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This Is How It Always Is
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This is How it Always Is - Laurie Frankel (MOD Takeover BOM) - 22 July 2019
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Qs Day 3 - Everyone Who? - Hedge Enemies11. The description of them unpacking - pictures on wall first - is so true to me: pictures on the wall, books on shelves and the rest can wait. Do you unpack like that? More widely, did you enjoy the information about the family settling into the new neighbourhood?
I definitely don't unpack strategically, and I think it's important to mix fun stuff like pictures and books in between the stuff you actually need!
12. Rosie is having difficulties settling into the new job, and the senior partner's slightly wonky (but oh-so-real) view about how flexible working actually functions. Do you enjoy that Frankel is bringing in adult life issues wider than just parenting a trans kid?
I think it makes sense because it definitely adds to the story and I guess makes the whole thing more realistic... and I guess these are the parts I have less criticism about - I am not enjoying some of the book's messages overall.
13. Roo.... poor Roo. What did you think about his video project when you first read about it? How did you feel by the end of the section? Any thoughts on how Roo's story will pan out?
Honestly, it was clear to me from the start that his message was not what they had all interpreted! I was so confused by their reaction cause it seemed so obvious to me - and I was so glad when we found out that he did indeed not mean it the way they all interpreted it. I keep wondering whether Roo might not actually be gay after all, since it has come up a few times already.
14. The last chapter has a discussion about gender pay equality, and Rosie realises that Poppy had no idea about this, and wonders if they have done her a disservice by sheltering her too much from equality issues. Do you agree? Do you think it's realistic that Poppy wouldn't know?
Poppy is nine, so I think it is realistic she wouldn't know about gender inequality & pay gaps - and that she is aware that her family's situation with her mom being the breadwinner and earning more money is not too common. I think Rosie is overthinking all of these questions and I side with Penn most of the time.
15. I find the narrator's voice slightly odd: it veers from a high-level view down into intimate POV, and chucks in a whole load of Ominous Warnings of Impending Doom. Are you enjoying the writing style?
Agreed - and I am not enjoying it. I think the whole "foreshadowing" actually perpetuates a negative message that I doubt the author was intending on. It keeps reiterating that keeping secrets is bad, and yes I don't approve of Rosie & Penn deciding to actually make an effort to keep Poppy being trans a secret, but to me the narration seems to imply that they should've indeed shoved it into everyone's faces from the very start, which is not a good message at all - as Mr. Tongo said, it's nobody's business what Poppy has in her pants.
Day 4 - Who Knows? - Aid Ambiguous16. Throughout the book Penn has used fairy tales to explore the issues in their lives. Did you enjoy this approach?
I have enjoyed his stories surpringly much! I'm usually not a huge fan of fairytales in general and those fictional stories that are supposed to represent something else happening to the characters, but here it's so blatant it's kind of funny.
17. All 4 boys admitted to telling Poppy's secret. Were you surprised by this? And how did you feel when it was later revealed how Poppy was outed?
Not really - it seemed unlikely that they had all kept quiet. And I also wasn't surprised by how it actually happened - weird strange coincidences often seem to lead to these big reveals and I think they're actually more realistic than the "conflicts" we most often get in books.
18. Up to this point I really enjoyed the scenes with Mr. Tongo. What did you think of his guidance to Penn and Rosie? Do you believe that by sheltering Poppy they hindered her development?
I think there's a difference between sheltering and essentially ignoring something - which is what they have done. So, while their intentions have been good, their execution was lacking and now it's catching up to them (though I wonder why the all-knowing Mr. Tongo didn't hint at that earlier?)
19. On the one hand we have Penn enthusiastically researching vaginoplasty for Poppy's future, but on the other we have Rosie more along the lines of making decisions based on the present. Considering that Poppy is only 10 and taking into account the events leading up to this discussion, which side did you most agree with?
Once again, I am on Penn's side. I don't see any fault with figuring out what options for the future are, and at this point, the future is much closer than what Rosie seems to think, and what Penn is doing is not dreaming/wishful thinking but actually bringing himself into a position where he can eventually guide Poppy when it's time.
20. Unexpectedly Rosie decided to work at the clinic in Thailand and to take Claude/Poppy with her. Did you think this was the right thing to do for Claude/Poppy? For her family?
I think the distance and change of scenery is a good idea but Thailand seems quite auspicious...
Day 5Novice - End
21. As Rosie battles the crisis of being a doctor in a hospital in the middle of a jungle with less than enough resources at hand, Claude/Poppy is thrust into a school to teach English to the kids there, which are very different from what she is used to - much simpler, maybe. If you had an opportunity to go to a place like that, would you take it? Do you think it would be life-changing for you? If yes/no, why?
I deliberately decided against it when I got done with high school, but at this point in my life, maybe.
22. What did you think of the ending? Did you think Aggie and Poppy would make up? What about Penn selling his fairytale - do you think that is a story that you would read yourself or would read to your children, about Grumwald who was a prince and a princess at the same time?
I think it wrapped up too quickly and I guess too neatly (but not the part with Poppy going back to school). I did like that Penn chose his fairytale at the end, and I quite enjoyed the story - it might be something I'd consider, yes.
23. I especially liked the end chapter where his/her story is drawn out, a metaphor for everything Poppy went through. Did you think it was a good addition to the book? And what about the moral: 'story is the best magic there is'. Do you agree/disagree?
I thought it was kind of strange and out of place, since we always got the story format including the kids' injections before and was kind of missing that.
24. All in all, did you enjoy the book? How would you rate it?
Honestly, I don't know. I don't think I really enjoyed it cause it just left a bad taste in my mouth for at least 60% (as I went into a little in my Day 3 comments). I think I'm settling on somewhere between 2 and 3 stars, rounding down to 2 for the sake of GR's rating scale.
I generally enjoyed how supportive the parents (and the rest of the family) was and I think that it's a really important story to tell that there is support for trans and gender nonconforming kids, I just think the author made some bad choices with her narrator that really pushed that part into the background for me.
Day 4 - Who Knows? - Aid Ambiguous16. Throughout the book Penn has used fairy tales to explore the issues in their lives. Did you enjoy this approach?
This was one of my favorite parts of the book.
17. All 4 boys admitted to telling Poppy's secret. Were you surprised by this? And how did you feel when it was later revealed how Poppy was outed?
I wasn't surprised at all that all of them admitted. They all love Poppy and feel bad.
18. Up to this point I really enjoyed the scenes with Mr. Tongo. What did you think of his guidance to Penn and Rosie? Do you believe that by sheltering Poppy they hindered her development?
I wasn't sure what to think. I kind of thought that sheltering her might be good, but maybe it was also bad.
19. On the one hand we have Penn enthusiastically researching vaginoplasty for Poppy's future, but on the other we have Rosie more along the lines of making decisions based on the present. Considering that Poppy is only 10 and taking into account the events leading up to this discussion, which side did you most agree with?
I think maybe Penn is getting ahead of himself, but I also think Rosie should listen to Penn. The middle would be good.
20. Unexpectedly Rosie decided to work at the clinic in Thailand and to take Claude/Poppy with her. Did you think this was the right thing to do for Claude/Poppy? For her family?
I don't know if it was the right thing or the family, but I do think Claude/Poppy needed a change for a time.
Day 1: Start - Halloween1. Did you have any preconcieved ideas about this book before you started, what where they?
No.
2. Rosie shares with us the continued pursuit of having a daughter and possibly having a version of her little sister Poppy in that daughter, what was your reaction to that?
I thought it was normal but sad.
3. What do you think of Rosie and Penn's parenting style so far?
I think they do a great job!
4. I'm loving grandma, she doesn't even blink twice when Claude wants a bikini; what do you think would help Claude most, letting him wear bikini and dress in public or restricting him to only wear those at home?
I think letting him be who he is helped him the most.
5. It breaks my heart when Penn shows Rosie the drawings Claude has made of the family, where he is getting smaller with every drawing. What should they do?
Since I've finished the book, they did the right thing in letting Claude be who he was.
DQs Day 2: Maybe to Rival Neighbor Princess6.) The adults in this book have a wide range of reactions to Claude. You have the fun Mr. Tongo, the principle, Victoria Revels, Miss Appleton, the gun totting Nick, the horrible Cindy (who risks a kid's life like that!?!) and their reactions to Claude vary drastically. Thinking about these characters, I keep going back to the quote "At home Claude is loved no matter what. At school, sometimes it feels the opposite: you are not loved no matter what."
What do you think about this quote, is it true? What does the reactions of the older kids and adults versus the younger kids say about society?
For Claude it was accurate because his family did love him no matter what. That's not true for a lot of people though. And the second part about school is definitely true (as well as plenty of other places besides school.)
7.) In this section we learn where the title comes from. Do you agree with Penn's statement?
I;ve finished the book and don't remember this part.
8.) Claude chooses his new name, and as new names are wont to do, a new identity. Were you surprised at his choice? Do you think it was a good choice? Or a foreshadow of danger ahead?
I think it was a sweet choice.
9.) Do you agree with Rosie's decision to move the family? Do you think problems will crop up with Roo in their new home with how attached he was to life in WI?
There are problems everywhere, so yes. But I don't think she had a choice - she would never feel her family was safe in WI after the incidents.
10.) What are your thoughts are keeping Claude/Poppy's gender secret in their new home? How do you think the truth will come out? When it does, what do you think will happen to Poppy?
I think this is a trainwreck waiting to happen.
DQs Day 3 - Everyone Who? - Hedge Enemies11. The description of them unpacking - pictures on wall first - is so true to me: pictures on the wall, books on shelves and the rest can wait. Do you unpack like that? More widely, did you enjoy the information about the family settling into the new neighbourhood?
I haven't unpacked anything in so long I can't remember.
12. Rosie is having difficulties settling into the new job, and the senior partner's slightly wonky (but oh-so-real) view about how flexible working actually functions. Do you enjoy that Frankel is bringing in adult life issues wider than just parenting a trans kid?
I think Frankel is a dick!
13. Roo.... poor Roo. What did you think about his video project when you first read about it? How did you feel by the end of the section? Any thoughts on how Roo's story will pan out?
I was confused about how Roo would make a project of this type and figured he was acting out because of the move.
14. The last chapter has a discussion about gender pay equality, and Rosie realises that Poppy had no idea about this, and wonders if they have done her a disservice by sheltering her too much from equality issues. Do you agree? Do you think it's realistic that Poppy wouldn't know?
She's a little kid and her mom was the breadwinner in the family, so I don't think it was something that had ever been an issue in her family.
15. I find the narrator's voice slightly odd: it veers from a high-level view down into intimate POV, and chucks in a whole load of Ominous Warnings of Impending Doom. Are you enjoying the writing style?
I had a hard time getting used to the writing style - I can't say I enjoyed it.
Day 4 - Who Knows? - Aid Ambiguous16. Throughout the book Penn has used fairy tales to explore the issues in their lives. Did you enjoy this approach?
Yes.
17. All 4 boys admitted to telling Poppy's secret. Were you surprised by this? And how did you feel when it was later revealed how Poppy was outed?
I wasn't surprised that it came out and I was really sad to find out how it actually happened, but also glad for the boys that their part of telling the secret wasn't the cause.
18. Up to this point I really enjoyed the scenes with Mr. Tongo. What did you think of his guidance to Penn and Rosie? Do you believe that by sheltering Poppy they hindered her development?
I don't believe they sheltered Poppy as much as they think they did. Poppy decided herself to keep her secret but we all know it had to come out sometime.
19. On the one hand we have Penn enthusiastically researching vaginoplasty for Poppy's future, but on the other we have Rosie more along the lines of making decisions based on the present. Considering that Poppy is only 10 and taking into account the events leading up to this discussion, which side did you most agree with?
I do think that if they had to start making decisions in the next couple of years they should have started to have some basic discussions with Poppy about what was ahead.
20. Unexpectedly Rosie decided to work at the clinic in Thailand and to take Claude/Poppy with her. Did you think this was the right thing to do for Claude/Poppy? For her family?
At first I thought she was just running away again (like she did from WI, although with good reason.)
Day 5Novice - End
21. As Rosie battles the crisis of being a doctor in a hospital in the middle of a jungle with less than enough resources at hand, Claude/Poppy is thrust into a school to teach English to the kids there, which are very different from what she is used to - much simpler, maybe. If you had an opportunity to go to a place like that, would you take it? Do you think it would be life-changing for you? If yes/no, why?
When I was younger, maybe.
22. What did you think of the ending? Did you think Aggie and Poppy would make up? What about Penn selling his fairytale - do you think that is a story that you would read yourself or would read to your children, about Grumwald who was a prince and a princess at the same time?
I liked that Penn was able to turn his fairytale into something he could publish.
23. I especially liked the end chapter where his/her story is drawn out, a metaphor for everything Poppy went through. Did you think it was a good addition to the book? And what about the moral: 'story is the best magic there is'. Do you agree/disagree?
I did like it - it gave hope to having a good ending.
24. All in all, did you enjoy the book? How would you rate it?
I liked it and rated it 4 stars.
Day 1 Start - Halloween1. Did you have any preconceived ideas about this book before you started, what were they?
I didn't really even read much of the synopsis, but I expected kind of a funny, heartbreaking story.
2. Rosie shares with us the continued pursuit of having a daughter and possibly having a version of her little sister Poppy in that daughter, what was your reaction to that?
I thought the chapter where it's described all that she does to get a girl were pretty funny, but I did cringe a little when she was going on about Poppy. Not because she wanted to name the girl after her deceased sister, but because it felt a bit like she wanted her sister to be kind of reborn.
3. What do you think of Rosie and Penn's parenting style so far?
I really think their parenting style was great. They were supportive, loving, Penn even made up a whole story just to teach his kids about lessons in life. I think they did better than most parents.
4. I'm loving grandma, she doesn't even blink twice when Claude wants a bikini; what do you think would help Claude most, letting him wear bikini and dress in public or restricting him to only wear those at home?
I found this to be so sweet! As discussed later in the book, being in public like that can bring some issues, but I think it was an important thing to do so Claude could grow up as s/he did.
5. It breaks my heart when Penn shows Rosie the drawings Claude has made of the family, where he is getting smaller with every drawing. What should they do?
I really liked what they actually did after I've read the book. But as said, I really love how they parent: with love and support,
DQs Day 2: Maybe to Rival Neighbor Princess6. The adults in this book have a wide range of reactions to Claude. You have the fun Mr. Tongo, the principle, Victoria Revels, Miss Appleton, the gun-totting Nick, the horrible Cindy (who risks a kid's life like that!?!) and their reactions to Claude vary drastically. Thinking about these characters, I keep going back to the quote "At home Claude is loved no matter what. At school, sometimes it feels the opposite: you are not loved no matter what."
What do you think about this quote, is it true? What do the reactions of the older kids and adults versus the younger kids say about society?
School can be difficult sometimes. Parents raise their children differently, and sometimes in not the best way. Even though we live in modern society, a lot of children are still taught that being gay or being trans or anything else is bad and shouldn't be accepted.
7. In this section, we learn where the title comes from. Do you agree with Penn's statement?
I don't recall that part.
8. Claude chooses his new name, and as new names are wont to do, a new identity. Were you surprised at his choice? Do you think it was a good choice? Or a foreshadow of danger ahead?
I thought it was a pretty name, but it was kind of a foreshadow. I did have some issues in this part about how it felt a bit forced and maybe subliminal, how his mom always wanted another Poppy and everything after what happened to her sister.
9. Do you agree with Rosie's decision to move the family? Do you think problems will crop up with Roo in their new home with how attached he was to the life in WI?
I think she made the best decision not only for her family but also for herself. When you don't feel safe in some place, the logical thing to do is move. Although it can often cause problems, parents should do what they feel is the best for their kids.
10. What are your thoughts are keeping Claude/Poppy's gender secret in their new home? How do you think the truth will come out? When it does, what do you think will happen to Poppy?
It was the best decision at that time. Maybe they should've done it differently when she was a bit older, but at that time, it was best for her.
Day 4: Who Knows? - Aid Ambiguous16. Throughout the book Penn has used fairy tales to explore the issues in their lives. Did you enjoy this approach?
I thought it brought a certain charm to the story that I really like. I think it's a great way to bond with your children.
17. All 4 boys admitted to telling Poppy's secret. Were you surprised by this? And how did you feel when it was later revealed how Poppy was outed?
I wasn't surprised. Keeping a secret like that is hard, and I think they definitely tried pretty hard to keep the whole thing under control. I was sad when she was outed though, although it would've happened sooner or later, and maybe she needed that.
18. Up to this point I really enjoyed the scenes with Mr. Tongo. What did you think of his guidance to Penn and Rosie? Do you believe that by sheltering Poppy they hindered her development?
At some parts in the story, yes. And I loved him! He was quirky, but also supportive and wanted the best for both Rosie and Penn, but also Poppy.
19. On the one hand we have Penn enthusiastically researching vaginoplasty for Poppy's future, but on the other we have Rosie more along the lines of making decisions based on the present. Considering that Poppy is only 10 and taking into account the events leading up to this discussion, which side did you most agree with?
I couldn't really take sides. I felt like one steered really far in one direction while the other one went the other way. Penn's approach was definitely too drastic, but Rosie's was a bit too mild depending on the whole situation.
20. Unexpectedly Rosie decided to work at the clinic in Thailand and to take Claude/Poppy with her. Did you think this was the right thing to do for Claude/Poppy? For her family?
I think yes. That way, both Rosie and Poppy got a break from their lives and discovered what was actually important and how to deal with Poppy's issues.
Day 1: Start - Halloween1. Did you have any preconceived ideas about this book before you started, what were they?
* I usually never read the synopsis, so nothing.
2. Rosie shares with us the continued pursuit of having a daughter and possibly having a version of her little sister Poppy in that daughter, what was your reaction to that?
* She misses her sister who she lost too early for the kid. So, her dream has always been to have a girl - a daughter that she could make up the times she missed after her sister died.
3. What do you think of Rosie and Penn's parenting style so far?
* Norma, okay? Every parenting style is different, so I don't have anything against them. They love their kids that the most important thing.
4. I'm loving grandma, she doesn't even blink twice when Claude wants a bikini; what do you think would help Claude most, letting him wear bikini and dress in public or restricting him to only wear those at home?
* Claude should wear whenever, whatever Claude wants. Also, he is a kid, let him live his life as freely as he wants.
5. It breaks my heart when Penn shows Rosie the drawings Claude has made of the family, where he is getting smaller with every drawing. What should they do?
* See the therapist. Talk to Claude.
DQs Day 2: Maybe to Rival Neighbor Princess6.) The adults in this book have a wide range of reactions to Claude. You have the fun Mr. Tongo, the principle, Victoria Revels, Miss Appleton, the gun totting Nick, the horrible Cindy (who risks a kid's life like that!?!) and their reactions to Claude vary drastically. Thinking about these characters, I keep going back to the quote "At home Claude is loved no matter what. At school, sometimes it feels the opposite: you are not loved no matter what."
What do you think about this quote, is it true? What does the reactions of the older kids and adults versus the younger kids say about society?
* True, parents/siblings are usually the one who will accept no matter what, but people who are outside your family will always have their own opinions. Kids are more open about everything but with time these kids grow up with social norms what others are forcing on them.
7.) In this section we learn where the title comes from. Do you agree with Penn's statement?
* I missed this, but I'm sure it's truthful.
8.) Claude chooses his new name, and as new names are wont to do, a new identity. Were you surprised at his choice? Do you think it was a good choice? Or a foreshadow of danger ahead?
* I love his choice, she and her family too, so no problem there.
9.) Do you agree with Rosie's decision to move the family? Do you think problems will crop up with Roo in their new home with how attached he was to life in WI?
* I'm not a parent, but I do understand why she did what she did. Of course, he will crop up, he is just a kid.
10.) What are your thoughts are keeping Claude/Poppy's gender secret in their new home? How do you think the truth will come out? When it does, what do you think will happen to Poppy?
* I think they have a right to tell when they are ready. But maybe the principal and school staff should know? Something to do with dressing up - gym, sleepover, etc. It could go both ways - everyone will accept Poppy as she is or not and from that depends how Poppy will cope with it.
DQs Day 3 - Everyone Who? - Hedge Enemies11. The description of them unpacking - pictures on wall first - is so true to me: pictures on the wall, books on shelves and the rest can wait. Do you unpack like that? More widely, did you enjoy the information about the family settling into the new neighbourhood?
* No, first are clothes, etc and accessories are last. I really liked, it showed how normal family are they.
12. Rosie is having difficulties settling into the new job, and the senior partner's slightly wonky (but oh-so-real) view about how flexible working actually functions. Do you enjoy that Frankel is bringing in adult life issues wider than just parenting a trans kid?
* Yes.
13. Roo.... poor Roo. What did you think about his video project when you first read about it? How did you feel by the end of the section? Any thoughts on how Roo's story will pan out?
* As you read as it is it was awful, cuz' he didn't know how to express his feeling and thought correctly, but later he explained everything what it was for.
14. The last chapter has a discussion about gender pay equality, and Rosie realises that Poppy had no idea about this, and wonders if they have done her a disservice by sheltering her too much from equality issues. Do you agree? Do you think it's realistic that Poppy wouldn't know?
* Poppy is 10, most kids don't know in that age.
15. I find the narrator's voice slightly odd: it veers from a high-level view down into intimate POV, and chucks in a whole load of Ominous Warnings of Impending Doom. Are you enjoying the writing style?
* Yes.
Day 4 - Who Knows? - Aid Ambiguous16. Throughout the book Penn has used fairy tales to explore the issues in their lives. Did you enjoy this approach?
* Yes, it's something new and interesting way to explain life, gender, etc.
17. All 4 boys admitted to telling Poppy's secret. Were you surprised by this? And how did you feel when it was later revealed how Poppy was outed?
* It wasn't surprising, they are still kids and sometimes keeping big secret is hard. It wasn't fear, but it's life. I strongly believe that Poppy should have told herself whenever she is ready, but life is not always fair.
18. Up to this point I really enjoyed the scenes with Mr. Tongo. What did you think of his guidance to Penn and Rosie? Do you believe that by sheltering Poppy they hindered her development?
* He was really good and talked about everything and was with them when they needed him and his support. Yes and no, they should have a more open conversation with her, cuz' these things are happening to her, not to them, so it would be good if they explained to her everything step by step.
19. On the one hand we have Penn enthusiastically researching vaginoplasty for Poppy's future, but on the other we have Rosie more along the lines of making decisions based on the present. Considering that Poppy is only 10 and taking into account the events leading up to this discussion, which side did you most agree with?
* Both. It's too early to do anything, but it's never early to do research and be ready to do everything what is best for their kid.
20. Unexpectedly Rosie decided to work at the clinic in Thailand and to take Claude/Poppy with her. Did you think this was the right thing to do for Claude/Poppy? For her family?
* For Claude/Poppy - it's a chance to think and understand what she/he wants or is. Family - not really, but Rosie and Claude/Poppy needed it.
Day 5Novice - End
21. As Rosie battles the crisis of being a doctor in a hospital in the middle of a jungle with less than enough resources at hand, Claude/Poppy is thrust into a school to teach English to the kids there, which are very different from what she is used to - much simpler, maybe. If you had an opportunity to go to a place like that, would you take it? Do you think it would be life-changing for you? If yes/no, why?
* If I had an opportunity I would, Helping others is the grateful thing to do no matter what.
22. What did you think of the ending? Did you think Aggie and Poppy would make up? What about Penn selling his fairytale - do you think that is a story that you would read yourself or would read to your children, about Grumwald who was a prince and a princess at the same time?
* I am happy that he is publishing a book - educational book.
23. I especially liked the end chapter where his/her story is drawn out, a metaphor for everything Poppy went through. Did you think it was a good addition to the book? And what about the moral: 'story is the best magic there is'. Do you agree/disagree?
* I do - happy ending are always good.
24. All in all, did you enjoy the book? How would you rate it?
* Really liked it, well-written story. 4 or 4.5 stars.
6.) The adults in this book have a wide range of reactions to Claude. You have the fun Mr. Tongo, the principle, Victoria Revels, Miss Appleton, the gun totting Nick, the horrible Cindy (who risks a kid's life like that!?!) and their reactions to Claude vary drastically. Thinking about these characters, I keep going back to the quote "At home Claude is loved no matter what. At school, sometimes it feels the opposite: you are not loved no matter what."
What do you think about this quote, is it true? What does the reactions of the older kids and adults versus the younger kids say about society?
I personally had a mostly positive experience in school but I know that for many people it's hell on earth, which makes me so sad. About the other question: I think we worry too much and sometimes our desire to understand everything is actually a negative thing and keeps us from accepting that some people and things are just different than what we personally experience.
7.) In this section we learn where the title comes from. Do you agree with Penn's statement?
I didn't even pick up on that! Must've been one of the sections I listened to the audiobook for...
8.) Claude chooses his new name, and as new names are wont to do, a new identity. Were you surprised at his choice? Do you think it was a good choice? Or a foreshadow of danger ahead?
I think it was kind of an obvious choice after Poppy was so extensively introduced to us at the start. I'm never a huge fan of naming kids after relatives (or other role models) cause it just enables comparisons and can easily put too much pressure on kids.
9.) Do you agree with Rosie's decision to move the family? Do you think problems will crop up with Roo in their new home with how attached he was to life in WI?
I can totally see where she's coming from and a new start might definitely be helpful. But also, I can see the benefits of staying... I don't really think that'll be massively addressed in the book? And I also wouldn't put too much stock into his attachment to WI - things change so quickly! (I don't think moving is necessarily easy for kids though - I've done it myself twice and it's not always fun...)
10.) What are your thoughts are keeping Claude/Poppy's gender secret in their new home? How do you think the truth will come out? When it does, what do you think will happen to Poppy?
Well, I don't think it's keeping it a secret since Poppy is a girl. And I don't particularly see any reason why you would broadcast that your kid is trans if the whole point of the move is to get away from people's judgement and inability to deal with it. So while I can see why and how this might become an issue, I think this is the right way to go.