Show Notes

The Rule of One

• The Rule of One is a dystopian novel about identical twins, written by identical twins. And yes, I realize the premise sounds a lot like the last book I reviewed – Impostors – but I promise, it’s different! 😊
• It’s a quick read that will appeal to teens who are drawn to the dystopian genre – think Hunger Games and Divergent.
• Set in a futuristic Dallas, the twins exist in a world with a law of one child only – and their father is head of the agency that enforces it.
• They’ve survived for 18 years by living as one person on alternating days. Living this way feels like they are “one soul in two bodies.”
• Of course, they are eventually discovered and sent on the run, in search of a rebel group called “The Common.”
• There are issues that come up in the book that are great for talking about with your teen: Sibling relationships, Parent/teen relationships -sacrifice, Sexual Assault, & Secrets
• Just in case you missed it, an Ish Girl is: One who has humorous grace with herself when discovering she’s messed up or flaked out. Again.

Discussion Questions for The Rule of One

Sibling Relationships and Identity

What would be the biggest issue for you if you had to share an identity with your sibling? How are you different from and the same as your sibling?

Parent/Teen Relationships or Parent Sacrifice

Do you think the twins’ father would rather them escape and continue the rebellion or go back and rescue him from death? Why? What do you think I would want in the same circumstance? What ways have we sacrificed for each other in our family?

Sexual Assault

What part of that scene was scariest for you? When have you felt threatened in that way? Ava recognized that the teen who was with the men was helpless and wouldn’t help them – the same way she had been helpless when she saw a woman beaten for stealing water. When have you felt that kind of helplessness?

Secrets

What kinds of secrets are helpful (if any) and what kind are harmful (if any)? When have you ever discovered a secret that harmed you? Helped you? When have you kept a secret that’s harmed some else? Helped them?