This Is How It Always Is is a novel by Laurie Frankel about a family with five sons, four of whom are adopted. The youngest son, Named Claude, reveals to his parents that he wants to be called Poppy and live as a girl. This sets off a journey for the whole family as they figure out how to deal with this new revelation about their child.
For who is this book for ?
This Is How It Always Is is a book that would be perfect for anyone who is interested in reading about LGBTQ+ issues. The story follows a family as they deal with their youngest son coming out as transgender, and so the reader can learn about all of the different emotions and experiences that come along with this type of situation.
Pros :
- This Is How It Always Is deals with a complex issue in a sensitive way.
- The characters are well developed and realistic.
- The plot is engaging and keeps the reader hooked until the end.
Cons :
- The plot could be more exciting.
- The characters are not very likable.
- It is a bit preachy
Learn more about the author
Laurie Frankel is the author of This Is How It Always Is, a novel about a family with five sons, four of whom are adopted. The youngest son, Named Claude, reveals to his parents that he wants to be called Poppy and live as a girl. This sets off a journey for the whole family as they figure out how to deal with this new revelation about their child. Laurie has also written Deep Down True and Goodbye for Now.
Reader Reviews
“This book is a sensitive and beautiful exploration of what it means to be transgender. The characters are richly drawn and the plot moves deftly back and forth in time, exploring both the emotional challenges faced by Claude/Poppy as well as the reactions of family members who must come to terms with their child’s gender identity. I highly recommend this read for anyone interested in learning more about families coping with transgender issues.”
“This Is How It Always Is is a beautifully written and powerful story of a family struggling to accept their youngest son for who he really is. Claude’s determination to be himself, no matter what the cost, will both break your heart and inspire you. I highly recommend this book!”
“I couldn’t put it down. It was a great read.”
“Remarkable… a beautiful, sprawling novel about change and family. Laurie Frankel has written an extraordinarily moving story that will stay with me for a long time.”