The Opposite of Me by Sarah PekkanenBack-of-the-book blurb: Twenty-nine-year-old Lindsey Rose has long lived in the shadow of her beautiful fraternal twin sister, Alex. Determined to get noticed, Lindsey is finally on the cusp of a major promotion at the elite New York advertising agency where she has worked tirelessly for years, often sacrificing sleep and a personal life. But during the course of one devastating night, Lindsey’s carefully constructed life implodes.
Humiliated, she flees the glitter of Manhattan and retreats to the time warp of her parents’ Maryland home. As her sister plans her lavish wedding to her Prince Charming, Lindsey struggles to maintain her identity as the smart, responsible twin while she furtively tries to piece her career back together. But what will the completed puzzle look like? Who is Lindsey, really? And what is she meant to do with her life?
She is Too Fond of Books’ review: I was introduced to Sarah Pekkanen’s when I subscribed to her email newsletter in anticipation of this debut novel. Her monthly missives are chatty and witty, written in a manner that conveys information in an entertaining way; I look forward to them each month (oh, and she draws a subscriber’s name for a gift pack of books and chocolate each month … I like that, too!).
I was thrilled to find this personal humor in The Opposite of Me, as well as a clever plot that comes together like a puzzle, strong character development in Lindsey (the protagonist) and realistic secondary characters whose actions are often the catalyst for Lindsey’s growth. Pekkanen not only carries her trademark wit in the writing of this full-length novel, but plays the other - more introspective and serious - side of the coin as well.
First, the humor: Lindsey’s self-deprecating self-talk and wry observations are hilarious, especially to those of us who might recognize some of her traits in ourselves. I was literally laughing out loud as I read Pekkanen’s descriptions of Lindsey’s parents, from accounts of their lifestyles and routines (nothing interferes with watching Wheel of Fortune after dinner each night), to the snippets of conversation and banter that read like a well-played volley:
I’d nearly walked right by Mom and Dad at Union Station, partly because I didn’t recognize them beneath the matching puffy down jackets that engulfed them from chin to knee.
“Fifty percent off at the Lands’ End outlet!” Mom crowed triumphantly, before she even hugged me hello. It was like being assaulted by an overly amorous marshmallow.
Dad, clad in the more manly brown version of the coat, was clutching a luggage cart in a death grip and shooting “Go ahead, make my day” looks at anyone who dared to venture within ten feet of it.
Lindsey Rose has done everything in her power to outshine her fraternal twin, Alex By working tirelessly at a well-known ad agency, Lindsey has climbed steadily up the corporate ladder, sacrificing a social life, and sometimes her own health, in the process. Alex, model-turned-newscaster, has never been the brightest bulb in the pack, but what she lacks in academic learning and common sense, she more than makes up for with charm, beauty, and an ease of life. Looking at Alex, Lindsey feels that her twin has never really known a struggle; they are opposites in every imaginable way.
When Lindsey returns to her childhood home after a career mishap, she continues on auto-pilot, planning and organizing, dotting Is and crossing Ts to make sure her career path stays on an expressway to the top:
I hung my clothes in my closet, automatically sorting them from darkest to lightest colors, as I mentally reviewed my plans. It was Friday, so I’d take the weekend to get organized, then I’d start blanketing businesses with my resume on Monday morning. I’d have half a dozen interviews lined up within a week, I decided. I’d give myself a month to land a job – not just any job, but the right job, one with plenty of room for advancement – and a month beyond that to find an apartment.
Because Pekkanen chose to write The Opposite of Me in the first person, we benefit by being privy to Lindsey’s strong inner voice, which so wonderfully reflects who she is. Although it changes as she struggles and grows throughout the novel, it is always genuine. This makes her character one that many readers will empathize with and truly identify with.
If you usually wait for a paperback edition to purchase a hot new novel, I’ve got great news – that time is now. The Opposite of Me is being released as a trade paperback original – no waiting to join your friends in discussing this book. And there’s plenty to discuss: the sibling relationship, our role in the family and how it may carry into the outside world, “you can’t go home again” (or can you?), and finding one’s true self, to name just a few.
Fantastic review, Dawn! I loved this book too, my review is coming out on Wednesday.
I love books that incorporate humor in really genuine ways, so this book sounds like something I’d like to read. I am so glad that you enjoyed the book and will be looking out for it. I will have to try to check out the author’s news letter as well. Great review!
I think this book sounds really good. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it. I’ve put it on my wish list.
I can’t wait to read this one – it sounds wonderful! I’m really excited for Sarah.
I still have to write my review for this one. I really liked it!
Thanks for mentioning that this is a trade-paperback original, Dawn! I’ve been wanting to read it anyway, and now it will only have to stay on the Wishlist until my Lenten book-buying ban is over
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Great review! This book sounds really good and right up my alley. It’s so cool that the author has a newsletter – I may go check that out as well
Thanks everyone – and Dawn, I so appreciate this lovely review!
Jen – there was so much in THE OPPOSITE OF ME. Sarah Pekkanen reeled me in with her wonderful sense of humor, then really hit me with the conflict and Lindsey’s reactions.
Kay – I think it will appeal to women in a wide range of ‘ages and stages’… and do believe it’s a great book for discussion.
Kathy – I’m so happy for her! We can say we knew her when (when we stalked her at BEA, that is
)
Julie – Didn’t M/M Rose crack you up? It was like George Kostanza’s parents meet my grandparents meet Edith/Archie Bunker (is that reference lost on you, youngster?)
Florinda – you have less than a month to wait! Yes, I mention the paperback because my neighborhood book group has that requirement, so, we almost never get newly released books.
Dana – you can subscribe to her newsletter on the link at http://www.sarahpekkanen.com. Also, check out the Spotlight on Bookstores post she wrote here (click the Spotlight tab at the top of this page, then scroll down to Book Barn in Connecticut).
Sarah – you are so very welcome! Have a blast at your book signings and readings this week.
Dawn- thanks for introducing me to this author via your Spotlight on Bookstores feature. I plan to check out the Book Barn on a trip to Connecticut next week!
The Opposite of Me sounds great and I have put it on my TBR – great review!
I loved the quotes you chose to highlight! They had me laughing out loud.
I will need some light, humorous reading over the next several weeks as I try to pre-read my summer literature. I think this one will be a perfect accompaniment.
I just entered to win this on Free Book Friday! Now I really want to read it. Thanks for a great review!
Great review, Dawn! And I loved the quotes, too.
I love the excerpts you shared!
And an author who gives away chocolate????!!!!
Loved your review and the quotes from the book. I’ll keep this one in mind.
I love Sarah’s newsletter too. I think I first heard of her when she did a Spotlight piece on a bookstore. I loved her writing on that and signed up for the newsletter. Now I HAVE TO have the book. Great review.
Great review! This sounds like exactly the kind of book I enjoy. I love books about family relationships, especially with a touch of humor.
I just received this book in the mail and cannot wait to get started
Colleen – we lived in CT for 7 yrs and I never made it to the Book Barn; a lost opportunity
Reading Sarah’s essay makes me feel as if I’ve been there, though.
Molly – your summer reading list looks brutal — you’ll enjoy a break with THE OPPOSITE OF ME!
Erin- good luck on the drawing
Beth – I always mark so many quotes – she had funny, serious, wry, thoughtful, introspective, observant … many too choose from
Jenners – two of my favorite things, chocolate and books
Anna – I hope you get to read it soon
Margot – Lindsey’s character is very quick-witted (sharp and funny, like Sarah’s newsletter), but she has a grounded serious side, too.
kay – I learned that THE OPPOSITE OF ME just went into a second printing (one week after initial release!)
Serena – I’ll look for your review
I wrote a short article about Sarah Pekkanen’s reading in Baltimore tonight. I hope it’s okay that I pulled a quote from your review. The article is here.