Here we go:

Marcy Dermansky's novel Twins follows a set of identical girl twins from age 13 to 17. The chapters alternate between Chloe and Sue as the narrator. There's a lot to be creeped out by in this superbly observed book, and it reminded me of why I'd never be 13 again for a kajillion dollars. It's out now.

Forty Shades of Blue, a new movie by Ira Sachs, is described as "the story of Laura, a young Russian woman living in Memphis with a much older rock n’ roll legend, and the personal awakening she experiences in the wake of her unfortunate affair with his estranged son." No, I haven't seen it yet, because it doesn't premiere until tonight, and even then I won't make it, but. But! It won the Cannes Grand Jury Prize. And it stars Rip Torn. You don't need more reason to see it than that.

Finally, my friend Phil Campbell has a book coming out this October called Zioncheck for President: A Tale of Madness and Idealism on American Politics. It follows the 18 weeks Phil spent campaign managing a friend's city council bid. It's funny, it's sad, it's motivating and demoralizing. Mo Rocca preblurbed it! And if enough of you go out and buy this book, Phil promises to stop kicking my ass at poker.