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Bruiser was voted “Most Likely to Get the Death Penalty” by the kids at school. So when Tennyson’s twin sister Bronte starts dating Bruiser, he is very concerned. Bruiser is a real loner, involved in almost nothing at school, just heading home directly after classes end. When Tennyson follows him home, he discovers that Bruiser lives with his abusive uncle and his half-brother. Tennyson never backs away from confrontations with others, so he is surprised to find himself shaking Bruiser’s hand in friendship and even helping to dispose of a dead bull carcass. As the relationship between Bruiser and Bronte deepens, Tennyson becomes closer to Bruiser too. That’s when strange things begin to happen that show them just why Bruiser is a loner and why his uncle is desperate to keep him home. Written from the perspectives of Tennyson, Bronte, Bruiser, and Bruiser’s brother, this book transports the reader to a powerful place where love and friendship carry a unique pain.
I have been a fan of Shusterman ever since reading The Eyes of Kid Midas back in the 1990s. I love that he writes of magic in the real world, yet never shies away from what the magic brings to life. No one wakes up from a dream in these books or loses their powers. Instead they have to learn to live with what they have. Shusterman’s novels are also allegories for real life without magic. Here readers will find a physical manifestation of the pain and power of love and friendship. Bruiser and his flesh are tangible examples of the torment of life.
Shusterman’s writing here is well done. His characters are multi-dimensional and interesting. The twins are more than simply two sides of a coin, showing great depth of character. When Bruiser takes his first turn as narrator, Shusterman’s writing soars. Bruiser’s sections are in verse, unlike the others. His pain and torment is right there, shouting to the reader about the frustration and loneliness of his life. It is gorgeous and extraordinary.
I have been a fan of Shusterman ever since reading The Eyes of Kid Midas back in the 1990s. I love that he writes of magic in the real world, yet never shies away from what the magic brings to life. No one wakes up from a dream in these books or loses their powers. Instead they have to learn to live with what they have. Shusterman’s novels are also allegories for real life without magic. Here readers will find a physical manifestation of the pain and power of love and friendship. Bruiser and his flesh are tangible examples of the torment of life.
Shusterman’s writing here is well done. His characters are multi-dimensional and interesting. The twins are more than simply two sides of a coin, showing great depth of character. When Bruiser takes his first turn as narrator, Shusterman’s writing soars. Bruiser’s sections are in verse, unlike the others. His pain and torment is right there, shouting to the reader about the frustration and loneliness of his life. It is gorgeous and extraordinary.