Family Family, Laurie Frankel
Family Family, Laurie Frankel
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Family Family
A Novel

Author: Laurie Frankel

Narrator: Laurie Frankel, Patti Murin

Unabridged: 14 hr 57 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 01/23/2024


Synopsis

This program includes an author's note read by the author and a conversation between the author and Audie Award–winning narrator Patti Murin.

"Murin guarantees Frankel’s story is impeccably, convincingly, utterly heard. A creative process-illuminating author/narrator 'geeking out' interview provides a delightful aural bonus."—Booklist

​“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.

A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt & Company.

About Laurie Frankel

Laurie Frankel is the New York Times bestselling, award-winning author of the novels Family Family, One Two Three, Goodbye for Now, The Atlas of Love, and the Reese’s Book Club Pick This Is How It Always Is. Frankel lives in Seattle with her husband, daughter, and border collie.

About Patti Murin

Patti Murin is an acclaimed, Audie Award–nominated audiobook narrator celebrated for her vibrant, emotionally resonant performances. She has brought to life bestselling novels written by blockbuster authors Christina Lauren, Katherine Center, Jodi Picoult, among many others. Known for her sharp comedic timing and ability to embody complex characters, Patti specializes in contemporary romance and women’s fiction, and would love to explore all of the genres. She is a self-proclaimed and proud book nerd who routinely reads 200 books per year for pleasure. She is also a highly lauded musical theatre actor who originated the role of Princess Anna in Disney's Frozen on Broadway, and took a turn in the bubble as Galinda in Wicked. Keep an eye out for her on the Hallmark Channel in one of the many movies she has made!


Reviews

Goodreads review by Rosh ~on extended semihiatus~ on February 16, 2024

In a Nutshell:A contemporary drama that highlights a special family, and what makes it a family, and even what IS a ‘family’. Dragged a little bit in between, but overall, I loved how thought-provoking this read was. Definitely recommended! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Plot Preview: India Allwood has......more

Goodreads review by Marilyn (not getting notifications) on January 16, 2024

Laurie Frankel has become a favorite author of mine over the years. I had previously read her books One Two Three and This is How It Always Is and enjoyed them both very much. Therefore, when I saw that Laurie Frankel had written a new book I was so excited to get my hands on it. Family Family was c......more

Goodreads review by Kimberly on October 22, 2023

Publication date: January, 2024 My emotions have been buffeted about for years after reading books either glorifying or vilifying adoption, abortion, single parenthood ...among other issues regarding children and child-raising. True, its not always a good experience however its done. People may carry......more

Goodreads review by Shawna on December 12, 2023

TW// (view spoiler)[ mentions of drug addiction/abuse, brief mentions of racism, mentions of sexism, brief body shaming, mentions of divorce, brief mention of maternal death, mentions of abortion, mentions of misogyny, covid pandemic, brief mention of miscarriages, mentions of abuse, brief mention of rape, brief m (hide spoiler)]......more

Goodreads review by ashlyn on October 28, 2024

most messy, crazy and sad family book i’ve ever read. teen pregnancy and adoption are such sensitive and heavy topics but the way it was written about in the story was so beautiful and heartbreaking. this started so strong but i felt like i was kinda losing the story/plot towards the end.......more


Quotes

"Frankel has written a funny, heart-wrenching, deeply personal story about the meaning of family and holding fast to one’s beliefs. India is the star of Frankel’s novel, but the supporting characters are warm and vibrant, each getting their own opportunity to shine. Highly recommended for fans of Frankel and those who enjoy literary fiction featuring witty dialogue and thought-provoking topics."
—Library Journal (starred)

"...Frankel offers a hilarious and sobering view of adoptive parenting through her portrayals of the cheerful and honest India and Rebecca’s open-minded adoptive mother...this is great fun."
—Publishers Weekly

"Frankel finds the truth of modern family within the sparkly, funny characters."
—Booklist

"Frankel's back! Without giving away too much of her dizzying plot, which is supercharged with cliffhanger chapter endings and parallel reveals, the novel is dedicated to the premise that not every adoption story is one of trauma—along the way we will enjoy many fine young characters (Kevin Wilson fans who haven't yet tried Frankel should) and classic Frankelisms...Full of warmth, humor, and sound advice."
—Kirkus