Reese's Book Club x Hello Sunshine discussion

Laurie Frankel will be dropping into our forum--what questions do you have for her?

I would love to ask Laurie Frankel questions but I need to finish first. I think some might be answered at the end! 😉

Would she ever revisit these characters? I would love to see the kids more grown up.

This is such a beautiful story! Is it based on personal experience? What advice would you give parents in this situation? Any chance of a follow-up novel?

What was the inspiration for this book?
How did it feel writing these characters and brining them to life?
How long did it take to write?
When is the sequel coming out? 😉
Your writing style is so so beautiful. Thank you so much for your strength and authenticity to put this book out there!

Nicolmaric wrote: "Would she ever revisit these characters? I would love to see the kids more grown up."

Hiya. Thanks for reading and asking for more! Many have asked, but I don't have plans for a sequel in the works at the moment. It could happen, but I tried really hard to end on a note of ambiguity.

Adrienne wrote: "This is such a beautiful story! Is it based on personal experience? What advice would you give parents in this situation? Any chance of a follow-up novel?"

Hi Adrienne. Thanks for reading and for your kind words. The book is really, really made up, but I do have a transgender child. I think all novels are at least partially based on personal experience, so this one is, but no more than usual. My advice for all parents in all situations is to love and listen to and show up for their kids and to know that sometimes that is really hard to do. I'm revising my next novel now. It's only connection to this one is that it's also written by me, but I hope you'll love it too!

Carrie wrote: "What was the inspiration for this book?
How did it feel writing these characters and brining them to life?
How long did it take to write?
When is the sequel coming out? 😉
Your writing style is so..."

Thanks so much for your warm words, Carrie, and thank you for reading. I was inspired to write this book by so many things, among them my own transgender child and my desire that she grow up in a wonderful, welcoming world. I'm also generally inspired by parenting which is so mundane but also so important but also so hard. The characters are my favorite part of writing fiction, the way they start talking for themselves and making their own decisions, so they were a delight to write. The book took about a year, which is pretty typical for me. I hear and appreciate your call for a sequel! Many have asked. It's not in the works at the moment, but you never know. Meantime, I hope you'll love the next novel too, even with its all new cast.

I don’t have a question but I just wanted to tell you how much I loved this book. I have recommended it to many people and was thrilled when it was selected for Reese’s book club. You have captured the struggles, challenges and rewards of day-to-day parenting, of all our children and their quirks. Thank you!

Thank you for answering our questions!! Can’t wait for your next book.

Susan wrote: "I don’t have a question but I just wanted to tell you how much I loved this book. I have recommended it to many people and was thrilled when it was selected for Reese’s book club. You have captured..."

Thank you so much, Susan, for your kind words and for recommending the book to others. It means the world!

Nicolmaric wrote: "Thank you for answering our questions!! Can’t wait for your next book."

Me too!! I'm revising now. Stay tuned! And thank you!!

We have been navigating these waters as a family the last 4 years. My son is female to male and it is such a roller coaster ride of emotions and learning, and teaching. But so much is just about acceptance and love, really it’s very simple, but the journey is ever so complicated. I haven’t read anything about another family experiencing this journey and I can’t wait to start reading this one tonight, is it bed time yet?

Sarah wrote: "We have been navigating these waters as a family the last 4 years. My son is female to male and it is such a roller coaster ride of emotions and learning, and teaching. But so much is just about ac..."

Nice to meet you Sarah! Absolutely, it's a roller coaster, but I agree: in the end, it's really very simple. Hard sometimes but simple. Thanks for reading. And all best wishes to you and your family.