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A review by siobhanward
This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Reese's Book Club Pick 54/65
I think I liked the idea of this book more than the book itself. I like that Frankel drew from her own life experience, although she was clear that the book was not based on reality, either hers or her daughter's. I struggled, however, with the writing style (long sentences and very few paragraph breaks aren't my favourite), as well as how idealized it felt. Maybe it wasn't based on Frankel's real life, but on her own interpretation of how she wish life was. I don't know.
I would have loved if the family's Jewish identity were explored more. The intersectionality between transgender identities and Judaism is fascinating, and I would have loved to see that. However, if Frankel (and by extension, Rosie), isn't particularly religious, I can see why this wasn't covered more.
I think I liked the idea of this book more than the book itself. I like that Frankel drew from her own life experience, although she was clear that the book was not based on reality, either hers or her daughter's. I struggled, however, with the writing style (long sentences and very few paragraph breaks aren't my favourite), as well as how idealized it felt. Maybe it wasn't based on Frankel's real life, but on her own interpretation of how she wish life was. I don't know.
I would have loved if the family's Jewish identity were explored more. The intersectionality between transgender identities and Judaism is fascinating, and I would have loved to see that. However, if Frankel (and by extension, Rosie), isn't particularly religious, I can see why this wasn't covered more.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia