cover image Dancing Naked in Front of the Fridge: And Other Lessons from Twins

Dancing Naked in Front of the Fridge: And Other Lessons from Twins

Nancy J. Sipes. Fair Winds Press (MA), $16.95 (241pp) ISBN 978-0-9682149-2-3

In straightforward, user-friendly language, the identical twin authors of this combination self-help/psychology tell-all of twin life seek to ""unravel the mystery of twinship and reveal to non-twins what it really feels like to be a twin."" Interviewing 17 sets of twins, the Sipeses come up with findings that parallel their own shared history of close relationship, although they also tackle the festering resentments, childish dependence and broken bonds that form the shadow side of twinship. Well organized and breezily upbeat, their book examines the Mobius-strip bond between twins and discusses traits, such as an uncommon tolerance for closeness, that come to bear on other intimate relationships. The authors delve into important issues like the ability to be an autonomous adult yet exist in a close relationship, and the related ability to accept others without trying to change or control them. The text, sometimes sentimental and simplistic but generally informative, is peppered with quotes from famous twins and nontwins, and appendixes list tips for twins and their parents, spouses and friends. B&w photos. (Jan.)