Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
Good and interesting concept. Not as good as Unwind but probably unfair to compare them.
Wow this was SO good and such a quick read. I loved the multiple perspectives and Brew’s poetry sections were so beautiful! The concept of an empath physically taking on other people’s injuries has been attempted by many authors, but rarely executed as flawlessly as it is here. Just confirms that Shusterman is up there in my top authors!!
4.5/5
4.5/5
3.5/5
Bruiser tells the story of a 15 year old boy named Brewster "Bruiser" Rawlins, who is a loner, and has no friends. The kids at school bully him, even giving him the title "The Most Likely to Get the Death Penalty". But there is a very real reason why Bruiser can't make friends, when he cares about someone, mysterious things begin to happen.
Brontë and Tennyson are twins who attend school with Bruiser. (They are children of Literature professors, as if that wasn't obvious enough already). Brontë begins dating Bruiser, and at first Tennyson is adamantly against the two of them hooking up, but after getting to know Bruiser a bit, he changes his mind
There is a unique paranormal aspect to this novel, and Shusterman pulls it off nicely. I can't really share much about it without risking spoilers, but Bruiser has a unique ability that is a mixed blessing to both him, and those he cares about. As the mystery becomes revealed, the reader is drawn in, and can't help but feel both compassion and sympathy for all effected.
I recommend this book to anyone who reads YA Fiction, and even to those readers who usually only read adult fiction, as the book is not overly simplified for a younger audience.
This is the fourth book I have read by Neal Shusterman. I have read two books in the Unwind Dystology, as well as the first book in the Skinjacker Series. To me, his writing is witty, sharp, and entertaining. His characters are always sassy, and I love that.
Bruiser tells the story of a 15 year old boy named Brewster "Bruiser" Rawlins, who is a loner, and has no friends. The kids at school bully him, even giving him the title "The Most Likely to Get the Death Penalty". But there is a very real reason why Bruiser can't make friends, when he cares about someone, mysterious things begin to happen.
Brontë and Tennyson are twins who attend school with Bruiser. (They are children of Literature professors, as if that wasn't obvious enough already). Brontë begins dating Bruiser, and at first Tennyson is adamantly against the two of them hooking up, but after getting to know Bruiser a bit, he changes his mind
There is a unique paranormal aspect to this novel, and Shusterman pulls it off nicely. I can't really share much about it without risking spoilers, but Bruiser has a unique ability that is a mixed blessing to both him, and those he cares about. As the mystery becomes revealed, the reader is drawn in, and can't help but feel both compassion and sympathy for all effected.
I recommend this book to anyone who reads YA Fiction, and even to those readers who usually only read adult fiction, as the book is not overly simplified for a younger audience.
This is the fourth book I have read by Neal Shusterman. I have read two books in the Unwind Dystology, as well as the first book in the Skinjacker Series. To me, his writing is witty, sharp, and entertaining. His characters are always sassy, and I love that.
My full review is here:
http://christinebookreviewcorner.blogspot.com/2017/01/bruiser-by-neal-shusterman.html
http://christinebookreviewcorner.blogspot.com/2017/01/bruiser-by-neal-shusterman.html
The premise of taking on others pain gets an interesting treatment in this book.
A psychologist I know maintains that the function of “black sheep” in a family is to do likewise - all the bad, the shame, the guilt etc is heaped on one individual.
A psychologist I know maintains that the function of “black sheep” in a family is to do likewise - all the bad, the shame, the guilt etc is heaped on one individual.
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Full review [here].
As proven by Scythe and Thunderhead, Shusterman knows how to write a compelling story. Bruiser is no exception, and contains the multitude of psychological analyses and character perspectives I’ve come to love from Shusterman’s work.
I don't know if I'd hand this to someone to be their first foray into his work though, but reading it shows how much more Shusterman has developed as a writer.
As proven by Scythe and Thunderhead, Shusterman knows how to write a compelling story. Bruiser is no exception, and contains the multitude of psychological analyses and character perspectives I’ve come to love from Shusterman’s work.
I don't know if I'd hand this to someone to be their first foray into his work though, but reading it shows how much more Shusterman has developed as a writer.
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes