Critical Praise

“[Laurie Frankel] writes with more heart than anyone I can think of…. This is a novel everyone should read. It’s brilliant. It’s bold. And it’s time.”

—Elizabeth George, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“A beguiling tale of a sprawling, loving, ever-changing, unconventional, and yet completely typical modern family…. An intimate, wonderfully moving novel that is especially relevant in today’s world.”

—Garth Stein, New York Times bestselling author

“A lively and fascinating story of a thoroughly modern family and the giant, multifaceted love that binds them…. Sparkles with wit and wisdom.” 

—Maria Semple, New York Times bestselling author

“One of those very rare, special novels that examines the way we live --- in our homes, in our families, in our bodies --- with an astonishing balance of humor, complexity, and above all, kindness. THIS IS HOW IT ALWAYS IS teaches us to look beyond the traditional binary oppositions and to find courage and beauty in the in-between." 

—Ruth Ozeki, New York Times bestselling author of A TALE FOR THE TIME BEING