Review of Twice the Family

[shannon Baird 1]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Twice the Family" by Julie Ryan McGue.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Twice the Family is a deeply personal memoir that explores adoption, identity, and belonging through the lens of her own life as an adoptee and identical twin.

Adoption and Identity
The memoir deeply explores what it means to grow up as an adoptee, especially as an identical twin. Julie’s journey reflects the emotional complexity of not knowing her biological roots and the impact that has on her sense of self.

Family and Belonging
As her adoptive family grows—with both adopted and biological siblings—Julie grapples with where she fits in. The book examines how love, faith, and commitment can hold a family together, even amid challenges.

Sisterhood and Connection
The bond between Julie and her twin sister Jenny is a powerful thread throughout the memoir. Their relationship provides emotional grounding and highlights the strength of sibling connections.

Loss and Resilience
The family endures several tragedies, including miscarriages and the death of a sibling. These experiences test their resilience and shape Julie’s understanding of grief and healing.

Independence and Self-Discovery
As Julie matures, she begins to question her upbringing, her faith, and the life her parents envisioned for her. Her journey toward independence is marked by a desire to forge her own path and define her own values.

Faith and Values
Raised in a devout Catholic household, Julie reflects on how faith influenced her upbringing and how her beliefs evolve over time.

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Twice the Family
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