4.5 stars. I was not sure what to expect as I rarely read the synopsis before starting a book. I was initially drawn to this audiobook because of the title and art cover. Never heard of the author. I would say the overall story is about adoption but includes so much more about family, love, personal decisions, and personal growth. I loved all of the characters. They are all likable in so many ways. Lots of dialogue to get to know all the characters. The narrator, Patti Murin, was phenomenal. She can do distinct voices for each of the characters. She is amazing. I was so immersed in the story, I never really had to rewind to see who was talking (in other audiobooks, I get confused with which character was talking). What a talented duo - Laurie Frankel as the author and Patti Murin as the narrator. I listen to many audiobooks a year and this one will be memorable.

Huge thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced audiobook copy. #Netgalley #FamilyFamily

I requested this audiobook from Netgalley because I loved Ms. Frankel's last novel, One Two Three (see my prior post). I was not disappointed, and in fact, I may have enjoyed this one even more.

Family Family is a big-hearted, insightful, and witty story about the complicated and messy ways families are made, and it challenges common media misrepresentations and societal judgments about how families should be made, particularly relating to adoption. Ms. Frankel presents a narrative with conviction, joy, poignancy, and acceptance for unconventional family units. She explores how family members grapple with their complex relationships and how this forms their identities. It's full of humor and warmth, and I found myself rapt - it was hard to turn this audiobook off because I wanted to see how the story would unfold.

I loved the characters. From the remarkable India Allwood to the various parents and children we meet, their perspectives are shared with authenticity. Don't skip the Author's Note at the end to learn how her own personal experiences informed these perspectives and inspired her to bring a different kind of story about adoption and family ties into the world.

I appreciated the structure. We go back and forth between past and present, which creates interest and tension as we read on to learn how the pieces fit together. We also jump between the lives of different characters so we learn about their varied experiences. This is accomplished without being confusing or interrupting the pace of the story.

Patti Murin is the perfect narrator to give voice to India. Her tone and intonation are on point for the warm and amusing dialogue. Don't skip the recorded conversation between Ms. Murin and Ms. Frankel about bringing the characters to life for the audiobook.

I hope that when this book hit shelves on January 23, Ms. Frankel celebrated with homemade confetti by tossing ripped up index cards into the air, just as India would. It's a wonderful book and I anticipate this will be among my very favorites of 2024.

Personally, I have no connection to adoption but the book brings to light great discussions about it. Since Laurie Frankel does have that personal experience, she brought a lot of her knowledge to writing the book. I appreciated how the topic was brought up in one way in the story and how some characters thought India felt one way about reproductive choice but she was able to explain her thoughts. I greatly appreciated that multiple sides of adoption (placing children as well as adopting them) were displayed in the story. this book felt like a comfort read and I definitely think more people should read it. Characters were enjoyable and faced challenges in their lives.

Thank you to Macmillan audio and NetGalley for a copy of the audiobook to review. Patti Murin is a fantastic narrator, I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve listened to her read.

This is my first experience with Frankel's work, and I found it to be incredibly entertaining.

I feel there's a lot at stake for the main character throughout the book and you're constantly met with twists and turns within the storyline to keep you wanting more, whether it's making impactful life decisions for herself or the hot water the character gets for those choices . I feel the pace, time-jumps and third person was an effective choice for this plot.

However while I admired the book as a work of fiction, I wish there was a bit more emotional response through the main characters experience with the pregnancy and birth set for a prepared adoption, I find that level of catharsis could make it more clear on just how hard but also, just how rewarding that choice can be for someone else. I believe it would have made for a more clearer story on creating more positive stories about adoption.

Thank you for this advanced reading copy!

"It's Love. First."

India Allwood is destined for greatness on the stage. (She is 16 and this is self proclaimed.) But, tragically, she cannot sing--shut out of high school musical theater. But, we can see her fierce determination and vision for a life on Broadway. She prepares harder than anyone. She applies for all of her top schools--Juliard, NYU. She gets into them all. And, then we find out she is pregnant.

We enter a facinating story of India's adoption journey. With dual now/then timelines, we see her battling a public relations storm over comments in her current prestige film about adoption. The public begins to appreciate India is not a celebrity with random opinions; she has a history and firm adoption story. And, it has been largely positive. She places her daughter for adoption at 16, finishes college, becomes and broadway ingenue, adopts twins, and becomes America's superhero television sweetheart.

But, we see that EVERY action has repercussions and family is MESSY.

What I adored:

This book flew by. The then/now timeline kept us guessing for ALL the twists in India's story. (There were MANY.)

I love a cast of quirky characters. With India in the middle, this is definitely a motley crew full of witty banter, absurdity, and love.

Family looks really different to different people. I adored that this book had us appreciate the wider role family assumes.

Our protagonist is a little out of touch with reality and we see her question her decisions. I think it's a fresh novel that made me think of things differently.

Thank you Netgally and Henry Holt for the novel. Family Family is out! Give it a read.

This book was incredibly well done. I loved the positive spin around adoption and family life. I thought that the characters were amazing - honestly I liked them all. I literally wanted to jump in and be a part of their large wonderful family. I think that the idea behind this book is incredibly important - adoption is not always a difficult or painful or even shameful option. There are unplanned pregnancies - and for whatever the reason or season that person decides on adoption is not a negative one. There are also many families that look to adoption to grow their family... and the reasons behind this is not always due to difficulty getting pregnant. Being pregnant and raising children is not easy - balancing a life and dreams is also not easy. And although there is never a perfect time to have kids, there needs to be more respect for the many options given to grow a family. Or decide it is the wrong time to grow a family. Those reasons are personal and never wrong. I think this book brings to light just how magically adoption can be - and was written in a realistic and incredible way. I was truly upset when this book ended and look forward to Frankel's next book.

Thank you netgalley for my advanced reader copy.

Thank you, Henry Holt and NetGalley and MacMillan audio for the chance to read and listen to Family Family by Laurie Frankel.
I had some issues listening to the audio of this in the NetGalley Shelf App, so ended up switching to the ebook for 95% of the story.
What a fun read this was! This book digs deep into some big topics surrounding family - including pregnancy, abortion, adoption, child abuse, drug use - in a sensitive, loving manner. It was funny and warm-hearted, and each character was so unique and loveable.
India Allwood is an actress whose every move is documented and used for the world's entertainment. When she aims to tell an uplifting, positive portrayal of adoption on the big screen, her personal connection to the film is brought to the forefront of everyone's criticism and gossip. India's adopted 10-year-old twins take it upon themselves to contact others who are connected to their mom, and what ensues is a humorous, addictive love story of chosen family, lost family, and family family.
I loved it.

As someone who absolutely loved Laurie Frankel's previous work, THIS IS HOW IT ALWAYS IS, I wanted to read this and went in completely blind - not knowing anything about what this book was about. FAMILY FAMILY is a compassionate family drama that explores all the nuances of adoption and the family we choose. Frankel is such an amazing writer, and she again illustrates that family comes in ALL shapes and sizes. If you enjoy family dramas with memorable characters, witty banter and a few laugh-out-loud moments, this book is for you. I usually request the written book but I read this one via audiobook, and really enjoyed the narration. Highly recommend this one for a Book Club read. So much to discuss. Thank you NetGalley for the early copy.

Copied from Goodreads:

“Family Family” is the well-written story of India Allwood, a fictional current television star. The novel shares current and former perspectives of the members of Allwood’s family. The impetus of this reflection is a media storm caused by Allwood’s latest movie and her honest thoughts about it. What follows is her journey to recognize herself and her family.

Family is represented in a variety of forms—roommates, lovers, married, divorced, biological, adopted—and serves as a reminder that family is always complicated which is why it’s so special. Shared experiences, love, hate, blood and even trauma bond people together and can build its members up.

TW: adoption, Covid-19, short references to abuse

Many thanks to Macmillan Audio via Netgalley for this audio ARC given in exchange for an honest review. “Family Family” was released in the U.S. on January 22, 2024.

Family Family is a unique if somewhat sensationalized look at the adoption and found family experience, as an actress gives up unintentional babies for adoption during both high school and college, then goes on to adopt. As all the children and fathers rally around her as she is unwittingly co-opted by prolifers and under fire from her studio, the idea of what binds people and how they make decisions gets great exploration.
Some of the bouncing to backstory gets in the way of the plot, but overall it's entertaining and the characters are definitely original.

Beautiful story narrated by Patti Murin. Her voice fits the characters bringing them to life beautifully The narration and pace of the audiobook made all the difference and the story enjoyable. The story itself was a bit slow a times but worth the read.
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance copy of the audiobook! I really enjoyed it!!

Family Family is a refreshing departure from the conventional adoption stories that often center around pain and regret. Frankel weaves a tale that challenges the stereotypical narrative and sheds light on the multifaceted nature of adoption.

The protagonist, India Allwood, takes readers on a captivating journey from an awkward sixteen-year-old aspiring actor to a Broadway sensation and TV superhero. As she navigates her way through the entertainment industry, she finds herself at the center of a media storm when her latest movie about adoption is criticized for perpetuating the same tired story of tragedy.

What sets this book apart is India's bold decision to speak out against the movie's portrayal of adoption. As an adoptive mother in real life, she is determined to share the complexity and joy that come with building a family through adoption. The book explores the challenges she faces, not only from the media and paparazzi but also from advocates on both sides of the adoption debate.

The heart of the story lies in India's belief that family is not defined by blood alone. Through her unconventional family dynamics and the complications that arise, readers are reminded that love alone does not dictate the essence of a family. Frankel skillfully navigates the complexities of relationships and emotions, delivering a narrative that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking.

"Family Family" is a must-read for anyone seeking a fresh perspective on adoption narratives. Frankel's engaging storytelling and her commitment to breaking away from clichés make this novel a compelling and uplifting exploration of the true meaning of family. In a world where adoption stories often lean towards tragedy, this book stands out as a beacon of positivity, reminding us that family, indeed, is beautifully complicated.

India Allwood's childhood dream of becoming an actor propels her from a shy sixteen-year-old to a Broadway sensation and eventually a television superhero. However, her latest project—a prestigious film centered on adoption—falls short, perpetuating the tired narrative of tragedy. As an adoptive mother herself, India is determined to challenge this portrayal and sheds light on the complexities of her own family.

In a bold move, she candidly shares her opinion with a journalist, labeling the movie as subpar. This sparks a frenzied media storm, with India facing backlash from all sides—press, paparazzi, right-wing protesters, and left-wing advocates. With her twin ten-year-olds caught in the crossfire, India realizes she needs support. But involving her family only complicates matters further, as she grapples with the realization that she's not just an adoptive mother.

Throughout the chaos, India holds firm to one belief: family is more than just blood or love—it's intricate and multifaceted. As she navigates the tumultuous aftermath of her revelation, India discovers that the truth about family is anything but simple.

What a great read! The audiobook was very well done and the story was so engaging. I was trying to find any reason to listen in. My house is clean and I walked a bunch. Thank you Laurie Frankel! The story grabbed me right away and the characters were so lovely. I just wish it didn't have to end. Wonderful.

Thank you NetGalley for the kindle download and audiobook version of “Family, Family” by Laurie Frankel. This story is centered around the concepts of adoption and family. India is the main character of to story. She gave a daughter up for adoption after becoming pregnant in high school and then a son after becoming pregnant in college. Once her adult life began, she adopted twins.

India was staring in a movie that portrayed that children of adoption ended up with a sad life and often turned to drug use. She was not in agreement with the film and the way adoption was portrayed. The twins reached out to the India’s first child Rebecca. Once the three kids were together, they devised a plan and got India’s son and his fathers together. All of the kids and adoptive parents came together to show that adoptions can be positive and a supportive environment for children. India gave an interview disputing the movie. She wanted to show that adoptions can have a happy ending for all involved. Also, that family can be a force to be reckoned with.

The audiobook is nicely narrated. It felt like you were there while the story was being told.

This book was one of the best I've read in AGES.

It was hilarious, it was deep, it was celebratory of varying situations but looked at the way others view those situations negatively. It was a constant unlayering onion.

India Allwood is the actress of a generation. She knew she would be from high school and she worked to get there. But when she's in a movie that talks about the worst scenarios and feelings of adoption and adopted families, her press situation gets out of control. Told between a present-day timeline and a timeline that starts with high school-India up to present day, the story slowly reveals all the ways that India's life has integrated with adoption and the attitudes that are expressed about women who choose to place their babies into adoptions, those who choose to adopt, the feelings of the adopted children due to these attitudes, and those who are placed up for adoption due to disturbing circumstances and stigmas around adoptive families. The conversation itself is enlightening and valuable, including simple conversations of representation. It's a beautifully written piece.
The audio for the audiobook edition is so well done, even with all the voices that happen in the book.

#arc
#netgalley
#familyfamily

What a refreshing take on Adoption!
What a remarkable book!
What a phenomenal story!!

The book revolves around the main character, India Allwood, and somewhat remarkably, bounces back and forth between the present, and her past...going all the way back to HS and her first love, college and her next love, and the present with her twins!
As many teenagers are, she was awkward...We meet her at 16, when she is a budding young woman...with a friend or two, but many problems...as all teenagers have.
But the one thing she knew in her heart was that she was going to make a name for herself... She was going to be an actress. And what better way to start than in her HS musical? And so her story begins...but it is not what you may expect... (at least, not at all what I expected!)

Fast forward to college...and she meets her boyfriend. She's acting. She's in love. What more could you ask for??

Fast forward again, and she's in the present. She has twins. Her career is taking off...
But, there are things she has been hiding. Things in her past...

This was a delightful story! One that I honestly never expected, and so loved!
I felt like I got to know (and feel for) each and every one of the characters in the book. And there were a lot. And that is not an easy task....
I found myself laughing out loud at many of the predicaments... and then shedding a tear in the next moment for a lost memory or thought.

Such thought provoking scenes. Such dedication to both her job and her family. Such Love. And yet, such Loss too!

And the kids! Just hysterical!! What ends will they go to to get what they want?? Well, you'll just have to read to find out!!

So being as it brought out so many emotions in me, 4 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me, rounded up to 5 !

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for an ARC of the audiobook which released this week!

#FamilyFamily by #LaurieFrankel. Narrated phenomenally by #PattiMurin.

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Incredible book but be prepared to cry 😭 😭😭

Or maybe it’s just me since two of my children are adopted. This book does a great job at explaining there are many paths to becoming a parent/family and ALL options are good.

Special thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.


#FamilyFamily
#LaurieFrankel
#PattiMurin
#audiobook

I really enjoyed listening to Frankel's book One Two Three, about triplet sisters living in a town struggling with environmental contamination. So, I was really excited to read this new book also focused on family and siblings but in a very different way - mainly revolving around adoption, how we choose to define family and how we overcome or deal with the negative and positive impacts of family.

Frankel's character development is still strong in this book - each character is very well-defined, which was helpful since there were a lot of characters and also a lot of traveling back between the past and present day. I did struggle with the plot - it felt like the book could have been a little shorter and half-way through I couldn't figure out what else needed to happen in the book or what resolution we were aiming for.

Regardless of that, the issue of adoption and how and when we choose to build our families was really interesting and I enjoyed the story that unfolded.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen to this title in exchange for a honest review.

FAMILY FAMILY by Laurie Frankel tackles the pressures of a public persona and a private life in conflict. India, a famous actress, is being judged for her offhand comments about her recent movie, and much is at stake.

The storyline jumps between the past and the present, slowly allowing readers to learn what informed India's opinions on adoption, family, and belonging. What feels like a simplistic storyline grows in depth and asks readers to consider their assumptions and judgements, as the cast of characters grow and people from her past gather together in support.

The audiobook was an easy listen, and the narrator Patti Murin is skilled at a range of voices. Those who encounter this as an audiobook will get the added treat of a recorded conversation between Laurie Frankel and Patti Murin. They have strong mutual admiration, and they dialogue about the accuracy of the subject matter, the development of craft, be it acting or writing, and the commonalities they share. It was a lovely close to a thoughtful book.

(I received a digital ALC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.)