THIS IS HOW IT ALWAYS IS

There has never been a more perfect time to read this special novel that truly filled my heart. This Is How It Always Is introduces us to the Walsh-Adams family: caring, supportive parents; rambunctious brothers; a home that is a tumble of affectionate chaos and love. They’re just like every family you might know, with one difference. Their youngest son, Claude, wants to become a girl. As Claude's evolving identity begins to require more than just open-mindedness, the family is faced with agonizing choices that affect them all.

During the course of the book, the Walsh-Adams clan begins to feel like dear friends. It’s easy to become invested in their heartbreaking setbacks, and to root for their tender triumphs. And even as this book opens our eyes wide to the world of transgender children, it is also a study of the complicated, tenuous nature of parenting. Decisions are made with fingers crossed and a “good guess” - everyone is just doing their very best to help the little people in their care to be happy, to be themselves, and to find their own “middle way."

A pivotal part of the book takes place in Thailand, a country I visited 20 years ago and that has a special place in my heart. Nothing will compare to the delicious pad thai from street carts I sampled on that trip, but my first attempt at the homemade version is pictured here. A new dinner staple!

I’m so grateful to have read This Is How It Always Is - I missed the Walsh-Adams family when it was over. Please do yourself a favor and read this beautiful, heartwarming and important story.