I'll Be You

Excellent book. The plot resolves around two twin sisters. Sam and Eleanor are former child TV stars who have drifted apart as adults and chosen very different lifestyles. Eleanor has married and wants nothing more than a large family. Sam, the more outgoing of the two, misses her acting career and has spiraled into alcoholism and drug abuse. After several attempts on Eleanor's part to rehabilitate Sam, she finally cuts ties with her after a major betrayal. But now Elli is missing and has left behind her adopted 2-year-old girl in her grandmother's care and Sam, one year of sobriety under her belt, gets a frantic call not only to help with child care but eventually to track down Elinor who has seemingly disappeared, perhaps into a cult-like female support group called GenFem, whose most committed members shave their head, wear sack-cloth dresses, and are in residence in some kind of isolated compound in the desert. .

I felt both sisters (who are each given a POV at various parts in the story) were well-drawn and distinct. Each had their own challenges and the plot had some interesting twists I didn't see coming. but at no time was I pulled out of the story, but instead was immersed in the narrative. This is a well-written, thoughtful examination of the strong bonds between twins who look alike but are quite different in their approach to life, their desires, their attitude toward having children, and their life goals. I also thought the gradual build-up of the female empowerment group was well done. I was touched by the final outcome of the story which seemed very true and honest.