Books On Board
series Reading Order

Russel Middlebrook Books in Order

8 Books
2 Reading orders
2003 – 2016 Published
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Reading order

The Recommended Reading Path

Brent Hartinger's Russel Middlebrook universe spans high school angst, twenty-something existential dread, and even Hollywood spotlights. For the best reader experience, we strongly recommend following Russel and his friends chronologically as they grow up. This lets you experience the character development and changing tone naturally, starting with the iconic young adult novels, transitioning into the 'new adult' phase, and finishing with the companion spin-off novels.

Phase 1: The High School Years (Young Adult Series)

This is where the story begins. Russel is a closeted teenager navigating high school, summer camp, movie sets, and complicated friendships. Start with these titles in order:

  1. Geography Club (2003) – The groundbreaking first novel where Russel and his friends form a secret support group disguised as a boring academic club.
  2. The Order of the Poison Oak (2005) – Russel works as a camp counselor, finding romance, challenges, and self-discovery.
  3. Split Screen (also published as Double Feature) (2007) – A unique dual-perspective novel following Russel and Min as extras on a zombie movie set.
  4. The Elephant of Surprise (2013) – The final high school novel, bringing unexpected twists and new characters like Wade.

Phase 2: Supplemental Short Fiction

Before jumping into Russel's adult years, there is an important companion piece you should read:

  • Two Thousand Pounds Per Square Inch (2013) – A short story (approximately 22 pages) where Russel waits for the results of an HIV test. Written for Brent Hartinger's 'The Real Story Safe Sex Project,' it fits beautifully right after the high school years.

Phase 3: The Futon Years (New Adult Series)

In this trilogy, Russel is in his mid-twenties, living in Seattle, and trying to figure out career, love, and adulthood alongside his long-term friends. Read these in order:

  1. The Thing I Didn't Know I Didn't Know (2014)
  2. Barefoot in the City of Broken Dreams (2015)
  3. The Road to Amazing (2016)

Phase 4: The Otto Digmore Spin-Offs

Otto Digmore, a fan-favorite character introduced in the main series who has a facial scar and a passion for acting, gets his own spotlight in this companion duology. These novels follow Otto's career in Hollywood:

  1. The Otto Digmore Difference (2017)
  2. The Otto Digmore Decision (2020)

Publication Order vs. Chronological Order

For the main books, the publication order matches the chronological timeline perfectly. Because the characters age in real-time across the series, reading them out of order is not recommended, as you will spoil major relationship dynamics, career changes, and life events.

The only minor timeline overlap occurs with the Otto Digmore spin-off books. While they are published after The Futon Years, they focus on Otto's life in Hollywood, which runs adjacent to and slightly after the events of the late Futon Years. Reading them at the very end of your journey is the most satisfying path.

Crucial Caveats and Title Changes

When searching for these books, keep a couple of key points in mind to avoid purchasing duplicate copies or getting confused:

The "Split Screen" vs. "Double Feature" Confusion

The third young adult book was originally published in 2007 under the title Split Screen, featuring two distinct stories: Attack of the Soul-Sucking Brain Zombies (told from Russel's perspective) and Bride of the Soul-Sucking Brain Zombies (told from Min's perspective). The book was later re-released under the title Double Feature. They are the exact same book, so you only need to purchase one or the other.

The Structure of the Dual-Perspective Book

Unlike standard novels, Split Screen / Double Feature requires a specific reading approach. The book contains two halves that overlap chronologically. First, you read Russel's side of the story, and then you flip the book (or continue reading) to experience Min's side of the same timeframe. The storylines intersect, and both halves are essential to get the complete picture of what happens on that zombie movie set.

What to Know Before You Start

Hartinger's series is a landmark in LGBTQ+ YA literature. When Geography Club was published in 2003, positive representation of gay teens in young adult fiction was exceptionally rare. The book's success helped pave the way for modern queer YA, leading to a feature film adaptation in 2013 starring Cameron Deane Stewart.

As you progress from the original series to The Futon Years, be prepared for a shift in tone. While the high school books are lighthearted and conform to classic YA sensibilities, The Futon Years shifts into New Adult territory. The characters face more mature situations, navigate complex sexual relationships, deal with career failures, and face the sobering realities of growing up. However, Hartinger's signature warm humor, witty dialogue, and deep empathy for his characters remain a constant anchor throughout all nine books.

Frequently Asked

QWhat is the best starting point for the Russel Middlebrook series?

You should definitely start with Geography Club, the book that launched the series. It establishes Russel, Min, Kevin, and the core relationships that evolve throughout the entire high school and adult series.

QAre "Split Screen" and "Double Feature" the same book?

Yes. Split Screen is the original title of the third book, published in 2007. It was later retitled and republished as Double Feature. The content is identical.

QWhat is "Two Thousand Pounds Per Square Inch" and is it required?

It is a short story (approx. 22 pages) where Russel waits for an HIV test result. While not required to understand the plot of the novels, it provides excellent character growth and is best read between The Elephant of Surprise and The Thing I Didn't Know I Didn't Know.

QCan the Otto Digmore books be read as standalones?

Yes, The Otto Digmore Difference and The Otto Digmore Decision can be read independently because they focus on Otto's career in Hollywood. However, you will enjoy them much more if you already know Otto from the main series.

QIs the movie adaptation of Geography Club faithful to the book?

Yes, the 2013 film adaptation captures the core spirit, humor, and message of the original novel, though it modernizes some elements of the high school setting and condenses certain subplots.

QHow does the tone change in Russel Middlebrook: The Futon Years?

The tone transitions from lighthearted young adult coming-of-age to new adult fiction. The characters deal with more complex romantic relationships, career struggles, and the transition into their mid-twenties, while keeping the series' trademark humor.