a man performing oral sex on his daughter while her twin watched and secretly wished it was her? The revulsion I felt was too much. I can't explain, I usually really like books that are controversial and stretch boundaries but. It made me feel uncomfortable, too much so. I felt this book, unlike Burned which I loved, just went too far. I really like the author's style and I think the use of verse is highly effective and contributes something to the story that I never imagined possible. Still, a mostly satisfying read and I look forward to Hopkins' other titles. While the characters were easy to get to know, I found the issues covered a bit too overwhelming and excessive foreshadowing revealed a plot twist that was not a big surprise to me by the book's conclusion.

The story is told in alternating perspectives by the twins and covers myriad teenage problems, including father-daughter incest, eating disorders, drug abuse, mental illness, promiscuity, and cutting. After listening to the audio version, I borrowed the book just to see how the 16-year-old identical twins, Kaeleigh's and Raeanne's thoughts were shaped. As much as I enjoyed the narration, I find that the author's intimate writing style and loosely constructed free prose is meant to be read. Her characters are solid, believable, and strong. Ellen Hopkins must have teenagers of her own, or is very knowledgeable about the problems that can affect them. While my vague memories remained far in the past, I was able to feel a deep emotional connection with the characters.

My fear cast aside, I decided to borrow the unabridged audio version from the library. Though I had no reservations about reading Tricks, some of the issues in Identical were a little too close to home for me, and I was afraid of triggering unwanted memories. He died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 86. I hated visiting my grandparents on Sundays after church and especially hated being left alone with my grandfather.

I always hated the way he treated my grandmother and my mother and hated the way they behaved when they were around him.

He was liberal with his money at the race track and when he was out drinking with his buddies, but it was a big deal if my grandmother wanted a new dress or my mom needed a new pair of shoes. He had anger issues and extreme mood swings.

Identical by Ellen Hopkins