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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
Bruiser is Brewster, a high school student who was once voted Most Likely to Get the Death Penalty. Brontë and Tennyson are twins, children of two professors of literature. When Brontë starts dating Brewster, they discover that he really isn't ordinary (like in a supernatural sort of way). And there's a reason why he's been so weird all these years.
Involving Brewster (and his little brother, Cody) in their lives changes them, and forces them to confront things about themselves and about their family.
And Brewster...wow. Brewster is a hero. Definitely.
The story is told in shifting POV, but usually several chapters from the same character at a time. We hear from Tennyson, Brontë, Brewster, and Cody. Brewster is a poetry-lover, and he speaks to us in verse. Most of the chapters come from Tennyson and Brontë.
Would definitely recommend.
Involving Brewster (and his little brother, Cody) in their lives changes them, and forces them to confront things about themselves and about their family.
And Brewster...wow. Brewster is a hero. Definitely.
The story is told in shifting POV, but usually several chapters from the same character at a time. We hear from Tennyson, Brontë, Brewster, and Cody. Brewster is a poetry-lover, and he speaks to us in verse. Most of the chapters come from Tennyson and Brontë.
Would definitely recommend.
I picked up Bruiser because I'd read Unwind at the urging of a friend and wanted to read something else that Neal Shusterman had written. I was so very much not disappointed. The book is told in three different points of view and with each one you're dragged into the character in such a way that you feel their emotions right along with them. Brewster/Bruiser's point of view is told entirely in poetry prose. At first I was afraid it would be annoying, but it was just beautiful and really helped capture his personality and who he was. The story was so very well-written and had a great message. I highly recommend it.
Parts of the story did drag, and I was starting to think it would end without resolution. Thankfully, Shusterman wrote another great book.
I probably should've given this 5 stars, but the ending was a tad bit too cheesy and the reading level isn't intense by any means. It kept me enthralled, I loved the unique plot, and with the vocab/literary references from the English literature professor parental influences, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Will recommend.
"There’s a reason why Brewster can’t have friends – why he can’t care about too many people. Because when he cares about you, things start to happen. Impossible things that can’t be explained. I know, because they're happening to me."
When Brontë starts dating Brewster “Bruiser” Rawlins – the guy voted “Most Likely to Get the Death Penalty” her twin brother, Tennyson, isn’t surprised. But then strange things begin to occur. Tennyson and Brontë’s scrapes heal unnaturally fast, and cuts disappear before their eyes. What at first seems like their good fortune turns out to be more than they bargained for…much more.
What a stunning book! I read it in one sitting and can't get it out of my mind. Normally I don't enjoy books written in different voices as it breaks my involvement in the story but this was entirely different. Brewster's 'voice' was so intense and the use of poetry was just perfect for him and I loved Cody's chapters, so direct and innocent. Tennyson was witty and amusing but he seemed to have a deeper understanding of what was happening than his sister, Brewster's girlfriend. It left me with some questions but that's just a bonus, a book that won't leave me in a hurry! Wonderful!
When Brontë starts dating Brewster “Bruiser” Rawlins – the guy voted “Most Likely to Get the Death Penalty” her twin brother, Tennyson, isn’t surprised. But then strange things begin to occur. Tennyson and Brontë’s scrapes heal unnaturally fast, and cuts disappear before their eyes. What at first seems like their good fortune turns out to be more than they bargained for…much more.
What a stunning book! I read it in one sitting and can't get it out of my mind. Normally I don't enjoy books written in different voices as it breaks my involvement in the story but this was entirely different. Brewster's 'voice' was so intense and the use of poetry was just perfect for him and I loved Cody's chapters, so direct and innocent. Tennyson was witty and amusing but he seemed to have a deeper understanding of what was happening than his sister, Brewster's girlfriend. It left me with some questions but that's just a bonus, a book that won't leave me in a hurry! Wonderful!
I love the premise behind this book: a teenage boy is hesitant to get close to anyone because he has a super power that makes him feel the pain of those he cares about.
The plot was a little over the top for me-- all kinds of intense shit: child protective services, death, divorce, near-drowning, etc. But I get why the author included all of that.
What I really liked about this book was the consequences of not feeling your own pain were explored as well. Like it's bad news for everyone that this kid can just remove all your pain for you-- because not one person can hurt that much, and also because you can't figure yourself out if you don't confront your own emotions.
The plot was a little over the top for me-- all kinds of intense shit: child protective services, death, divorce, near-drowning, etc. But I get why the author included all of that.
What I really liked about this book was the consequences of not feeling your own pain were explored as well. Like it's bad news for everyone that this kid can just remove all your pain for you-- because not one person can hurt that much, and also because you can't figure yourself out if you don't confront your own emotions.
Solid Shusterman. I think the "reveal" became apparent a little early, but knowing didn't detract from the story. It was still interesting to see how the story played out. Maybe more compelling was how the relationships changed toward the end of the book. The overprotective brother becomes a friend and possible ally to potentially something else by the end. The best of intentions aren't necessarily enough.
But then you consider why the uncle was mad all the time and what that means for his intentions.
If this was a series, I'd continue, but even as a standalone I'm satisfied.
But then you consider why the uncle was mad all the time and what that means for his intentions.
If this was a series, I'd continue, but even as a standalone I'm satisfied.
If Brewster likes you, he can take away your hurt - literally.
I didn't really know what to feel about this book. I know a lot of people felt it was impossible to put down and thats true but the concept was so strange i had no idea whether i should dump it or keep going. I ended up finishing the book but i am not a huge fan. The other books by this author are really good so this one was a bit of a let down.
Neal Shusterman has a gift for blending the real and the fantastic, and developing realistic characters. I wish I could tell you more about this book, but it would really just ruin it. Read it.