Family Family

I was so excited to receive Laurie Frankel's new novel, Family Family. One of my favorite books of all time is "This Is How It Always Is." Family Family' is such a wonderful book. It has everything; family relationships, adoption, celebrity status, love, and incredibly appealing characters that aid in telling the story. The book is beautifully written, and as much as I sped through it, I never wanted it to end. I bought it for two friends that are having upcoming birthdays and have a family history of adoption.

What can a popular movie and TV star teach the world about family? Everything it seems. India Allwood’s life is upended when her comments concerning her recent movie about adoption go viral. Her refusal to apologize only makes things worse. Who better to come to her defense than her daughter Bex who India placed for adoption when she was sixteen. And Bex was contacted by Fig, India’s adopted ten year old daughter. Yes, it’s complicated. Families are.

This glorious, sprawling novel by gifted author Laurie Frankel is full of surprises, laughter and tears. It’s a story with characters impossible to forget. Fig and her twin brother Jack have a horrendous back story. Robbie the zen hen, Ajax and Henri, the Andrews and Lewis are vividly described but India is the hero here. Her ambition, determination and ideals stand out. And as she says “Regardless of how they get made, family is a force to be reckoned with.” 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Henry Holt & Company and Laurie Frankel for this ARC.

Once again, Laurie Frankel does it. This is a beautiful story with the perfect title of "Family Family". It's about a woman and her life and dream to be an actor that gave me such a boost of love and peace and acceptance and insight into things I didn't know much about. Throughout the book, I found myself, at times, holding my breath because the moment was so beautiful and complex and beautiful. Book discussion groups take note: Add this one to your list - so much to share and discuss and learn for a group. Together. Lots of takeaways in this book but one I may start immediately is always having a pocketful of ripped up paper because you never know when you need confetti to celebrate something wonderful.

How am I so lucky to have a 2024 favorite already!

Family Family… where do I even start?! My reading experience was superb… I haven’t read this author before but have heard great things! Also a PNW local… the cover immediately grab my attention as well as a short blurb about adoption and it being a family drama.

With short chapters alternating time periods and constant jaw dropping bombs throughout. I highly recommend going in with very little info. I think not reading the synopsis made the surprises sprinkled throughout more… OMG WOW… I MUST KEEP READING.

Adoption is a theme I gravitate towards. My mom was adopted and it’s been a journey finding out info and much like what happens in the book everyone has a different journey and it’s just so refreshing to read stories like these.

Also make sure to read the authors powerful note at the end. 🧡

Laurie Frankel has such a gift for crafting social issues into compelling novels. With her storytelling, she presents a perspective that is unique and yet totally accessible. In Family Family, adoption is the main topic, with the story told from different voices and shifting timelines.

India Allwood is a young woman with a strong sense of who she is and who she wants to be. She makes choices that are unusual but totally in character. Family Family has several strong female voices who all contribute to the novel. The book has an important message and told in a way that keeps the reader engaged from the very start all the way through to the Author’s Note.

Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Holt/Macmillian publishers for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.