GETTING THE GIRL
Markus Zusak
Arthur A. Levine Books
Fiction
ISBN: 0439389496
272 pages

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

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