie Frankel.

What sets "Family, Family" apart is its honest exploration of the intricate tapestry that defines familial relationships. In an audacious move, India breaks the industry norm and publicly voices her discontent about the film to a journalist, sparking a media storm. The story delves into the ensuing chaos as India confronts accusations, paparazzi intrusion, and a clash of perspectives from both ends of the ideological spectrum.
As India grapples with the external pressures, her twin ten-year-olds recognize the need for familial support. However, the plot takes a compelling twist, unraveling the complexities of India's own identity beyond being an adoptive mother. The novel skillfully portrays that the essence of family goes beyond blood ties or conventional definitions, illustrating the messiness and beauty of diverse family structures.
"Family, Family" is more than a tale of fame and media scrutiny; it is a profound exploration of identity, resilience, and the intricate threads that weave families together. The book challenges societal expectations, encouraging readers to rethink their understanding of what constitutes a family. In a world where definitions are fluid, the novel beautifully captures the essence of its title – the truth about family is undeniably complicated, yet profoundly rich and rewarding.
It held my attention and I really enjoyed it! I look forward to reading more books by Laurie Frankel!!!!

I really love this author's past works, and This is How it Always Is, in particular, is a book I think about almost weekly despite reading it almost 8 years ago. I was so excited to read Family Family and I fully expected to enjoy it, but my expectations were surpassed and I really loved everything about this unique and quirky but also universal and relatable story.

This book is, at its heart, about an unconventional family and how it came to be. I absolutely loved the characters and the way the story unfolded with much of the plot in the present day but also very vivid past timelines with the various family members. There are some delightful children as characters, a strong and determined female main character, love stories that are respectable and tender, and so much kindness and compassion for others while also being assertive and determined. I really found a lot to admire in these pages and while I did not expect to relate to this uniquely connected family the way I did, this quote really resonated with why this book is universally applicable to us all:

"Does anyone think of a family and say, 'Now there's an easy and uncomplicated set of relationships?'"

To be clear, this might be a difficult book for you if you've had family difficulties or if you are an adopted child or an adoptive parent, but you might also see yourself in these pages. The way adoption is presented in this book is real and there is trauma explored, but it is also positive and presents the concept from a perspective not often considered. The author's note was poignant and lovely.

(I also loved the audiobook narration).

Long story short, five stars for this one from me! :)

For such a deep topic, this book feels so fun and lighthearted.
Laurie Frankel did a great job picturing the family relationships and overall relationships of India Allwood, talking about such a deep topic as adoption, not making light of it, but keeping a lighthearted tone can't be easy. The story is overall quite messy, but it felt like a realistic portrayal of teenage pregnancy, and a healthy, positive portrayal of adoption.

The audiobook is great, and the author notes at the end really drives the point through and is beautiful.

In high school India Allwood knew she was destined to be an actress. She had big hopes and dreams of going to New York post graduation and pursuing those ambitions, then India got pregnant. She and her boyfriend make the decision to give the baby up for adoption. While in college India finds herself in the same situation and again decides to give the baby up for adoption. Fast forward to present day and India Allwood is almost a household name. Then she comes under controversy and her past decisions are brought back to the forefront.

This book will make you feel all the emotions. To deal with such heavy topics it is done in a light way with great banter. Readers are able to see why India made the decisions she did and the outcomes. Though not perfect, India is a resilient character. As the story unfolds the characters are really brought to life and add so much depth to the story.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

Happy Friday! It’s my second 5⭐️review of 2024! I went into this book completely blind - new to me author, heard the rave reviews, but really had no expectations. It took about 50 pages and I was HOOKED. I absolutely loved this story and all that it did to provide a new perspective on adoption, love and family. This NEEDS to get optioned. What a phenomenal cast of characters- and I can’t thank @pattimurin enough for really elevating the listening experience.

There isn’t much more for me to say because it’s already been said, but if you’re looking for a HEART HAPPY book - this is it. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. It’s going in the consideration pile for favorite book of 2024. Like I said in my stories the other day - go out and buy it. That is all.

Another 5-star book so early in the year? This is rare. But this book was beautifully written, gorgeously read, and heartwarming to the soul. Laurie Frankel does a wonderful job writing a story about adoption that ISN'T sad or a "savior" story. It's just a story about a family full of good people who make choices that may not be conventional. But those choices lead them to not only FAMILY family but family in the broader sense of that word. Family can look a lot of different ways and anyone would be lucky to have one that looked like the characters in this book.

I won't go into plot details here, because I went into this book blind and it was a surprising joy to read. So just go read it.

Fictional story about an actress and her stories with adoption. It views adoption in a very positive light. I appreciate that the other options for unplanned pregnancy were also discussed in a positive light. The story seemed a slightly bit unbelievable as it was all so positive.

What a fun read! I found myself chuckling at many parts. A story that investigates what makes a family and a look into adoption from all sides. That a family doesn’t have to be from blood. The writing, the plot, the characters were all fantastic. Exploring relationships and how decisions affect the people around you mixed with family drama and family secrets are all right up my alley. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a wonderful job. This thought-provoking novel was packed with many feelings and emotions. Who doesn’t want to always have a torn-up notecard in their pocket to throw like confetti on any occasion. The author interview at the end was great and a must listen!

“Not all stories of adoption are stories of pain and regret. Not even most of them. Why don’t we ever get that movie?”

This beautiful novel explores family … adoption being at the forefront of the complicated, heart-wrenching, endless love and emotional journey that affects everyone involved. Frankel makes her poignant position, that children are “placed” not given up for adoption - that not every adoption story is one wrapped up in tragedy.

This utterly brilliant novel will leave you with all the feels! The messy, the beautiful, the complicated and everything in between. I just want this review to say READ IT, just read it! You can thank me later 😉

Have plenty of tissues handy and don’t skip the Author’s note - have more tissues at hand!

🎧 Beautifully narrated by Disney Princess @pattimurin 👸

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

🎧Song Pairing: Family - Trolls Band Together movie 😂 I wanted peppy and happy!

💭What I thought would happen:

I thought toxic family drama and I swear it’s the exact opposite in the best way.

📖What actually happens:

India knew she wanted to be a famous actress and she worked damned hard to get there. But nothing she achieved came easy. She is currently being dragged through the dirt and people are about to find out they’ve been wildly wrong about the starlet.

🗯Thoughts/sassy musings:

WOW! What an unexpected wonderful read! I finished this feeling happy and hopeful. After CC2 this was a very welcoming emotional state 😂

Adoption! A book about adoption in a positive light. Encouraging that adoption isn’t always this tragic affair. That good things come from adoption for all parties. The author’s note especially 👌🏽 (she has a daughter whom they adopted)

I felt almost like an Evelyn Hugo vibe in the way that the MC is a famous movie star but is wildly misunderstood.

This will be a favourite. I can already tell you this is one of my favs of the year. I don’t plan on forgetting it!

India is one of my new favourite characters 🩷

Much like with “This is How it Always Is”, in “Family Family” Laurie Frankel deftly walks the line between being enlightening and pedantic in this story about adoption and what makes a family. This is a funny, heartwarming story with a great cast of characters. Patti Murin did a fantastic job with narration.

4 ⭐️

3.75 stars!

Laurie Frankel is my go to author for stories about family. I enjoyed this a lot. I think Frankel did a great job representing an honest look at adoption and found families.

Family Family is another gripping, immersive emotional family drama from Laurie Frankel. In this novel, Frankel presents a thought provoking perspective about the many beautiful ways to make a family, the complexities of all families and adoption, and throughout all of it is love.

India Allwood has always dreamed of being an actor. When she gets pregnant at sixteen, India decides that having a baby and being an actor don't have to be mutually exclusive. She decides to place her baby for adoption, and that specific language is important throughout this book.

Told across multiple timelines, we bond with India as a teenager, as a young adult, and as an adoptive working mom. As the storylines merge, the character development is just beautiful. My only complaint is that I would have liked more from some of the very special side characters and a little less constant focus on India.

Overall, I loved this book and the audiobook narration was fantastic. Another gem from Laurie Frankel!