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This Is How It Always Is
336 pages, 2018
It’s never easy for a family to keep a secret, especially when the secret involves one of their own. Claude has always known he wants to be a girl when he grows up. His brothers are just not sure if they’re ready to share that with the world. Soon the entire family is keeping Claude’s secret, but soon the day comes when it explodes.
This Is How It Is Always 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, and children grow but not always according to plan.
This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel explores the concept of gender identity through the character of Claude, who identifies as a girl. The book encourages readers to research and understand the complexities of gender identity, and the importance of accepting and supporting individuals in their self-identification.
The book highlights the importance of family support in dealing with life's challenges. Claude's family stands by her, showing us that love and acceptance within the family can make a huge difference in a person's life. It's a great reminder to always be there for our loved ones.
Frankel's book also delves into the impact of secrets on family dynamics. The family's decision to keep Claude's identity a secret leads to various complications. This aspect of the story encourages readers to reflect on the effects of secrecy and the value of honesty.
This Is How It Always Is challenges societal norms and stereotypes, particularly around gender. It encourages readers to question these norms and consider how they can be more accepting and open-minded in their own lives.
The book takes us on Claude's journey of self-discovery, showing us that it's okay to be different and to embrace who we truly are. It's a powerful reminder to all of us to be true to ourselves and to respect others for who they are.