- Shopping Bag ( 0 items )
Do twins begin in the womb?
Or in a better place?
Kaeleigh and Raeanne are identical down to the dimple. As daughters of a district-court judge father and a politician mother, they are an all-American family -- on the surface. Behind the facade each sister has her own dark secret, and that's where their differences begin.
For Kaeleigh, she's the misplaced focus of Daddy's love, intended for a mother whose presence on the campaign trail means absence at home. All that Raeanne sees is Daddy playing a game of favorites -- and she is losing. If she has to lose, she will do it on her own terms, so she chooses drugs, alcohol, and sex.
Secrets like the ones the twins are harboring are not meant to be kept -- from each other or anyone else. Pretty soon it's obvious that neither sister can handle it alone, and one sister must step up to save the other, but the question is -- who?
Using free verse as her vehicle, Hopkins (Crank, Glass) takes readers on a harrowing ride into the psyches of 16-year-old identical twins Kaeleigh and Raeanne, both of whom are racing toward self-destruction. The girls' family appears picture-perfect. Their father is a prominent judge, their mother is running for Congress, and both girls do well in school. But ever since an accident, "Mom doesn't love anyone./ She is marble. Beautiful./ Frigid. Easily stained/ by her family. What's left/ of us, anyway. We are corpses." Raeanne seeks escape in sex and drugs; Kaileigh binges and cuts herself. Brief, gutsy confessions reveal a history of sexual abuse and emotional neglect, and it's not clear that both girls will survive it. Hopkins's verse is not only lean and sinuous, it also demonstrates a mastery of technique. Strategically placed concrete verse includes a poem about revenge shaped like a double-edged sword; in another, about jealousy, the lines form one heart reflecting another, until a rupture breaks the symmetry at the bottom. Often, the twins' entries mirror each other, on facing pages: although used differently in the two poems, the same key words are set off in corresponding stanzas ("think./ How/ different/ life./ could be" reads one set of key words). Those for whom Uncle Vampire means something will anticipate the still-breathless climax; all others, including most of the target audience, will be shocked. Ages 14-up. (Aug.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Ellen Hopkins has been writing poetry for many years. Her first novel, Crank, also written in verse, met with critical acclaim. She lives with her husband and son in Carson City, Nevada.
McKenzieElise
Posted December 8, 2008
I have read all of Ellen Hopkins books. And before I read this book, Impulse was my favorite. And I didn't think she could write another book any better. But she did. Identical is the best book I have ever read. I couldn't put the book down once I started. And the ending was amazing. Not predictable AT ALL. Which was the best part. I can't wait till her next novel.
19 out of 21 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Balina
Posted August 18, 2011
I Also Recommend:
I loved it and will probably end up rereading it.
9 out of 9 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.It's a good book but it's also a little disturbing. I had to force myself to read some parts, and it's not because it was bad or boring, it was because some parts were too hard to read for me. There are some really hard things to read in this book, a lot of mature subject matter. There's a twist most will not expect at the end and will be suprised when reading it. Kaeleigh and Raeanne are identical twins. Kaeleigh has been sexually abused by her father since she was a child and finds it hard to say no to anything. The only good things she has going for her life is Ian. Raeanne always has to be high, and loves to be used on her own terms. She loves having sex with many different guys and finds herself attracted to one of her teachers. I'm not gonna get too much into the plot because if I do I can easily give it away. So if you don't mind the sensitve subject matter of drugs, sex, and sexual abuse then I say read this book. It will be one of those books you will think about long after.
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Ellen Hopkins has a natural gift for writing so poignantly you don't just read the words on paper, you become the words she so eloquently delivers.
Hopkins writing style is so naked & sincere it simply steals your breath away. Identical is told in free verse & sometimes that form of free verse utilizes pictures or poems w/i poems to convey it's message -- simply brilliant.
I knew where Hopkins was going w/ the storyline & it made me ache inside. I was not just an outsider looking in but was experiencing all the heart wrenching emotions Kaeleigh & Raeanne endured thanks to Hopkins' seamless stratagem.
It was difficult reading about what the father was doing to one of the daughters. I had a difficult time w/ it because it hit too close to home. All I am saying is, the cycle of abuse is a violently vicious one!
Hopkins' descriptions are remarkably riveting & powerfully fervent you may have to write a memo w/ the words "exhale" in bold print!
I am not going to give away the design of Identical, you are going to have to read the book for yourself. Hopkins' Identical is definitely not a book to be missed.
I have heard mumblings that this book is "graphic" but I ask myself as I type this, "Is this book anymore graphic than what you endured @ the hands of your uncle @ the tender age of 9?" My answer... No!
I believe Hopkins deserves kudos for shattering the glass ceiling w/ her groundbreaking prose, ripped from the headlines storylines & richly poured lyrical exposition.
Identical needs to be on every library shelf in the universe, given as gifts to young girls & parents across the globe.
While imitator's dip their toes, literary doyenne Hopkins plunges right in!
Quick! Grab a copy of Hopkins' Identical.
7 out of 8 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 21, 2010
I Also Recommend:
Sixteen-year-old identical twins Kaeleigh and Raeanne have a seemingly perfect life; their father is one of the most revered judges in California, and their mother is running in the election for congress. However, things are not as "perfect" as they may seem. "Perfect on the outside, but behind the Norman Rockwell facades, each holds its secrets. Dark, untellable. Practically unbelievable." Kaeleigh and Raeanne are mirror image twins and complete opposites; although, one aspect they have in common is their urge to be noticed by their parents. Raeanne longs for the love of her father, though he gives all his love to Kaeleigh. Kaeleigh aspires to be noticed by her mother, who is never home long enough between campaigns. Their father, Raymond Gardella, also seeks the love of his estranged wife, but when she rejects him, he moves on to someone that reminds him of her, their daughter Kaeleigh. Ellen Hopkins delves into the world of an abused child and isn't afraid to be explicit at times. This novel is a great read with a shocking twist at the end that no one could possibly see coming.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.hannahkathryn
Posted December 26, 2009
I Also Recommend:
From beginning to end, Ellen Hopkins delivers a beautiful, heartwrenching, and shocking novel about everything a teenage girl faces; sex, love, family issues, death, drugs, and much more. It was hard for me to put it down- and when I finally finished, the ending was so shocking and so unbelievable, it made me want to go back and reread it.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.HBG
Posted May 1, 2009
This book was quite gripping,although it is most certainly not for all age groups. I would say the age group is around 12-16, for sexually themed parts, etc. But it was really good, written in a sort of poem style. It took some getting used to, but once you did get used to that it was a really interesting read. It is told from the point of view of two twins, Kaeleigh and Raeanne. Kaeleigh is more quiet and good, while Raeanne is more daring. Basically, their dad crashes the car when they were little, and the mother got seriously injured, although nursed back to health by the twins' rueful father. She never loved their father the same again. Kaeleigh becomes the outlet for her dad's misdirected love, while Raeanne takes it as favoritism and takes out her feelings by doing drugs, sex, and alcohol. As Hopkins weaves a story of lies, hurt, and love, Kaeleigh and Raeanne realize that one of them will have to step up and save them both. But who will it be? And then, one of them finds something critical about the car crash, something that will change their lives forever. Read Idetical to discover what exactly this is.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I loved this book so much! I could't put it down for a miunute.
The books about twins girls, who are going throught a hard time in their lives. Durgs, bingging, cutting, are all parts of this book.
I coulnd't beilvie the ending!!!! The end was a shock!!! It caught me off guard!
Go read it. If you have doughts about it take my advice, GO READ IT!!!!!
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I have read all of Ellen Hopkins books, and Identical is definitely my favorite. You are brought into the world of Kaeleigh and Raeanne, twins with two completely different outlooks on life. This book has given me so much insight into a dysfunctional family, which is something I can relate to although not to the extent of this book. Hopkins style of writing is something I love. Her words just flow onto the pages that make up her creation of what should be considered a "hard life". All of her novels were based on people that have lives that are beyond distortion, their reality being what many people cannot understand and will only understand once reading one of her books. I believe that these novela were designed to give her readers a taste of her mind, and her ideas have given us the ability to see her view and her world. One of my favorite characters of this book is Ian. Unrequited love is something that people experience at least once in their lifetime and in the beginning in the novel it is evident that this happens to Ian. I love the fact Kaeleigh realizes her love for him because she really doesn't associate herself with anyone else but him. Ian is the type of guy who is what every girl would defintely go for. Humble, not egotistical at all. Their relationship is genuine. Thumbs up for Ellen Hopkins.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Nicoleheckyes
Posted December 7, 2011
Identical by Ellen Hopkins is a book I highly recommend. This book will have you turning the pages quicker than I can say popcorn. Ellen Hopkins creates the perfect story with plenty of drama, romance, tragedy and a special twist. This book brings the readers on a ride of a lifetime. The main characters of the book are twins. You¿d think all twins were the same but not all are. One of the twins is a rebel and the other a goody two shoes. Both live completely different lives but share the same identity as twins. This book will put you into the shoes of a lifestyle you¿d thought only few would experience. Some scenes may be too much to handle but if you make it through you won¿t regret reading it. This book references sexual abuse, drug use. If I had to rate this book 1-5 stars it would be a definite 5!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.0593
Posted August 12, 2011
The only reason I gave this book one star is because I have to.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.LinaLove7995
Posted July 21, 2011
this book was given to me for an independent reading project in 10th grade english. worth the read but disturbing. with drugs, sex, rape, and other scandals wrapped into one book you should think carefully before buying.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 17, 2011
This book was very hard to read
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Identical is not only my favorite book by Ellen Hopkins (who is also my favorite author) but it's also one of my favorite books of all time. The way it's written is so gripping, every sentence has you dying to find out what's going to happen next. Although it's not much of an action thriller, Identical keeps you on the edge of your seat with it's twists and turns. Even though the plot is a bit complex, Hopkins makes it clear to see what she's trying to say with her images of metaphors and similes, her symbols and hidden messages. One of my favorite things about Identical is that it's written in free lance poetry so that the story is rhythmical in a subtle way, beautiful and captivating like poetry, yet comprehensible enough for readers who are used to novels to understand. Identical has a dazzling charm to it; it's pages allure readers to continue the book. It's very easy to relate to, no matter who you are. It has memorable character, unforgettable scenes and an unexpected and unbelievable ending. I give you my full recommendation, you won't even notice the 565 pages. ; )
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I am 13 years old and this is my second favorite Ellen Hopkins book. My favorite is Burned. All of her books are page turners. I never want to put down the book! I definitely recommend all of her books.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This story is about twins named Kaeleigh and Raeanne. They are total opposites but look exactly the same. Kaeleigh is the quiet, doesn't want attention' type. Raeanne is the sexualy active drugy. Kaeleigh gets raped almost everynight by her alcoholic father. As far as their mom, she is out of the picture. Through out the book an accident is repeatedly brought up. Some DUI accident that took a life and made their mother go away and run for congress. A boy Ian is greatly in love with Kaeleigh and would do anything for her but she keeps him out of the loop. Raeanne is involved with Ty and Mike, but she uses them to get drugs. There's a really crazy plot twist and it keeps you on the edge of your seat.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This is the first book I have read by this author. I can say now that it will not be my last. Her treatment of difficult teenage experiences is exceptional. (Mental illness, drug abuse, sexual abuse, sexual promiscuity, rivalry, first love...the list keeps going.)
I will probably re-read this book at some point, as it was that engaging. It kept me up late reading and every break I had at the bookstore, I was back there in the break room turning pages. All I can say is wow. Buy this book today.
For the younger person, there is some language parents may find objectionable, and the content may not be for younger kids. It is mature subject matter, but with parental guidance, 15 and up should be okay.
Again, I think this book illustrates some really tough issues teens have to deal with today. It is engaging and worth the read. I particularly liked the element that dealt with drug abuse going badly. The book lets you see there are consequences.
Read it today.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I don't normally read books like this. But one of my friends has read Ellen Hopkins books and said they are really good. I started reading her books by reading Impulse, which I ended up loving! So I decided I would read Identical because it sounded really good. It wasn't just really good. This book made me think about a lot of things that are happening to people. The two teens (twin sisters) in this book have a unforgettable story. I never wanted to put it down. There is a big twist at the end that surprised me a lot! I was totally shocked at was happened! Ellen Hopkins books are really good, and I recommend it to any teen.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Megan_Wilson
Posted December 7, 2008
Identical is the story of twin sisters Kaeleigh and Raeanne. Kaeleigh is ms. goody too shoes and Raeanne is hard edge. Their mother is a politican meaning she is always gone and their dad is a business man by day, drunk by night. To make matters worse Kaeleigh has a big secret, so big that if anyone found out her mom's career would be ruined and so would her family's lives. Her father sexually abuses her. To top it all off, Raeanne is jealous. She wishes that her dad cared as much and paid as much attention to her as he does to Kaeleigh.
As with all Ellen Hopkins's books there is drug use and sexual encounters. In this case it's Raeanne who sneaks into the medicine cabinet while her dad is out cold and slips two of his Oxycontin and a swig of Wild Turkey.
The ending was a total shock. I didn't see it coming at all. Well, I can't say that because I had the ending spoiled for me by a classmate who was talking about the book to a friend and spoke rather loudly. However even knowing the ending the manner in which it was presented was shocking to me.
I love all of the Ellen Hopkins books and it's always hard for me to say which is my favorite, but this one is definitely around the top of the list.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted December 5, 2008
I Also Recommend:
I read all of the Ellen Hopkins book. And i loved them all. this one was by far my favorite. I hope that she comes out with more books because she just keeps getting better and better over the years.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
Overview
Do twins begin in the womb?
Or in a better place?
Kaeleigh and Raeanne are identical down to the dimple. As daughters of a district-court judge father and a politician mother, they are an all-American family -- on the surface. Behind the facade each sister has her own dark secret, and that's where their differences begin.
For Kaeleigh, she's the misplaced focus of Daddy's love, intended for a mother whose presence on the campaign trail means absence at home. All that Raeanne sees is Daddy playing a game of favorites...