You'll Miss Me When I'm Gone

Twin sisters Adina and Tovah Siegel share a Jewish heritage but little else in common. While Adina pursues a career as a professional viola player, Tovah focuses on getting into medical school, creating a growing divide between the once-close siblings. At eighteen, the twins undergo genetic testing for Huntington's disease, a degenerative illness that claimed their mother's health. The test results shatter their already strained relationship and force them to confront their futures, their faith, and their bond as sisters. The narrative alternates between Adina and Tovah's perspectives as they navigate their senior year of high school, romance, family dynamics, and their individual ambitions. Their parallel journeys reveal how a single medical diagnosis can reshape multiple lives. This contemporary young adult novel explores themes of identity, sisterhood, and the intersection of science and faith. Through its dual narrative structure, the story examines how individuals face mortality and make choices when confronted with life-altering circumstances.

Readers highlight the book's honest portrayal of sisterhood, Jewish representation, and complex family dynamics. Many note the authentic depiction of competitive musicianship and genetic testing for Huntington's disease. Positive reviews focus on: - Dual perspectives that show contrasting personalities - Discussion of mental health and teen sexuality - Cultural details about Sephardic Jewish life - Character growth throughout the story Common criticisms: - Pacing feels slow in the middle sections - Some found the sisters unlikeable initially - Romance subplots seem less developed than family elements Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (12,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (180+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.3/5 (30+ ratings) "The emotional depth and authenticity set this apart from typical YA contemporary," notes one Goodreads reviewer. Another reader on Amazon states, "The sister relationship felt real - both the love and the conflict."

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✦ Rachel Lynn Solomon wrote this YA contemporary novel while working as a radio producer in Seattle, drawing inspiration from her own Jewish heritage to create authentic representation of Jewish characters in teen literature. ✦ The novel explores the complex genetic testing process for Huntington's disease, a rare inherited condition that affects only about 30,000 people in the United States. ✦ Twin protagonists Adina and Tovah were named after characters from "Fiddler on the Roof," reflecting their family's connection to Jewish cultural traditions. ✦ The viola, which plays a crucial role in Adina's storyline, is historically considered the overlooked middle child of string instruments, paralleling themes of identity and sibling dynamics in the novel. ✦ The book was selected as a Sydney Taylor Honor Book by the Association of Jewish Libraries, recognizing its authentic portrayal of Jewish life and values in young adult literature.