Lipsyte,
Robert. The
Twinning Project. Houghton Mifflin/Clarion
269p
$16.99
978-0-547-64571-1 2012 ms VG Science Fiction
This book will entertain young readers because of its
creative plot, relatable characters, and unique
conflicts. Aliens threaten two earths
which they, themselves, created, and now hope to destroy because earthlings
have seriously messed things up. The story is never developed from the alien point of view.
Instead, it develops the relationship between the twins, Tom and Eddie, who
have lived separately on two earths that are fifty years apart on the time continuum. The twins don’t know
each other but have odd communications with each other, which combine to give this
book a “Wow! This is creative!” factor that will engage young
readers. The twin who resides on the
contemporary earth, Tom, is a misfit who is always in trouble. Eddie, the twin who lives on an earth of fifty years ago, EarthTwo,
is the goody-goody one who is a jock and an all-around nice guy. In a Prince-and-the-Pauper-type switch, they must try to combat the enemy from their new
vantage points. Their missing father is
almost certainly alive, and the author ends the book in a way that guarantees a
sequel will follow. The most interesting
aspect of
the book lies in the way that both
twins try to fit into their new surroundings and in
the friendships that blossom after the change.
There are no alien/earthling battles, a plot deficiency that may disappoint young readers who like lots of
action. Yet the plot is very interesting, which makes this book entertaining nevertheless. The supporting characters
shine: Alessa, Britzky, psychologist Dr. Traum, Merlyn, and Grandpa. They are perfect additions, and accomplished
author Robert Lipsyte characterizes each one with ease. Lipsyte combines his natural narrative writing style with a comedic
flair that is guaranteed to bring many young readers into his fan club.
Parallel universes–Fiction --Martha Squaresky
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