Picture a Seattle storyteller who weaves tales of unconventional families and heartfelt humor—meet Laurie Frankel! This New York Times bestselling author has charmed readers with novels that blend wit, warmth, and profound insights into modern relationships. From her debut The Atlas of Love to the globally celebrated This Is How It Always Is, Frankel’s stories invite us to rethink what family means with a sparkle of joy.
With a knack for tackling complex social issues like transgender rights and adoption, Frankel’s prose is both accessible and thought-provoking. Her ability to craft characters who feel like old friends has earned her a devoted following. Ready to dive into her world? Let’s explore the life, works, and impact of this literary gem.
The Making of Laurie Frankel
Laurie Frankel grew up on the East Coast, her heart shaped by a love for baseball, theater, and books. A self-proclaimed ‘huge reader,’ she honed her storytelling skills through academia, earning degrees that led her to teach literature and gender studies at the University of Puget Sound. But the pull of fiction was too strong. Frankel traded lecture halls for full-time writing, settling in Seattle on a steep hill with views of three bridges—a fitting backdrop for her imaginative narratives.
Her transition to novelist wasn’t just a career shift; it was a leap into exploring the human condition. Inspired by her own experiences as a parent to a transgender daughter, Frankel infuses her work with empathy and authenticity, making her a unique voice in contemporary fiction.
Laurie Frankel’s Unforgettable Stories
Frankel’s novels are like a warm hug with a side of witty banter. Her debut, The Atlas of Love (2010), follows three women raising a baby together, redefining family with humor and heart. Goodbye for Now (2012) blends science fiction and romance, exploring grief through a computer program that simulates lost loved ones—a story so poignant it won the Endeavor Award.
Her breakout, This Is How It Always Is (2016), is a Reese’s Book Club pick that follows a family navigating their youngest child’s gender transition. Praised for its sensitivity, it’s been translated into over 25 languages and optioned for TV. One Two Three (2021) shifts to a small town shaken by environmental disaster, told through the voices of triplet sisters. Her latest, Family Family (2024), dives into adoption with Frankel’s signature mix of laughter and tears.
Frankel’s style is conversational yet profound, tackling themes like identity, justice, and belonging. Her characters—whether a transgender girl or a book-loving triplet—leap off the page, inviting readers to laugh, cry, and think deeply about the world.
Why Laurie Frankel Matters
Laurie Frankel’s impact lies in her ability to make the personal universal. Her advocacy for transgender rights, inspired by her daughter’s journey, resonates in her writing and public speaking. By exploring nontraditional families, she challenges readers to embrace broader definitions of love and kinship. Her novels, celebrated by outlets like The New York Times and People Magazine, have sparked conversations about identity and resilience.
Frankel’s work also bridges genres, blending literary fiction with accessible storytelling. Her Washington State Book Award and translations into 25+ languages reflect her global reach. In a world craving connection, Frankel’s stories remind us that family—however unconventional—is our greatest strength.
- Birthplace: East Coast, USA
- Key Works: The Atlas of Love, This Is How It Always Is, Family Family
- Awards: Washington State Book Award, Endeavor Award
- Fun Fact: She makes amazing soup and shares recipes on Instagram!
Snag This Is How It Always Is and dive into Laurie Frankel’s heartfelt, humorous world!