is about a set of twins, self confident, flamboyant, would-be actress Fanny and level-headed, self-righteous, would-be teacher Sue. We meet them in the year 1926 as six-year olds and follow their life in St. Louis through accidents, ilnesses, the great depression, the ups and downs of growing up, until they leave home to go to California at the end of their teenage years.

young adults as well as general public because it is tender, entertaining, and is written with insight into the human psyche.

The first person narration by both girls taking turns because that gave the reader an in-depth look into the intimate thoughts and feelings of each girl. I also liked the author's adherence to the events of the times in telling this story.

that the characters of the girls were set too early but this may happen; it isn't impossible. I'd like to see them develop into their characters. That would give this precious novel a little more punch.

tell about it to all the twins I know because I think they'll enjoy reading this book.

closer to the twins as well as to the other characters in the book because each character is drawn with precision and understanding.

Karen Stolz, is from Kansas. She received MFA in 1982 from the Iowa Writers Workshop and teaches creative writing at college level. She is the author of numerous short stories and essays. Her first novel was World of Pies.

the stories it tells -in an anecdotal way- are heart-warming and they talk of youth in more innocent times. The book sounds realistic but it also has a dreamy quality.

It is uplifting to read something sweet and positive about growing up. The relationship between the two girls -slightly rocky at times but interdependent, very loving, and caring- is truly endearing.

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Created Aug 12, 2003 at 4:30am • Submit your own review...