THE OPPOSITE OF ME

Atria – March 9, 2010

Lindsey Rose has, for as long as she can remember, played second fiddle to her devastatingly beautiful fraternal twin sister, Alex, who has effortlessly glided through life with irritating flawlessness. Exhausted from competing but determined to play catch-up, Lindsey is finally on the cusp of having arrived and having it all. At 29, she is about to be named Creative Vice President of an elite New York advertising agency, after years of 80 plus hour weeks, ulcers, migraines, and profound loneliness. But during the course of one devastating and fateful night, Lindsey’s carefully-constructed dreams and life implode.

Humiliated and desperate, she flees the glitter of Manhattan and retreats to the time warp of her parent’s Maryland home, where Alex, the great thorn in her side, lives minutes away. Struggling to maintain her identity as the smart, responsible sister while she secretly tries to piece her life back together, Lindsey finds her ducks out of their usually well-placed rows. When Alex, who is engaged to Mr. Wonderful, makes a play for the one guy who has always been her sister’s safety net, all of Lindsey’s long-held resentments and jealousies explode—unleashing a family secret that unexpectedly flips Lindsey into the one place she never dreamed she would land.

Though painful and provocative, The Opposite of Me is a drop-dead funny, tongue-in-cheek exploration of low self-esteem, the hunger to succeed and have it all, and the sometimes grueling and crazy-making, but oftentimes supremely rewarding bond of sisterhood.

Praise for THE OPPOSITE OF ME

“Fresh and funny and satisfying. A terrific book about sisters that actually made me laugh out loud. I was completely drawn into Lindsey’s world and rooted for her from beginning to end.”—Jennifer Weiner, New York Times bestselling author of In Her Shoes and Best Friends Forever

“With her smart, soulful novel, author Pekkanen explores the place where self and sisterhood intersect.“—Redbook

“Pekkanen’s wry voice and engaging characters—the sisters’ bumbling parents are especially lovable—keep things fresh. 3.5 out of 4 stars.“—People

“Sharp-tongued… a spot-on portrayal of the existential dilemmas of young adulthood.”—Washington Post

“[Pekkanen’s] fresh, appealing approach is a welcome addition to the chick-lit canon.“—Booklist

“Pekkanen’s involving debut…[is] an honest examination of the limits we place on ourselves, with well-drawn female characters.“—Kirkus Reviews

“If a book makes you think and be introspective, well that’s magic and The Opposite of Me has done just that. Pekkanen has hit the nail on the head…an absolute must read that will make every woman think and every sister make a phone call.“—New York Journal of Books

“Pekkanen’s debut novel is heartfelt and richly drawn. With a delicate touch, she had me believing and sharing every laugh and every tear—it was a completely satisfying read. I look forward to more from this talented writer.”—Beth Harbison, bestselling author of Hope in a Jar

“With warmth and charm, Sarah Pekkanen brings us an endearing portrait of a young woman struggling to define herself in the looming shadow of a dazzling twin. Move over, Anna Maxted and Sophie Kinsella: With this energetic debut, America now has its own bright, comic voice.”—Susan Coll, author of Acceptance

“Simultaneously both light and satisfying, Sarah Pekkanen’s debut, The Opposite of Me, hits the delicious sweet spot in the portrait of a woman who needs to lose everything to find herself.”—Allison Winn Scotch, New York Times bestselling author of Time of My Life

“It’s warm, it’s whimsical and it’s a winner…“—Courier Mail (Australia)

“An enticing and enjoyable piece of fiction…Hats off to Sarah Pekkanen for painting such intimate portraits.“—blogcritics.org