Instead of a synopsis, I am going to do things a bit differently this time. Even though SVH came first, chronologically this is where it all began (oh shut up, I don't care about Sweet Valley Kids). Jessica seems to be the most sociopathic during the first 30 books of each series (not counting SY and JH). Here she's on a crusade against fat people, just the same as in "Double Love." I won't tell you the plot - it's pretty obvious anyway. Jess and Liz are growing apart for the first time in their lives. They are developing different interests. Liz is alternately okay and not okay with this. Jessica is just Jessica. But what I want to do this time is present to you a plethora of quotes from the book that will let you in on the plot but also let you eavesdrop on what is taking place in Wakefield Land. Bring a seat cushion. It's going to be a bumpy ride. "'Did you see Lois Waller in gym class today?' Jessica asked. 'She was practically oozing out of her leotard. Fat everywhere. They shouldn't let a tub like her take ballet.'" "Besides, [Elizabeth] was the one in charge. She had to remind Jessica to do practically everything, plus help her with her math, and pick up after her. Where would Jessica be without her?" "'She's in the Unicorn Club,' Jessica told her sister. "Every girl at the table was sensational-looking and dressed in great clothes. Jessica knew she could hold her own in the looks department. With her silky blond hair, blue-green eyes, and perfect features, there was no doubt about it." "[Elizabeth] didn't know who made her feel worse -- herself, for waiting forever like a wimp, or Jessica, for having no consideration at all." "How was [Jessica] going to keep her own twin sister from finding out the best thing that had ever happened to her?"
'What's that?' Elizabeth asked. 'Did Lila's father buy her a unicorn?'"
"Maybe that was how Jessica always got around her. She was so outrageous, it was funny."
"'I just decided Steven was right. We're too old to dress alike.'
'But you could have warned me. We've been dressing alike since nursery school.'
"Mrs. Arnette sighed. 'How sad it is that you and your sister aren't dressing alike! You used to look like two little dolls,' she said.
We probably did, Elizabeth thought. Ugh."
"'Look, Jessica, we don't want you to drop out. I mean, how would it look? It's OK for us to kick people out, but it's different for somebody to quit.'" - Janet
"'Jessica, I'm sorry. I really want to be in the club with you, but I won't do that to Lois.'
'You are a priss. A first-class priss!'"
"Fun! Jessica had thought as she hung up. Eating in public with Lois would be about as much fun as having her head shaved."
"[Jessica] was feeling a little nervous about Lois. Suppose shaving cream was poison after all? Oh, don't be silly, she told herself. Lois's parents probably just got tired of looking at her and sent her off to a fat farm. That was much more likely. Anyhow, the Unicorn Club was the important thing."
"[Elizabeth] looked around Ellen's room. She had never seen so many rainbows in her life. They were on the walls, hanging from the ceiling, on her wastebasket. She even had them on her hairbrush and her telephone. Maybe she could count them. That would help her stay awake. ... Elizabeth felt as though her head were filling up with oatmeal."
"Elizabeth decided it was time she used Jessica's tactics on Jessica. 'I'm quitting the Unicorn Club, by the way.'"
Jessica didn't try to keep the relief out of her voice. 'Well, I didn't think the club was exactly right for you.'
'That is, I'm quitting if you apologize to Lois.'"
"'But now I don't have to stick to you like glue. I can do what I really want to.'
Jessica looked astounded. 'You mean you didn't before? I sure always did what I wanted!'"
"'Yep.' Steven bowed. 'Those Unicorns have great taste in men.'
'Maybe so, but they're not very nice.' Elizabeth couldn't resist bringing this up. 'I mean, picking on Lois Waller.... how mean can you get? I wonder how they would like it if everyone laughed at them.'
Jessica raised her eyebrows. 'It's silly even to talk about. That could just NEVER happen.'"
"'Neato! If it works, I'll be so happy I'll-I'll go on a diet! I think you're a genius!'" -Lois
Alternate Title : "Double Vision," "Seeing Double," "Double or Nothing," "Double the Fun," ... I could keep going for days with this.
Tagline: "Elizabeth is afraid she's losing her best friend -- her twin sister!"
On a Scale of 1-10, How Annoying is Elizabeth? 0, I like her in this one.
On a Scale of 1-10, How Sociopathic is Jessica? 7. She's on one of her "fat is evil" kicks, and she's horrible to Lois Waller.
The Big Deal: Jessica's Unicorn Club initiation
Lingering Questions: In SVJH, which isn't that long after this, Liz says that she and Jess quit dressing alike in the 5th grade. But here, at the very beginning of the book, Liz and Jess are still dressing identical... and they are 12 years old.
Cover: Good or Bad?: Awww, as evil as they are, their beauty can't be denied. I loved when the twins looked like this, before Mathewuse got lazy. And, once again, what is it with the twins and striped shirts?
Moral of the Story: If you look alike on the outside, you are actually VERY DIFFERENT on the inside.
Final Rating: Two stars.
