A review by skudiklier
This Is How It Always Is, by Laurie Frankel
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I mostly liked this and thought it was well-done. There were some things I didn't like (like ) but I like that at least it ended on a more nuanced note. A bunch of the reviews for this book were disappointing though, and I wish it were made more clear by the book that supporting your kid in being trans from a young age isn't the wrong move. Anyway. Overall I liked it, it was nice, it was well-written. Just not perfect.
Oh also, if you're trans, a very specific part of this is really hard to read. Look at the spoiler in my content warnings for more detail.
Spoiler
changing Poppy's pronouns and name back at the drop of a hat without her even explicitly saying thatOh also, if you're trans, a very specific part of this is really hard to read. Look at the spoiler in my content warnings for more detail.
Graphic: Transphobia, Murder, Bullying, Homophobia, Hate crime, Outing, and Medical content
Moderate: Gun violence, Injury/injury detail, Violence, Sexism, and Misogyny
Minor: Pregnancy, Drug use, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Suicide, Child death, and Death of parent