introducing my top book of 2025 📚💗

out of the 36 books i've read this year (so far) this one in particular truly stuck out to me.

this is how it always is by laurie frankel is devastatingly beautiful as a young child who comes out as transgender to their family must not figure out how to navigate love, change, and acceptance.

not only is their life changing, but so are the lives of their loved ones as they adapt to this new information.

i truly think this this is a book that everyone should read to see how perspectives can change quickly within a family unit and just how impactful people are in our lives.

i read this book in early june with my friends and girlfriend and haven't stopped thinking about it since then. we even convinced our friend's boyfriend to read it and he's also loving it!

my only con about this book is that i didn't read it sooner (especially after having it on my shelf for 2+ years)

what's been your favorite book of 2025?

#lemon8challenge #lemon8bookclub #reading #books #booktok

2025/12/16 Edited to

... Read moreYou know, when I first picked up 'This Is How It Always Is' by Laurie Frankel, the cover art was actually one of the things that initially drew me in. It’s so captivating and really hints at the profound story inside without giving away too much. The primary cover (and the one I have on my copy, which you might have seen in my photos!) prominently features a beautiful, almost ethereal depiction of a starry night sky. Against this cosmic backdrop, there’s a subtle silhouette of a child, often shown with a hula hoop. This imagery, for me, perfectly encapsulates the novel's blend of childlike innocence and the vast, sometimes intimidating, journey of self-discovery and acceptance. That starry night sky isn't just aesthetically pleasing; it evokes a powerful sense of wonder, but also perhaps the loneliness or immense scope a child might feel when navigating such a unique and personal path. The hula hoop, a seemingly simple toy, speaks to childhood, play, and the freedom of youth, but also metaphorically suggests the idea of creating one's own space or world within the larger, often complex, universe. It's a poignant visual metaphor for embracing who you are, even when the external world presents challenges. As you delve into the book, you quickly realize just how perfectly this 'This Is How It Always Is' book cover reflects the narrative. It’s both heartwarming and heartbreaking, as the OCR mentioned, mirroring the profound emotional depth and personal growth explored within the story. Laurie Frankel’s thoughtful choice of this particular imagery for the book cover is truly brilliant because it sets the tone immediately. It suggests a story that is tender, introspective, and ultimately full of hope, even amidst significant obstacles. It instantly sparks curiosity about the child's journey and why they are silhouetted against such a grand, open expanse. For anyone searching specifically for the 'This Is How It Always Is' book cover, I completely understand why you'd be drawn to it – it's genuinely memorable and impactful. It's not merely a decorative wrapper for the pages; it acts as an integral visual prelude to the reading experience, subtly preparing you for the intricate themes of identity, evolving family dynamics, and the power of unconditional love that unfold within. I vividly remember discussing the cover with my friends after we all finished reading it together; we collectively felt that the cover was so perfectly designed to reflect the quiet strength and inherent vulnerability of the main character. It truly prompts you to pause and contemplate, much like the book itself does. If you haven't had the chance to see it in person, or perhaps explored different editions, I highly recommend looking up the various 'This Is How It Always Is' book covers. Sometimes the subtle variations can be quite interesting, but the core imagery – that child against the stars – remains consistently powerful and moving. It’s a cover that stays with you, just like the story.