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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
Read for YABC Nov 2011. Awesome audiobook! Great ensemble cast.
My sister had been pushing for me to read this book for years, and only this year did I finally give in and read it. I pretty much knew what the book was about and sort of what happened, but reading it firsthand was definitely an experience. It was definitely a book that made you think, and not just about what a horrible uncle Bruiser had, like really. It dealt with heavy topics, and in a different way (which anyone who has read this book knows). It was a pretty good book though, I enjoyed it.
Shusterman's work is absolutely wonderful! What would it be like to have a friend who could take away your pain? When Tennyson and Bronte meet Brewster and Cody, their lives will never be the same. Somebody make this into a movie!
Shusterman is an amazing writer. I think that every single book that he has written I have liked and they are so really different. Everyone of them hits you in a different way and BRUISER is no exception. I had to keep putting this down because it was such an emotional rollercoaster - you know what is coming on some level and you don't want it to happen. And then you wonder how the author is going to get out of this in any reasonable way...and then he does it.
I haven't read anything by shusterman since I was a teenager and just picked this up at the library because I remembered enjoying him. As a 22 year old? Major understatement.
I loved more than anything the voice these characters had. Reading entire chapters of poetry and believing that would be how the characters thoughts ran was really moving.
It was supernatural without being hokey and 100% unbelievable. I absolutely loved it and I would recommend to anyone looking for something magical.
I loved more than anything the voice these characters had. Reading entire chapters of poetry and believing that would be how the characters thoughts ran was really moving.
It was supernatural without being hokey and 100% unbelievable. I absolutely loved it and I would recommend to anyone looking for something magical.
Wonderful book about a boy with special powers of healing and how those around him react to it. He has to take a lot from everyone, whether they realize it or not. And when they do, do they take advantage? A great book about a gentle boy who helps those he loves.
"Bruiser" is a book I picked up having absolutely no idea what it was about. The only thing that I knew was it had to do with abuse and bullying. I cannot express how glad I am that I came across this on a YALSA list because I doubt I would have picked it up on my own. I have been waiting to write this review because I am worried anything I say will give away Brewster's secret. I was right thinking that this book was about abuse and dealt with bullying, but the book is really about so much more.
I think "Bruiser" is a book that honestly depicts human nature. The characters have flaws, but we are able to look past them because Shusterman balances the good with the bad. Bronte means well when she takes Brewster under her wing, but even she is blind to the truth that is right in front of her. This book is also about friendship and family. Both types of relationships are complicated and can only be successful if people are willing to be honest with themselves and the people they love.
I highly recommend "Bruiser", but warn that it may be difficult for some people to read. The book does deal with some generic issues that teens can relate to, but the method in which Shusterman addresses the issues is unique. I feel like readers who liked "Wintergirls", "Thirteen Reasons Why", and maybe even "Before I Fall" would enjoy this book. Although they might not because "Bruiser" isn't exactly realistic fiction... I'm not really sure how I would classify it. I know this review is short, but I would rather be brief than ruin the plot for everyone.
I think "Bruiser" is a book that honestly depicts human nature. The characters have flaws, but we are able to look past them because Shusterman balances the good with the bad. Bronte means well when she takes Brewster under her wing, but even she is blind to the truth that is right in front of her. This book is also about friendship and family. Both types of relationships are complicated and can only be successful if people are willing to be honest with themselves and the people they love.
I highly recommend "Bruiser", but warn that it may be difficult for some people to read. The book does deal with some generic issues that teens can relate to, but the method in which Shusterman addresses the issues is unique. I feel like readers who liked "Wintergirls", "Thirteen Reasons Why", and maybe even "Before I Fall" would enjoy this book. Although they might not because "Bruiser" isn't exactly realistic fiction... I'm not really sure how I would classify it. I know this review is short, but I would rather be brief than ruin the plot for everyone.