Who is the author of 'This Is How It Always Is'?

The author of 'This Is How It Always Is' is Laurie Frankel.

What are the main themes in 'This Is How It Always Is'?

The main themes in 'This Is How It Always Is' include Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, Literature, LGBTQ Relationships.

What genre is 'This Is How It Always Is'?

'This Is How It Always Is' is categorized as Literature, Fiction.

What is the main premise of 'This Is How It Always Is'?

'This Is How It Always Is' by Laurie Frankel follows the story of the Walsh family, particularly focusing on their youngest child, Claude, who expresses a desire to live as a girl. The novel explores themes of gender identity, family dynamics, and the challenges and triumphs of transitioning. Through the lens of the Walsh family's experiences, it delves into societal norms, parental love, and the complexities of growing up in a world that sometimes struggles to accept differences.

How does the book explore the theme of family and unconditional love?

In 'This Is How It Always Is' by Laurie Frankel, the theme of family and unconditional love is central to the narrative, exploring the dynamics within a family as they navigate complex challenges related to identity and acceptance. The story follows the lives of the Walsh family, particularly focusing on their youngest son, Claude, who expresses a desire to identify as a girl. The parents, Rosie and Penn, demonstrate unconditional love by supporting Claude in his journey of self-discovery, showcasing their commitment to his happiness and well-being despite societal pressures and personal struggles. The book emphasizes the idea that family bonds can endure and thrive even in the face of adversity, highlighting how love can manifest through acceptance, understanding, and open communication. The narrative illustrates that unconditional love means standing by one another as family members grapple with their identities and the world around them. Ultimately, Frankel’s work portrays family as a source of strength, where love provides a foundation that allows individuals to be true to themselves, reinforcing the belief that love, in its many forms, is what holds families together.

What challenges does the character Claude face throughout the story?

In 'This Is How It Always Is,' Claude, a young boy, faces several challenges throughout the story, primarily related to his gender identity and the process of self-discovery. As he realizes he identifies as a girl, he grapples with societal expectations and the fear of not being accepted by his family and peers. His journey is complicated by the reactions of his parents, siblings, and friends, as they navigate their support and understanding of his identity. Additionally, Claude faces external challenges such as bullying and the complexities of transitioning, which reflect the broader societal issues surrounding gender identity and acceptance. Throughout the story, Claude's challenges also encompass the emotional struggles of growing up and finding one's place in the world.

In what ways does the author address gender identity in the narrative?

In 'This Is How It Always Is' by Laurie Frankel, the author addresses gender identity through the experiences of the main character, Claude, a young boy who wants to dress and identify as a girl. Frankel explores the complexities of gender identity through the perspectives of Claude's family, particularly emphasizing the love and support they provide while grappling with their own understanding of gender. The narrative delves into societal norms and expectations surrounding gender, highlighting the challenges and biases faced by those who do not conform to traditional identities. Frankel also portrays the emotional journey of Claude’s parents, who must navigate their child’s transition and their own fears and concerns about acceptance in society. Additionally, the book discusses themes of authenticity, the importance of being true to oneself, and how different family dynamics can influence one's understanding of gender identity. Frankel’s inclusion of various viewpoints and experiences presents a nuanced view of gender identity, fostering empathy and understanding in readers.

How do the decisions made by the Walsh family impact their lives and relationships?

In 'This Is How It Always Is' by Laurie Frankel, the Walsh family's decisions significantly impact their lives and relationships in profound ways. The family must navigate the complexities of raising their youngest child, Claude, who identifies as a girl named Poppy. Their choice to support Poppy in her gender identity leads to challenges and conflicts within the family and the outside world. The decisions made by the parents, particularly around openness and acceptance, strengthen the family bond but also expose them to societal judgment and misunderstandings. They learn the importance of honesty and communication, facing the realities of parenting a transgender child in a world that can be unkind. Moreover, the choices they make about how much to share with others and how to protect their child create tension with extended family and friends, affecting relationships and altering their sense of community. Ultimately, the story illustrates that the decisions driven by love and acceptance can lead to resilience, but they also highlight the difficulties and responsibilities that come with such choices.

This Is How It Always Is Book Summary

In 'This Is How It Always Is', Laurie Frankel explores the complexities of family dynamics and the unexpected journey of a young boy named Claude, who wishes to be a girl. Against the backdrop of societal expectations and the pursuit of happiness, the Ripple family grapples with love, secrets, and the fear of the unknown. As they navigate the challenges of acceptance, they discover that the truth can liberate but also complicate their lives in ways they never anticipated. This poignant narrative invites readers to reflect on gender identity, authenticity, and what it truly means to be a family. Will they embrace their child’s truth, or will fear and societal norms dictate their actions?

By Laurie Frankel

Published: 2018

"Families are like umbrellas; they can either shield you from the storms of life or trap you under their weight."

The Reese Witherspoon x Hello Sunshine Book Club Pick “Every once in a while, I read a book that opens my eyes in a way I never expected.” —Reese Witherspoon (Reese’s Book Club x Hello Sunshine book pick) People Magazine’s Top 10 Books of 2017 Amazon’s Best Books of 2017: Top 20 Amazon’s Best Literature and Fiction of 2017 Bustle’s 17 Books Every Woman Should Read From 2017 PopSugar’s Our Favorite Books of the Year (So Far) Refinery29's Best Books of the Year So Far BookBrowse’s The 20 Best Books of 2017 Pacific Northwest Book Awards Finalist The Globe and Mail's Top 100 Books of 2017 “It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me think.” —Liane Moriarty, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Big Little Lies This is how a family keeps a secret...and how that secret ends up keeping them. This is how a family lives happily ever after...until happily ever after becomes complicated. This is how children change...and then change the world. This is Claude. He’s five years old, the youngest of five brothers, and loves peanut butter sandwiches. He also loves wearing a dress, and dreams of being a princess. When he grows up, Claude says, he wants to be a girl. Rosie and Penn want Claude to be whoever Claude wants to be. They’re just not sure they’re ready to share that with the world. Soon the entire family is keeping Claude’s secret. Until one day it explodes. Laurie Frankel's This Is How It Always Is is a novel about revelations, transformations, fairy tales, and family. And it’s about the ways this is how it always is: Change is always hard and miraculous and hard again, parenting is always a leap into the unknown with crossed fingers and full hearts, children grow but not always according to plan. And families with secrets don’t get to keep them forever.

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