Three Black Swans

Reader: Elise S.
Age: 14
Title: Three Black Swans
Author: Caroline B. Cooney
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Pub Date: Aug 2010
Galley: Yes
Recommend: Yes
Convince us to read the book: Caroline Cooney knows how to write characters. Missy, Claire, and Genevieve have real fears that I feel like I would feel, too, in their situation. How they all weren't totally gung-ho about the whole triplet thing was very refreshing.
Compelling Aspect of the Book: I loved the inner conflicts of all the girls, and watching them work it out. The point of view, switching from person to person, so you knew what happened, but the character didn't, was really well handled.
Were you disappointed with the book: While the main characters were enjoyable to read about, there were several major problems. 1) Probability. I highly doubt that a girl would have been able to get away for 16 years without any kind of documentation, or be taken from the hospital as a baby without anybody questioning the identity of the undocumented parents. Also, would two girls who practically lived together NEVER realize that they were completely identical? 2) It felt like all the characters besides the triplets were flat and undeveloped. Ned and Allegra were so selfish it was implausible. Why didn't the doctor realize he was giving triplets to sisters? Why did the parents react in such extremes to Claire and Missy acting together, if they didn't even KNOW that they were twins/triplets? And then were delighted later? Why triplets?
Cover: The concept of the cover was really cool. I love the shapes the swans make, and the idea of the shadows. Because I'm picky, I must mention that it might have been more interesting if the red text had instead been a nice blue. Red and black are overused.
Did you finish: Yes
Age Range: Under 12 to 15
Quality: 3Q Readable
Popularity: 4P Broad general teen appeal