Scan barcode
A review by bobinsbooknook
This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book is a beautiful depiction of the journey of gender indentity for a family of a young child.
I couldn’t help but love Claude/Poppy and his/her relationship with family and friends.
It covers the topic of trans-identity in a way that was inspiring, celebrated without negating the harsh reality around it.
I regularly found myself falling in love with the heartwarming moments and having such empathy for the pure heartbreaking moments.
I loved the depiction of Claude running around in a pink swimsuit to the public pool. So full of joy and family acceptance.
My heart absolutely broke for Poppy when the kids at her new school found out and even went as far as to climb under the table!
You can tell the author has put alot of thought and energy into this book and has lots of creative metaphors and subtle changes to help capture development.
That being said the writing style felt like it could have done with a bit more editing to make it feel a tad less dense and clunky.
Overall a very powerful, beautiful read that I’d recommend anyone to read for the storyline alone.
I couldn’t help but love Claude/Poppy and his/her relationship with family and friends.
It covers the topic of trans-identity in a way that was inspiring, celebrated without negating the harsh reality around it.
I regularly found myself falling in love with the heartwarming moments and having such empathy for the pure heartbreaking moments.
I loved the depiction of Claude running around in a pink swimsuit to the public pool. So full of joy and family acceptance.
My heart absolutely broke for Poppy when the kids at her new school found out and even went as far as to climb under the table!
You can tell the author has put alot of thought and energy into this book and has lots of creative metaphors and subtle changes to help capture development.
That being said the writing style felt like it could have done with a bit more editing to make it feel a tad less dense and clunky.
Overall a very powerful, beautiful read that I’d recommend anyone to read for the storyline alone.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia