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The Opposite of Me
Twenty-nine-year-old Lindsey Rose has, for as long as she can remember, lived in the shadow of her ravishingly beautiful fraternal twin sister, Alex. Determined to get noticed, Lindsey is finally on the cusp of being named VP creative director of an elite New York advertising agency, after years of eighty-plus-hour weeks, migraines, and profound loneliness. But during the course of one devastating night, Lindsey’s carefully constructed life implodes. Humiliated, she flees the glitter of Manhattan and retreats to the time warp of her parents’ Maryland home. As her sister plans her lavish wedding to her Prince Charming, Lindsey struggles to maintain her identity as the smart, responsible twin while she furtively tries to piece her career back together. But things get more complicated when a long-held family secret is unleashed that forces both sisters to reconsider who they are and who they are meant to be.
377 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
668 people are currently reading
13329 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Pekkanen
29 books7,254 followersI'm a #1 New York Times bestselling author of 15 solo and coauthored books, including HOUSE OF GLASS, which is a Goodreads Choice award nominee and Amazon best book of the year.
My upcoming thriller, THE LOCKED WARD, is being hailed by Lee Child as "psychological suspense at its very best."
I'm also the coauthor of four bestselling thrillers: THE GOLDEN COUPLE, THE WIFE BETWEEN US, AN ANONYMOUS GIRL, and YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
I've also written eight novels that are contemporary fiction, not thrillers: THE EVER AFTER, THE PERFECT NEIGHBORS, THINGS YOU WON'T SAY, CATCHING AIR, THE BEST OF US, THE OPPOSITE OF ME, SKIPPING A BEAT, and THESE GIRLS. My linked free short estories, published by Simon&Schuster exclusively for ereaders, are titled "All is Bright," and "Love, Accidentally."
When I'm not writing or spending time with my three kids, I'm a passionate advocate for rescue animals. I serve as Ambassador of RRSA India, a shelter and sanctuary for abused and injured street dogs and other animals in Anand, India. And I'm the founder of the nonprofit charity IndiaStreetPaws.com.
I also serve on the board of the International Thriller Writers. Readers and writers - come join us at Thrillerfest in NYC every spring!
Please find me on Insta and Facebook for more!
My website is www.sarahpekkanen.com
(Here on Goodreads, my policy is to only review books I really like. If I don't enjoy the book, I won't write about it - it's just my personal policy.)
My upcoming thriller, THE LOCKED WARD, is being hailed by Lee Child as "psychological suspense at its very best."
I'm also the coauthor of four bestselling thrillers: THE GOLDEN COUPLE, THE WIFE BETWEEN US, AN ANONYMOUS GIRL, and YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
I've also written eight novels that are contemporary fiction, not thrillers: THE EVER AFTER, THE PERFECT NEIGHBORS, THINGS YOU WON'T SAY, CATCHING AIR, THE BEST OF US, THE OPPOSITE OF ME, SKIPPING A BEAT, and THESE GIRLS. My linked free short estories, published by Simon&Schuster exclusively for ereaders, are titled "All is Bright," and "Love, Accidentally."
When I'm not writing or spending time with my three kids, I'm a passionate advocate for rescue animals. I serve as Ambassador of RRSA India, a shelter and sanctuary for abused and injured street dogs and other animals in Anand, India. And I'm the founder of the nonprofit charity IndiaStreetPaws.com.
I also serve on the board of the International Thriller Writers. Readers and writers - come join us at Thrillerfest in NYC every spring!
Please find me on Insta and Facebook for more!
My website is www.sarahpekkanen.com
(Here on Goodreads, my policy is to only review books I really like. If I don't enjoy the book, I won't write about it - it's just my personal policy.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 782 reviews
November 14, 2015
This book had great depth and is definitely a "cut above" other chick-lits. The secondary characters were well written and added dimension and texture to the story. The writing is exceptional and I was swept away from the very first page.
My only disappointment was in the ending. It was so abrupt, that I found myself reading the acknowledgments thinking I was still in the story. I did a double take and went back and forth before I realized I was finished.
Unfortunately, the ending didn't stand up to the rest of the book so my rating went from a solid 5 stars to 3 stars, for average. A shame given this was one of the better books I have read in a long while. I would like to try something else from this author, but worried about another abrupt ending that leaves me feeling cheated.
My only disappointment was in the ending. It was so abrupt, that I found myself reading the acknowledgments thinking I was still in the story. I did a double take and went back and forth before I realized I was finished.
Unfortunately, the ending didn't stand up to the rest of the book so my rating went from a solid 5 stars to 3 stars, for average. A shame given this was one of the better books I have read in a long while. I would like to try something else from this author, but worried about another abrupt ending that leaves me feeling cheated.
July 31, 2013
Nope. Not for me. Nothing redeeming about the lead character Lindsey. Whiny, jealous, fast-track on the career. 29 year old girl has to re-invent and re-evaluate herself before *gasp* it's too late! She's twenty-freaking-nine years old!
She's the "smart" twin. The other is the "gorgeous" one. The author makes the sisters seem ancient. And in addition, the parents are portrayed as fuddling, mumbling, hard of hearing close to the retirement home helpless people. They are the parents of girls that aren't even 30. I don't think they are acting like that yet. Blech. Still, I soldiered through this tome only to write the review. And, did anything come of it? Nope. I started liking it less and less as I went on. I thought I was going to give it a solid 3 stars halfway through. It just became so damn predictable that I couldn't take it. NEXT!
She's the "smart" twin. The other is the "gorgeous" one. The author makes the sisters seem ancient. And in addition, the parents are portrayed as fuddling, mumbling, hard of hearing close to the retirement home helpless people. They are the parents of girls that aren't even 30. I don't think they are acting like that yet. Blech. Still, I soldiered through this tome only to write the review. And, did anything come of it? Nope. I started liking it less and less as I went on. I thought I was going to give it a solid 3 stars halfway through. It just became so damn predictable that I couldn't take it. NEXT!
March 17, 2010
http://charlotteswebofbooks.blogspot....
Sibling rivalry can be a great motivator for us to strive for success, but it can also be an ugly, ugly thing. In The Opposite of Me, Lindsey is so consumed by her desire to differentiate herself from her twin sister, Alex, that she can't see what it has done to the most precious relationship a woman can have. A relationship with her sister. It was painfully embarrassing to read Lindsey's jealousy on paper. She had everything going for her, but her desire to be better than Alex nearly destroyed her. Once she arrives at home and starts sorting things out and seeing Alex for who she really is, well that is when I really started enjoying the book. Seeing the both of them change and grow closer was truly wonderful. Making The Opposite of Me the perfect book for sisters, friends, and book clubs all over the world.
Sibling rivalry can be a great motivator for us to strive for success, but it can also be an ugly, ugly thing. In The Opposite of Me, Lindsey is so consumed by her desire to differentiate herself from her twin sister, Alex, that she can't see what it has done to the most precious relationship a woman can have. A relationship with her sister. It was painfully embarrassing to read Lindsey's jealousy on paper. She had everything going for her, but her desire to be better than Alex nearly destroyed her. Once she arrives at home and starts sorting things out and seeing Alex for who she really is, well that is when I really started enjoying the book. Seeing the both of them change and grow closer was truly wonderful. Making The Opposite of Me the perfect book for sisters, friends, and book clubs all over the world.
May 12, 2016
The Opposite of Me is more than a chick lit book. It is a novel about twins who are 29 years old and trying to find their true self. Through many life struggles ( loss of jobs, accidents and moving home) the reader cheers, laughs and has empathy for their challenges. A nice, fast summer read.
March 9, 2010
I can easily see this book as going to be one of the best that I've read in 2010. I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of it and I read it in just a few days. The story is about fraternal twin sisters, Lindsey and Alex. The story is told from Lindsey's point of view and in the first person (which I really like!).
Lindsey is a single woman working at an ad agency in NYC. She's hoping to get promoted to the open VP position when things go horribly and unexpectedly wrong. It's here that she needs to make a decision - go home to Maryland and start anew or hang tough in NYC. She decides to go home to Maryland. At the same time of adjusting to her new life, Lindsey has to deal with her successful twin sister and their complex relationship.
Besides the laugh-out-loud humor, what I liked most about this book is that it was uncompletely unpredicable. It held me right to the very end. A lot of chick lit books have predictable plots so there isn't any fun reading them, but this book is definitely different.
I also enjoyed meeting Lindsey's family and sharing in the dynamics between them. I could see myself and my family - and our preconceived notions - in the book. Really enjoyable read - you won't be disappointed!
Lindsey is a single woman working at an ad agency in NYC. She's hoping to get promoted to the open VP position when things go horribly and unexpectedly wrong. It's here that she needs to make a decision - go home to Maryland and start anew or hang tough in NYC. She decides to go home to Maryland. At the same time of adjusting to her new life, Lindsey has to deal with her successful twin sister and their complex relationship.
Besides the laugh-out-loud humor, what I liked most about this book is that it was uncompletely unpredicable. It held me right to the very end. A lot of chick lit books have predictable plots so there isn't any fun reading them, but this book is definitely different.
I also enjoyed meeting Lindsey's family and sharing in the dynamics between them. I could see myself and my family - and our preconceived notions - in the book. Really enjoyable read - you won't be disappointed!
March 19, 2015
I kept hoping this book would become a bit more deeper or profound. When I first started reading it, I immediately got that chick lit feeling in my stomach. You know, when the book you are about to read will consist of mainly fluff. However, while I do classify this as a chick lit, it's a slight cut above most of the other books I've read. The main character is a workaholic who has to leave the life she knows and move back home with her "perfect' twin sister. The first half of the book goes on to talk about how perfect the sister is. And while the main character clearly has disdain for her, we, the reader wonder what's wrong with her, besides being pretty. She's not a mean person or a bitch. So I didn't really get the rivalry other than jealousy. The second half of the book picks up a touch, and when I stopped reading last night, I was curious to see how the story ended. However, I wasn't' thrilled with the ending. All in all, a pleasant BEACH or vacation read but a forgettable one!
February 22, 2018
Não foi um livro que me tivesse prendido muito. As personagens não me convenceram e achei tudo muito superficial e forçado. A irmão que é tudo e a irmão que não é nada, parece-me um pouco pateta e ingénuo. Mas mesmo assim não me custou ler, apesar de achar que as ideias podiam ser mais bem desenvolvidas
January 28, 2025
This book shows that on the surface, life may look wonderful, but deep down, we never truly know what is going on in a persons heart and mind. An engaging look at siblings and their rivalries and insecurities.
June 22, 2010
Lindsey Rose feels like she's finally going to get out of her gorgeous fraternal twin sister, Alex's, shadow: after many long hours spent working at an advertising agency, she is in line for the vice presidency. She'll be the youngest vice president that her company has ever had, and she will have everything that she's ever wanted in life. One devastating night takes it all out of her grasp, and she heads home to Maryland with her tail between her legs.
Lindsey has always been labelled "the smart one", while her sister has been labelled "the pretty one", so Lindsey decides not to tell her parents that she has lost her job and everything that she has worked so hard for, and instead decides to keep up the charade that she is scouting out a new location for her former employer.
As if living with her parents and being unemployed isn't bad enough, Lindsey is forced to become involved with Alex's wedding plans to Prince Charming. Watching her sister, who has always had everything handed to her on a silver platter, preparing to walk down the aisle nearly breaks her resolve to re-invent herself. However, when an old family secret is revealed, and when Alex faces some unexpected challenges, Lindsey and Alex discover that things are not always what they seem to be and they both come to see themselves and their role in their family in an entirely new way.
I love "The Opposite of Me"'s gorgeous cover. I mean, I'm not one to generally judge a book by its cover and all that, but it certainly helps when the cover is as appealing as this one! The picture on the cover is of the back of the heads of two women, one a brunette and one a redhead, and when we learn that Lindsey is a brunette and Alex is a redhead, it made sense. I love that it doesn't show their faces, I like being able to imagine that for myself.
Beyond the obvious cover appeal, the story itself flows effortlessly. This is at first glance a larger book (400 pages), but the story is so enticing that I couldn't put it down. I didn't find the dialogue awkward like I have in some debut books- awkward writing is one of my biggest pet peeves and usually detracts from my overall enjoyment of any book. Instead, I found a carefully plotted story with words that flowed, and it easily held my attention.
The characters in this book were especially well-developed. The emphasis is on Lindsey, and the story is from her point of view, but we do get strong glimpses into Alex's mindset. Lindsey and Alex's parents were hilarious, and they provided comic relief at the more serious parts, which helped the book to maintain its overall lighthearted tone.
The ending was predictable, but that made it no less satisfying for me. In fact, one of the things that makes me sigh wistfully at the end of the book is how good the ending was. After I was done reading The Opposite of Me, you can rest assured that there was lots of wistful sighing.
Sarah Pekkanen has written a strong debut novel, and I'm thrilled that this will not be the last we hear from her (she's already submitted the manuscript for her next book). "The Opposite of Me" is a compelling look at the complicated bond between sisters.
Lindsey has always been labelled "the smart one", while her sister has been labelled "the pretty one", so Lindsey decides not to tell her parents that she has lost her job and everything that she has worked so hard for, and instead decides to keep up the charade that she is scouting out a new location for her former employer.
As if living with her parents and being unemployed isn't bad enough, Lindsey is forced to become involved with Alex's wedding plans to Prince Charming. Watching her sister, who has always had everything handed to her on a silver platter, preparing to walk down the aisle nearly breaks her resolve to re-invent herself. However, when an old family secret is revealed, and when Alex faces some unexpected challenges, Lindsey and Alex discover that things are not always what they seem to be and they both come to see themselves and their role in their family in an entirely new way.
I love "The Opposite of Me"'s gorgeous cover. I mean, I'm not one to generally judge a book by its cover and all that, but it certainly helps when the cover is as appealing as this one! The picture on the cover is of the back of the heads of two women, one a brunette and one a redhead, and when we learn that Lindsey is a brunette and Alex is a redhead, it made sense. I love that it doesn't show their faces, I like being able to imagine that for myself.
Beyond the obvious cover appeal, the story itself flows effortlessly. This is at first glance a larger book (400 pages), but the story is so enticing that I couldn't put it down. I didn't find the dialogue awkward like I have in some debut books- awkward writing is one of my biggest pet peeves and usually detracts from my overall enjoyment of any book. Instead, I found a carefully plotted story with words that flowed, and it easily held my attention.
The characters in this book were especially well-developed. The emphasis is on Lindsey, and the story is from her point of view, but we do get strong glimpses into Alex's mindset. Lindsey and Alex's parents were hilarious, and they provided comic relief at the more serious parts, which helped the book to maintain its overall lighthearted tone.
The ending was predictable, but that made it no less satisfying for me. In fact, one of the things that makes me sigh wistfully at the end of the book is how good the ending was. After I was done reading The Opposite of Me, you can rest assured that there was lots of wistful sighing.
Sarah Pekkanen has written a strong debut novel, and I'm thrilled that this will not be the last we hear from her (she's already submitted the manuscript for her next book). "The Opposite of Me" is a compelling look at the complicated bond between sisters.
February 28, 2011
Okay, so I've got a crapload of sisters. I have two older sisters and two younger sisters (although the youngest sister is 16 years younger than me and only six so she really doesn't fit into the competitive mold), so I understood the relationship between Lindsey and Alex perfectly. While my sisters and I have all gotten over the whole competitiveness a few years ago, I still remember when it was rampant during our teenage years and it was FIERCE! So, again, I identified with Lindsey on that and that was why originally I intended to give this book five stars. But then, it turned for me.
I liked The Opposite of Me for the most part, but in the beginning I thought that it was wonderful. I loved it and couldn't wait to get back to it when I put it down. I just loved Lindsey and was so curious about her relationship with Alex. But then the sob story happened. I'm sorry, but does EVERYTHING have to have a sob story?! Don't get me wrong, I don't want the very few chick-lits I read to be all fluffy and airless, it's just that that particular sob story has been done to death. I would've preferred a different sob story, one that doesn't happen in every other women's fiction/chick-lit book. And another thing: that HUGE family secret? A bit on the disappointing side and just made Alex seem more like a Mary Sue. And I don't like Mary Sue characters. At all. Also, I didn't buy that crap that Alex said (very mild spoiler here) about not knowing that Lindsey was jealous of her. No one is that oblivious.
Now that I got that off my chest, I have to say that I did like some of the other aspects of The Opposite of Me. I loved the whole dating service storyline. I thought that it was actually a good way to have a dating service. I also adored Lindsey's parents. They were just so cute and hilarious. Speaking of hilarious, Matt was also great. Such a sweet and great friend. Basically, all of the supporting characters in this book were good. Plus, this book was a major (and I do mean MAJOR cause even when I was bitchin about it, I couldn't put it down) page-turner. I basically read it in one day in breaks between my classes.
So, regardless of my little rant above, I did like The Opposite of Me. I thought it was pretty funny and pretty sweet if a bit predictable. However, I would've liked it more if it had been sans big sob story and a little more about the sisters dealing with their issues without that major thing prompting it.
I liked The Opposite of Me for the most part, but in the beginning I thought that it was wonderful. I loved it and couldn't wait to get back to it when I put it down. I just loved Lindsey and was so curious about her relationship with Alex. But then the sob story happened. I'm sorry, but does EVERYTHING have to have a sob story?! Don't get me wrong, I don't want the very few chick-lits I read to be all fluffy and airless, it's just that that particular sob story has been done to death. I would've preferred a different sob story, one that doesn't happen in every other women's fiction/chick-lit book. And another thing: that HUGE family secret? A bit on the disappointing side and just made Alex seem more like a Mary Sue. And I don't like Mary Sue characters. At all. Also, I didn't buy that crap that Alex said (very mild spoiler here) about not knowing that Lindsey was jealous of her. No one is that oblivious.
Now that I got that off my chest, I have to say that I did like some of the other aspects of The Opposite of Me. I loved the whole dating service storyline. I thought that it was actually a good way to have a dating service. I also adored Lindsey's parents. They were just so cute and hilarious. Speaking of hilarious, Matt was also great. Such a sweet and great friend. Basically, all of the supporting characters in this book were good. Plus, this book was a major (and I do mean MAJOR cause even when I was bitchin about it, I couldn't put it down) page-turner. I basically read it in one day in breaks between my classes.
So, regardless of my little rant above, I did like The Opposite of Me. I thought it was pretty funny and pretty sweet if a bit predictable. However, I would've liked it more if it had been sans big sob story and a little more about the sisters dealing with their issues without that major thing prompting it.
September 22, 2016
Um romance levezinho que se lê rapidamente.
May 9, 2010
This book employs many hallmarks of chick lit: working gal in the big city too busy for love, a best friend/sister who is perfect (or is she?), a love interest who likes said best friend/sister, and a massive career change. There's nothing revolutionary here but it's a sweet, fast read. The writing is very conversational and "cute," which I think some people would adore (I did like it) and others might not. It was pretty predictable in the way that chick lit can be (you know the ending, but you're still glad it ended that way!) and the "big family secret" was not as shocking as expected. Still, it was a fast and quick read and I would definitely recommend as a beach book. As a sister, and a mom of sisters, the sibling angle was very interesting to me. Although my sister and I do not have a contentious/competitive relationship like the sisters in this book, that piece of it felt very authentic. I also really liked how the author pointed out how much siblings can define a person. I think about that all the time, how different my oldest would be if she didn't have her little sister on the scene (and how much she changed once she was in the picture) and vice versa. That was an added dimension to this book I really enjoyed.
to-read-own-bought
October 30, 2014You guys know I can't resist books about twins, and given that it was $1.99 on Google Play, I got it. Just have to decide when to read it.
April 24, 2017
Leído el 09/10/2010
Argumento:
Las gemelas Lindsey y Alex son como dos gotas de agua, aunque una sea de agua dulce y la otra de agua salada.
Lindsey siempre ha vivido a la sombra de su hermana gemela, Alex. A los 29 años, parece que al fin le ha llegado la hora de hacerse valer: van a nombrarla vicepresidenta creativa de la agencia publicitaria para la que trabaja. Pero tras un desliz descomunal, los sueños de Lindsey se desmoronan y se refugia en casa de sus padres para recobrarse de la humillación.
Allí se reencuentra con Alex, quien tiene la desfachatez de coquetear con el único hombre que puede consolar a Lindsey. Esta termina por estallar y destapa un secreto familiar que situará a las dos hermanas en una delicada situación.
Una divertidísima novela sobre la autoestima, el ansia de triunfo y las exasperantes relaciones entre hermanas.
Argumento:
Las gemelas Lindsey y Alex son como dos gotas de agua, aunque una sea de agua dulce y la otra de agua salada.
Lindsey siempre ha vivido a la sombra de su hermana gemela, Alex. A los 29 años, parece que al fin le ha llegado la hora de hacerse valer: van a nombrarla vicepresidenta creativa de la agencia publicitaria para la que trabaja. Pero tras un desliz descomunal, los sueños de Lindsey se desmoronan y se refugia en casa de sus padres para recobrarse de la humillación.
Allí se reencuentra con Alex, quien tiene la desfachatez de coquetear con el único hombre que puede consolar a Lindsey. Esta termina por estallar y destapa un secreto familiar que situará a las dos hermanas en una delicada situación.
Una divertidísima novela sobre la autoestima, el ansia de triunfo y las exasperantes relaciones entre hermanas.
September 4, 2025
3.5 stars. I try and read one of Pekkanen’s backlist books when I go on our annual beach vacation. I might enjoy them less in the real world but it’s exactly what I want on vacation. An easy read that I can fly through in 2 days!
This was good enough that I devoured it quickly, but probably not one that will stick with me. I love her writing, but I do feel the ending was abrupt and seemed to come out of left field. Also certain times characters would disappear. It’s an older book of the authors and I think her writing has improved over time!
This was good enough that I devoured it quickly, but probably not one that will stick with me. I love her writing, but I do feel the ending was abrupt and seemed to come out of left field. Also certain times characters would disappear. It’s an older book of the authors and I think her writing has improved over time!
July 5, 2017
3.5+ stars - really cute, easy read. I enjoyed the main character and her ups and downs. Like the other Pekkanen books I've read, you want to know what happens next with the characters - which means she's doing something right!
March 6, 2021
Não consigo dar 3 estrelas, muito fraquinho... Confesso que passei certas partes e o final foi muito apressado.
September 23, 2014
Goodreads Description- Twenty-nine-year-old Lindsey Rose has, for as long as she can remember, lived in the shadow of her ravishingly beautiful fraternal twin sister, Alex. Determined to get noticed, Lindsey is finally on the cusp of being named VP creative director of an elite New York advertising agency, after years of eighty-plus-hour weeks, migraines, and profound loneliness. But during the course of one devastating night, Lindsey’s carefully constructed life implodes. Humiliated, she flees the glitter of Manhattan and retreats to the time warp of her parents’ Maryland home. As her sister plans her lavish wedding to her Prince Charming, Lindsey struggles to maintain her identity as the smart, responsible twin while she furtively tries to piece her career back together. But things get more complicated when a long-held family secret is unleashed that forces both sisters to reconsider who they are and who they are meant to be.
First of all, I have to say that this book starts off very slowly. So much so that I almost gave up. But OMG...I am SO glad that I didn't because I really would have missed out on a really good book. I have to say that I am really shocked to find myself giving a book that started out the way it did 5 stars! The novel really picked up at about page 150 in the trade paperback edition. Then it took off and flew! I am excusing her slow start to the fact that this is her debut novel, but if this is the only problem then I simply cannot wait to read more of her writing as it matures.
I thought that the relationship between Lindsay and Alex very real. When you have two daughters, especially fraternal twins, there is most definitely going to be comparisons and jealousy especially when one, Alex, is obviously much more beautiful than the other. Of course Lindsay is going to feel ignored and almost invisible behind the shine of not only Alex's looks but magnetic personality. This is just real relationship stuff between sisters and anyone who has sisters, and it doesn't have to be a twin, has felt jealousy at some point of the other. And it definitely goes both ways. As Lindsay finds out throughout her transformation in the book and her renewed relationship with Alex, Lindsay realizes that Alex was jealous of Lindsay's academic abilities. Alex wished she lived an independent life in New York with a high powered job in a big time ad agency, but Lindsay was so wrapped up in her own feelings to ever realize that Alex may have some of the same feelings toward her. Alex and Lindsay were so real and fully developed that I felt like they could be members of my own family. I understood exactly what they were feeling and the problems that were keeping them apart. It's was just a shame that it took such a major event to get the sisters talking again and re-inventing their relationship.
One another note, I absolutely loved Alex and Lindsay's parents. They provided great comic relief during some tough times during the book. They were portrayed perfectly as an long happily married couple who bickered and fought hilariously throughout the book! They were great!
The major event that got the girls talking again was a mind blower. I can't say much more because I don't want to spoil the book but it was written with such love and bittersweetness. This was when the sisters truly started to re-connect. It felt so real and it truly touched my heart.
I can't say enough about this book! It was fantastic! I had my doubts at the beginning but the author redeemed herself with an excellent comeback with a wonderful story and beautiful writing with characters that were true and real. I highly recommend this book! Just stick with it if you are having trouble at the beginning. Trust me...it gets so much better. 5 stars!
First of all, I have to say that this book starts off very slowly. So much so that I almost gave up. But OMG...I am SO glad that I didn't because I really would have missed out on a really good book. I have to say that I am really shocked to find myself giving a book that started out the way it did 5 stars! The novel really picked up at about page 150 in the trade paperback edition. Then it took off and flew! I am excusing her slow start to the fact that this is her debut novel, but if this is the only problem then I simply cannot wait to read more of her writing as it matures.
I thought that the relationship between Lindsay and Alex very real. When you have two daughters, especially fraternal twins, there is most definitely going to be comparisons and jealousy especially when one, Alex, is obviously much more beautiful than the other. Of course Lindsay is going to feel ignored and almost invisible behind the shine of not only Alex's looks but magnetic personality. This is just real relationship stuff between sisters and anyone who has sisters, and it doesn't have to be a twin, has felt jealousy at some point of the other. And it definitely goes both ways. As Lindsay finds out throughout her transformation in the book and her renewed relationship with Alex, Lindsay realizes that Alex was jealous of Lindsay's academic abilities. Alex wished she lived an independent life in New York with a high powered job in a big time ad agency, but Lindsay was so wrapped up in her own feelings to ever realize that Alex may have some of the same feelings toward her. Alex and Lindsay were so real and fully developed that I felt like they could be members of my own family. I understood exactly what they were feeling and the problems that were keeping them apart. It's was just a shame that it took such a major event to get the sisters talking again and re-inventing their relationship.
One another note, I absolutely loved Alex and Lindsay's parents. They provided great comic relief during some tough times during the book. They were portrayed perfectly as an long happily married couple who bickered and fought hilariously throughout the book! They were great!
The major event that got the girls talking again was a mind blower. I can't say much more because I don't want to spoil the book but it was written with such love and bittersweetness. This was when the sisters truly started to re-connect. It felt so real and it truly touched my heart.
I can't say enough about this book! It was fantastic! I had my doubts at the beginning but the author redeemed herself with an excellent comeback with a wonderful story and beautiful writing with characters that were true and real. I highly recommend this book! Just stick with it if you are having trouble at the beginning. Trust me...it gets so much better. 5 stars!
January 30, 2024
Puntuación 2/5
Una relectura que no disfrute, al punto de que estuve cerca de abandonarlo a la mitad. Pero quiero escribir una opinión porque no recordaba nada de esta historia y prefiero evitar releerlo en un futuro.
La historia presenta a Lindsey, la hermana inteligente que se ha hecho una exitosa carrera como publicista en la brillante Nueva York. Pero no todo es color de rosa en la vida de Lindsey, luego de perder su empleo, se da cuenta que no tiene nada, no tiene pareja y de amigos solo cuenta con Matt. Esto lleva a Lindsey a regresar a casa de sus padres, lo que la lleva a conectar con su hermana Alex y ha descubrir un secreto familiar.
Se usa el formato básico de las películas de hallmark, la chica con vida exitosa vuelve a la casa de sus padres, y pum… por arte de magia se da cuenta de que aquello que le falta, que siempre ha estado cerca de ella, le hace aún más feliz que el éxito y el dinero. Pero el tono burlesco, las opiniones sobre cuerpos y la humillación de otras mujeres (en pos de mostrar un cambio en Lindsey), le quitaron cualquier forma de ligereza a este libro.
Una relectura que no disfrute, al punto de que estuve cerca de abandonarlo a la mitad. Pero quiero escribir una opinión porque no recordaba nada de esta historia y prefiero evitar releerlo en un futuro.
La historia presenta a Lindsey, la hermana inteligente que se ha hecho una exitosa carrera como publicista en la brillante Nueva York. Pero no todo es color de rosa en la vida de Lindsey, luego de perder su empleo, se da cuenta que no tiene nada, no tiene pareja y de amigos solo cuenta con Matt. Esto lleva a Lindsey a regresar a casa de sus padres, lo que la lleva a conectar con su hermana Alex y ha descubrir un secreto familiar.
Se usa el formato básico de las películas de hallmark, la chica con vida exitosa vuelve a la casa de sus padres, y pum… por arte de magia se da cuenta de que aquello que le falta, que siempre ha estado cerca de ella, le hace aún más feliz que el éxito y el dinero. Pero el tono burlesco, las opiniones sobre cuerpos y la humillación de otras mujeres (en pos de mostrar un cambio en Lindsey), le quitaron cualquier forma de ligereza a este libro.
January 23, 2019
There were things I liked, but it didn’t outweigh what I didn’t like. I wasn’t a huge fan of the main character, Lindsey, to be completely honest. Also, when did 29 become considered an old age? If this had just been a book about two sisters and their dynamic, I might have actually enjoyed it more. It feels like Sarah Pekkanen felt like she had to include some random romance that came out of nowhere. Halfway through the book, Lindsey realizes that she is in love with her childhood friend. A childhood friend who she doesn’t even mention once until she realizes he might have feelings for her sister. When that doesn’t work out, three pages before the book ends, she realizes she is in love with her old co worker. A co worker who, once again, she seemed to have no feelings for. Instead of that, you could have included more about Jane, her kids, and hopefully her new relationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2011
This one couldn't quite manage 3 stars. It is not a story of sisters. It's a story of a woman figuring out that her incredibly self-centered universe could possibly contain more than her own hopes dreams and aspirations, that life is more than work, and that some of our most closely harbored grudges have very little basis in reality. I disliked this book for the whole first half. The second half of the book saved it -the main character Lindsey grew to be more than a weak, whiny thing and some other characters were developed a bit more giving the book some more soul. I would give it 2 1/2 stars if possible, but when I tried to round up to 3 I just couldn't make it stick.
May 14, 2012
The Opposite of Me by Sarah Pekkanen is about an empty shell of a woman whose career is her life and nothing else matters, other than being smarter than her twin sister, Alex, who looks nothing like her and is a beautiful model. Lindsey is in line for a vice president position at her advertising agency in New York City when she’s outmaneuvered by a competing colleague who is not afraid to use her sexuality to get what she wants. Cheryl’s down-and-dirty tricks shatter Lindsey’s hopes, leaving her twisting in the wind and rudderless after the announcement that Cheryl is the new VP.
Read the full review: http://savvyverseandwit.com/2012/05/t...
Read the full review: http://savvyverseandwit.com/2012/05/t...
January 22, 2010
I Loved this book! I was lucky enough to get my hands on an advance copy and was hooked from page one, when we are thrown into the life of ambitious advertising exec Lindsey Rose as she prepares to receive the promotion of a lifetime.
When things don't work out exactly as planned, Lindsey is forced to move back in with her parents and face the many issues she has with her seemingly perfect twin sister.
Poignant and funny, THE OPPOSITE OF ME is a must read for any Giffin or Weiner fan. I couldn't put it down!
When things don't work out exactly as planned, Lindsey is forced to move back in with her parents and face the many issues she has with her seemingly perfect twin sister.
Poignant and funny, THE OPPOSITE OF ME is a must read for any Giffin or Weiner fan. I couldn't put it down!
December 13, 2025
3 1/2 Stars Rounded Up
As a debut Novel, I think Sarah Pekkanen wrote a deceptively deeper story than it appears about two very different twins.
At the heart of The Opposite of Me is a very thought-provoking question... Are we who we are because of what we’ve been told about ourselves and those around us? Is any of it really true? Can we break free of the preconceived ideas we have about ourselves?
This book was witty and had me laughing out loud, yet was a very touching insight into how our perception of ourselves and of others can alter the course our lives take.
As a debut Novel, I think Sarah Pekkanen wrote a deceptively deeper story than it appears about two very different twins.
At the heart of The Opposite of Me is a very thought-provoking question... Are we who we are because of what we’ve been told about ourselves and those around us? Is any of it really true? Can we break free of the preconceived ideas we have about ourselves?
This book was witty and had me laughing out loud, yet was a very touching insight into how our perception of ourselves and of others can alter the course our lives take.
April 14, 2023
This was awful. It reminded me of those Sweet Dream romance books I read when I was a kid. I think one was even named Little Sister. I don’t remember anything specific about it except that the younger sister was jealous of her older sister to an extreme I couldn’t relate to. The same with this, only they’re twins. And then that When Harry Met Sally moment happened at the end, I regretted I even picked the book up. I thought I’d regretted it before, but this book was just awful from start to finish.
March 16, 2010
Wonderful and fabulous new author! I loved this book and Pekkanen really brought me in and made me feel what it might have felt like to have a sister, a twin sister. Refreshing, funny and heart-wrenching, this book made me smile, laugh, and cry. I cannot wait to see what Pekkanen releases in the future - she is definitely one to watch!
March 13, 2010
This debut novel hits all the right marks. Wickedly funny and insightful, I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend!
May 2, 2011
An enjoyable quick read. I thought the author did a nice job of weaving the story around the title, the meaning of which evolved as the you approached the ending.
July 7, 2012
Terrible book. It was nothing more than a pity party for the main character.
August 25, 2017
Picked this up at a library bag sale. I tried but couldn't make it through. Typical characters, typical problems. Just not for me.
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