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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
Wow! Throughout this book, I kept making connections to Mr. Hyde, pure evil. Yet Bruiser was a kind, loving soul who took on the pain of those about whom he most cared. Bruiser's body looks worse than that of an abused child although he denies that he is abused.
For many years I didn't want a pet because of the emotional pain I'd experienced when my dogs died. Now I have two dogs again and must remind myself that the pain of their loss will be so much less than the joy they give me on a daily basis.
I'd like to think that Bruiser finds this a good way to live his life. I am reminded about a piece I saw on the news about a girl who was allergic to water. Can you imagine?
This is a good book for reluctant readers, yet offers many talking points for all readers.
For many years I didn't want a pet because of the emotional pain I'd experienced when my dogs died. Now I have two dogs again and must remind myself that the pain of their loss will be so much less than the joy they give me on a daily basis.
I'd like to think that Bruiser finds this a good way to live his life. I am reminded about a piece I saw on the news about a girl who was allergic to water. Can you imagine?
This is a good book for reluctant readers, yet offers many talking points for all readers.
Bruiser's real name is Brewster, but his gruff, outsider demeanor has given him a nickname that invokes that of a bully. But Brewster is anything but. This novel, told from four different perspectives, asks the question "what would you do if you or someone you know was able to take pain away from others but was also forced to endure said pain?". The result is complicated and heartbreaking. Brewster has kept people at a distance for most of his life, primarily because of his ability to take pain from people he cares about. Unfortunately, he lives with an alcoholic uncle and his younger brother, who Brew feels a strong need to protect. It is not until he begins dating one of the narrators, Bronte, that keeping his secret becomes a challenge. The other two perspectives are from Brew's younger brother, Cody, and Bronte's twin, Tennyson. The use of multiple narrators gives complexity to an otherwise pared-down and straightforward plot (that's a good thing, by the way). Shusterman doesn't need to rely on excessive world-building or unnecessary subplots to flesh his story out and I appreciate that as a reader. He is also a master of "show, not tell", which further adds to the depth of Brewster's situation and the reactions of his new friends, Bronte and Tennyson. A great novel; one I am looking forward to discussing with my high school students tonight.
Very good concept. Very heart breaking.
I loved the characters, their personalities were amazing. The writing was super easy to read and understand.
However i think there could have been a bit more to the story in my opinion. I felt that, given what Brewster had to go through for years due to his ability, his personality in public could have remained the same: loving and upbeat, but the things he feels, thinks and does should have been a lot darker.
Worth a one time read, but will not be staying on my shelf.
I loved the characters, their personalities were amazing. The writing was super easy to read and understand.
However i think there could have been a bit more to the story in my opinion. I felt that, given what Brewster had to go through for years due to his ability, his personality in public could have remained the same: loving and upbeat, but the things he feels, thinks and does should have been a lot darker.
Worth a one time read, but will not be staying on my shelf.
Really good book. I loved the main idea behind it and a lot of the characters were amazing. I do have a couple of concern that kept me from a higher rating. like the constantly switching point of view, among a couple of other things
Full review to come.....
Full review to come.....
This is a wrenching but ultimately redemptive look at how pain defines us and how love, whether familial, romantic or friendly, demands sacrifice and brings gifts of its own. Shusterman spins a fantastic tale that sheds light on everyday life.
This eloquent and thoughtful story will most certainly leave its mark. Even as the narrative wrestles with philosophical and moral issues, it delves deep into the viewpoints of Tennyson, Bronte, Bruiser, and his younger brother, each segment told in a different, distinctive style, making for a memorable story.
Author Neal Shusterman has crafted a chilling and unforgettable novel about the power of unconditional friendship, the complex gear workings of a family, and the sacrifices we endure for the people we love.
About the book.
Tennyson is not surprised, really, when his family begins to fall apart, or when his twin sister, Brontë, starts dating the misunderstood bully, Brewster (or The Bruiser, as the entire high school calls him). Tennyson is determined to get to the bottom of The Bruiser's reputation, even if it means gearing up for a fight. Brontë, on the other hand, thinks there's something special underneath that tough exterior. And she's right…but neither she nor Tennyson is prepared for the truth of what lies below the surface. Told through Tennyson, Brontë, and Bruiser's points of view, this dark, twisting novel explores friendship, family, and the sacrifices we make for the people we love.
This eloquent and thoughtful story will most certainly leave its mark. Even as the narrative wrestles with philosophical and moral issues, it delves deep into the viewpoints of Tennyson, Bronte, Bruiser, and his younger brother, each segment told in a different, distinctive style, making for a memorable story.
Author Neal Shusterman has crafted a chilling and unforgettable novel about the power of unconditional friendship, the complex gear workings of a family, and the sacrifices we endure for the people we love.
About the book.
Tennyson is not surprised, really, when his family begins to fall apart, or when his twin sister, Brontë, starts dating the misunderstood bully, Brewster (or The Bruiser, as the entire high school calls him). Tennyson is determined to get to the bottom of The Bruiser's reputation, even if it means gearing up for a fight. Brontë, on the other hand, thinks there's something special underneath that tough exterior. And she's right…but neither she nor Tennyson is prepared for the truth of what lies below the surface. Told through Tennyson, Brontë, and Bruiser's points of view, this dark, twisting novel explores friendship, family, and the sacrifices we make for the people we love.
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Was read for English class
Meh
Such an interesting concept for a novel. I really liked this YA book. Shusterman is becoming one of my favorite authors in this genre.
Shusterman certainly doesn't disappoint. I loved all the different POVs (but especially Bruiser's and Cody's). I found this book's tone/style a little younger than I normally prefer, but it worked! Innovative plot and truly, I just cared about the characters. I'm rambling. Good story. Good characters. Neat twists and character growth. Go read now.
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Eh... too many perspectives and simply written. Interesting concept, but it could have been taken a lot further.