FlumeAward – Identical Discussion page for Identical by Ellen Hopkins
A totally disturbing book — yes, true. However, how can child abuse not be disturbing? The format (prose) made it so very easy to read, even though the thoughts were upsetting and, in many instances, disgusting. None the less, this particular subject is important because the scenario is so prevalent in our society today. Teens and children need to know that they can and will be heard, that there is a way, that they are not the sick ones; and this book will definitely spell this out. As in real life, we won’t always get the results we want, but it is good for teens to realize this, too. It appears to appeal to mostly girls, but I am sure that many boys may experience similar problems. I have never come across another book anything like this one in this genre. Gut-wrenching but deserving of a spot in the Final 13 Nominees List for the Flume Award. Donna, Colebrook Public Library
This book was constantly checked out of our library so when I finally got a chance to read it, I couldn’t put it down. It has some disturbing content material (incest, drugs, etc.) but was very well written and informative. I would recommend this book. – Judi Shea, Librarian, Nashua High School South
Synopsis: After an accident fractures a family and the mother becomes remote, Kaeleigh and Raeanne’s father starts sexually abusing Kaeleigh. Kaleigh and Raeanne each react to the abuse in their own way, neither being healthy (drugs, sex, withdrawal of intimacy, alcohol…) and the secret stays between them. Until…
Review: This is a painful book about what sexual abuse can do to a family and beyond. It gets a little graphic at times, but how can you have a book about sexual abuse without getting a little graphic? I think that this book will appeal primarily to girls. Hopkins is an extremely popular author, we can’t keep her books on the shelves. Sharon Flesher-Duffy, Nashua High South
We can’t keep this book on our shelves. This is true for any of Ellen Hopkins’ books.
– Kelly Budd, KHS
I knew going in that this would be disturbing -all of Hopkins’ books skew that way. I’m not sure if it would have been different if I’d read it rather than listening to it, but Identical just made me feel dirty the whole way through. I knew the major plot twist from the beginning -not sure if it was supposed to be that obvious, though I was surprised at "Daddy’s" back story. I was crying at the end at all of the false start resolutions, and just wanted to know what would happen, and was more disappointed than I thought possible in discovering the mother’s knowledge and denial.
I probably won’t read another Ellen Hopkins book, now that I’ve read this one. I guess I’m glad that I read it, so I know what the hype is about, but I really wish I hadn’t. I’m not sure about boy appeal, but Hopkins is very popular. -Kirsten Rundquist Corbett, Lane Memorial Library, Hampton, NH
I am a Hopkins fan as well as many of the teen girls at my library. This book, however, did not sell me. I found that it was intentionally manipulative and I didn’t like the feeling… That being said I think this is much better than ‘Tricks’ that I found to be too dirty feeling for me to enjoy at all.
Kathy Watson, Kimball Library
Hopkins is a very popular author at our library, and my teen girls would love to see this on the list.- Lucia, Wiggin Memorial Library, Stratham
I liked the format, which made it easy to read and it was fascinating, but with that said, I’m not sure it would have wide appeal. Definitely for older teens, as it has it all (drugs, molestation, alcohol, sex, eating disorders, cutting, etc.) It was almost too much crammed into one book. Once I guessed the ending part way through the book, it did make me want to go back and read it over. Karen, Nesmith Library
A popular author, an intriguing (and disturbing) subject/plot, and a popular style (verse fiction). Publication is 2008. Too old?
Kelly Budd
Keene High School
By the time voting takes place, this book will probably be too old. I know we’ve had it on the nominated list before and it hasn’t made the cut. Her books are so popular with teen girls. My concern is that we’re looking at too many that do not have boy appeal. I agree with Kathy that the author manipulates the audience in a not very subtle way. Sally nelson, Leach Library