I have had this book on my shelf for a few years. I found it in a clearance bin years ago, but never have actually read it. That is how a lot of the books I own came to be mine. I love giving books a chance by their covers!
I am glad I finally opened it up I was suckered in on the first page. Scottoline does a fantastic job getting you invested early on in this page turner.
This is a story about identical twins who have no similarities past their looks. Or do they? Bennie and Alice lead very different lives, and one could say it is a classic good vs. evil tale.
Until Bennie is buried alive at the hands of Alice, who attempts to take over Bennie’s cushion life.
Scottoline describes what each sister goes through during the “switch.” It is gut-wrenching to read through the harrowing details that Bennie goes through in order to fight for her life, but also Alice fighting for hers (even if she is the antagonist).
I won’t give too much more because I don’t want to give away the story. It is an interesting read that makes you think about what you would do if you were put into a life or death situation. Fighting for your life, would you want to have your revenge? Would you, a seemingly good person, become evil to save your own hide? Do you think there can be evil in a good person, and good in an evil person? —I love books that make you relate it to real life and your own actions. I always am up for a good pondering.
And what is it about our circumstances that pushes us down these paths? The book subtly talks about nature vs. nurture since these women were separated at birth and were raised very differently. There are parts that elude to jealousy for Bennie having a better life than Alice.
I think it is also interesting to think about the impact that we have on those around us. Most characters in the story did not realize that Alice was impersonating Bennie. I have not had extensive time with twins, but I feel that there are some personality quirks that people should catch on to! Even an ex-boyfriend of Bennie’s didn’t know that Alice was a phoney! Are we in a day and age, that we are really that surface level with those around us? I’m not sure if that was what Scottoline’s intentions were when writing this, but this was the biggest take away for me. It made me really examine what my relationships were like and if I was ok with the perceived status or not. I really try to make genuine relationships, but I also know that there are many that I hold at bay due to circumstances. Intriguing. ..
Also I learned not to keep a Rolodex of your passwords. Haha just kidding, I already knew this.
I will ruin one part for you. The dog does live. I cried when I thought he had died, and then cried again at the end when they revealed he had been saved. Sweet goodness.
Some quick observations about the book:
It is part of a series, which I didn’t realize until I was done with the book. So obviously the book can stand alone, but after looking at some reviews the series may be a good investment! Think Twice is the last book in the series, but it is set up easily for a follow up.
When I say it is a fast paced read, I mean it. There is not a chapter that is more than 3 pages long so it goes very quick. This makes it easy to pick up whenever and get a little nibble if you only have a short amount of time, which was great for my lunch breaks. But that can also get you in trouble at night because I kept telling myself, “Oh I can read another 2 page chapter.” And then 15 chapters later I was still up reading. I finished this book in less than a week.
It follows several characters. Each chapter changes perspectives between Benny, Alice, and Mary. I like this aspect because you get to see both twins and their thoughts, but also Mary who’s perspective really give you a 360 view of the story.
I am going to put Scottoline and the Rosato series on my list of books to hit up. Her last book out “Don’t Go” is about an Army family, so that may be interesting. Inadvertently, I spent about an hour on her website checking out the books and reviews. Exciting!
Sidenote, I just showed my to read list to Tom, and he asked if that was all the books that I have read. Hahaha silly kid. I wouldn’t even know where to begin for that list.
Friday Filters offer a review that are my own opinions and are not influenced by anything other than my love for entertainment and art.
