"Gemini" by Sonya Mukherjee is a young adult novel about two sisters Hailey and Clara. They can not be any more different. Clara likes to fly under the radar and spend her whole day in their local observatory. On the other hand, Hailey is a rebel, who is an aspiring artist with bright pink hair and an edgy style; she wants everyone to notice her. Hailey dreams of seeing the world, but Clara wants to live in her hometown, Bear Pass, for the rest of her life. Yet, the girls will always have one thing in common, they are physically connected by the bottom half of their spinal cords; they are conjoined twins.
Hailey and Clara have grown comfortable with their unique situation after the 17 years they have spent together. For the most part, neither girl would change a thing. That is until a new boy, Max, comes to town. Max seems to be meant for Clara. He is adorable and just so happens to love astronomy just as much as she does. Clara may be too scared to talk to him, but her sister does not mind speaking up for her. Meanwhile, Hailey is developing a crush on Alek, one of their classmates. His passion for art just so happens makes him a perfect match for her. Having a crush is stressful enough without having your sister there every step of the way. As much as Hailey and Clara love each other sometimes they wonder if everything would be easier if they were not conjoined.
As senior year progresses, the girls discover feelings and truths about themselves. Furthermore, looming in the future is the Sadie Hawkins Dance, a summer at art camp, and enrollment in college in Bear Pass or a chance to travel the world. Wanting to do different things in life leads Hailey and Clara in opposite directions and they struggle to find their places as individuals and twins. As their situation becomes more entangled, Hailey and Clara grapple with an even bigger issue... separation. This could be their ultimate solution to both fulfilling their dreams, but could also lead to serious complications. Even if the surgery is successful, it would mean Hailey and Clara would be apart. Is it possible to make such an important decision when there identities hinge on their bond with each other?
Written by: Makayla M.
