What? Is this a novel? A parable? An entry into a contest to describe the world's worst and most clueless parents? Worst sports book ever? Maybe, and this is being generous, a quirky story of coming of age under difficult circumstances. (Yes, its implausible, but for the sake of not being 100% negative, lets not bring that up.) For the record, I had read Marcy Dermansky's "Bad Marie" right before reading Twins. What a frustrating combination. Precious moments of good - spectacular writing just completely garbled by the odd completely unlikely events that happen to her main characters. ( )

Chloe and Sue are twins. They are blonde, beautiful, and identical. But although they look the same, they are very different. Chloe is pleasant, anxious to do well at school, desperate to be liked and eager to look nice. Sue on the other hand, is abrasive – and downright horrible most of the time – rude and spiteful. She cares little about school, or about anything at all other than Chloe. Sue resents Chloe’s need for independence and other friends, and wants Chloe to want Sue, and nobody else. Not even their brother, not even their parents. As they grow increasingly apart, while always drawn together, Chloe and Sue both seem set on path to doom. This book follows them through their teenage years, through eating disorders, romantic entanglements, unexpected friendships, and lost dreams.

This book started well – the chapters are narrated by Sue and Chloe in turn, and I felt that the characters were well drawn, and distinctive. Chloe actually seemed rather bland, at the start of the story, whereas Sue, though a far more interesting character, was completely unlikeable, with almost no redeeming features. It actually felt uncomfortable to read some parts, where for example, she was very spiteful to people, and cruel to the poor family dog. However, Sue’s behaviour is somewhat understandable when the parents’ characters are introduced – because the twins’ parents are just horrible, selfish people. I actually felt myself getting angry with these characters while reading the book – they seemed to care little for any of their children and were only bothered about making themselves happy. The character in the family who I most warmed to was the twin’s brother Daniel. He champions Sue, although she rarely sees it, and despite his hostility, obviously genuinely cares for his sisters.

For the most part, the book was compulsively readable, and touched on many adolescent issues, such as obsession with looks, the desire to ‘fit in’ and the need for individuality, while trying to forge a path towards adulthood.

However, towards the end, I found that some of the situations which the twins ended up in were slightly unbelievable, and I started tiring of both girls, and just wanting to sit them down and talk some sense into them. I appreciated the fact that the book didn’t tie everything up neatly, but did still give some sense of conclusion.

I think I would probably read more by Marcy Dermansky – she certainly has a way of writing which draws you in, and creates interesting, if not always pleasant characters. If you don’t mind all the teenage angst, this book is well worth a look. ( )

A very obvious 'first' novel that doesn't go exactly where you're it expecting it too.I had higher hopes in the first part that we might be getting something of a riot grrl renaissance, but that wasn't quite to be either. So - we have a perfectly good trope (good sister/bad sister)that brings to mind everything from Heathers to Sweet Valley high and see what happens to those 90's cliches in the 21st century. It wasn't what I was expecting, and it always refreshing to see a YA book about females that doesn't revolve around romance with boys. ( )

A great read about teen issues of anorexica, bulimia, homosexuality, puberty and everything in between ( )

Wow. I found this book when browsing in Borders yesterday, and took it to work with me. My workmate is an identical twin herself, and we chatted a bit about that before I started reading, so I had some real life experiences to think about.

This book is amazing. Told by two narrators - our twins Sue and Chloe - you're never confused about who's point of view you're looking at. The story begins with Sue - the younger and somewhat obsessive twin - convincing Chloe to get a tattoo for their thirteenth birthday. Once they have a tattoo, Sue thinks that they'll never be able to be apart again.

The beginning felt reminiscent to Thirteen (the movie), with Sue the rebellious one, and Chloe following. But as the movie went through a number of years, things change, perfection is challenged and the girls are adopted/challenged by a number of friends. Meanwhile their parents pull away, separate from each other, then get back together - only to separate from their children.

It's difficult to go into the wondrous details of this book - I swallowed it whole and it would probably serve some later readings. I couldn't see it as the black comedy it was billed as - I felt that the 'comedy' was just sad most of the time. There were a few 'first book' quibbles - but all in all an enjoyable read. ( )