Truong, Monique. Bitter in the Mouth

Truong, Monique Bitter in the Mouth
Random House/Knopf/Anchor/Three Rivers 2010 282p 25.00
978-1-4000-6908-8 hs/adult Bildungsroman E-BN


A wonderfully written, coming of age novel that beautifully exploits a friendship between two girls in the 1970s and 1980s to describe not only the times they live in, but how friendships and families create the individuals we become.
A second novel by this award winning author (Bard Fiction Price, 2003; PEN/Robert Bingham Fellowship for Writers, 2004; and New York Public Library Young Lions Fiction Award, 2004) this is a gem of a novel. Linda, the young protagonist recognizes at a very young age that she can taste words. This form of synesthesia and her methods of coping with the onslaught of “incomings” (never ending tastes assaulting her brain due to people talking) cigarettes, alcohol, and sex, as well as her relationships with her best friend Kelly and her Uncle Harper, and other individuals in her life, unfold in this narrative of her life. As one reads through the book the author reveals little tidbits about Linda and her family and friends that alter the course of Linda’s life. Secrets revealed later in her life, when family tragedy pulls her back home, finally serve to clarify for Linda who she is and why her life has followed the it’s path. Fisher, Lynn

Rushdie, Salman. Luka and the Fire of Life

Rushdie, Salman Luka and the Fire of Life
Random House/Knopf/Anchor/Three Rivers 2010 218p 25.00
978-0-679-46336-8 ms VG-BN


Luka must endure all sorts of frightening dangers as he journeys to the Fire of Life in order to save his father’s life.
This book employs vivid language, an enjoyable style, and a mix of traditional stories and modernity -- for example, video game and internet references -- that will resonate with pre-teens and teens. The characters are complex and well developed, and the story is filled with action, adventure, and a touch of humor as it moves toward its satisfying conclusion.
There is occasional dicey language, as the use of the word “ratshit” that may offend some. Fantasy Kennedy, Carol

O’Dell, Tawni. Fragile Beasts

O’Dell, Tawni Fragile Beasts
Random House/Doubleday/Ballantine 2010 401 25.00
978-0-307-35168-5 hs/adult VG
This epic saga covers about 50 years in the life of Candace Jack and her connections to Spain and Western Pennsylvania. Two orphaned teenage boys, Kyle and Klint, come into her life and give fulfillment to her later years. Candace Jack met and fell in love with a matador while visiting Spain as a young woman. She was at the bullring when he was killed in the bullfight. Returning to her family home near Pittsburgh, PA her entire life is consumed by her loss.
Late in her life, her niece pleads with her to take in two teenaged boys when their father dies. The boys want to stay in their hometown and not go with the mother who deserted the family several years ago. As Kyle, the younger one gets to know Miss Jack and her servant Luis, he discovers a whole new world as she opens her heart to the past for the first time in years. Klint, on the other hand is withdrawing further into himself. Eventually the reader learns that he was abused by his mother and that is why he would rather die than go live with her.
This is a story of unreconnciled love, boys coming of age, and definitions of true love and family. The flashbacks and telling the story from multiple viewpoints point to a mature, sophisticated audience. There are also some sexual encounters which make this novel at least high school.
Recommended for high school to adult, especially someone with an interest in Spain or bullfighting. Theal(1), Joan

Jacob, Matthew & Mark Jacob. What the Great Ate

Jacob, Matthew & Mark Jacob. What the Great Ate
Three Rivers Press see Random House 2010 310p 14.00
978-0-307-46195-7 ms/hs VG-BN

A fascinating smorgasbord of culinary oddities of famous and not so famous people throughout history. The book proves that food is often much more than an edible creation.
The authors have concocted a wide variety of enticing anecdotes about the likes, dislikes, and peculiarities of various notable people in history from different walks of life.

In “What Edvard Munched” you learned that Renoir always had his wife hire cooks whose face retained light so that he could use them as models. We also learned why Andy Warhol chose to paint Campbell’s soup cans and the trouble Georgia O’Keefe had over painting or not painting pineapples.

In “Hail to the Beef”, we find out that Thomas Jefferson was probably the original foodie because he introduced eggplant, ice cream, planting and eating tomatoes, and lastly established new standards for the presidential dinners. We also learned that G.W. Bush stated that since he was the president of the United States he didn’t have to eat broccoli anymore. And his aides stated that “junk food is his lifestyle”.
In “Experiments for dining”, Galileo got into an egg fight with a Church scholar over whether a projectile would heat up or cool off in flight.
In “Business Lunch”’ we learn that “Steve Jobs is a vegetarian who named his company after his favorite fruit.”
The authors have done a wonderful job of researching and compiling interesting facts and oddities to satisfy the palettes of discerning readers. I would advise to nibble some of your favorite tidbits as you devour the book.
This is a very well written book that will relate well to many young readers. It is recommended as a basic book for any upper elementary/middle school library. It would make an excellent selection for a basic books list for school libraries. McNeil, Linda

Ali, Nujood with Delphine Minoui. I am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced

Ali, Nujood with Delphine Minoui I am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced
Three Rivers Press see Random House 2010 188p 12.00
12-0007-58967-5 ms/hs E-BN
Nujood Ali has no birth certificate but she has been told she is 10 years old. She loves dolls, chocolate cake and learning how to read. Then one day Nujood was married to a man twice her age. It was then that she learned the true meaning of the word cruelty. Although from a very poor family, Nujood, 5th daughter in an ever increasing family, is very happy playing with her sisters and other playmates. Poverty is very hard for her family but they all help in many different ways. Nujood helps by taking care of the younger children and she is learning how to cook flatbreads and other things. Then her father looses his poorly paid job and they need to resort to begging.
In Yemen women have no voice. Men are in charge of everything including marrying off their daughters. Nujood’s two sisters were barely in their teens before they were married off. Nujood dreamed of her turn but she always imagine that it would be something to celebrate and there would be sweet cakes. Then the day came and it happened so fast, Nujood was dressed in an old brown dress two sizes too big and surrounded by very unfriendly people, she was given in marriage to a nasty looking individual who promised not to touch her for at least two years. No sooner was she taken away to his house was she violated and later beaten.
Nujood decided she wanted a divorce and she also decided she was going to get it as quickly as possible. And so began her trek to the courthouse where she declared her desired to get a divorce and the authorities could not believe that a ten year old was already a married woman.
This story made news and was brought to the attention of the world by Nujood’s lawyer Shada, who worked for women’s rights in Yemen and this story made it possible to start working towards the crime of marrying girls as young as 9 year old to old men. Diaz, Magna

Ensler, Eve. I Am An Emotional Creature

Ensler, Eve I Am An Emotional Creature
Villard Books/Random 2010 148p 20.00
978-1-4000-6104-4 hs E-BN
Eve Ensler, author of The Vagina Monologues, gives voice to girls of all colors, creeds, and nationalities as they cope with various social and political issues. In this impassioned book, Eve Ensler, author of The Vagina Monologues, gives voice to girls of all colors, creeds, and nationalities as they cope with various social and political issues worldwide. Ensler writes fictional monologues, dialogues, poems and stories that give an account of what some girls go through in this day and age. The text in this book is inspired by girls around the globe who are dealing with issues such as: peer pressure, slavery, violence, and other real life problems. Some of the topics include a suburban girl dealing with popularity among her peers, a teenage Chinese factory worker who assembles Barbie doll heads all day, and an African young woman who goes out for a fun time with her friends one day and returns home two years later with her baby after being kidnapped as a sexual slave to a war lord. There are “Girl Facts” sprinkled throughout the chapters that enlighten the reader to statistics that are related to the forthcoming chapter. Ensler is an impassioned purveyor of information whose messages will empower readers and show the universal plight and strength of young women worldwide. This is a “can’t put down book” that should be in every high school library. Recommended for Tristate Books of Note. This is a “can’t put down book” that should be in every high school library. Recommended for Tristate Books of Note. Weinraub, Tina

Sullivan, J. Courtney. Commencement

Sullivan, J. Courtney Commencement
Vintage see Random 2009 419p 14.95
978-0-307-45496-6 college E
Four young women continue their friendship after graduating from college. Each has a destiny to follow and as their new life unfolds they try to support each other whether they agree or not. Four young women from different part of the states come together as freshman and forge a friendship that will continue even after they graduate from college. Celia the writer in the group introduces us to her best friends, April, always on the path searching for the truth and ready to document it, Sally wealthy and eager to face life as a professional but ultimate choosing to marry and have a child, and then there is Bree, beautiful, gorgeous Bree, confused as to her sexuality and choosing doomed love affairs.
Together they continue their friendship and support each other whether they agree with the choices their friends make or not.
Each character gets a chance to tell her story and they are interweaved so that the reader gets to know all the characters and how each life affects the other characters and although there are strange moments of tension, fear and danger but ultimately friendship wins out.
An excellent story but not for high school. Diaz, Magna
Young college women - Female friendship - United States - Social conditions

Frank, Ana. Diary of Ann Frank (Spanish version)

Frank, Ana Diary of Ann Frank (Spanish version)
Vintage see Random 2010 376p 13.00
978-0-307-47568-8 jr/sr E-BN

The Spanish translation of the classic book Diary of Anna Frank. A very good addition to your Spanish collection. The diary of Ana Frank is a classic that everyone should read and now it is available in Spanish translation for your Spanish collection. The translation is very good and looses non of the candid moments that Ana share with us as her life and that of her family spun out of their control. The translation allows you to feel the fear that was felt even as life continued for all involved in this terrifying time in the history of Germany.
As we follow Ana’s life transformation from a normal home life to one of hidden terror as World War II ravish the world as she knew it, we feel the power of the human spirit struggling for survival even as everyday day may be the last. A wonderful biography now available in Spanish Diaz, Magna

Darling, Ron with Daniel Paisner. The Complete Game: Reflections on Baseball and the Art of Pitching

Darling, Ron with Daniel Paisner
The Complete Game: Reflections on Baseball and the Art of Pitching
Vintage see Random 2009 272p 15.00
978-0-307-39058-5 hs/adult VG

Darling describes the highs and lows of baseball through the eyes of a pitcher. Any baseball fan, in particular those who have pitched a game, will find insight into the strategies of pitchers, their mindset, their fears and triumphs. For grades 8 and up. Any baseball fan will enjoy this up close and personal look at the game of baseball from a pitcher’s perspective. An easy read that is tough to put down, Darling provides insight into the mind, strategies, and life of a professional baseball pitcher. The book is divided into chapters starting with pre-game warm-up, followed by replays of various games from the 1980’s to 2008 in an inning to inning format, with the concluding chapter being about post game/retirement. Reflections on the differences between high school, college and professional ball show the intensity growing with each increasingly selective roster. There are laughs as he relates his rookie year after being called up to the majors from the minor league. There are the moments when he felt triumphant, even if his team did not win the game, moments when he was psyched out by an opponent, and the toughest when let go. His mentors get equal attention, whether coaches, managers or fellow teammates. Darling does not focus on the honors he achieved, but on how the game was played, how baseball affected his personal life, and how much pressure is on a pitcher since the pitcher is the one who is often given credit with winning or losing the game. A must read for any potential pitcher or fan of baseball in the 1980’s-1990’s. For high school students and adults. Recommended for public library collections and some high school libraries where baseball technique and baseball nostalgia are well received. A fantastic look at the psyche of a baseball pitcher. McNicol,Lois

Beals, Katharine. Raising a Left-Brain Child in a Right-Brain World.

Beals, Katharine. Raising a Left-Brain Child in a Right-Brain World.
Random House/Knopf/Anchor/Three Rivers 2009 232 16.95 978-1-5903-0650-5 adult

Presents a case for accommodating socially awkward students who may just have an unexpected learning style. According to the author, these children generally will not perform well in the current collaborative social classroom setting. She presents strategies for parents to help adjust their learning environment and strengthen skills at home. Using multiple case studies the author gives examples of children who present as different from the norm in their social awkwardness and need for strict sequencing in their learning environment. She further claims that current educational reform with its emphasis on right-brain skills and collaborative projects interferes with the ability for these children to display their sometimes gifted abilities.
Within the label of left-brain children, the author also includes those with Nonverbal Learning Disabilities, high-functioning autistic children and those with Asperger’s Syndrome in addition to those that are very analytical. Not only do these left brained students achieve more in school with direct instruction, forcing them into groups and collaborative projects can cause mental and emotional distress to them.
Left brain children tend to be introverted, concrete thinkers and are unwilling to share personal information so shun the activities that require intimate personal response. They will not be comfortable if they are expected to connect what they learn to themselves. Finally,it is ironic that as much as vow to support individuality we really are a society that, “values social skills over academic accomplishment, extroversion over introversion, and group cooperation over individual accomplishment.”(5)
The author is highly critical of current curriculum trends particularly as they manifest in math and science. Also, in her opinion, there is too wide and somewhat vague description of personality types that are now considered a disorder. According to her research, in 1958 the total number of school counselors was 12 Thousand and school psychologists were rare in public schools. Today there are over ninety thousand counselors and thirty-five thousand psychologists in the public schools(30).
The strength of this book lies in the advice to parents on how to advocate for the child at school as well as strategies for working on some of the social issues.
Spadaro, Trish

Henham, R.D. Green Dragon Codex.

Henham, R.D. Green Dragon Codex.
Random House/Knopf/Anchor/Three Rivers 2009 243 9.95 978-0-7869-5145-1 ms/hs
Thirteen-year-old Scamp, his older brother Mather, and friend Dannika, set out to find someone who can protect the mysterious globe and tablet that Scamp found by the corpse of a dead dragon. They are chased by evil doers with magical powers. They are chased by evil doers with magical powers. Scamp always seems to be in trouble because he is an accident waiting to happen. His older brother lectures him frequently but doesn’t step in and help. Dannika has a mystical connection to her mentor Pena. The three are sent on a quest to find help protecting the tablet and egg. Along the way the egg hatches revealing a green dragon. Throughout history, green dragons have been evil, but Scamp has faith that he can train the dragon hatchling he names Pug, to be good.
As the group is attacked, and when it seems obvious that they will be killed, either magic or the courage of the trio, or a combination of these two always saves them.
An exciting, hard to put down read with very original forms of magic and exciting action.
Joan Theal

Uhlberg, Myron. Hands of My Father: A Hearing Boy, His Deaf Parents, and the Language of Love

Uhlberg, Myron. Hands of My Father: A Hearing Boy, His Deaf Parents, and the Language of Love
Random House/Knopf/Anchor/Three Rivers 2009 230p 23.00 978-0-553-80688-5 ms/hs

Children’s author tells the story of growing up as the hearing son of deaf parents and the trials, tribulations, and loving memories of being an emissary to the hearing world for his parents. Uhlberg tales evoke not only his life in the 1940 and 50’s, but the hearing world’s prejudices towards deaf people during that time. The expressiveness of his father’s signing as well as his love and devotion to his family and the struggle to provide for them will bring tears of sadness and joy to the reader’s eyes. Uhlberg, an award winning children’s author, tells the story of growing up as the hearing son of deaf parents. He relates the trials, tribulations, and loving memories of being an emissary to the hearing world for his deaf parents. From the age of five, Uhlberg had to be the intermediary between both worlds, a huge job for a small child. Although he is often ashamed of his parents for being deaf, it is because the hearing people exhibit extreme prejudice towards deaf people during the 1940’s and 1950’s. When Uhlberg’s younger brother becomes epileptic, his burden becomes heavier as he has to be a caretaker for him as well for a while. There are humorous parts also, like when Uhlberg has to mime the Joe Louis fight for his father that is being broadcast over the radio or interpret between his parents and his teacher on report card night. Although Uhlberg’s parents depended on him for many things, they also loved him very much and provided a good, loving and solid family life. Uhlberg’s love for his parents is evident in his writing, especially when he describes his father’s expressive signing, his curiosity about things, and is affection for his family. Readers may experience both laughter and tears as they read this memoir. This book would be an excellent addition to both middle and high school libraries. Tina Weinraub

Chenoweth, Emily Hello Goodbye.

Chenoweth, Emily Hello Goodbye.
Random House/Knopf/Anchor/Three Rivers 2009 272p 25.00 978-1-4000-6517-2 hs/adult

Vacationing at an exclusive New Hampshire resort gives friends and family an opportunity to say their goodbyes to Helen, who has been diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer. A beautifully written and compelling novel of love and loss, the story begins with Helen collapsing in the kitchen after her morning run. Only her husband, Elliott, has been told by the doctors that she only has nine months to live. Keeping the secret from her and teenage Abby, Elliott plans a vacation at an exclusive resort to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary. While the story revolves around Helen, with third person narratives, Elliot and Abby, as well as their friends, deal with her decline.

Elliott is beautifully portrayed as the solicitous husband, who drinks to deal with his impending grief. Abby grows from a self-absorbed teen to grieving but competent young woman. The story glows with love and loss, and all the characters are believably portrayed.

A mild sexual encounter, drug and alcohol use make this a novel for older teens, and the subject matter seems more appropriate for adult readers. PN

Treatment of animals from a scientific and ethical viewpoint

Bekoff, Marc. Animals Matter.
Shambhala (Random House), 2007. 202p $14.00 978-1-59030-522-5

This title, from the author of “The Emotional Lives of Animals,” examines the treatment of animals from a scientific and ethical viewpoint. Beckoff, who has a PhD in biology, analyzes the scientific research with the philosophical ideas and humane values to present arguments for the ethical treatment of domestic and wild animals. The forward is written by Jane Goodall. Some of the topics include: animal feelings, the difference between animal rights and animal welfare, captivity, and experimentation. Bekoff takes the point of view that animals are sentient and should always be treated humanely.
This is an updated edition of the 2000 copyrighted title “Strolling with Our Kin: Speaking For and Respecting Voiceless Animals” which was printed for children by the American Anti-Vivisection Society. Bekoff has expanded the information to include new research as well as a glossary and an index.
“Animals Matter” is a thoughtful book that would be a very good addition to high school libraries. It will be of interest to animal lovers as well as a good title for research. TW

Innocent Traitor by Allison Weir

Weir, Allison. Innocent Traitor.
Random House, 2006. 399p $24.95 978-0-345--49485-6
Historical

This is, surprisingly, the first novel of noted historian Weir, and one hopes that it will not be the last. It is perhaps the most engrossing historical fiction of the year. Meticulously researched and compellingly written, it tells the story of Lady Jane Grey from many different voices - Queen Katherine Parr, Lady Jane’s machinistic parents, Jane Seymour, and John Dudley, among others.

Told in what appears to be journal entries, delineated by narrator, place and date, the thread may be difficult to follow at first, but soon the story will sweep the reader away. Lady Jane’s parents are abusive, disappointed that Jane is not a male heir. After the death of Henry, they connive to betroth Jane to the sickly Edward. Her place in Queen Katherine Parr’s court is a haven compared to her own home, and Queen Katherine and her nanny seem to be the only ones who have Jane’s own interests in mind. After Edward’s death, Lady Jane is installed on the throne, but only reigns for nine days until overthrown by Princess Mary’s armies.

We know the fate of Lady Jane Grey, so the ending will not be surprising, but the manner in which the story evolves is so satisfying that even the devastating end of Lady Jane’s story will leave the reader wishing for more. In the tradition of Philippa Gregory and Antonia Fraser, let us hope that this first novel is not Weir’s last. PN

A coming-of-age novel

Mitchell, David. Black Swan Green.
Random House, 2006, 294p $13.95 978-0-8129-7401-0
Historical

Full of cultural references to historical events such as the Falkland War, pop culture icons, and slang of Britain in 1982, Mitchell enters the mind of a 13-year-old boy. Jason is a closet poet, bullied by his classmates, wonders about love and what is important in life. The growth of the character from beginning to end of the novel is tremendous, and the reader will feel that they have witnessed the process of becoming “adult” by traveling with Jason through his adolescence.
This book will appeal to adults who reflect on their own growing up as well as perceptive high school students. Jason meets a fascinating set of adults, from an elderly female recluse to a lady who critiques his poetry and serves as a mirror to Jason’s intimate thoughts. His schoolteachers are sometimes perceptive about growing boys’ minds and at other times clueless to the angst of teenage boys. Jason stammers when feeling inadequate which is often the case when he is around his classmates but realizes that he can control his stammering by being in control of events. The impending divorce that hovers at the edge of the plot finally becomes permanent at the end of the novel. Understanding his parents as adults frees him from being the “perfect” son. He even comes to a truce with his sister who calls him “Thing”. He experiences his first smoke, his first shoplifting incident, and first kiss with all the angst associated with each event. A strong look at secrets, ethics, and reputations reveal that not all is as it seems. Handwritten notes and newspaper headlines are interspersed within the text. Outstanding imagery and writing are found within its pages.
It is strongly recommended for high school libraries where coming-of-age novels are needed. The imagery used by Mitchell is a pleasure to read. Readers will avidly turn the pages to watch Jason turn from an insecure adolescent into a self-assured young man. LMN

Virginia Woolf Writer’s Workshop.

Jones, Danell. Virginia Woolf Writer’s Workshop.
Batam (Random House), 2007. $24.00 164p 978-0-553-80650-2

Jones invites the reader to enter a creative writing classroom taught by Virginia Woolf through quotations taken from her writing. At the end of each chapter are writing exercises called writing sparks. Suitable for teachers to use in the classroom or an aspiring writer to practice the craft of writing. Genres discussed to include nonfiction, essays, fiction and poetry. For grades eight and up.
An enchanting approach to creative writing, Jones uses quotations from Virginia Woolf as a basis for encouraging, critiquing and explaining the craft of writing. The reader is drawn into a classroom taught by Woolf as she addresses her students, inexperienced and thirsting to find out what makes a good writer. Seven chapters describe fundamentals, and habits needed to become a writer: practice, hard work, creative ideas, walking to clear the mind and observe, reading many types of authors, publishing hints, and having a case of doubt when excellence has arrived. The last part of the book covers techniques of writing nonfiction, essays, biography, poetry, and fiction. Stressed most of all is to try a variety of voices, styles, and to write without thinking about perfection on the first try. A background in classical literature will help the reader understand all the nuances Jones provides. Or the mention of famous literature may cause the less experienced reader to read books never before sampled. Woolf’s words inspire readers to hone their craft. The exercises can only help the budding writer explore diverse aspects that make for excellent writing. Stressed is the art of reading that only makes the writer stronger in the art of writing. Even reading “bad” literature helps the writer become better. Developing writing partners or a writing community will provide discussion and constructive criticism and insight into bettering oneself as a writer. The author presents good strong advice for budding writers. This book also will prove informational to teachers who wish to have a variety of writing exercises to stretch their students. The exercises pull on events, ideas, and literature common to all high school students. Contains and index and bibliography. The reader can track a Woolf quotation to its source.
Strongly recommended as a writing exercise workbook for teachers and as a treasure trove of advice for budding writers. The exercises will stretch the student to look at events, write more descriptively, and in a variety of styles. For grades 8 and up. LMN

Student Notebook Spanish Dictionary 2nd ed..

Random House. Student Notebook Spanish Dictionary 2nd ed..
Random, 2007. 140p $3.99 978-037572-252-3

After the dictionary there is a special section in English and Spanish of Irregular verbs, Weights and measures, food terms, colors, animals, clothing, body parts, months of the year, and useful phrases. It has a section that explains SAT Spanish testing and a section for note taking. There is also a chart listing the English abbreviations. In the back cover of the book, you will find a guide for pronouncing the English language.
This is an excellent tool for ESOL students. They can walk around with this excellent tool and always have a tool to consult. MD

The Invisible Wall.

Bernstein, Harry. The Invisible Wall.
Random House, 2007. 297p $22.95 978-0-345-49580-8

Jews lived on one side of the street, Christians on the other. Despite this invisible wall, a love blossomed between Jewish Lily and Christian Arthur than eventually united the communities. Harry Bernstein tells his family’s incredible story.
Can a 93-year-old man still remember dinner conversations prior to World War I? Little matter, what first-time author Bernstein gives the reader is a poignant and beautiful memoir of a racial; religious, and cultural divide bridged by the power of love.

Growing up in a small Lancashire mill town at the turn of the century, Harry Bernstein endured the violence of anti-Semitism at school and the lethal cocktail of alcoholism and poverty at home. On a street that divided the Jewish and Christian communities, only a few yards came between the communities, but they were worlds apart. Then Harry became the go-between for his older sister, Lily, and Arthur, her Christian lover.

At times the story seems almost too well-remembered, and seems more historical fiction than an actual memoir. Whatever its “real” status, this is a lyrical testament to a bygone time. This story of poverty and resilience, redeemed by the ultimate power of love will appeal to fans of Angela’s Ashes.
Recommended for high school and adult biography collections, multicultural collections, and those containing World War I memoirs. PN

Identical Strangers.

Schein, Elyse and Paula Bernstein. Identical Strangers.
Random House /Knopf/Anchor/Three Rivers, 2007. $25.95 270p 978-1-4000-6496-0

This is the chronicle of two women and their mutual discovery that they were twins who were separated when they were adopted by two different families. This double autobiography also examines the nature vs. nurture theory and is sprinkled with scientific information about twins.
This is the chronicle of two women and their mutual discovery that they were twins who were separated when they were adopted by two different families. They bond when they are in their late thirties and team up to find out their biological family history. They learn that the adoption agency that handled the adoptions was involved in an unethical study about twins and that is the reason they were separated. Both Elyse and Paula take turns telling their own story and reflect on how discovering they had a twin has impacted their lives. This double autobiography also examines the nature vs. nurture theory and is sprinkled with scientific information about twins. Color photographs of the two women and their families as they grow up and as adults are included in the middle of the book. The reader will by swept up in the mystery of their search for their mother and the secrets that are kept in the locked their adoption records. This title will be a very good selection for high school libraries where there is interest in the topic of adoption and/or the study of twins. TW