Twice the Family - by Julie Ryan McGue (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Growing up as an adoptee and identical twin, Julie McGue will take you on her journey for identity and individuality, searching for answers through tragedy and adversity.

"A heartfelt exploration of connection, community, and the unbreakable bond between sisters . . . Her journey beautifully reminds us of the strength we find within ourselves as we seek to uncover where we truly belong."-- Simone Knego, author of The Extraordinary UnOrdinary You

In this coming-of-age memoir, set in Chicago's western suburbs between the 1960s and '80s, adopted twins Julie and Jenny provide their parents with an instant family. Their sisterly bond holds tight as the two strive for identity, individuality, and belonging. But as Julie's parents continue adding children to the family, some painful and tragic experiences test family values, parental relationships, and sibling bonds.

Faced with these hurdles, Julie questions everything--who she is, how she fits in, her adoption circumstances, her faith, and her idea of family. But the life her parents have constructed is not one she wants for herself--and as she matures, she recognizes how the experiences that formed her have provided her a road map for the person and mother she wants to be.

Review Quotes

2025 National Indie Excellence Book Awards Winner in Memoir
2025 Nonfiction Authors Association Book Awards Gold Winner in Nonfiction/Memoir
2025 Literary Titan Book Award Gold Winner in Nonfiction
2025 Great Midwest Book Festival Book Awards Winner in Nonfiction
2025 San Francisco Book Festival Book Awards Winner in Nonfiction/General

"Through the lens of her personal history, McGue explores human nature, family, and connection . . ."--Kirkus Reviews

"Explores the resilient bond between twins, the realities of adoption, and the peaks and heartbreaking valleys of an American family."--Andrew Tallackson, Editor, The Beacher Weekly Newspaper

"Gripping, raw, and profound."--Jennifer Dyan Ghoston, author of The Truth So Far

"A thoughtful, brave, and compassionate story . . . McGue rings resilience."--Diane Wheaton, author of Finding Loretta

"A testament to how life hands us opportunities to heal even in the presence of gut-wrenching grief."--Kim Fairley, author of Swimming for My Life and Shooting Out the Lights

"An inspiring read for anyone seeking to understand the power of family, the search for self, and the resilience of the human spirit."--Diane O'Canto, media professional, podcast host, empowerment champion

"Intimate coming-of-age memoir about fragility and preciousness of life."--Rikki West, author of Rootlines and The Empty Bowl

"The pursuit of adopted identity and belonging continues. Five Stars!"--Mary Ellen Gambutti, author of I Must Have Wandered

"A poignant view of a childhood mixed with love, laughter, sadness, life as an adoptee, and a peek into a life lived with an identical twin sister."--Emma Stevens, author of The Gathering Place and A Fire Is Coming

"A beautifully poignant memoir, Twice the Family is a heartfelt journey of love, loss, and self-discovery, reminding us that true belonging is found in the love we embrace."--NewInBooks.com

"Twice the Family is a memoir about faith, family, and doing right by others."--Foreword Reviews

About the Author

Julie Ryan McGue is an American writer, a domestic adoptee, and an identical twin. In her writing, she explores finding out who you are, where you belong and making sense of it. She is the author of the award-winning books, Twice a Daughter and Belonging Matters--her third book, Twice the Family released in February 2025. Julie splits her time between northwest Indiana and Florida.