Did You Read: Under Dogs by Markus Zusak

How wonderful to have three books in one collection: The Underdog, Fighting Ruben Wolfe, and Getting the Girl, by Markus Zusak. Thanks much, Scholastic! (And Arthur A. Levine for bringing the set together in hardback originally!) These books were written prior to The Book Thief and stand strongly. In my mind I've sequestered Markus' beautiful, poetic language to The Book Thief, thinking it fit the tone of that lifework so well. However, reading of the Wolfe brothers, I'm reminded it is Markus' voice which blooms with metaphors across his entire body of work. For me, it creates a sympathy, an understanding, a care for Cameron, the youngest brother making his way through his Australian adolescence.

From crazy schemes, to searches for identity, to family and friend relationships, Ruben and Cameron's exploits entertain and touch the heart with resonating honesty and truth. This is one to look for rgz, if you missed it go by. You have to get to know these brothers. Raise the boyfriend bar.

Under Dogs
By Markus Zusak
Scholastic, paperback, 2013

Rock the Drop: Photo Op!

"Okay, readergirlz, that was a BLAST! Left mine in a plaza and a coffee house frequented by the after school crowd." --Tamara Ireland Stone

If you couldn't publish, would you still write? asks Markus Zusak

I was just skipping around Amazon and bumped into this AMAZING video with Markus Zusak. They don't allow it to be uploaded elsewhere, but here is the link. Watch it! He gives the moving backstory for The Book Thief and asks that question: if your book would not be published, would you still write it? I join with him in saying, "Yes!"

I want to host Markus on rgz! Who's with me, ladies?