THE MIDNIGHT TWINS by Jacquelyn Mitchard

Meredith and Mallory Brynn are the appropriately named Midnight Twins. One born a minute before the new year, one a minute after, there has always been something different about them. Aside from the personality differences -- Mallory is quiet, sporty, and thoughtful, while Meredith is popular, a cheerleader, and doing so-so in school-- the twins are unique because of the incredible bond between them. You've heard of twin telepathy, right? Well, imagine that for these two, only heightened about fifty times. They can think conversations to each other, dream each other's dreams, and have the other feel pain when one bangs her knee. Only, after their thirteenth birthday, they start seeing other things, as well.

It starts with just Mallory, seeing images of a boy killing a dog. But afterwards, Meredith sees an image of him burying it. As each continues to see terrible misdeeds being done by this boy (killing, hurting, assaulting), they begin to fight, and instead of their Vision bringing them together, it begins to tear them apart.

Sooooooo... I did think this book was rather interesting. I mean, when sitting in Toad Hill Library, one sees a whole lot of the Other Side, or magic, or widdle-waddle, however one wants to put it... but this was a pretty interesting idea. Some parts were a bit confusing, and the book seemed a little longer than I thought it would have, but all in all, it held my interest and kept me reading. I think the best parts were the ones about the relationship between Meredith and Mallory. They were based on real twins (at least, I think so), and I found that pretty neat. I didn't fall completely in love with this book, but it was definitely a cool read.

Hmm. Let'sssss see. First I need a word for the kind of "cool, rather interesting, pretty good" review this received. . . we shall go with. . .Crinterprood. Not too difficult. Try it: crin*ter* (like printer, butwith a "cr") prood (like prude.) Crinterprood!

Three and a half mushrooms (uh, okay -- toads!) out of five.

reviewed by Briar Tasvi

NOTE : due to some more adultified themes, this book is not recommended for anyone under 12.

P.S. How do you rate THE MIDNIGHT TWINS?