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This Is How It Always Is
June 2020: Other Books
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This Is How It Always Is - Laurie Frankel - 4 stars
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Jun 15, 2020 07:47PM
Author Laurie Frankel’s novel is about the Walsh-Adams family. Rosie is a doctor and her husband, Penn, is a writer. They have five sons. The youngest, Claude, is only three when he starts to question who he is. He would prefer to be a girl and his family is accepting of this. After they relocate to Seattle, Claude chooses the name Poppy. However, the family does not tell people who Poppy is and the secret is hard to keep for the other children. The story talks about how Rosie and Penn try to guide and protect Poppy, but may have different approaches. It also reveals what happens when the secret is learned by others and how the older children have been affected. This is a well written book that focuses on family. Including traits of the other brothers helps give the book balance. The author shows Poppy’s growth, but also that of others around her.
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I really liked this one quite a bit.
I read this with a book club last year, and it generated a lively discussion. It was interesting to hear the reactions from some of the oldest members of the group. I really enjoyed the book. I agree that it was important to include the impact on the siblings. I also remember a poignant friendship issue.
My friend and I read this book together. At the time, her now son had just recently told her that all of his life, growing up female, he had wanted to be male. He was about 20 years old when he came out to his parents as trans. It was imperative to my friend that she read this book, as well as others on the subject. As I said, we read it together. When I came to a violent part, I remember calling her and saying that maybe, she should not continue reading. However, she certainly continued. As a parent, she does have fears for her son's safety. Also, people who are trans have a higher risk of suicide, which my friend is aware of. Her son today is doing well. For me, this is what the book represents and why fiction, if written honestly, can be so helpful.
