Book 1: Double Identity by Margaret Peterson Haddix

I recently finished Double Identity by Maragret Peterson Haddix. I was inspired to steal this book off of Mr. Scheurell's shelf because I loved the Among the Hidden series, also written by Haddix. I was not disappointed. The story of Bethany, who is mysteriously dropped off the home of an aunt she never knew existed, grabs you right from the beginning. The book is filled with twists and turns and you have to read closely to figure out what is happening as all she has known to be true starts to unravel.

Throughout the book I pondered the question of what makes us who we are. Is it our DNA or our experiences? How strange it would feel to find you were a COPY of someone who existed before. It would be like living in a shadow, although because Bethany didn't know of Elizabeth's existence she didn't feel this totally. There were clues for her throughout her life that things were not "normal" however, and this did cause there to be a shadow following her. She has to address the question of who she is at a young age and try and discover her purpose, beyond being a "replacement" for someone who lived before her.

This brings me to another question....is it better to live with a lie and falsly believe your life is "good" or is it better to live with the knowlege of an uncomfortable truth? I believe that it is good that the truth came out, it will help her live life more completely in the long run. But she easily could have gone throughout life without ever knowing. How would that have affected her? I would love to know what others think of this.

I was also impressed with the writing of this book, the craft is outstanding for this genre. The clues that are given along the way are just enough to keep you guessing and the plot remains believable as it unfolds.

This is a great book for a book club...I was wishing I was in one as I read it myself. It is an exciting read, yet deals with some bigger issues of identity and family. What did you think?
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