Getting the Girl

Zusak, Marcus. Getting the Girl. Scholastic Inc: 2004. ISBN: 043938950x.

Plot Summary:
Cameron Wolfe has a lot going on inside of his head. Nobody who knows him, even his family would guess that. Cameron feels like he lives in the shadow of his older brother, Rube. But, that's okay, Rube and Cameron are best friends. As different as black and white, the brothers share a bond with the neighbor's dog named Miffy. They walk her each night and make fun of her, but deep down, she is their pet and they love her. Rube is a ladies' man. He goes through girlfriends quickly. He hooks up with one, sleeps with them and after a few weeks loses interest and moves on. Cameron is appalled by his brother's behavior, especially when he meets Olivia. Olivia is a street musician and is nice to Cameron, unlike many of Rube's other girls. Predictably Rube and Olivia break up, then the unexpected happens.

Critical Evaluation:
This book does a great job contrasting the two brothers. They are starkly different, but they're family. As the story progress, they each learn important lessons from one another and are better for the experience. Growth can be painful and embarrassing, Marc Zusak handles the dialogue with warmth and care. Cameron, who no body believes has any interests writes stark and honest poetry. Other boys physically act out, like Rube, Cameron writes what he is feeling. Full of family dysfunction, the glimpse of the Wolfes is not unlike many families. They are not bad people, just human. Sometimes hurting each other and sometimes uplifting and standing by each other. Told in first person, we are privy to all of Cameron' thoughts. His voice is full of self doubt, vulnerability and teenage angst. Rube is portrayed as capable, confident and ready for anything. As the story unfolds Cameron learns that both portrayals are incorrect and makes peace with a more realistic version.

Reader's Annotation:
It's hard to live in someone else's shadow. Do yourself a favor and take a step into the light.

Bibliotherapeutic Uses:
Growing up and finding your own way is hard. Cameron made choices that seemingly drew him away from his family, but in the end brought them closer. Teens can read this book and find themselves and learn from Cameron's example.

Genre:
Contemporary Living

Why Book Included:
I really liked The Book Thief and wanted to read something else by Marcus Zusak