***The Starry-Eyed Revue***: Drugs

Title: Identical
Author: Ellen Hopkins
Narrator: Laura Flanagen
Series: Stand Alone
Length: 8 hrs 42 mins
Publisher: HighBridge Audio
Publication Date: September 19, 2008
Source: Library
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible

Do twins begin in the womb? Or in a better place?

Kaeleigh and Raeanne are identical down to the dimple. As daughters of a district-court judge father and a politician mother, they are an all-American family -- on the surface. Behind the facade each sister has her own dark secret, and that's where their differences begin.

For Kaeleigh, she's the misplaced focus of Daddy's love, intended for a mother whose presence on the campaign trail means absence at home. All that Raeanne sees is Daddy playing a game of favorites -- and she is losing. If she has to lose, she will do it on her own terms, so she chooses drugs, alcohol, and sex.

Secrets like the ones the twins are harboring are not meant to be kept -- from each other or anyone else. Pretty soon it's obvious that neither sister can handle it alone, and one sister must step up to save the other, but the question is -- who?

Ellen Hopkins has been on my radar for about a year and a half now. She was coming to visit a school around here, and there were a bunch of parents who had a problem with it. It was all over the local news. I had never read anything of hers, so I didn't make an appearance, but her name has stuck with me ever since.

So when I saw Identical in audio on my Library, and it was available, I borrowed it. I can honestly say I had no idea what I was getting my self into starting a Hopkins novel. Holy Shit... What The Fuck Did I Just Read!

This book is not for everyone, I can tell you that right now. You don't like graphic talk about molestation, drugs or bad language, then turn away now. If you are like me, then you will love it for the sheer messed upness. I know upness isn't a word but I'm using it.

I loved this story. I should probably rephrase that, I didn't particularly like what was going on with either sister. It was heart breaking and down right sickening to watch one be destroyed and the other destroy herself, but it was real. There is such a raw realness to how Hopkins portrays these characters.

I saw a review that mentioned Identical is written in verse. I've never paid much attention to that when picking up a story, but I have to say with Identical, it was pure perfection. I mean, she puts all of these horrible things into the most beautiful writing style. I think it really balanced it out for me.

There is a twist towards the end, and I was right on with my guess. It didn't take me long to figure it out, but I wasn't disappointing to realize early on, it just added to the depth of their story. I really liked the narrator too, She separated Kaeleigh and Raeanne's voices so well.

That family is so screwed up. This book will take you on a ride you won't soon forget. Make sure you have your tissues and gag reflex ready. lol.

About the author:

Ellen Hopkins is the New York Times bestselling author of Crank, Burned, Impulse,
Glass, Identical, Tricks, Fallout, Perfect, Triangles, Tilt, and Collateral. She lives in Carson City, Nevada, with her husband and son. Hopkin's Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Pinterest pages get thousands of hits from teens who claim Hopkins is the "only one who understands me", and she can be visited at ellenhopkins.com.

Like most of you here, books are my life. Reading is a passion, but writing is the biggest part of me. Balance is my greatest challenge, as I love my family, friends, animals and home, but also love traveling to meet my readers. Hope I meet many of you soon!

Find Ellen:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Labels: Abuse, audiobooks, Drugs, Ellen Hopkins, Graphic Scenes, Holy Shit, Identical, Mature Language, Mental Issues, reviews, Sexual Abuse, Twins, Wtf did I just read

A couple years ago, my husband and I decided to try watching Breaking Bad. It was on Netflix, and we had heard so many good things. I know this blog is primarily about books, but I just have to tell you all about how much I loved this show.

For those of you who don't know much about it... I'll give you a brief intro. Walter White is a chemistry teacher and he's been diagnosed with cancer. He doesn't make a ton of money, in fact his family is kind of struggling financially from the get go. So... what to do with all those medical bills? Pay them with drug money of course. Mr. White sets out to make some high quality meth, and make money for his family to have in case he does not beat the cancer.

You see, his son is special needs and his wife is expecting their second child. What is a man to do? Provide, that's what.

He could probably do without the tighty whity's. They aren't very bad ass, but they do make an appearance all the way through the series, and I laughed every time.

This show has everything. It has some of the best written in humor I've ever watched in a show. Which was surprising, considering the subject material. It has action, and gore. It was just perfect.

I didn't think I was going to like it as much as I do. I mean, drugs, they aren't exactly my thing. I don't really like reading about drugs, or watching movies involving drug cartels and stuff. But Breaking Bad is different.

We had a conversation with my brother in law, back when we first started watching the show. Our nephew was a big fan, but my BIL, not so much. When we asked him why, he proceeded to tell us that he didn't like the show because he felt that it glorified drugs.

I can see how it could be taken that way, especially early on in the series, but there is a much bigger message here. I think to fully grasp the beauty of this show is to finish it out. The ending, was perfect. Some people complain about series finale's and about how they weren't satisfying enough, but this one.. Wow.

We were very sad to see the series end but thankfully there is a spin off prequel series call Better Call Saul. It follows a character who happens to be one of my favorites.

I cannot stress enough how great Breaking Bad was. If you have Netflix, you definitely have to try this show out.