The Elephant of Surprise - Paperback

by Brent Hartinger (Author)

Book 4 in the Lambda Award-winning Russel Middlebrook Series

Geography Club's Russel Middlebrook and his friends Min and Gunnar are back.

They're laughing about something they call the Elephant of Surprise-the tendency for life to never turn out the way you expect. Sure enough, Russel soon happens upon a hot, but mysterious guy named Wade-even as he's also drawn back to an old flame named Kevin. Meanwhile, Min learns her girlfriend Leah is keeping secrets, and Gunnar just wants to be left alone to pursue his latest obsession, documenting his entire life online.

But the elephant is definitely on the move in all three of their lives. Just who is Wade and what are he and his friends planning? What is Leah hiding? And why is Gunnar taking naked pictures of Kevin in the shower?

The Elephant of Surprise, the latest entry in Brent Hartinger's groundbreaking gay teen Russel Middlebrook Series, is a story of humor, romance, and danger. Before it's over, Russel and his friends will learn that the Elephant of Surprise really does appear when you least expect him-and that when he stomps on you, it really, really hurts.

REVIEWS

"Fans of the series will revel in this smart, quirky YA novel that's ripe with substance beyond the surface."
- Kirkus Reviews

"Like a warm chocolate cookie right out of the oven!"
- Buried in Books

"Unique and special. Hartinger's storytelling is alive and uplifting."
- Children's Literature

"The kind of teen book I absolutely adore. Funny, thought-provoking and entertaining. Read it!"
- Chicklish

"All the charm of the earlier books in the series, but a richer read."
- Outsmart Magazine

PRAISE FOR BRENT HARTINGER

"Hits the narrative sweet spot."- NPR's All Things Considered

"Downright refreshing."- USA Today

"I really think this guy could be the next Judy Blume." - Pop Candy

Author Biography

Brent Hartinger is an author, playwright, and screenwriter. Geography Club, the first book in his Lambda Award-winning Russel Middlebrook Series, is now a feature film co-starring Scott Bakula and Nikki Blonsky.

In 1990, Brent helped found one of the world's first gay teen support groups, in his hometown of Tacoma, Washington. In 2005, he co-founded the entertainment website AfterElton.com, which was sold to MTV/Viacom in 2006. Read more by and about Brent, or contact him at www.brenthartinger.com.