Untouchable Girls: The Topp Twins' Story

by Jools Topp, Lynda Topp

The iconic Kiwi duo - comedians, country music stars, yodellers, lesbians - in their own words.

The incredible story of how a couple of country kids from Huntly became much-loved Kiwi icons and TV stars, with their own unique brand of original country music and comedy that has captivated audiences in New Zealand and overseas for more than 40 years.

Jools and Lynda Topp aka The Topp Twins tell this story in their own words, describing their adventurous lives through laugh-out-loud anecdotes and heartwarming tales.

As well as enjoying long careers as country music stars and comedians, with their characters like Camp Mother & Camp Leader and Ken & Ken, the twins have always stood up for their political beliefs and have been embraced by New Zealanders from all walks of life.

Including never-before-told stories and images, this is a nostalgic and important historic record of the lives of two ground-breaking and inspiring women, and of the times through which they've lived.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Feminism, Autobiography, Adult, Biography Memoir

320 pages, Hardcover

First published October 3, 2023

Reviews

[Kerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was a child, I was obsessed with the Topp Twins TV show The Topp Twins: Do Not Adjust Your Twinset, and it has been one those childhood loves that carried over to adulthood. I have watched every show or movie they have done. I still have my copy of Horse & Pony magazine that had photos of Jools horses, and her beautiful property - I would love to have something similar myself one day! Their songs helped me develop a fondness for country music, a genre that seems to be having a resurgence in New Zealand recently. So, when I saw this book pop up on local website Mighty Ape, I preordered it immediately.

It was such a fun read. Both twins currently have cancer, so there is a sadness to the book in the way, but it is also a mostly positive read, written by a duo who have spent decades embracing life and continue to do so now, despite new hurdles. Their childhood sounds lovely, with the girls helping their father on the farm, and brother Bruce helping their mum with flower arrangements - he is now a florist. 💐Their parents allowed them to follow their own interests, Ponies becoming a passion for the twins, especially Jools, whose standalone chapter about her horses was my favourite in the book. 🐴

I was a little nervous that my expectations for the book would be too high, but it was one of my favourites this year. There were many photos, which I loved, and I enjoyed seeing the various animals that were part of their life for years, especially the beautiful horses and dogs. This is a must read for any fan of the Topp Twins of course, but it also provides an interesting insight into many aspects of New Zealand - rural life, the music scene, political protests, Gay rights, the television industry. I learned a lot, and I expect I will reread it someday.

Topp Twins Speedway Excerpt:
https://youtu.be/i9EUI6_L050?si=tz-z-...
Topp Class: Topp Twins Tribute concert:
https://youtu.be/lJHyllVFkUI?si=EPk6_...
The interview where the twins share that they both have cancer:
https://youtu.be/NWc3stgPbmM?si=AFI8c...
The Topp Twins’ memoir Untouchable Girls awarded bestselling NZ title at 2024 Book Industry Awards:https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainm...

[Claire Zidich · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a 100+ person waiting list at the library I work at so when the bestseller copy (you can’t reserve that bad boy!) went up onto the shelf today I grabbed it as quickly as I could for my Mum who couldn’t wait to read it. I’ll be honest that I had no intentions of reading it myself. Of course I know the Topp Twins as well as any millennial but not well enough. I finished work and found myself flicking through the photos in the book while sitting on the couch, which then turned into me reading the first page, and now here I am at 9:30pm having read the whole book in one sitting. This autobiography is just magical, it’s written beautifully, I audibly laughed out loud and shed a tear or two. These women are just incredible. This book is yet another addition to the wonderful landscape of kiwi culture and deserves to be read by all 🩷

[Jennifer Coldham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, was like reliving my own life. I remember seeing the Topp Twins busking in Queen St 40 years ago, the CND March up Queen St which I participated in and the 1981 Spingbok rugby tour. It brought back many memories. Cancer sucks!!

[Stacey Lattin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this. I don't know a lot about the twins but I chose this book because I remember watching them with my parents when I was little and I knew it would be funny, I will have to go back and watch their shows and listen to their albums. I studied the 1981 Springbok tour in year 11 history and didn't even know about their involvement in the protests till I read this. These women are iconic

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolute delight! I have loved the Topp Twins since I was a kid. This is a great account of their lives so far. There are plenty of photos to add to all the stories too. Recommended.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant from start to finish! I laughed and cried. Thank you Dame Lynda & Jools for sharing your life with us.
(Just seen them perform in Marton Nz, their first performance in 2 years!) Incredible!!

[Kathryn Fathers · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy and very entertaining read. So sad they both have cancer but so uplifting their courage at living with it. Hope the book sells well. It should. A bit of NZ history

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully produced book telling the story of the beloved Topp twins, Jools and Lynda Topp. From their birth in 1958 where the doctors were expecting one 10lb baby and were very surprised to discover two five-pounders instead, to the present day where both the twins have breast cancer which has forced them to give up performing, but has given them a chance to write this book.

And as Jools says at the beginning, "...what a life we've lived." The twins have written the book together in the same way they have travelled through life together. Their voices are differentiated with different coloured fonts, Jools writing in black and Lynda in grey, but perhaps as you would expect with twins, their accounts merge seamlessly so that I often lost track of changes of narrator.

The book covers everything from their childhood growing up on farms in a loving and supportive family, their teenage years, different jobs they've held, their singing and entertaining careers, involvement in progressive social movements and protest movements, and some glimpses into their personal relationships.

It is a really interesting life and told with great good humour and a generous amount of illustrations. The thing that comes across most strongly is the love Jools and Lynda received from their parents. Without that absolute love and acceptance would two lesbian sisters have ever had the confidence to take to the stage, and would they have become so beloved by the country in turn?

Reading this book is like spending time with the Topp twins in person. It was a delight to read and brought back great memories while also revealing just how important Jools and Lynda have been to New Zealand entertainment and to social movements.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a treat! I read the eBook from the library because the wait time for a paper copy was way too long and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Topp Twins are part of the fabric of life here in Aotearoa New Zealand, a household name and beloved by the nation. They are funny, irreverent, political and unafraid to speak an opinion. I love all that. And they can sing like champions. I've seen them in concert about four times and have loved it every time. This book is their story. From their beginnings on a farm to travelling the world performing, making their TV shows and being honoured at the highest level, the Topp Twins are a national treasure and I adored their story. Great photos too.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply a delightful, easy read from two iconic Kiwis. The book steers clear from anything overly introspective, and it is not an autobiography to be read by those seeking shocking revelations. But it is nonetheless inspiring to hear the Topp Twins recount their story of growing up in rural New Zealand, coming out, getting involved in politics, becoming incredible musicians and hilarious actors. Although they are both giants, everything is told with refreshing humility. And even as they share their more recent, difficult experiences of dealing with cancer, their fun spirit and sense of hope pervades. 4.5 stars.

[Moira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating recount of the amazing lives of the twins from a Huntly farm every Kiwi knows.
Every second page has photos which complement the fast moving narrative. I especially enjoyed how characters' trademark looks evolved like the Gingham sisters' skirts, Camp Mothers iconic pink, strapless playsuit and Ken's moustache. Who would pick Ken's moustache was from his Border Collie's hair clippings?

So sad they both have had to cope with cancer but so great they have managed to give us this handsome, laughter filled memoir.

[Thelma MacDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book as I do the Topp Twins too. This book felt like they were in the room sitting down over a cuppa having a chat about their lives.
They are always such down to earth country girls and so humble about their many talents which comes across in their book.
Having met them once where they came and joined in impromptu at a friends wedding in Whangārei after performing at the local A&P show and we’re staying in the same hotel. They showed then how they mixed with anyone unlike a lot of celebrities and this book shows also how humble they are.

[Karen Kozuls · Rating 5 out of 5]

This felt like a pleasant ride down memory lane for me. The Topp twins are two years older than I am. Reading about their appearance at protests is like following the timeline of important current events in my own lifetime, such as the Springbok tour and the bombing of the Rainbow Warrior. I have seen them perform many times. First time was 1979/1980 in the caf at North Shore Teachers' College and then I remember them busking on Queen St - Friday night shopping.

Love those untouchable girls!
An entertaining read!

[Kelly Blackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything I hoped it would be, it made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me proud to be an NZer celebrating the incredible activists that have shaped our nation.

The Topp Twins have told their story with humour, grace and aroha, with hope for the future and by celebrating all the ways society has changed (mostly for the better).

What an incredible life they have lived so far, fighting for what they believe in. I devoured this book in one day and loved the writing style which felt like they were just speaking ❤️

[Lisa Shacklock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I learnt so much about these fabulous ladies after only knowing of them from their children's story sing-along books. What courageous people they are! And so loved from people all around the world. I'm looking forward to watching their movie now that I've finished the book.

Also, a shout out to Bolinda Publishing for releasing the audiobook. Emily Paddon-Brown (who read the audiobook) had a beautiful tone and made it a more authentic experience.

Thanks for sharing your lives with us, Jools & Lynda! Best of luck to you both in your futures.

[Lynda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true Kiwi story, a humorous and honest account of two amazing lesbian women who lived their life with authenicity and humility. Their written word feels like they are narrating their story. It is easy to imagine they are in the same room as you. Lynda and Jools' passion for justice, equality for women, their LGBQ community, and for a safe planet policy and their contribution to NZ society though their activism, music, comedy is legendary. An enjoyable read and insight into the lives of Dame Lynda and Jools Topp.

[Kiwiflora · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute delight to read and enjoy the lives, so far, of NZ national treasures Jools and Lynda. Plenty of photos, anecdotes, life crises and joys, this could almost be seen as a social history of NZ. Busking, the music festivals of the late 1970s/early 1980s, the Springbok tour, touring the universities, their TV fame, overseas success - all of it undertaken with a sense of adventure, huge charm and talent, capturing the hearts of a nation. Well done Twins - we love you. Your book is fabulous.

[Lauren of Ngaio · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book takes you on the wild journey that is the Topp twins lives.
It is fast paced, jumps around a wee bit, backwards & forwards through time, with a huge amount of photographs throughout the book.
The book is a great narrative on the Topp twins professional lives.
Not a lot on their individual personal lives - relationships are predominantly glossed over or hinted at. How they got to be living in opposite ends of NZ wasn't touched upon at all.

As interesting as the book is, I don't feel I got to know any more about the Topp twins that wasn't already public knowledge. It all felt a bit superficial. So, a bit of a letdown, hence the 3 stars.

Please don't confuse my review of their book, with how I feel about them as entertainers. They are awesome, innovative, talented, inspirational & bloody funny. NZ icons. I wish them well on their journey.

[Nicole Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great read, laugh out loud funny in places and very enjoyable. Lots of great images throughout too, documenting the twins very interesting and unconventional lives. The only thing I was disappointed with was there was no mention of their coming out as lesbians. Did they both work that out at the same time? Was it easy for them or were there difficulties? I would have loved to hear about their experiences of realising they were both lesbian. Otherwise a great read.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a kid in the 80s I remember my sisters and I trying out the spoons after watching the Topp Twins on tv and yodelling away. Later on laughing and enjoying watching Camp Mother and Camp Leader and Ken and Ken on tv with my Mum.
You can’t help but feel joy while watching them.
I found their story fascinating, a pleasure to read and loved all the photos.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've lived in NZ for 10 years and have heard about the Topp Twins here and there throughout that time. So I thought it would be nice to learn more about them. An easy read that included a bonus of helping me understand more about NZ history during their lifetimes through the recounts of their activism.

[Lynda Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. I read it over one weekend. I loved finding out more of their backstories and their upbringing. They were very generous to share their stories with us. Superbly put together book. Even though they are famous, their book is charming and not at all bragging. They are down-to-earth and lovely people and this shines through the book.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read and good to hear about their lives from their own voices. The narration interchanges between Lynda and Jools without warning, so you have to figure out who is talking. It was odd that they didn’t make that distinction for the reader, unless it was deliberate to really emphasise that closeness.

[Carl Sagstad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this, I knew little of their background before they invaded our screens in the mid-90s (and my Scout Jamboree in 1996).
I liked how they alternated who was telling the story, always with “I” but not always clear which twin it was (until they mentioned the other by name).
As with most musician memoirs, I wound up with a list of songs to look up and listen to!

[Tania Barras · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best way to spend a weekend! I couldn’t put it down. Every page there was something new to learn about the incredible accomplishments the country lovingly lesbians from Huntly have achieved. Thanks girls for sharing your life on paper xx

[Talia Heslop · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful life these two Kiwi icons have had, full of travel, protest, entertainment, down-to-earth connections with everyday folk, and challenges. The ending is so lovely, with the twins offering their advice on where to from here. A lovely read.

[Morgan Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is quite literally no one in the world as likeable as the Topp Twins and I just loved hearing more about them. They have got to the be the most moral, positive, and delightful humans and I would engage in any sort of Topp content available.

[Ingrid Self · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good. I hope their days of suffering are over, they're two incredible women.

[Amanda Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

ebook

[TraceyB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read. Found myself laughing out loud.