I love writing five star reviews! This book is just so good. Charming, funny, touching, it checks all the boxes. I love exploring ideas of what makes a family and Laurie Frankel excels at challenging all of the “traditional” ways families are defined. India Allwood is a delight! I love her energy and enthusiasm to make sure everyone wins. I really appreciated this refreshing look at women’s choices when pregnant and positively presenting adoption as one of those choices. Please don’t skip the author’s note! Because of India, I now want to carry confetti in my pocket to celebrate all of the wins!

This is my third outing with Laurie Frankel. She writes about deep issues with such respect and humor that the stories avoid becoming impossibly oppressive. I liked This Is How It Always Is more than average. I gave One Two Three 4.5 stars. It is precisely because OTT affected me so greatly that I jumped at the chance to read this ARC.

Family Family also rates an extraordinary 4.5 stars from me for its wonderful surprises, huge doses of humor, adorably quirky and precocious kids, and depiction of different types of families. Friendships are also important to the story, especially India's relationship with her college roommate, Dakota. The story is told in multiple timelines.

The audiobook is stupendously narrated by actor Patti Murin. If you choose to read with your ears, don't stop at the end of the book—listen to the author/narrator discussion, too.

Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected January 23.

I LOVED THIS BOOK! I mixed listening to an advanced listening copy (thank you Macmillan Audio) with reading an ARC (thank you Henry Holt Books!) because I felt the need to ingest this book as quickly as possible. All opinions are my own.
Family Family is about family (duh!), similar to Frankel’s previous books This Is How It Always Is and One Two Three. While continuing to explore the complications of family, this book focuses on adoption, both from the lens of families wanting to adopt and a person carrying a baby to term to be adopted. Adoption is approached in an authentic manner, not seen as only “a last resort, an imperfect way out of worse circumstances”. While I didn’t always understand the main character, India, I was able to respect her decisions and her love for her family (family). My other favorite quote isn’t upbeat, but I think its message rings true for many: “It turns out love is not all you need. It turns out love is not what makes a family.”
This is a character driven novel, and by the end there are many different characters, but they are introduced a few at a time to help the reader recognize each without confusion (even when some have the same first name 🤣). The storyline alternates seamlessly between the past and the present. It is a longer book (400 pages, almost 15 hours), but I was engaged throughout.
One especially awesome part of the audiobook is that it includes a 45 minute interview between Patti Murin, the excellent narrator (you may recognize her as narrating Katherine Center’s recent books, as well as many others - or as Anna in the Broadway musical Frozen), and Laurie Frankel, the author. I love hearing authors discuss their work, and it was even more interesting to hear what questions the two asked each other. Honestly, if you read the book in ARC format, I highly recommend checking out this interview when it publishes tomorrow because it added so much to my reading experience.

I went into Family Family by Laurie Frankel blind – and that is exactly what I recommend you do. I have long been a fan of Frankel’s work, so I trust her to take me where she needs me to go. Laurie Frankel has such a talent for writing about difficult scenarios in such a unique and heartfelt way. I was immediately drawn into the story and the differing timelines allowed me so many unforgettable a-ha moments.

I listened to the audiobook through NetGalley (while following along on my Kindle) and that added so much to my listening pleasure. The narrator was Patti Murin and I especially enjoyed listening to her and Frankel's discussion at the end of the book. Author's, take note! This addition to your work truly makes the story so special for your reader. It makes us feel as though we are a part of the production and care of the author's work.

Thank you to @netgalley, @macmillanaudio @henryholt for the ability to read Family Family before it releases.

Here is a bit of the synopsis:
Actress India Allwood’s new movie is a story based on adoption, but the spin of it is the same old tired story of tragedy. India is an adoptive mom herself, so she does something she should never do – she tells the journalist the truth; she thinks it is a bad movie. This puts her right at the center of a media storm; battling paparazzi and protesters. Her ten-year-old twins know they need help – and they know to call family. But what makes a family isn’t blood, or love; what makes a family is quite often complicated.

Adoption is a topic close to Laurie Frankel’s heart and you can hear that through her words. I found this audiobook to be positive and uplifting. One of the things that made this a five-star read for me was how relatable and likable the characters are. All of them have little idiosyncrasies that allow them to shine and jump off the page. I enjoyed the twists I didn’t see coming and I could feel myself being fully absorbed in the book – laughing or nodding my head in agreement! Family Family is a story about choices, adoption, teen pregnancy, single parenting, and standing up for what you believe in. I can’t recommend this book more!!

Family Family by Laurie Frankel was such a beautifully written story touching on adoption, the negative stigma that can sometimes be associated with how it comes about, and the different dynamics that can make up family. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Patti Murin.

This story follows the life of India Allwood flipping back and forth between two timelines. In her younger years, it is touching on teenage pregnancy, adoption, and her road to leading up to becoming a successful actress. In her adult years it portrays her dealing with media harassment, cancel culture, and not apologizing for what people think she "imposter portrays" in a movie role, when she has in fact experienced more in real life on the subject than the public knows. She revisits old relationships and goes on a journey from her past along the way.

I thought the characters were very well written. The maturity of the adults was admirable, and the curiousity of the children was endearing. I really enjoyed the added author's interview with the narrator at the end.

I want to thank NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this audio arc in exchange for an honest review.

Fam-tastic.

This is a story about adoption, but really, it’s a story about family. And family family, and the many shapes that can take. The characters were well-drawn and delightful, and the dialog and wordplay and insights throughout this dual-timeline tale were just *chef’s kiss.*

I started out switching back and forth between an ebook arc and an audiobook arc- because I didn’t want to have to wait to keep reading when I was on the go. But then I found out it was on the shelves early at B&N, and I jumped in the car and went and bought a copy- to read it that way, and because even halfway through, it was already clear to me that this would be going on my favorites shelf. Never mind that beautiful cover- it’s what’s inside that counts with this one. Highly recommend.

The audiobook was skillfully narrated by Patti Murin, and included an author’s note read by the author as well as a discussion between her and Murin.

Thank you Laurie Frankel, Henry Holt & Company, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

Family Family is so good. It's just so good, and I want you to imagine I'm saying that with Drew Barrymore-like emphasis. I loved it. Laurie Frankel is excellent at capturing American family life, with all of its nuances and weird challenges and different family dynamics and screens and parenting and the whole thing. She’s a gem.

Family Family is a smart take on adoption, unexpected pregnancies, what it means to be a parent, growing up, and a lot more. It’s also a really unique look at our celebrity-obsessed culture and the power of the anonymous critic. Hey, look at me, writing a critique of a book whose author I know almost nothing about. Meta, yeah? She seems great. Hi Laurie Frankel!

I can’t say enough good things about the narrator and the author’s commentary at the end.

Do you write reviews online for books, products, restaurants, or anything else? If so, have you ever written something you regret? Tell me!

*Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this audio arc in exchange for an honest review.*

This book has a very important message. When you think about adoption, you may not always think about it in a happy or joyous light. There is always that trauma or tragedy that seems to overtake it. This is exactly what India Allwood is sick of. She doesn't believe that all adoptions are full of pain and regret or tragedy. She believes that when the thing in everyone's best interest is done, it is so much better for everyone involved.

As someone who has never experienced an adoption, from either side, I may not be qualified to have an opinion on the top, but I thought the message of this book was beautiful and beautifully written. I think it is a beautiful thing for someone to be self-aware enough to know that they cannot care for a child the way the child deserves, but gives the child the chance to be with a family who can. It's something that cannot be easy, and the author conveyed that very well in the book. Just because something isn't easy doesn't mean it isn't the right thing to do.

The characters in this book were so realistic. The children were all so curious and questioning, which is exactly how I would expect them to be, especially in a situation like this. The parents/adults were so open and honest and understanding in a way I strive to be as an adult. The little kid in me was definitely a little envious that these kids had so many people who loved them.

The audiobook narrator did a great job. I have no complaints. The narrator was able to embody each character, and I could usually always tell who was talking.

This is such a good book choice if you want a true and important story that will have you in your feels. I will definitely be on the lookout for more books by this author.

Family Family is chaotic & moving in all the right places. It’s full of drama and life and quirky characters. Lots of different timelines and interconnected storylines going on to make one big beautiful mess of a family. I absolutely loved the audio. I’m not sure I would have enjoyed the book as much because it did get a little wordy at times, but it was excellent to listen to all the realistic life adventures.
Read if you love:
•family drama
•celebrity life
•unconventional families
•duel timelines
•multiple POVs (3rd person)
•coming of age
•quirky characters
•adoption stories

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC. Laurie Frankel is thew queen of family dramas, and this one might be my favorite. This book thought provoking, funny, and one I could not put down. I kept telling myself, just one more chapter.

Family Family is a character driven story about adoption. Which again is a topic I haven’t read much of. Y’all know me character driven stories are not typically my jam but this one had an interesting plot that kept it moving. It was so interesting to see the thoughts behind the decision for adoption and how all of the family dynamics played out. I enjoyed this one!

Family Family... what makes a family? What does it mean to be family family?

I liked Laurie Frankel's latest a whole lot. This is the third novel of hers I've read, and it might just by my favorite yet. She continues to explore family dynamics and relationships, this time with a focus on adoption. (As ever, I'd suggest skipping the synopsis and diving in, unless you prefer to have major plot points in mind from the onset.)

The audiobook narration by Patti Murin is fantastic; I'd definitely recommend opting for that mode. I also enjoyed the author's note and interview with the narrator.

(Review will be cross-posted to https://www.instagram.com/christine_queenofbooks/ the week of Jan. 22, likely on Jan. 23/pub. day.)

Let me tell you, I loved loved loved Family Family. My heart is full, my cheeks hurt from laughing and I have tear stained cheeks.
It is the story of the life of a movie star, India, who was pregnant as a teen and placed her baby up for adoption only later in life to fall under scrutiny for her recent movie about kids who were adopted. The book details India’s life from the teenage years to present day to explain how she got to where she is now. This book was everything. It is pain, regret, guilt, family and love - both of others and of yourself. Each character was dynamic, well-developed and full of surprises. It was thought-provoking and so clever with such witty banter, all while being so poignant in its takes on working women, adoption, pregnancy and abortion. I did not want it to end. All the stars.

This story takes place in two timelines. In the past we meet India, a lovestruck teenager with big dreams of college in NYC and becoming an actress. In the present, most of India’s dreams have come true - a successful career on Broadway and then TV, and two beautiful children. But when the press wants to cancel India for a movie that portrays adoption in a certain light, she gets forcibly outed as someone who has had many related experiences and perhaps understands the issue(s) more than anybody knows. I was absolutely riveted by both timelines. Laurie Frankel has such a talent for writing realistic fiction and complex relationships and dynamics. She also writes children without making them seem childish which I feel like adds so strongly to the story. Beyond just writing about families, this book does a great job showing how individuals have experiences that don’t fit into neat and tidy narratives and it’s wrong to try to tell someone their lived experience isn’t valid just because it doesn’t fit popular or common narrative(s) around an issue. It also highlights the importance of making sure diverse stories get told and how much representation matters in media, be it books, films, tv, art and more.

India Allwood wants to be an actress. She can act and dance but she cannot sing. She works hard to achieve her professional goals while encountering a series of obstacles. To tell more would be to spoil the story. I can say that Laurie Frankel does a great of jumping from present time to backstories. She also presents some chapters from other characters points of view. This is a wonderful story of what makes a family and how families can look very different. I listened to this on audio and Patti Murin did an outstanding job on male, female and juvenile characters. I thank NetGalley and MacMillian audio for the opportunity to listen to this ALC.

I am so thankful to NetGalley for a free copy of Family Family. I know better than to try family dramas-- but I was enticed by the idea of teasing apart the intricacies of adoption. I just struggle with family dramas, and this one was no exception. I also got a little lost with alllllll of the important characters popping up here, there and everywhere. The bright spot was the narrator, as I listened to audio.

ArAdoption is a big part of my life which is why I really wanted to read this book, that and I am a fan of the author (who turns out is also an adoptive mom!). I’m always interested to hear others in the adoption triad POV. Terminology was correct and she even touched on some of the ethics and coercion concerns with the industry.

As the author pointed out, it’s not about lack of representation but bullshit representation in adoption. It’s either tragic or tragic then miraculous and it isn’t always it either. There is trauma in adoption but it isn’t always doom and gloom, and I don’t think that is ignored here either. Adoption isn’t always settled for, sometimes it’s a joyful choice on both sides.

The whole book was thought provoking, unfolding each scenario as part of the main characters story as it moved from past to present. The main character and her children were delightful, quick witted, strong and funny. The story unfolded to understand what family is, how non traditional families can be created and the power of choice.

It may be that my relationship with adoption is too close and the book isn’t as good as I think it is, but it is told in a similar way as This is how it Always is and I loved that story too. This is my top book of 2024 so far.

This has been posted to GoodReads but I am unable to get the link to add below.

Laurie Frankel does it again. What a beautiful story written about such a difficult topic. Frankel draws you in with her personal experience, but portrays the story in such a relatable way. Five stars!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this audiobook.

I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was amazing! Her voice has this quiet, even paced quality that pairs so well with the author’s writing style. They are a perfect match especially for this book. The storyline somehow maintained a neat and orderly fashion while having a ton of characters and timelines, chaos abounding. I loved this one!

I wasn't expecting to enjoy this one so much but it was great! I love how chaotic it was with so many characters! Yet, the audiobook was absolutely easy to follow and really entertaining. Patti Murin does a fantastic job narrating this one.
Thank you so much to Macmillan Audio for the ALC of this one.