Independent Reading: Getting the Girl. Entry 3

Summary (Chapter 26-43[P. 210-341])

            The following day, a picture of cross-dressed Sherman with a pair of Trophy Wives surfaces at school, bringing mixed reactions. Seeking comfort from the unwanted attention, Sherman turns to Vanessa, who gives him a warm handshake that reinvigorates him. However, soon after, he is shocked to discover her very picture marked with a D posted on the bathroom window. Steeled by his friend's defiling, Sherman vows to catch the Defilers responsible.

            Sherman receives inspiration from Fred, and creates a radical plan to flush out the defilers. With aid from Rick and Ashton, he begins preparations and sends dinner invitations to the Trophy Wives, Lester, Dini, and the Defiled people. With further help from Fred, Sherman creates a dinner party that reunites the Defiled back into society under the tiding of good food and good company. Near the end of the party, the real Defiler is revealed.

Who is the Defiler? How does it end? Find out for yourself!

Analytical Paragraph

            In Susan Juby’s Getting the Girl, Sherman’s detective book, Learn To Be a P.I., is presented as a motif that represents social guidance. As a gift from Vanessa, the book is the primary reference for Sherman in his investigation in defiling. From the guide, Sherman created his own name ‘Mack Daddy Investigations’ (Juby 114) and provided him with the confidence to tackle his case. Having no prior investigation experience, Learn To Be a P.I. became a benchmark for Sherman to keep him on track and inspired. Ultimately, this led him to solve the case of the Defilers.

Interactive Response

            As a whole, the story of Getting the Girl is a refreshing step back in time for me. Every little tidbit presents the naïve thoughts of a ninth grader that I probably would have exemplified when I was a ninth grader myself. The story is well divided by the two separate parts; while the obvious reference is that the plot shifts from the ‘frying pan’ into the ‘fire’, I can see another interpretation. ‘Frying pan' represents the preparations of the ingredients for cooking, in this case, the exposition of the setting. ‘Fire’ embodies the rising action and the interaction of the setting elements with the moving plot. Arguably, the ending of the story can be considered the ‘serving’ of the meal, when everything has been processed and served as a resolution. As a supporter of this novel, I wholesomely recommend this read for anyone who enjoys a fresh twist on a good mystery book.

Stay hungry.