The Opposite of Me: You Have to Read It!

I first "met" Sarah Pekkanen when she commented on some of my chick-lit reviews last summer and fall. When I knew her first novel was being released, I made sure to get my hands on it! The Opposite of Mewas worth the several month wait, and is a wonderful first, but hopefully not last, offering from Sarah Pekkanen.
I would classify this thoughtful story of sisterly relationships as women's literature, rather than super-light chick-lit. Fraternal twins Lindsey and Alex Rose have grown up and apart, as each chisels out her own persona, Lindsey as the smart sister and Alex the pretty one. When Lindsey's New York advertising career implodes, she retreats to her childhood home in Baltimore, telling her family she has been given the task of opening a new branch of her firm. She arrives just in time to attend her sister's engagement party to the gorgeous and wealthy Gary.
Being with her parents and sister for the first time in many years brings up questions of family roles not only for Lindsey, but soon for Alex, when a potentially fatal medical problem is discovered.

Through caring for her sister and living with her parents, Lindsey discovers a big secret that could have changed everything for the sisters roles in the family and the faces they presented to the world. Without giving readers a sappy, wrap-it all up in a bow happy ending, Sarah Pekkanen gives us sisters who have learned about themselves and each other and found that they are more alike than different. Filled with funny family moments, embarrassing parental behavior, and questions of like and love, The Opposite of Me is sure to be a hit. It's great vacation reading, too, because it's in paperback! If you are a library user and not a book buyer, like me, be sure to ask about The Opposite of Meat your local library so they get it to share with everyone!
You can get to know Sarah better at her group blog The Debutante Ball, and meet her co-bloggers/new authors, too
If you're looking for more book recommendations, visit Cym Lowell for Book Review Party Wednesday!