Editor’s note: On Friday, May 22, 2026, Mediacom was making repairs to their customers’ cable and internet services. After receiving a Mediacom text message stating repairs were completed, about 6:00 p.m., the Editor logged in to complete a press release about Memorial Day events. As she typed, suddenly an article published 20 years ago popped onto the screen, where articles are created. The publication date of the following book review was March 9, 2006! “The Girls” biography is still for sale online for $4.
Viewers, can you explain this article’s reappearance? Do you know who submitted the book review to thecity1.com in 2006? It may have been a member of a local book club. Kindly contact Stephanie Vavra at 815-772-3144. Leave your message on the answering machine.
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“This is a most unusual story of conjoined twin sisters and the chronicle of their incomparable lives’ journey. [Whoever submitted the book review to thecity1.com noted,] I thank Jean Zinnen for referring this book to me. I truly enjoyed it.
“Abandoned at birth, Rose and Ruby are raised in a small town, which they never leave, by Aunt Lovey, the nurse who took them in. At the age of 30, Rose and Ruby are soon to be history’s oldest conjoined twins. Therefore, Rose decides it is time to write the story of her short, but extraordinary life with Ruby. As Ruby watches Rose write her memoirs, she decides she wants to tell ‘her’ part, too.
“So, from their awkward first steps, with Ruby’s arm curled around Rose’s neck and her shortened legs wrapped around Rose’s hips, we view two lives: distinct, yet connected inseparably. Their growing up experiences, first loves, choices, losses, pain, and joy are told from the different experience of each sister.
“I found this book fascinating, funny, and sad. It is well worth the read.”