One of Us Is a Jerk (Spoiler: It's Him) - Paperback

by Paige Ellsworth Lyman (Author)

Being a teenager is hard. Being half a teenager is harder.

The Mickelsen brothers are unique.

Matt is a drummer and Jim plays soccer, but they have things in common, too, like a wish they could go to public school, a recognition that they have pretty great parents, and a favorite rock band. Oh, and a body.

Matt and Jim were born with a condition that put their two consciousnesses together in one body. Every day they take turns using it. One of them is awake while the other is dormant. When their body goes to sleep, they switch.

The arrangement is simple, but living life isn't. Still, their family has learned to cope. And despite everything, Matt and Jim are actually friends (most of the time).

But Matt and Jim are sixteen, and things are changing. Events are coming, some typical-summer camps, jobs, girls-and some not, like an incident that allows Matt and Jim to picture a future for themselves different than the one they had planned. All of it will make their already-not-so-simple life more complicated, their friends-only-most- of-the-time relationship more strained, and their pretty-great parents more difficult to work with.

The only thing clear in the Mickelsen house? Their lessons on learning to cope are just beginning.

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"Lyman's debut is a mind-bending, high-concept novel with clever characterization and an addictive voice. It's gripping without being graphic, making it a real standout for its originality in that aspect. Highly recommend it to any YA reader, especially teen boys. I'm gifting copies to my two sons ASAP!"