Doppelganger by David Stahler Jr.

Title: Doppelganger
Author: David Stahler Jr.
# of pages: 272
http://davidstahlerjr.com/

 

5 out of 5 Stars

GoodReads Summary:
Doppelgangers are monsters, hardwired for murder.

They are not supposed to have doubts, but this one does. He wishes he could be different. More human, maybe. But even that can't stop him from killing people so he can take their places and live their lives. He has to do it; it's who he is.

But when the doppelganger murders a small-town teenager, assumes his shape, and takes over his life, he's shocked by the world he steps into. Engulfed in a whirlwind of peer pressure, messy family dynamics, and a provocative relationship with a beautiful girl, he quickly learns that there's more than one way to be human, and many ways to be a monster.

Told in the tortured voice of a most extraordinary teen, this contemporary gothic romance brews a captivating combination of violence, desire, and atonement. Here is the story of a monster yearning for a human life.

Quotes From Doppelganger:

Nobody knows they exist or what they do- until it's too late.

There's something you should know about doppelgangers: We're killers. Of people, that is. We prey on your race- stalking you, watching your moves, the places you go, learning the patterns of your life. Then, when we think we've got it down, we find a nice quiet little corner to strangle you in and take over. At least that's how it's supposed to work. Sometimes things get a little messy.

Writing Style:

Once you pick up this book you won’t want to put it down! This book is beautifully written with many positive undertones, while exploring many grim matters. (Such as domestic violence and drug abuse) I love how this novel is written in the voice of a modern teenager; it truly brings the story to life. I found myself connecting with the young doppelganger, his reactions and thoughts reminding me of my own teen years. I could go on for ages about how much I adored the writing style of David Stahler Jr. but I digress. Pick a copy up for yourself, I can guarantee you will feel the same!

My Overall Opinion: 

How could anyone dislike a love story that includes monsters, football, Shakespeare, and teenagers? I enjoyed how Stahler incorporated scenes of Shakespeare's play "Macbeth" into his storyline, allowing his character to compare his life to Macbeth's. That factor alone gives this story so much complexity. I admire the strength and courage of “Chris”.  He doesn’t want to be a monster like all the other doppelgangers; he wants to be his own person. His compassionate personality mixed with his wisdom makes him one of my favorite characters from a book up-to-date. I loved the ending of this book; it was bittersweet but absolutely perfect. It seems like this will be a stand-alone book but I truly hope a sequel is in the works! (I hated for it to end!)

This book teaches a great lesson: When things around you are falling apart and all hope is gone… something so wonderful can happen that makes you realize you’re not so bad off after all.