The Other Half of Me

Her grandchildren, her daughter, or herself? And the grief it caused might be too much to bear. Morgan McCarthy tells her story beautifully. Her style is languid and lovely, her turn of phrase is charming, and she has a very nice way with a metaphor. There is light and shade, and a lovely mixture of the mysterious and the elegiac. She made a wise choice in appointing Jonathan as her narrator.

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He alone had the self-awareness and the momentum for the job, and I never doubted that I was seeing, hearing, understanding as he had. That meant a few details were missing, a few characters were less defined than they might have been, but that was the right choice, to hold the perspective. The story moves slowly and there are long stretches when nothing happens, but the beauty of the writing, the wonderful evocation of the world that Jonathan moved through, the questions hanging in the air, all of that held me.

I worked out some of the answers, but not all of them. The complex and changing relationship between brother and sister gave the story its heart and the ever-present sense of menace and foreboding gave it substance. There were times when I felt that Morgan McCarthy was over-playing her hand. Now that I have reached the end I realise that the story was moving, haunting, and quite beautifully written. I loved the sound of this book, but by the end of it I found myself rather disappointed and slightly bored.

The book had a good start, and I really did feel that the author was setting the scene for a really emotive journey. However as the book went on, and years and years were passing I started to wonder exactly where the plot was heading and why it was taking so long to get there. I ended the book feeling very frustrated, as there did not seem to be any definite plot to the book and I did not se I loved the sound of this book, but by the end of it I found myself rather disappointed and slightly bored. I ended the book feeling very frustrated, as there did not seem to be any definite plot to the book and I did not see the point of it at all.

The book did detail a whole childhood, adolescence and early adulthood I felt that the book was a continuous back story, almost half a book really. There was much detail and scene setting, but no real direction or objective for the book. It left me feeling unfulfilled and disappointed. A shame really as the author obviously has talent which was shown with some very beautiful descriptions and similes throughout the book.

Oct 08, Lolly K Dandeneau rated it liked it. I liked it but I didn't dislike it, in fact I enjoyed the characters but it started to feel like I was swimming in the ocean with jeans on. That sounds mad, I know. I would like to read more by McCarthy because I think she writes exceptionally well. Sometimes there are stories that light us on fire, others promise to burn with a spark and then slowly seem to smother themselves o I liked it but Sometimes there are stories that light us on fire, others promise to burn with a spark and then slowly seem to smother themselves out.

Or maybe it's just me and I wanted something that took me somewhere unexpected. Again, great writer, would certainly read more by her but this won't be a favorite. I have recently reviewed this novel for a major UK bookseller. Reading this novel, you would never realise that it was written by a debut author as it is so accomplished- you would think McCarthy had been writting novels for years. His sister, Theo, journeys with him as they interact with those who enter their lives - their unloving mother Alicia, their hugely successful Grandmother Eve, and c I have recently reviewed this novel for a major UK bookseller.

His sister, Theo, journeys with him as they interact with those who enter their lives - their unloving mother Alicia, their hugely successful Grandmother Eve, and childhood friends Nick and Maria. This novel is a journey of discovery as the characters learn the ways of the world - who to trust, who to love and where to place their suspicions - but is a journey full of loss and sorrow. This journey leads them into the world of family history which uncover some family secrets and has some tragic consequences.

In this novel, McCarthy creates some beautiful characters who draw you into their world. Theo in particular is really sweet and endearing, but has her moments when you just despair. The novel is told from Jonathans perspective and he is another charcter who I became really attached to and really wanted something positive to happen to him. Quite rightly, I never really warmed to either Alicia or Eve and McCarthy created a great contrast between these two and the other characters she has created.

Overall this was a really lovely novel which had me hooked from the outset and gave me a feeling of sadness throughout, something not many novels achieve and which acts as a sign of how brilliant this novel is. I look forward to reading McCarthys next novel so see if she can continue the excellence that she has started. So, I've been neglecting writing reviews for a long time now. In my defense, I don't have a computer in the apartment I'm staying at while attending uni and the only time I have for writing reviews is when I'm home, because I don't like writing them on my phone.

But I wasn't writing even when I was home No excuse for me. Anyway, I don't remember much about this book. I recall it was about two siblings who were raised by servants at their home because their mother was emotionally unstable. Ther So, I've been neglecting writing reviews for a long time now. There were a lot of daddy issues, drug and alchohol abuse and some really bad decisions. It was an okay read, but nothing more. I don't like men who spend their whole life pinning for one woman. It may be hypocritical of me because I like when men in real life show their feelings once in a while, but it seems I don't like that in fictional terms.

I just see it as pathetic waste of time. Especially when I think that woman is not worth their love interest or time. The male lead was not any better, but I still think those two didn't deserve each other. The sister was another problem. She was much like her mother in emotional stability part. She acted like a child most of the time and I think her upbringing was to be blamed for that. They protected her all the time and daddy issues were there for most part of the book. I don't remember clearly what exactly happened to their father, but I think the reason for his disappearance was good enough.

I didn't exactly see the point of this book, but maybe it was just me. But it was entertaining enough, so that counts for something, right? Jul 08, Wendy Hines rated it liked it. The debut of The Other Half of Me captivated me with it's beautiful prose and dark secrets. Jonathan and Theo are youngsters who live with there mother and nanny. Their mother's best friend is a bottle of gin and she can't be bothered with the children. The nanny who takes care of them really doesn't want to be bothered either.

But Jonathan and Theo have one another. When their mother collapses, their grandmother Eve retrieves them and raises them. Although the children have been told their fathe The debut of The Other Half of Me captivated me with it's beautiful prose and dark secrets. Although the children have been told their father died, and that is why he wasn't around, little Theo doesn't believe it. In fact, that belief sticks into her mind until it's almost a reality as she matures.

Jonathan, who has always kept a close eye on his younger sister, worries about her. The Other Half of Me reminded me of an old Gothic tale. Set in beautiful Wales, the writing is exquisite. The scenes are dramatically drawn without weighing down the reader with a bunch of elaborate details. I think I enjoyed the characters of Jonathan and Theo when they were children much more than I did as they got older. However, I was driven to keep turning the pages. I wanted to know the family secrets and how life would turn out for Theo and Jonathan. The story is told from Jonathan's perspective and I thoroughly enjoyed his take on everything.

If you're seeking a new author to try, pick up The Other Half of Me - it's a haunting and suspenseful novel that will intrigue you. Apr 14, Laura rated it liked it. So I chose this book at the airport, thinking that he blurb sounded promising and I was taken in by the cover - I am a sucker for a pretty cover! It was an interesting read, but not something I'd read a second time.

The story was fairly engaging, but I was turned off a bit by the elitism shown by the main character and his university friends - not sure if this was intentional or not, but it didn't contribute towards making him very likeable. My main criticism is that the writing - whilst makin So I chose this book at the airport, thinking that he blurb sounded promising and I was taken in by the cover - I am a sucker for a pretty cover! My main criticism is that the writing - whilst making good use of imagery - felt very self conscious, and thus it was impossible to be completely gripped by the story.

Sep 18, Beth rated it liked it. As advertised, this does have some of the feel of Atonement. It would also work well for fans of Kate Morton. The writing was very good, and I would have rated it higher if the denouement hadn't dragged on so long. Oct 17, Sarah rated it it was ok Shelves: Apr 24, Evie Pey rated it really liked it. An enjoyable read although easy to guess the ending. The characters were one sided and hard to like.

The book is well written which makes it easy to read. Family dynamics are always interesting fodder for a story Originally posted on the blog There are times when I crave something different from what I normally read - and that's where novels like this one come in. While it did take longer to find myself invested in finishing this one, it was just the kind of book I wanted at the time. This story is drawn out and told with carefully chosen turns of phrase, telling the story of this family and their history with well-crafted pros First Thoughts: This story is drawn out and told with carefully chosen turns of phrase, telling the story of this family and their history with well-crafted prose.

It's fairly easy to call to mind the main players in this tale - Jonathan, Theo, Eve and Alicia, who are all members of the infamous Anthony family. This is a testament to the author's ability to create characters that are distinctive and memorable. They were carved into being, with personality quirks that set them apart from one another: Jonathan was the older brother who strove to achieve the right things, Eve was the grandmother who inspired him with her own success, Theo was the younger sister who had a interesting view of the world and Alicia was the alcoholic mother who often spent her days napping in bed or drinking to ward off her own sorrows.

The story studies the relationships between these main characters, starting from when Jonathan and Theo were mere children up until they are adults. While Alicia's neglect of her children certainly played a role in their personality development, it was really Jonathan and Theo's relationship with Eve and with each other that this book so beautifully tells us about. Like real relationships, there are good parts and bad parts and all the parts in between. Toss in a bit of fame and a ton of scandal, and you have fodder for an interesting story. The most fascinating thing about the book, however, is the tone that the author employs in telling this story.

It was equal parts pensive and thoughtful, which lent to the novel's slow movement from the beginning to end. There was an overall feeling of melancholy, and I finished the book feeling thoughtful and sad for this family and their story. This was a marked change from my usual quick-paced, snappy reads, and I was able to embrace it wholeheartedly as I dove into this book.

With its quiet, drawn out story, The Other Half of Me drew me into the world of the Anthonys and their lives. It was interesting, and slightly voyeuristic, to be given such an intimate view of Jonathan's thoughts and his experiences with his family. While I certainly don't expect everyone to enjoy it, fans of thoughtful, lovely prose and exploring familial ties will find this book as fascinating as I did.

Apr 23, Maya Panika rated it it was amazing. Not a great deal happens in The Other Half of Me, the plot is slight, but beautifully detailed and wonderfully told. Brother and sister, Jonathan and Theo, grow up at Evendon, a lovely house by the sea, where money is abundant but love is absent.

Their father is missing and presumed dead. Their mother is just a vague presence who floats through life with a drink in her hand. The locals and the household staff despise them. They have no friends, only each other. Everything changes when their mother is hospitalised and their grandmother Eve arrives to take over the care of the house and the children. Eve Anthony is famous, glamorous, extremely rich. Too many secrets, too many lies: Theo, unable to hate, is slowly tipped into madness.

From the start, you sense that she is doomed. Eve admires Jonathan as a chip off her block, but is constantly exasperated by Theo - as was I.

The Other Half of Me by Morgan McCarthy

I frequently wanted to slap her. Poor Jonathan constantly angsts — has he been unkind to Theo by asking her to grow up and take responsibility for her own life? I doubt if I could have been half so patient as Jonathan - or even Eve. And, as I seem to keep saying, not a great deal happens in TOH, but the tragic progress is deliciously compelling and the writing is gorgeous - poetic, but lightly done: Rural Wales is the setting for this beautifully written book - it is where Jonathan and Theo Theodora , the two small Anthony children live with their mother, the beautiful widowed Alicia and an assortment of household staff.

Alicia spends most of her time suffering from alcohol induced "headaches" and either shuts herself up in her room, or floats about the house in a daze. She makes it quite clear that she has no desire for the company of her own children So eight year old Jonathan and seven year old Theo are left to their own devices, wandering the huge country house with its sprawling gardens full of wild places; Jonathan is very protective of Theo who seems to need more attention than most little girls.

She's a needy, dreamy child, full of wonder, enthusiasm and empathy for everything around her. One day Alicia the children only ever call her by her name, never Mum or Mummy is taken away in an ambulance and the children are left alone in the care of Miss Black, the nanny whom they despise, and Mrs Edwards, the colourful, but not particulalry efficient, cook.

They are not told what has happened to their mother, or what will become of them, but eventually Eve, their wealthy grandmother, arrives from America and it becomes clear she is there to stay; Jonathan's and Theo's lives will never be the same. Alicia returns from her drying out spell but it is Eve who transforms the house into its former glory and insists on a more formal education for the children.

As Jonathan and Theo grow older, Eve's story about their missing father begins to sound more doubtful; as it begins to unravel tensions develop within their small circle. The book moves effortlessly from one timeline to another, the writing, crisp and clear, evoking the atmosphere of the period, whether it be the or It is so beautifully descriptive but never over done, the characters so well drawn and believable, and the narrative flows so well I had my nose stuck in this book for two days as I devoured every word. I honestly cannot fault this book. This author knows how to write; I hope there is more from her in the future.

My thanks to Amazon for a free copy to review. Feb 12, BestChickLit. This is a terrific novel, atmospheric, claustrophobic and so beautifully poignant. Morgan McCarthy has chosen to narrate the novel with a male voice which she pulls off with a delicate finesse. His distant, alcoholic mother Alicia, his imposing grandmother, the internationally loved businesswoman and politician Eve Anthony, and a whole host of lithe, beautiful young things who leave his bed warm but his heart cold.

However, most important of This is a terrific novel, atmospheric, claustrophobic and so beautifully poignant. However, most important of all is his younger sister Theo. Fragile and incredibly caring, Theo relies on Jonathan as the one source of constant love and protection.

But Theo begins to see cracks in their family history. To her, the formidable Welsh manor, which was their adventure ground as children, seems to be filled with ghosts and dark secrets and she is determined to discover the truth. McCarthy explores love with a tender force through Jonathon, who struggles to grasp the freedom and happiness it can provide once you stop being so afraid.

A rich, colourful and bittersweet tale of loyalty, love and friendship. Jul 31, Anne rated it liked it. I feel like I've read almost this exact story several times before. And I enjoy reading about that, and I enjoyed reading this book. But what blew me away about this book was the opening paragraph: One quick, unfair blow, and you find yourself looking back across th I feel like I've read almost this exact story several times before.

One quick, unfair blow, and you find yourself looking back across the uncrossable, to a place that can't ever be reached again, despite the fact you were there - brushing your teeth or reading a paper or wondering where you left your umbrella - just a moment ago. But that's over, the kind, old life, and you have to go out into the unknown, unbalanced world, where everything important is wrong. People vanish, the scenery changes. Things you loved become meaningless, and meaningless things stay that way. The plot is intriguing and it has a well-drawn cast of interesting--if somewhat unlikeable—characters.

In addition the writing is lush and gorgeous, and those of you who know me are aware I tend to read more for plot and characterization than language, but I was surprised to find myself re-reading passages because they were so beautifull 4. In addition the writing is lush and gorgeous, and those of you who know me are aware I tend to read more for plot and characterization than language, but I was surprised to find myself re-reading passages because they were so beautifully phrased.

The Other Half of Me

I recommend this to anyone who loves gorgeous writing and a compelling plot with a gothic tinge. Book groups will find much to discuss in this multi-layered story. Also available as an e-galley on Edelweiss. Het verhaal van 2 kinderen Jonathan en Theo die opgroeien op Evendon. Ze krijgen weinig liefde van hun moeder Alicia. Tot op een dag hun grootmoeder Eve op Evendon komt wonen en zich met de opvoeding gaat bemoeien. Eve is een succesvolzakenvrouw en die ook haar sporen in de politiek heeft verdiend.

De familie draagt een aantal familiegeheimen met zich mee. Tijdens hun jeugd krijgen ze te maken met een aantal feiten en gebeurtenissen die ze op dat moment nog niet kunnen plaatsen. Namate z Het verhaal van 2 kinderen Jonathan en Theo die opgroeien op Evendon.

Namate ze ouder worden komen ze zelf met een aantal vragen rond waar ze een antwoord op proberen te krijgen. Het boek is prachtig geschreven in een stijl die je meteen het verhaal in meetrekt. Tijdens het lezen wordt je geconfronteerd met het verdriet dat zich daar afspeelt en dat voel je ook. En boek dat je ontroerd en ongeloof kent. Een boek wat zich goed leent voor een verfilming. Oct 01, Lynn rated it it was ok.

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This book begins beautifully! The beginning prose is a delight to read. One quick, unfair blow, and you find yourself looking back across the uncrossable, to a place that can't ever reached again despite the fact that you were there -- brushing your teeth or reading a paper or wondering where you left your umbrella -- just a moment ago. I was hooked after the first paragraph. But then, this novel, w This book begins beautifully! But then, this novel, which is described as "a secret that drives a wedge into Jonathan's once immutable bond with his sister", "tragedy strikes again", takes over pages to get to any information about any tragic secret.

Sorry to say, not one of my favorites. Morgan McCarthy shows glimpses of talent and the promise of being a good writer, unfortunately the whole wasn't as good as these parts. The characters lacked depth and, though starting well once the prologue had passed, the plot was wispy thin. Having said that, this is only a first novel in what I'm sure will be a successful career for Ms McCarthy. I'm looking forward to watching her develop as time and books go on. Sep 18, Jennifer rated it liked it. Here's a complete review: Sep 11, Sarah rated it liked it Shelves: I don't know why I didn't love this more.

It's very well written and I loved the setting, but it just seemed like something was missing. Maybe it was me. Een boek lezen om te recenseren kan soms wat gemene lastigheidjes hebben. Bij een geweldig boek vliegen de uitingen van respect mij in gedachten al om de oren. Bij een leuk, luchtig of juist erg spannend boek vergeet ik dat er gerecenseerd moet worden, waardoor ik helemaal opga in de beleving van het verhaal en nog flink moet werken aan een recensie om dat gevoel ook over te dragen aan de lezer.

En met sommige boeken schiet je per pagina in een andere hoedanigheid. Je begint nieuwsgierig, opgewe Een boek lezen om te recenseren kan soms wat gemene lastigheidjes hebben. Je begint nieuwsgierig, opgewekt, want je hebt een mooi boek in handen, met een interessante blurb en een cover die niet heel erg opvalt tussen alle andere boeken. Je begint te lezen, de ene pagina met een frons, de volgende met een nog diepere frons en dan ineens met interesse, weer een hoofdstuk fronsen, even wat noteren, snel verder lezen, want de spanning bouwt toch wel op en dan ineens tranen.

En dan weer fronsen. Morgan McCarthy gaf me middels 'Onder het water' oorspronkelijke titel The other half of me', wat ik een veel betere titel vind! Is het nu een goed boek of een flauw boek? Jonathan en Theo zijn broer en zus Theo is de zus in een zeer ongezellige familie. Dankzij Eve's inspanningen is de familie rijk, heel erg rijk. Ze wonen in Wales op Evendon, een groot landhuis vol bedienden. Jonathan en Theo hangen bij gebrek aan liefdevolle familieleden maar aan elkaar. Het boek beziet in korte tussenstukken uit de andere perioden uit het leven van de familie, vanuit Jonathans perspectief.

Want to Read saving…. Want to Read Currently Reading Read. Refresh and try again. Open Preview See a Problem? Thanks for telling us about the problem. Return to Book Page. The only time she knows the score is when she's holding an egg-carton palette and painting on a canvas, but even then she feels as though something is missing. Unlike her three younger siblings, Jenny knows her biological father only as Donor As Jenny's 16th summer draws to a close, she feels more alienated than ever.

With Tate by her side, Jenny searches for a genetic relative in the Donor Sibling Registry and discovers that she has a half sister, Alexa. Jenny hopes their budding relationship will fill the gaps in her life, but when Alexa shows up on her doorstep for a surprise visit, the changes in Jenny's world are much bigger than she could ever have imagined. Hardcover , pages. To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. To ask other readers questions about The Other Half of Me , please sign up.

Lists with This Book. Jan 08, Lacey rated it liked it Shelves: I read Emily Franklin's Liner Notes a couple years ago and absolutely fell in love with it and it's beautiful words. I didn't expect anything less with The Other Half of Me. It was wonderfully written and a truly engaging story, if not a tad bit predictable. But, hey, what's wrong with predictable. I loved Jenny, the main character. And swooned for her relationship with Tate everyone wants a sensitive, fun-loving guy, right?

It was an interesting change of pace when you added in the character I read Emily Franklin's Liner Notes a couple years ago and absolutely fell in love with it and it's beautiful words. It was an interesting change of pace when you added in the character of Alexa, Jenny's half sister. There were times when I was reading along and physically hated the way that Alexa treated Jenny and their situation.

It was annoying to hate a character, but I guess that inevitable. Overall, I really loved the story. This is the last of five YA books in a row and tomorrow I'm going to start a big-girl book, thank you! I love teen angst as much as the next person who am I kidding, I don't really love it. I loathed being 16 when I was But thist was a great ending. I could picture everything as it went along and I think it would make a great movie. I'm also wishing for a follow-up, but I'm not sure that will happen. Sep 17, Cassidy rated it liked it. I felt this book took a while to get on its feet.

I was confused at first because I thought that when the main charcter went on the donor website she was going to find her real dad. I think it was very predicable and I was hoping the ending would be better. I would recommend this book. May 10, Jennifer Wardrip rated it it was amazing Shelves: She can't catch a ball to save her life.

Is it any wonder she feels like an outsider in her own family? While she has always known that she's the product of a sperm donor, it never really made much difference until she reads an article about tracking down relations. Now she can't let go of the idea. Could there be a sibling out there, just like her?

Is Jenny brave enough to meet her half-sister once she finds her? Finally, Jenny believes she's found the part of her that's been missing for years. Emily Franklin's written another notable drama full of high angst where the main character struggles to find her identity. Dec 18, Susan Dunn rated it it was ok Shelves: This one sounds really interesting. Here's the blurb from our catalog: Unfortunately the book didn't live up to it's promise.

It was just OK. The bio sister comes to visit and everyone likes her better than Jenny, so Jenny gets all uptigh This one sounds really interesting. The bio sister comes to visit and everyone likes her better than Jenny, so Jenny gets all uptight. She even thinks that her sister is trying to steal her boyfriend. Jenny is too wimpy and insecure to be interesting. Dec 06, Ying rated it really liked it Shelves: I thought this was a pretty good book because there were really times where you could actually feel emotional, especially the climax of the story. I also liked how they tied art into the story but there were some parts I didn't like.

For one, the Jenny's romance was too sudden and it seemed like it didn't really fit. I also didn't like the ending and Alexa's character a lot. But in spite of these, I still liked this book a lot and feel it will make a good read. Aug 10, Sophie D rated it really liked it Shelves: I loved this book. It was a topic id really never seen before in YA. I liked the idea and the characters were all well thought out and planned.

The only let down was the main character I feel like she was unable to talk to anyone and face her problems. Overall though I really enjoyed this book! Jul 17, Luna Lovegood rated it it was ok. Honestly, I found this book to be confusing. Jenny's personality was hard to follow, as there are no words to sum up her entire character. I was annoyed by how she treated her family for most of the book, and I felt the author needed some work in portraying theme. What I absorbed was that the underlying theme ran along the lines of change can happen if you are willing see it happen.

If you close your eyes and ignore efforts to change, change will not occur. It's a great message, don't get me wro Honestly, I found this book to be confusing. It's a great message, don't get me wrong, yet I felt if Jenny's character was worked on, the theme would be highlighted a bit more. Additionally, the romance between Tate and Jenny needed a bit of work. It felt way to rushed to me because I barely knew Tate's character, and left the novel with his character still unclear. I didn't prefer how the author left things relationship-wise between not only Tate and Jenny, but also much of the rest of Jenny's family.

The author overemphasized the difference between sports and the arts in the wrong way. It was conveyed in the novel that sports and the arts and differences in general divide a family. However, in the novel, the rest of the Fitzgerald family was different from Jenny Fitzgerald, however they still treated her kindly. Jenny was too oblivious to see it and felt she wasn't a part of the family for her differences. How I feel, though, is that family is family, and they love you- all parts of you, including your differences.

You love family no matter how different you all may be from each other. The plot was also lacking, and there was no suspense. Yup, so it was an okay read, which is why I reviewed it only 2 stars. Jun 15, Nancy rated it really liked it Shelves: Jenny Fitzgerald comes from an all around athletic family. Jenny feels like her family will never understand her that way and she longs to have a relationship like the twins Sierra and Sage do.

Jenny finally gets that chance when Tate shows her something amazing: Much to her surprise and delightment, she finds Alexa, her half sister. Alexa is impulsive and different, but Jenny feels like she can say and share anything with Alexa.

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First of all, love the donor storyline! Exploring family and couple relationship dynamics are so hard, especially the former, and I really think Emily Franklin has created a novel that captures the astonishing truth about family members. I love encounters like that. It always turns the male protagonist into a suave and kind hearted soul, yet mysterious at the same time.

I hate perfect meetings, which I think are hard to come by. It actually makes you think. I love the transitions and the smooth writing because it is definitely not amateurish. Emily Franklin is definitely close to getting there. However, there are still things to work on to make this an even better novel. There are loopholes and loose tidbits of information that either needs to be cleared up or added. Jenny never talks about how she met Faye—or how she started liking Tate, for that matter. After that, they just magically get together again.

I was waiting for Tate to explain more about how they came up with the surprise party and how they went through with it, but I was disappointed. No mention of anything like that—just that Jenny was glad they were back together and the usual optimistic thoughts that closely sets up the remaining paragraphs of the last page. And I want that confrontation turned sweet scene! Jun 03, Caitlynn Comstock rated it really liked it.

Due to the intensifying feeling of disconnectedness that she feels, Jenny decided to look for any rela "That's what the best part of life is, those days or minutes you can't ever frame or paint beforehand. Due to the intensifying feeling of disconnectedness that she feels, Jenny decided to look for any relatives she might have from her biological father whom she knew as Donor through the Donor Sibling Registry with the help of her epic crush Tate.

Instead of feeling complete and full, Jenny saw just how different she was from Alexa, and this makes her feel more different and more alienated than ever. Alexa chimes in and takes all the attention, especially of Tate, farther away from Jenny. This creates a misunderstanding between the two as well as between Jenny and Tate. Unfortunately, this tension was easily and simply solved at the end. Being able to paint has always been one of my dreams. And I think this is what I liked about this book.

Aside from this, it was able to catch my attention since I talks about people conceived through sperm donation, and finding other people blood-related to them through Donor Sibling Registry. The Other Half of Me is great for learning about identity, and searching for that. However, there were also some downs to the book. I find the misunderstanding between the two siblings related through Donor somehow feeble and weak.

It was silly that Alexa and Tate were still whispering when they both know Jenny was out of house. The book was predictable. Also, most of the characters are underdeveloped, making them boring. I'd like to see how Jenny's family see Alexa before and after the surprise visit. All in all, it can be seen that the book plays it safe and that albeit it tackles something new, there are still rooms for improvement. But still, it's a fun read. Mar 26, Laura rated it liked it Shelves: I found an old ARC of this on my bookshelf a couple weeks ago and decided to finally read it.

I was pleasantly surprised! I've been yearning for realism in my novels lately and this one of one The Other Half of Me's strongest points. Jenny and Alexa were wonderful characters to play opposite each other. Jenny, the self-concious forgotten sister vs Alexa, the outgoing loved only child. I appreciated how Alexa filled a void and was able to see missed moments in Jenny's family life that Jenny had ne I found an old ARC of this on my bookshelf a couple weeks ago and decided to finally read it.

I appreciated how Alexa filled a void and was able to see missed moments in Jenny's family life that Jenny had neglected to see. If Jenny had visited Alexa instead I'm sure the same would've happened. Jenny and Tate's romance was particuarily realistic. Since the novel was told on a day-by-day basis with no missed time we were able to see their relationship play out over the first few days, a plot point many authors choose to skip over.

I also liked how their romance wasn't full of declarations or angst, just simply two people who liked each other over summer holidays. A few years ago I read a novel about donor siblings but I forget most of the details, so I'll consider this my first plunge into the topic.

What an awesome story idea! Identity crisis is a common theme in YA literature but pairing it with sperm donation and the "unknown other family" takes it to a whole new level. It seemed so appropriate for Jenny to not really acknowledge it publically that much until Tate coaxes it out of her.