Underdogs
M**L
Truly Enjoy this Author's Writings
Markus writes in such a way that I look forward to reading his work!These 3 stories are about the same group of siblings and each one just getsbetter as you progress through the stories.Looking forward to his next novel.
K**K
Zusak's origins are humble, but his writing is still splendid
If this book was a person, I picture him to be the neighbor boy across the street you've absentmindedly studied as he made the transition from boy to man; occasionally, at holiday block parties or at the grocery store you'll encounter him, and the few words he grants you make you think there's more than meets the eye. He's the type of boy you'll wonder about in brief instances for years to come, one you'll prefer to hypothesize about rather than find definite facts on Google about.One of Zusak's greatest strengths as a writer is interiority, and tracking the narrator's personal development over the three short novels included in this collection is a wonderful treat. The first novel knits several brief story lines together into the wonderful, tangible fabric that is the narrator's life; from misadventures with his older brother to experiencing the flashes and pitfalls of passionate young love, the reader grows to know Cameron Wolf so well, it's only natural to keep reading the next novels to find what becomes of him. The second novel is a portrait of the two brother's messy relationship as both adversaries and allies, and the third novel uses this thread to raise the stakes of Cameron's first requited romance. The character interactions and thoughts are what define the plot, which may feel lacking for some who don't identify with the Wolf family as strongly as other readers who have fallen under the spell transforming ordinary into extraordinary. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy family and sibling dynamics and introspective coming-of-age tales.
P**E
Three short books illustrating the early works of a popular author.
Marcus Zusak, in these early works, shows his ability to craft stories around the relationships between/among brothers and other family members. This ability shows the basis of some of his later works. I would rate his efforts in this order: The Book Thief - I am the messenger - Bridge of Clay - Underdogs (trilogy). All are well worth the read.
L**H
Zusak is my new Favorite Author
I have now read everything by this author and he does not disappoint. From his earliest works to his most recent accomplishments, he is a must read for all ages and genders. The Book Thief is still my favorite but Underdogs, especially, Fighting Reuban Wolf, is so memorable. The writing style is so fresh, witty and yet heartwarming. I read a huge variety of authors and Zusak is the one I now recommend the most to a wide audience. Underdogs is about two brothers who love and fight one another with such humor and realistic family understanding that you do not want the story to ever end. I can't wait to read whatever Zusak chooses to write about next, from historical fiction to autobiographical genres, he treats the characters with amazing skill, humor and love.
U**Y
"Underdogs" is an amazing accomplishment
Take it from someone who reads one to two books a day: This is one astonishing piece of work.Cameron Wolfe and his family kept me enthralled throughout this combined trilogy. This is the story of a lonely kid doing his best to keep getting up after he's been knocked down, literally and figuratively. I used to box, and Cameron's story resonated with me to a remarkable degree. But I suspect that is so for many readers who never put on a glove. Anyone who has had to struggle against overwhelming odds in an often uncaring world can relate to Cam's life. The book is at times hilarious, other times terribly poignant. "Underdogs" deserves an enthusiastic five stars.
S**C
Beautiful
Great read
L**N
love markus zusak books while I did not like as ...
love markus zusak books while I did not like as much as my very favorites ,the book thief and the messenger, I still enjoyed reading the trials and tribulations of a young man and his family in underdogs. I find it interesting that they always say mr zusak's books are young adult books,since I am a grandmother ,I do not fit that category, but highly recommend all his books.
B**Y
Excellent Read
I have read every Markus Zusak book and do not like one any more than than another they are all very good reads. The Underdogs is no exception, I bought Getting The Girl as a separate purchase and read it a such.The Underdogs is the story of two brothers that love each other in their own way and in the end the readers love them too, the reader will eventually love the whole family because of their love for each other. Zusak draws the reader into the story and keeps you there. The story is compelling regardless of age and one I would recommend to anyone looking for a story that soaks with emotion on every page.Buy the book you will not be sorry.
P**C
The best of brothers
'Underdogs' is the story of the Wolfe brothers, Cameron and Ruben and the trilogy is now in one book. 'Underdog', the story of the Wolfe brothers and their various endeavours to make some money which do not go to plan. 'Fighting Ruben Wolfe', the story of the brothers who begin to fight for money, Ruben seems to have found his calling but its not what he wants, he wants to be something more. 'Getting The Girl', this is definitely Cameron's story, he finds a passion for writing, which he uses to explore his feelings for Ruben's latest girlfriend, Octavia.I love the Wolfe brothers and was really happy when 'Underdogs' was released because I finally got the opportunity to read the first book in the trilogy, 'Underdog'. All books are written beautifully, the brothers are so raw, fiercely loyal, the best of brothers but both very different. I have a soft spot for Cameron and he is one of my favourite characters in literature and 'Getting The Girl' shows you how wonderful a character that Cameron is. Ruben is also a well written character, he knows what he wants and works to get it, he also has a hidden side, there is the bravado Ruben and then there is the vulnerable Ruben. The brothers and their family are a joy to read, a solid family unit who will do anything for each other.The trilogy shows the beginning of Markus Zusak and his individual style of writing.
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