News & Tips for Parents
Barbara Klein, Ph.D., Ed.D.
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A New Friend Can Lead to Lost Twin Closeness. Why conflicts can arise between a twin pair and their family
My review of The Tao of Twins by Margery Runyan
“The Tao of Twins: A Heroine's Journey” by Dr. Margery Runyan is a memoir that explores the unique aspects of being a twin and being a lone twin. Dr Runyan's insights and knowledge of twin closeness and the effects of the need for intense interpersonal relationships are extremely valuable. The early discussion in the book of twin personality frames Dr. Runyan's horrific pain with the loss of her sister at the age of 39. The hellish journey of the lone twin is explained with courage and sensitivity to her readers. The spiritual surrounding of this book places twin loss in an understandable and digestible light.
“The Tao of Twins” is the most intellectually and emotionally detailed story of twin loss and lone twin life that I have ever read. Twinless twins will gain knowledge, insight and coping strategies from reading this unbearably sad and heartfelt story. Approaches to overcoming grief and feeling whole again are understandable and will help enlighten twins and their families as well as mental health providers who work with lone twins.
On a more personal level, as an estranged twin, Dr. Runyan's book helped me to truly understand that twin estrangement is never as emotionally painful as twin loss.
