Review of Twice the Family

Post by **Judy Burr** » 14 Mar 2025, 00:19

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Twice the Family" by Julie Ryan McGue.]

5 out of 5 stars

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Twice the Family - A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Sisterhood – By Julie Ryan McGue

On the winter night of February 11, 1959, twin baby girls were born to an unwed mother in Chicago. The Daughters of Charity and the St. Vincent’s Orphanage cared for the babies. The adoption agency called Jeanne and John “Jack” Ryan to come to the St. Vincent’s Children’s Home to collect their twin daughters on March 6, 1959. The adoption process was completed, and the babies were named Julie Ann and Jenny Ann Ryan.

This book is the story of the twins, the members of their family, and then the twins' own families. Because of Julie’s exceptional writing style, readers can feel like one of the family as she shares their family life adventures. Their parents adopted another child, and then they were blessed with their children.

Julie writes about the twins' private lives, including protectiveness, their secretiveness, and the feelings of loss when apart. She recounts moments when they clashed with their parents, yet they remained a unified and resilient force. As the family expanded, the twins assisted their mother with chores and caring for the younger siblings, which brought the family closer together.

Every member of the family is well-developed, making each a memorable character. Interactions and times of emotion were flawless. Jeanne, their mother, was my favorite character; the energy she invested into everything she did for her family and their church, along with how she and Jack faced the good and bad times together, was commendable. Their parents set a wonderful example of a strong marriage for their children.

Julie expresses her gratitude to God for the adoption of her and her sister by their parents throughout the book. Readers of any age who enjoy stories of loving families will find this book appealing. I found nothing to dislike about this book. At the end of the story, Julie shared that her sister Jenny and their mother contributed to the book. I wished that the author had added some photos. The book has been professionally edited; there were no spelling or grammar errors. The author's skill in writing with perfect pacing and no dull moments earned this book my 5 out of 5 stars rating.

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Twice the Family
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clamentine mathabatha · Post by **clamentine mathabatha** » 17 Mar 2025, 07:15

Twice the Family is a heartwarming memoir by Julie Ryan McGue that delves into the complexities of twin twin sisterhood, adoption, and identity. The book is based on life in the Chicago suburbs during the 1960s to 1980s and documents McGue's life and that of her identical twin sister, Jenny, raised among Irish Catholic adoptive parents with a blend of biological children and adoptees. This coming-of-age book consists of three intense sections—Identity, Belonging, and Becoming—each taking us through McGue's emotional journey as she searches for her identity and a sense of belonging in the world.McGue's writing shines with unflinching honesty and sensory richness. From the initial prologue, in which the twins' separation at birth is eerily described, to tender moments like their adoption day—where their adoptive mother's excitement leaps off the page—the narrative pulls readers into a very personal story. The author doesn't gloss over the challenges: the anxiety of being the "perfect" adoptee, the sorrow of losses in her family, and the tension between gratitude for her adoptive family and wondering about her birth. But these conflicts are balanced by warmth, humor (like her dad's tacky "womb mates" jokes), and celebration of her twin bond with Jenny, which anchors the memoir.
The strength of the book is its universally attractive themes. Adoption is the linchpin, but McGue's exploration of belonging and one-of-a-kind-ness resonates with anyone who's ever questioned where they belong. Her straightforward prose makes the story accessible, though at times it reads too much, lingering on scenes that do not necessarily move the plot forward. However, such scrutiny paints a clear picture of family life so that it's almost like flipping through a cherished scrapbook.Readers who enjoy reading memoirs that blend nostalgia with emotional impact will enjoy Twice the Family. It's especially moving for those who've been touched by adoption, but its commentary on love, loss, and determination makes it universally appealing. McGue leaves you with hope—a reminder that family, no matter how it's formed, can be a healing force for growth.

Anila Babichan · Post by **Anila Babichan** » 17 Mar 2025, 07:32

Nice story. I like this book. Thank you so much Julie.
The book is based on twins and there family. I feel that was my family.

Hitekani Prosper · Post by **Hitekani Prosper** » 19 Mar 2025, 10:54

Nice story. It really touched me. Shout out to Julie. The book was literally awesome

Mark Lazarus · Post by **Mark Lazarus** » 26 Mar 2025, 11:35

The story of sisterhood, family bonds, and resilience sounds deeply touching. The way it captures the nuances of adoptive family dynamics and lifelong connections seems like it could be both emotional and heartwarming. I can see how it would appeal to anyone who appreciates heartfelt personal stories, and I’d definitely consider giving it a read.

Post by **Rebecca De Figueiredo** » 24 May 2025, 08:43

From the beautifully described birth on, the prose draws me in. It’s a strange feeling you get from a good writer; the immediate immersive tone, the way I felt as if I were there in the hospital with them, just after reading a few pages. I just know this book is a good one, it has that way about it. The reviewer has the same opinion as me, in their nicely spaced out review.

Karem Oliveira · Post by **Karem Oliveira** » 24 May 2025, 09:09

Twice the Family me pegou de surpresa. É um livro honesto, tocante e, acima de tudo, humano. A autora consegue transformar sua busca por identidade em algo universal — mesmo que você não tenha sido adotado, vai se reconhecer nas dúvidas e nos silêncios que ela descreve. A escrita é sensível, sem ser melodramática, e a conexão entre as irmãs é o fio emocional que sustenta tudo. Recomendo para quem gosta de memórias que fazem pensar e sentir.

Shittu Oluwasegun · Post by **Shittu Oluwasegun** » 24 May 2025, 09:19

This memoir is touching, deeply personal, and relatable to anyone who has questioned their place in a family or sought to understand themselves more fully. Julie Ryan McGue writes with sincerity and clarity, making her story both compelling and emotionally resonant. It’s a moving read for those interested in family dynamics, adoption, or the power of sibling connection.
Nice work,Julie Ryan McGue.

Post by **Sushan Ekanayake** » 24 May 2025, 09:43

"Twice the Family" by Julie Ryan McGue is a touching memoir of twin sisters adopted in 1959. It beautifully traces their journey through childhood, family life, love, and loss. With heartfelt moments, strong family values, and deep sisterly bonds, this story celebrates resilience and gratitude. Congratulations on being BOTD!

Aurora Rose Reynolds · Post by **greeneyedgirl27** » 24 May 2025, 09:54

"Twice the Family" by Julie Ryan McGue is a heartwarming memoir of the bonds of twins and family. A story of working together through every loss and discovering the strength within. Love is a main character in this emotional story. Great review and BOTD.

Post by **Newb2024** » 24 May 2025, 10:19

Twice the family, twice the excitement. Julie Ryan Mcgue's memoir sheds a fresh light into adoption patterns in 50s America- an area very new to me. Her and her wombmate are very interesting women. You have to read it.

Post by **Seetha E** » 24 May 2025, 10:33

After reading the beautiful prologue, I am compelled to continue. The review further assures me of a promising read, filled with emotions, family bonding, and character development! I am adding this book to my reading list.

Post by **P Davids** » 24 May 2025, 10:54

Thank you for this review. It peaked my interest as someone who grew up with a big family and a twin sister. I am looking forward to reading this book.

Love Ukaegbu · Post by **Love Ukaegbu** » 24 May 2025, 10:59

Twice the Family" by Julie Ryan McGue seems to be an interesting story about twins. I'm eager to know what the future holds for them. Congratulations on the book of the day.

Harshitha G B · Post by **Harshitha G B** » 24 May 2025, 11:02

"Twice the Family" by Julie Ryan McGue is about Twins who got adopted. One of twin Julia writting down about their lifestyle, it's about gratitude and narrating how their life shaped from the life events. It's beautiful story of adapting, accepting the Love and cherishing it.