[glbtq]

On August 28, Kensington Books will publish "First Person Plural," a new novel by Andrew W. M. Beierle, which features conjoined twins inhabiting one body with two heads, one torso, and two very different hearts. As children, they’re seen as a single entity—Owenandporter, or more often, Porterandowen. As they grow to adulthood, their differences become more pronounced: Porter is outgoing and charismatic while Owen is cerebral and artistic. When Porter becomes a high school jock hero, complete with cheerleader girlfriend, a greater distinction emerges, as Owen gradually comes to realize that he’s gay.

Owen, a reluctant romantic, is content at first to settle for unrequited crushes. Porter’s unease with his brother’s sexuality leaves Owen feeling increasingly alienated from his twin, especially when Porter falls in love with Faith, and Owen becomes the unwilling third side of a complicated love triangle. When Owen finally begins to explore his own desires, the rift grows deeper.

"First Person Singular" is a selection of the InsightOut Book Club. Beierle's first novel, "The Winter of Our Discotheque," received a 2002 Lambda Literary Award.

You can read more about "First Person Plural" at http://andrewbeierle.com.