First Response:

"The Girls"
by, Lori Lansens

The two main characters within this novel are physically and emotionally connected as one. Ruby and Rose Darlen are the oldest surviving craniopagus twins, meaning they are conjoined twins that were born joined at the head. These girls live their lives in every way together, but still have separate beliefs, desires, interests, and passions.

Rose, named after the mother of her adoptive mother is the larger of the girls, meaning she has to support and carry Ruby when they walk. "Miss happen and frankly grotesque," is how Rose would describe her facial features. This is because her right eye slants towards where her right ear would be if Ruby's head was not attached. As for her interests, she has a deep passion for reading and writing. It was her idea to write the autobiography so that they could share their story.

Ruby, named because she shone like a gem, is the smaller of the two girls. She has a face that is arranged quiet nicely and framed by her straight brown hair. As for her beliefs, Ruby believes strongly in God, ghosts, and reincarnation. For no reason what so ever Ruby is not a fan of Rose's passion to write, but Rose insists that Ruby must write a couple chapters for the autobiography. A way to describe Rose would be as more of a "girly girl" having stuffed animals and accessories opposed to Rose's baseball cards.

I believe that these girls are sending a strong message to use that is teaching us. They do this by telling their story of how two people that are so different are able to remain so connected at the same time. These girls are not connected by choice, but they overcome their differences realizing that to live they have to live together as one. They tell their story of love, connection, and loyalty they prove to us that connection is the most important human trait to posses.