Family Family
A Novel
by Laurie Frankel
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
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Pub Date Jan 23 2024 | Archive Date Feb 23 2024
Henry Holt & Company | Henry Holt and Co.
Description
“Not all stories of adoption are stories of pain and regret. Not even most of them. Why don’t we ever get that movie?”
India Allwood grew up wanting to be an actor. Armed with a stack of index cards (for research/line memorization/make-shift confetti), she goes from awkward sixteen-year-old to Broadway ingenue to TV superhero.
Her new movie is a prestige picture about adoption, but its spin is the same old tired story of tragedy. India is an adoptive mom in real life though. She wants everyone to know there’s more to her family than pain and regret. So she does something you should never do — she tells a journalist the truth: it’s a bad movie.
Soon she’s at the center of a media storm, battling accusations from the press and the paparazzi, from protesters on the right and advocates on the left. Her twin ten-year-olds know they need help – and who better to call than family? But that’s where it gets really messy because India’s not just an adoptive mother…
The one thing she knows for sure is what makes a family isn’t blood. And it isn’t love. No matter how they’re formed, the truth about family is this: it's complicated.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781250236807 |
| PRICE | $28.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 400 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Katie C, Reviewer
I was so excited to receive Laurie Frankel's new novel, Family Family. One of my favorite books of all time is "This Is How It Always Is." Family Family' is such a wonderful book. It has everything; family relationships, adoption, celebrity status, love, and incredibly appealing characters that aid in telling the story. The book is beautifully written, and as much as I sped through it, I never wanted it to end. I bought it for two friends that are having upcoming birthdays and have a family history of adoption.
Kathleen H, Reviewer
What can a popular movie and TV star teach the world about family? Everything it seems. India Allwood’s life is upended when her comments concerning her recent movie about adoption go viral. Her refusal to apologize only makes things worse. Who better to come to her defense than her daughter Bex who India placed for adoption when she was sixteen. And Bex was contacted by Fig, India’s adopted ten year old daughter. Yes, it’s complicated. Families are.
This glorious, sprawling novel by gifted author Laurie Frankel is full of surprises, laughter and tears. It’s a story with characters impossible to forget. Fig and her twin brother Jack have a horrendous back story. Robbie the zen hen, Ajax and Henri, the Andrews and Lewis are vividly described but India is the hero here. Her ambition, determination and ideals stand out. And as she says “Regardless of how they get made, family is a force to be reckoned with.” 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Henry Holt & Company and Laurie Frankel for this ARC.
Ann-Drea B, Reviewer
Once again, Laurie Frankel does it. This is a beautiful story with the perfect title of "Family Family". It's about a woman and her life and dream to be an actor that gave me such a boost of love and peace and acceptance and insight into things I didn't know much about. Throughout the book, I found myself, at times, holding my breath because the moment was so beautiful and complex and beautiful. Book discussion groups take note: Add this one to your list - so much to share and discuss and learn for a group. Together. Lots of takeaways in this book but one I may start immediately is always having a pocketful of ripped up paper because you never know when you need confetti to celebrate something wonderful.
Brittney L, Reviewer
How am I so lucky to have a 2024 favorite already!
Family Family… where do I even start?! My reading experience was superb… I haven’t read this author before but have heard great things! Also a PNW local… the cover immediately grab my attention as well as a short blurb about adoption and it being a family drama.
With short chapters alternating time periods and constant jaw dropping bombs throughout. I highly recommend going in with very little info. I think not reading the synopsis made the surprises sprinkled throughout more… OMG WOW… I MUST KEEP READING.
Adoption is a theme I gravitate towards. My mom was adopted and it’s been a journey finding out info and much like what happens in the book everyone has a different journey and it’s just so refreshing to read stories like these.
Also make sure to read the authors powerful note at the end. 🧡
Christina R, Reviewer
Laurie Frankel has such a gift for crafting social issues into compelling novels. With her storytelling, she presents a perspective that is unique and yet totally accessible. In Family Family, adoption is the main topic, with the story told from different voices and shifting timelines.
India Allwood is a young woman with a strong sense of who she is and who she wants to be. She makes choices that are unusual but totally in character. Family Family has several strong female voices who all contribute to the novel. The book has an important message and told in a way that keeps the reader engaged from the very start all the way through to the Author’s Note.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley and Holt/Macmillian publishers for the opportunity to read this digital ARC.
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