Emma Healy has never fit in with her family; they are all scholars and geniuses, her siblings are all 20 years older than her or more, and she is just ordinary.  In fact, she has cultivated being average in school. Her neighbor, Peter Finnegan, does not fit in at home either. His mother, who died giving birth to him, was raised in this small, college town in upstate New York and never left. Peter’s father, a local cop, doesn’t understand why Peter can’t wait to leave the town that was good enough for his parents. But Peter has spent his life planning to leave; he is a walking atlas. 

One night, Emma finds the birth and death certificates of Thomas Healy, her twin brother.  A twin! Who might have been like her – an ally in this crazy family! Emma heads off on a quest to learn about this brother who no one has ever even mentioned.  When she gets stranded, she calls Peter for help. And the two embark on a road trip that takes them on a journey of discovery, about history, about themselves, about family and each other. 

I really liked this one. Both characters were realistic; Emma and Peter were both stubborn and often aggravatingly self-centered.  Peter’s lack of self-confidence and naiveté was endearing. The author demonstrates just how easy it is to drift apart when you let grief or secrets divide you from those you love.