Not all adoption stories are filled with pain and regret. A propulsive, sharply funny and strikingly tender novel from New York Times bestselling author Laurie Frankel.
Not all adoption stories are filled with pain and regret. A propulsive, sharply funny and strikingly tender novel from New York Times bestselling author Laurie Frankel.
India Allwood grew up wanting to be an actress. Armed with a stack of index cards (which, torn into pieces, also function as make-shift confetti) and a hell of a lot of talent, she goes from awkward 16-year-old to Broadway ingenue to tv star.But while promoting her most recent project, a film about adoption, India does what you should never do - she tells a journalist the truth: it's a bad movie. Like so many movies about adoption, it tells only one story, a tragic one. But India's an adoptive mom herself and knows there's so much more to her family than tragedy. 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 daughter Fig knows they need help - and who better to call for help than family?Because India's not just an adoptive mom. She also had a baby she gave up for adoption her senior year of high school. That baby is now sixteen, excited to meet her birth mother and eager to help, but she also has an agenda and secrets of her own. It turns out what makes a family isn't blood and it isn't love because no matter how they're formed, the hallmark of true family is this: it's complicated.
An IndieNext Pick for February 2024
Named a Best Book of 2024 by Real Simple
An NYPL Book of the Day
A Most Anticipated Read of 2024 from Zibby Mag
"Frankel's funny, heart-wrenching and thought-provoking account of how one woman's choices can enrich the lives of others will remind you that every family circle is potentially infinite." --LA Times
"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
Laurie Frankel is the New York Times bestselling, award-winning author of novels such as The Atlas of Love, Goodbye for Now, and the Reese's Book Club x Hello Sunshine Book Pick This Is How It Always Is. Frankel lives in Seattle with her husband, daughter, and border collie. She makes good soup.
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