This Is How It Always Is
This Is How It Always Is is a groundbreaking novel by Laurie Frankel, published in 2017. This profoundly moving and thought-provoking story explores themes of family, identity, and acceptance through the lens of a family navigating their youngest child’s transition from male to female. The novel has been widely praised for its compassionate portrayal of transgender issues and its exploration of the complexities of parenting and love.
The title, This Is How It Always Is, reflects the idea that life is unpredictable and that families must adapt to the challenges and changes that come their way. Frankel’s writing is heartfelt and insightful, making this novel a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary fiction and social issues.
Key Themes:
- Family and Love: The novel explores the lengths to which parents will go to support and protect their children.
- Identity and Acceptance: The story highlights the importance of accepting and embracing one’s true self.
- Social and Cultural Challenges: The novel addresses the societal pressures and prejudices faced by transgender individuals and their families.
This Is How It Always Is Summary
Laurie Frankel’s This Is How It Always Is tells the story of the Walsh-Adams family, whose youngest child, Claude, begins to express a desire to live as a girl named Poppy. The novel follows the family as they navigate the challenges and joys of supporting Poppy’s transition from early childhood to teenage years.
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The narrative alternates between the perspectives of different family members, providing a comprehensive view of their experiences and emotions. The story is heartwarming and heartbreaking as the family confronts societal prejudices, medical decisions, fears, and uncertainties.
Key Points:
- The novel is told through multiple perspectives, providing a complete picture of the family’s journey.
- Poppy’s transition is central to the plot, but the story also explores the experiences of her parents and siblings.
- The novel’s love, acceptance, and resilience themes resonate deeply with readers.
This Is How It Always Is Movie
There is no official movie adaptation of This book. However, given the novel’s popularity and timely themes, it would not be surprising if a film or TV adaptation was announced shortly. The book’s emotional depth and compelling narrative make it an ideal candidate for a screen adaptation.
Fans of the novel have speculated about potential casting choices, with many suggesting actors like Emily Blunt or Anne Hathaway for the role of Rosie and Chris Hemsworth or Jake Gyllenhaal for Penn. The story’s focus on family dynamics and social issues would require a director who can handle its complexities, such as Greta Gerwig or Tom McCarthy.
Why It Would Work as a Movie:
- The novel’s emotional and thought-provoking plot is perfect for a dramatic film.
- The multiple perspectives could be effectively portrayed through shifting viewpoints.
- The characters’ emotional depth would provide rich material for the actors.
This Is How It Always Is Review
This book has received widespread acclaim from readers and critics alike. Many have praised its compassionate portrayal of transgender issues and its exploration of family dynamics. The novel has been described as a “heartfelt and insightful” story that “challenges readers to think deeply about love, identity, and acceptance.”
Key Points from Reviews:
- The novel’s portrayal of a transgender child is both sensitive and realistic.
- The family’s journey is heartwarming and heartbreaking, making it a deeply emotional read.
- The novel’s themes of love and acceptance resonate with readers from all walks of life.
This Is How It Always Is Book Club Questions
If you’re discussing This book in a book club, here are some questions to consider:
- How does the novel explore the theme of family and love?
- What role does identity play in the story, and how do the characters navigate their own identities?
- How does the alternating perspective between family members enhance the story?
- What do you think the title This book signifies in the context of the novel?
- How does the novel address the societal challenges faced by transgender individuals and their families?
Discussion Tips:
- Focus on the novel’s themes of love, identity, and acceptance.
- Discuss the emotional impact of the family’s journey.
- Compare the perspectives of different family members and how they shape the narrative.
This Is How It Always Is Genre
It is classified as contemporary and literary fiction. The novel’s focus on family dynamics, social issues, and emotional depth makes it a standout in these genres.
Key Features of the Genre:
- Contemporary Fiction: The novel addresses current social issues and explores the complexities of modern family life.
- Literary Fiction: The novel’s rich character development and thematic depth make it a compelling and thought-provoking read.
This Is How It Always Is Characters
The characters in This book are complex and multi-dimensional, each with struggles and strengths.
Main Characters:
- Rosie: Poppy’s mother, a doctor who struggles with supporting her child’s transition.
- Penn: Poppy’s father, a writer who is deeply committed to his family and their well-being.
- Poppy (Claude): The youngest child in the family, who transitions from male to female at a young age.
Supporting Characters:
- The Siblings: Poppy’s brothers, who each have their reactions to her transition.
- Other Key Figures: Friends, teachers, and medical professionals who play a role in the family’s journey.
Why These Characters Matter:
- They drive the plot forward and reveal the novel’s themes.
- Their relationships are central to the story’s emotional impact.
- They are well-developed and relatable, making the story more engaging.
This Is How It Always Is: A Novel
It is a standalone novel by Laurie Frankel, known for her ability to craft emotionally resonant and thought-provoking stories. The book has been widely praised for its compassionate portrayal of transgender issues and its exploration of family dynamics.
Key Features:
- Complex Characters: The novel features a cast of deeply flawed and morally ambiguous characters.
- Emotional Depth: The story is heartwarming and heartbreaking, making it deeply emotional.
- Social Relevance: The novel addresses current social issues, making it a timely and essential read.
This Is How It Always Is PDF Details
While the novel is widely available for purchase, free PDF versions may be found on certain websites. However, it is essential to support authors by purchasing their work legally.
Where to Buy:
- Amazon
- Barnes & Noble
- Local bookstores
Book Details:
- Publisher: Flatiron Books
- Publication Date: January 24, 2017
- Pages: 336
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction
This Is How It Always Is Quotes
Here are some memorable quotes from the novel:
- This book is. You have to make these huge decisions on behalf of your kid, this tiny human whose fate and future is entirely in your hands, who trusts you to know what’s good and right and then to be able to make it happen.”
- “The world is not kind to those who are different.”
- “Love is love is love is love.”
Why These Quotes Matter:
- They capture the novel’s themes of love, identity, and acceptance.
- They provide insight into the characters’ mindsets.
- They are thought-provoking and memorable.
Synopsis of This Is How It Always Is
The synopsis of This book is as follows:
The novel tells the story of the Walsh-Adams family, whose youngest child, Claude, begins to express a desire to live as a girl named Poppy. The novel follows the family as they navigate the challenges and joys of supporting Poppy’s transition from early childhood to teenage years.
Key Elements:
- A family’s journey of love, acceptance, and resilience.
- A narrative structure that alternates between different perspectives.
- Themes of identity, family, and social challenges.
Author Details:
Laurie Frankel is an American author known for her emotionally resonant and thought-provoking novels. Her works include This Is book, Goodbye for Now, and The Atlas of Love.
Book References:
- Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
- The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah