Getting the Girl

Rating:
Summary: Getting the Girl
Review: Cameron Wolfe is crushing hard. Her name is Octavia and, in his mind, she is just about perfect. She's beautiful and caring, and can make a harmonica "howl." Octavia doesn't mind having Cameron around, unlike most of the girls Cameron's brother Ruben brings home. That's the trouble: Ruben brought her home first and, unlike most of the other girls who have come and gone, Octavia is the one who dumps Ruben. Ruben acts as if it's no big deal but, in truth, Octavia is the source of Cameron and Ruben's first real conflict, in which Cameron bears the brunt of Ruben's anger. It is Cameron's sister, Sarah, who helps Cameron see that he can be more than just Ruben's shadow --- he is his own person, smart and sensitive with his own unique vision of the world.

Lyrical and evocative, GETTING THE GIRL is not so much about Cameron's crushes as it is about family, self-discovery through writing, and the reality of teen love. Cameron's voice is graceful with a perfect blend of wisdom and naivete, of learning the differences between lusting from afar and real-life dating. Readers will identify with him at the same time they want to strangle him for being so pigheaded, doing things like sitting outside the house of a girl who hates him. The change in Cameron and Ruben's relationship is satisfying and realistic. Those who are looking for a thoughtful yet strong male character will find a perfect match in this elegant sequel to FIGHTING RUBEN WOLFE.

--- Reviewed by Carlie Kraft


Rating:
Summary: Who's really getting who?
Review: Cameron Wolfe is the youngest sibling in his family, and yet he feels that he is the least important one in the family. He feels that nobody really cares about, just as long as he does his chores, and does everything he is asked. He has two older brothers, and an older sister. He doesn't really talk to his sister, she keeps mostly to herself. His closet to age brother, Ruben talks to him a lot, and they get along great, until one of Rube's girlfriends come over, and he slowly falls into love with her. His oldest brother Steve, plays soccer, and is very well known for it. Everyone wants him on his team, and Cameron wants to be just like him. When Ruben brings home his "new" girlfriend, Octavia, Cameron falls deeply in love with her. She's not like the other girlfriends Ruben brings home. She actually cares for him, and acts like he is a human being. After awhile he starts writing on small pieces of paper what he feels. They become the major part of the book. He writes as though he is distant from himself. When Ruben breaks up with Octavia, Cameron takes advantage of it, and throws himself at Octavia, who gives in and they start hanging out. Ruben finds out and throws a couple punches at Ruben, and then Octavia's and Ruben's relationship is over. From then on they fight to keep each other close. There became many fights to show each brother that they are still brothers for life. In the end, Cameron saves Ruben's life, and never really gets the girl back. In the last piece of writing he writes. He writes about how its not about getting the girl, its about how the girl gets you.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: The title, front cover, and inside front jacket of this book led me to believe that it would be a shallow story about a boy who wanted to have sex with his brother's girlfriend. For some reason, I took it out anyway and read it. The first few pages seemed to confirm my theory, but I read on.

And changed my mind. Getting the Girl is not the shallow sex story I assumed. It is a moving account of a boy and his life, his relationships--with "the girl", but more importantly, with his family and with himself--and his longing for "okayness." Cameron is a believable character that you will grow to support, ache for, and feel attached to. The supporting characters have depth and truth, the plot is interesting, the setting is not stated but you get a feel for the where and the when.

Cameron grows as a person before your eyes as the author shaves off layer after layer to reveal him on the inside.

Rating:
Summary: Zusak is required reading.
Review: This sequel to Fighting Ruben Wolfe (Arthur K. Levine, 2001) features the two Australian brothers, cocky Ruben and quiet Cam. Cam, a self dubbed loser and perpetual underdog, falls for his brother's girlfriend Octavia. He bides his time; after all, Rube uses and discards women at the rate of one every few weeks. Cam appreciates Octavia's beauty and musical talent, but he wants to get inside her head, not just her pants. His patience pays off and Cam is there when Octavia gets dumped, but once Octavia shows a little interest back, Ruben changes his mind about being bored with her. Will a girl break the fraternal bond?
Several supporting characters return, including the neighbor's mangy dog the boys walk as a side job. Ruben's sister comes forward to boost Cam's self esteem and his star football player brother surprises Cam with advice and support. Even more of Cam's poetic soul shines through, and Rube voices just how much his baby brother means to him, but it is too late to salvage their relationship?
Written in the same fast paced smart observant style as the prequel, this is another quick book about working class life reminiscent of Chris Lynch's Blue Eyed Son series (Harper, 1996). Zusak is a sharp new voice in young adult literature. He is a skilled writer whose cleverly evocative prose slashes through the pages with an economy of words. Zusak is required reading.