The struggles of the parents were palpable at times. It is an important subject that continuous to polarise people and I feel it’s so important to shine a light on it!Īlthough I found the story slightly slow to get moving, it soon picked up and I began to become emotionally invested in this family and dear Poppy. However the secret that the whole family keeps suddenly bring them all crashing down. Claude becomes “Poppy” and is living a wonderful life in a new town with new friends. At first they assume Claude acting like a girl and wearing dresses is just a phase, but gradually they begin to realise that although Claude was born male, he is not actually male at all. But as Claude starts to grow, the whole family begin to realise that there is something different about their youngest son and brother. When Rosie and Penn have their fifth son, It seemed like that was it for Rosie’s dream of a daughter. With its controversial and fascinating storyline I couldn’t resist! I listened to the audio version. I jumped on the bandwagon for Reece Witherspoon’s book club pick this month. But as problems begin at school and in the community, the family faces a seemingly impossible dilemma: should Claude change, or should they and Claude try to change the world? Life continues happily for this big, loving family until the day when Claude says that, when he grows up, he wants to be a girl.Īs far as Rosie and Penn are concerned, bright, funny and wonderful Claude can be whoever he or she wants.

Four sons later, they decide to try one last time – and their beautiful little boy Claude is born. This Is How It Always Is – Laurie Frankel (2017)

This is how it always is review