Initial Thoughts?

[Angie, YA lovin mod!!]

If you are just beginning what are you thinking so far?

[Angie, YA lovin mod!!]

I will be picking up the book tomorrow!

[Lisa]

I'm about 1/3 the way through, and enjoying it much more than I expected to; it hooked me in right from the beginning.

[Chastity]

I love the way it's written in a poem-like form. Really different and makes it much more gripping.

[Angie, YA lovin mod!!]

I got tired of waiting too so I went and picked it up from BN!

[Celestasaurus]

I loved it from beginning to end, just like I have all of her other books. It was easy to grasp her characters and distinguish between the two sisters. I hate books where I have to really concentrate on them. That's a sure sign that the story is boring, and that it's going to be a painfully long time before I finish it. Ah but this was nothing like that. :)

[Angie, YA lovin mod!!]

What inspired you to write Identical Ms. Hopkins?

[Ellen]

There is a dedication in the front of the book to three of my friends who were sexually abused by their fathers (two biological, one stepfather) when they were children. Separately (they don't even know each other), they approached me and asked me to write about the topic because they weren't ready to. These women are all strong, beautiful women today, who have risen above that horrible place to become successful writers in their own right. I wanted readers to know it is possible to move beyond sexual abuse, and know (and deserve) love.

[Lisa]

Ellen, Yes, I noticed those dedications. I'm not quite finished with the book but I plan to finish today or early tomorrow. I'm so grateful for this group because it's why I'm reading Identical . I'd had some books by you on my to-read shelf. Now I've added this and one other for a total of 4, I think, and I'm now eager to read them all.

[Angie, YA lovin mod!!]

Ellen wrote: "There is a dedication in the front of the book to three of my friends who were sexually abused by their fathers (two biological, one stepfather) when they were children. Separately (they don't even..."

I think it is wonderful that Ms. Hopkins has been a voice for teens in so many different topics. I hope that counselors and therapists for Young Adults recommend her books to teens. I think by teens reading these books it would help them out tremendously knowing others are going through the same things.

[Daniela]

I agree Angie, I think it is important that teens see that they are not alone in their abuse. This is such a great story!