A review by watson_my_shelf
This is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel

5.0

THIS. BOOK. IS. BEAUTIFUL! 

Following the journey of a family with five children, one of whom is exploring their gender identity, Frankel's narrative is both heartfelt and enlightening. With her own experience as a parent of a trans daughter, Frankel brings an authenticity that deeply resonates.

The story delves into the tough decisions families with transgender members often face, from school disclosure to medical considerations. It's a thought-provoking journey. There are so many considerations for a trans child that I had never thought about. Do you tell the neighbors? What about teachers at school? Friends? So much to think about!

What makes this book truly exceptional is its focus not only on the trans child but also on how their journey ripples through the entire family. Throughout the book, the dad - Penn - is telling the children a magical story, which is always timely with what is going on with the family. The parallel narrative of Penn's bedtime stories adds a wonderful depth to the storytelling.

Emotional, educational, heartwarming, and inspiring, this book showcases the resilience and compassion within families navigating similar challenges. 

I recommend this to anyone and everyone. It is beautiful, and you will learn something. This book has been on my shelf since 2020, and I wish I had picked it up sooner.