Family, Family is a family saga that explores adoption and the family we choose. Adoption is often viewed as a last resort to having a child, but for some it is their first option and the way they choose to have the family they want. The story includes characters that were all well developed, a dual timeline and multiple POVs. This is the book for anyone that loves a great family saga.

This book was my bookclubs book of the month and it was such a fun family drama read!

Family Family by Laurie Frankel is a poignant exploration of the multifaceted nature of family and the intricacies of motherhood, adoption, and life's journey. Through richly drawn characters, Frankel skillfully navigates the complexities of familial relationships, inviting readers into a world where the definition of family extends far beyond traditional norms. With heartfelt honesty, she delves into the joys and challenges of parenthood, offering a nuanced portrayal of the universal experiences that bind us together. Frankel's narrative is both tender and thought-provoking, prompting readers to reflect on their own understanding of what it means to belong and to love. Family Family is a beautifully crafted tale that celebrates the diversity of human experience while reminding us of the enduring power of love and connection.

I loved this book. I could not put it down. The story was refreshing and new. The characters were funny and endearing and adorable. The dialogue was quippy and smart. I loved every minute of it, was so sad when it was over, yet I felt it ended at the right moment. I don't typically read the author's note, but for this one I did and I'm so glad for it. I loved This Is How It Always Is, and it was heartwarming to hear about Frankel's connection/inspiration to both books. I will highly recommend this to patrons and friends alike. A great great book. Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co. for this ARC!

I was so excited to read this book because This Is The Way It Always Is is one of my favorite books of all time, and also by this author, but I found this book mostly boring. Which is surprising because the premise sounded so good! India is a Broadway star turned actress who stars in a new movie with a central theme about adoption - and as an adoptive mother herself, she takes issue with the film's tired tropes about adoption, about making the decision a tragedy. When she tells a reporter that she thinks the movie is bad, chaos ensures. I think what didn't work about this for me what the changing timeline points of view, because the current timeline was so much less interesting than the past one.

Laurie Frankel’s latest family drama, Family Family, centers around adoption in its many forms. India Allwood is a larger-than-life TV star seeking to transition to movies, but finds herself embroiled in all sorts of drama when she speaks out against her latest project. The movie is based on the standard adoption stereotypes, and India knows from her own experiences that adoption is not one size fits all – people choose to give up children for adoption and people choose to adopt for many reasons. As an adoptive mom, India wants everyone to understand that family doesn’t have to mean that you are blood related and that no matter what… family is complicated. After speaking out, India finds herself in the middle of a massive crisis, fielding criticism from all sides and fighting those calling for her to be “canceled.” When her twin ten-year-olds decide to call in reinforcements, India’s past decisions come to light adding fuel to the already blazing fire. Frankel’s short chapters and hilarious dialogue create such a propulsive and engaging tale, and her message that family takes many forms is an important and timely one.

Within the pages of this captivating narrative lies a world waiting to be explored. With its compelling characters, vivid settings, and thought-provoking themes, this book offers a journey that transcends the ordinary. From the highs of triumph to the lows of despair, the story weaves a tapestry of emotions that resonate deeply with readers. As the plot unfolds, it unveils layers of mystery, intrigue, and revelation, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page. Whether seeking adventure, solace, or simply a momentary escape, this book promises to captivate and inspire, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of its readers.

Thank you to Henry Holt and Company and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

While this was a pleasant enough read- there were multiple tropes going on that didn't always play well together. The main character wasn't particularly likable and the children's subplot wasn't fleshed out enough.

Great read .. different story on giving up a baby for adoption, and what happens after finding a birth mother.

Laurie Frankel just knows how to get to the heart of humanity. In this book, she tackles adoption and the ways in which it is discussed and portrayed in society. She does so with humor, love, and characters that you fall in love with and cheer for throughout their journey. We meet India in high school. She has dreams of making it big in the world of acting. As we watch her grow, we see her become an adoptive mother who finds herself in the hot seat with Hollywood when she tells the media that her most recent movie is not good. India is sick and tired of people talking about adoption like it's bad and a shameful secret. India wants stories that are beautiful and ones that talk about how placing a child for adoption can be a happy occasion for everyone involved. Her own story is wonderfully messy and shows a person with real character growth. The people who come in and out of India's life are just as fully formed. I found myself caring about this entire cast of characters. I laughed, I cried, and Frankel made me think. I adore her writing. She has become an auto-read author for me. I highly recommend this book and give it a solid 5 stars!

A thought provoking drama that highlights what it means to be a family. I loved following our main character, India, on her discovery journey through what family actually means and the concept that family doesn't always have to mean a relation by blood. I liked how Frankel wrote about the subject of adoption, as I feel like this topic isn't written about well enough.

Honestly, while I did like the main concept of this, it kind of fell flat to me. The characters all seemed farfetched in the way they address their traumas later in the future. And the flow felt a bit jumpy, the pacing was a bit odd. Besides that, good concept, but the execution just didn't quite do it for me.

India Alwood, the TV star and Broadway sensation, has recently finished a movie that pissed everyone off. Her children pick up on the fact that things are seriously wrong. And when all is going wrong, who do we reach out to? Family, of course. But what’s the difference between family and “family, family”? Surely, you’ve heard people say, “Well, yes, they’re family, but they’re not family family.” So, what’s the difference? I guess you’ll have to read the book to find out.

Loved the book. Absolutely wonderful story, which was not at all surprising from Laurie Frankel. She’s so incredibly talented - but it’s not just that. She’s able to take an “issue” and make it personal. No, that’s not right. She doesn’t make it personal. It’s always been personal. We just allow ourselves to forget this so we can make detached and “rational” political decisions. Frankel reminds us that it’s always been about real people, real families.

Thanks to Laurie Frankel, Henry Holt & Company, and Netgalley for this ARC in return for my honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. This was maybe my most anticipated book of the year. Maybe my expectations were too high?

The banter/humor in the dialogue was wonderful—which was what I was expecting—and I thought I was going to love it in the first few chapters.

But we lost the plot, IMO, and a lot of Frankel’s thoughts were repetitive, long winded, and . . . I don’t know . . . I feel like we lost the story to an opinion piece. Don’t get me wrong: I’m glad this perspective on adoption exists. It was just missing something for me that I can’t quite put my finger on. But I seem to be in the minority on this one.

Big fan of Laurie Frankel. Loved this book and the it's portrayals of adoption from many different perspectives. At some point, I didn't understand India but I think that was the authors point. It's not for us to understand but to empathize. Thank you to netgalley for the advanced copy.

Family drama is one of my favorite types of books to read. I love the idea of needing family, but being wary of calling upon them for help. This book shows that turmoil well, I need you, but I don't want to need you. Well done. Worth all the hype.

I really enjoyed this book. It tended to be a bit wordy at points but that was not enough to give it a positive rating. Some stereotypes were annoying like her depiction of pro lifers. And her disparaging of organized religion might turn some off. It is very funny in some parts and I think the overall message of the book (families are made in many many different ways) is a good one. I have no experience personally with adoption and would love to read some comments with those who are. All in all I feel this is one of the best books I have read this year and will definitely seek out other books by this author

I had a really hard time reading the beginning of this book because of many, many similarities India Allwood and I have shared in life. Parts of this novel were (horrifically???) auto-biographical for me, but ultimately India and I chose to go down very, very different paths. It was so interesting to me to see a pre-teen girl fall in love with theater as much as I did- and the catalyst being seeing a production of Guys & Dolls was hysterical (and scary) to me. Mine was a dinner theater production in 2003 somewhere in Virginia on a school trip- where I realized quite fast there was nothing else on this earth I wanted to do in my life. I still haven't gotten to play Adelaide, but one day...

This book was surprisingly therapeutic for me. Imagine getting pregnant as a teenager and seeing the path not chosen written out so interestingly in a random novel you asked for because it was a Book of the Month pick. I didn't agree with everything India did--- I don't think I would have made the same mistakes twice... but her utter selflessness was really interesting to me. Her choosing to decide that giving people blessings meant she was deserved her own blessings in return was such a weird way to think about teenage pregnancy- but also so inspiring? India's tenacity and drive were so great, and she worked so hard for everything in her life. It was so refreshing in books that are, typically, very sad dramas.

The supporting cast of characters in this novel were incredible, and I wish we could have gotten more. From India's children, to her ex boyfriends, to her mom, to her colleagues, to the very hateable reporter, everyone in this book was such a good time whether you loved or hated them- and each character had such a specific purpose it was incredible watching the plot weave itself together. Questions you didn't even know to ask got answered, and I thought that was incredibly fun.

This is a beautifully written book with wonderful characters and is full of heart. If you like books about families definitely pick this one up.

This was the first Laurie Frankel book I picked up - thank you to my book club for the recommendation as I don't know if I would have known about the book without them!

Laurie Frankel is a talented author who makes hard subjects easier to understand the nuances. I have loved her previous books and this one did not disappoint. I also loved This is how it always is.

I am not a lit fic reader in general but I'll always make an exception for Laurie Frankel. Honestly, I went into this one blind which I never do. I requested it from NetGalley just because of the author so I had no clue what I was signing myself up for.

It's not an easy read but it is very powerful. There are some trigger warnings to take into consideration especially since the book deals very heavily with pregnancy, children, adoption, etc.

I found myself judging the main character a lot right along with everyone else and then taking pauses to confront my thoughts and reframe them. I love the way the story depicts the choices pregnant people have to make when deciding if they want to have children, either now or in their future. I also loved how the characters redefined the definition of family, especially because the family system here is really unique.

Go into this one with an open heart and an open mind.