Getting the Girl

Getting the Girl

by Markus Zusak

Published by: Push

Summary: Cameron Wolfe wants a girlfriend. He wants to separate himself from the shadow of his brothers. He wants to find himself and be something more than the underdog in the family. And he doesn't know how to go about getting what he wants. He is attracted to a girl who treats him horribly so he stands outside her house at night, hoping for glimpses of her. He likes his brother Ruben's girlfriend-and she treats him like a human being. When she and Ruben break up, she--Octavia--shows an interest in Cameron and even though his brother already has another girlfriend, he beats up Cameron and Octavia walks away. Ruben has some bigger problems, though, and violence is once again his method of solving them. However, this is Cameron's story, and he discovers that he is much more than he ever thought he could be. His sister is the first to recognize her brother's strengths and helps give him the courage to face himself and his demons. He finds his niche in writing, and words give him the power to become what he can be.

Personal Review: This book was well written about the life of the brother-in-the-shadow. Cameron is a character that many of us can relate to, and he finds his niche in writing! This book would be good for teenagers who feel like the just don't fit in, and who maybe find something they are good at that isn't "popular" and give them hope that they can find their own niche.

Cautionary Note: This book contains some language and references to boyish fantasies.