Bruiser

Neal Shusterman really has a knack for writing Young Adult books that resonate with a much wider audience. I started reading "Bruiser" thinking I knew what the plot was going to be - I was WRONG. I hadn't read any of the promo materials and so had no idea and am glad that it happened that way. I was able to enjoy the twists and turns of the story because of that.

I really enjoyed that the book was written in four voices and that one of the voices was done totally in poetry. Shusterman just keeps surprising me with the high calibre of his writing. Unwind was one of my favorite all-time books. But guess what? This one is right up there, too.

Shusterman's books make you think. They make you question the world and how it operates. But they do it in an exceptionally readable manner.

CAUTION:
I would recommend this for older teens or adults. Some language, sexual situations, violence.

This is one of those books that's nearly impossible to write a review of because every excellent aspect is ruined if I divulge any of the plot. Al I can reasonably say to you all is that Bruiser is an experience that must be felt and enjoyed as opposed to be told about. It's an experience that I wouldn't want to take away from any potential readers.

So what can I tell you?

I loved the characters in this story. Shusterman created an interesting cadre of participants young and old. From Cody the trusting and loving younger brother who relied so deeply on his older brother to the drunken and abusive Uncle Hoyt who took advantage of his charges in a myriad of horrible ways the variety of character focus creates the glue that binds the heart-breaking plot together.

The strongest of the cast was definitely the story's central focus -- Brewster. He was much like Ferdinand the Bull. A big blustery boy imagined to be intimidating by all his classmates yet in reality he was just a soft squishy teddy bear of a guy. Loving of Bronte and an amazing friend to her brother Tennyson his true nature was exhibited and seen only by those he held closest to his heart. Closest of them all was his younger brother Cody. As protector of the young boy he takes the brunt of his Uncle's ire in an attempt to make life easier on the boy.

The most intriguing and amazing thing about Brewster is the one spoilerific thing I can't share. You have to read through the book to truly see how wonderful he is. It both touching and heartbreaking to experience but so very worth the effort.

Self reflection played a large part in Tennyson's story. Starting out as the overbearing and protective big brother he was exactly the type of bully he'd blamed Brewster of being. Meddling in his sister Bronte's relationship with the school "thug" he didn't realize that he himself was that type of person he wanted her to shy away from. That was until he really got to know Brewster and the two became friends. However, despite that friendship Tennyson does continue some questionable behaviors, the kind that put Brewster in a delicate position.

Again, can't give the spoilers but it's the kind of situation that shows tremendous character growth on Tennyson's part as the story moves forward.

For being the person that instigates the light being shed on Brewster's life Bronte's role in this story is a bit more muted. She's strong to be sure -- fighting against Tennyson's initial judgments and meddling and then advocating for Brewster in a myriad of tenuous situations -- but she does so in ways that are less overt. She's giving of her love and attention and wants nothing more than to show the people around her Brewster's true nature. She has meddlesome moments of her own but all in all it's through her open-hearted nature that she facilitates the progression of many of Brewster's relationships and situations.

If I had to pick one aspect of this book that fell a bit short (and by a bit I mean by the smallest of margins) it would be how the end shook out. I was satisfied and ultimately liked the ending but it did feel a bit convenient. But again, there were so many strengths to the story, characters and overall plot that this feeling was thoroughly overpowered.

This is not your ordinary issues book. It has a twist to it that shines a light on abuse in a unique way. There are questions about morality but really it's about how much pain an individual is willing to take on to themselves in order to make the lives of those they love better. It's the kind of book that makes your heart break one moment but then soar the next.

My first Neal Shusterman book was "Unwind", which completely blew my mind, so much so that I still haven't been quite able to put my thoughts to paper and write a review. After experiencing Unwind (and after a little decompression period, because wow, that was an intense read) I wanted to check out more from the author. Lucky for me I found a copy of his latest, "Bruiser", at my local library. The jacket description of the book seemed to indicate some kind of supernatural element in it, but I was unsure what that might be starting the book. But you know, I found that to be kind of refreshing. Most of the paranormal books I read these days let you know right from the start: "Hey,You! This book is about werewolves (or vampires, or zombie's, etc.)" There was no jarring reveal in "Bruiser", the special talent that he possesses is gradually revealed to the reader. But what I love about "Bruiser", is Shusterman's writing. The book is told from multiple view points: brother and sister Tennyson and Brontë, Brewster (aka Bruiser) and his younger brother Cody. Sometimes this works in a book, and sometimes it doesn't. I, however, liked these alternating POV's, they gave real insight into the characters. Brewster's narration is written in verse, which I LOVED because it is a total play on irony. Brewster, the kid, who according to his classmates is most likely to die by lethal injection, thinks in poetic verse. Reading his passages you realize this misunderstood boy has the heart of a poet with the tragic life story to match.

"Bruiser" is a classic fairy tale in many ways, seemingly light and magical but really dark and tragic. Like Unwind, there is an underlying tension early on in the story that never really releases its grip. And like "Unwind", many parts of "Bruiser" moved me to tears, especially the parts where Brew tells the story of his growing up, the loss of his mother, and his reasons for shutting himself off from the world. It's truly heartbreaking to read. The passages with Brew's Uncle Hoyt are intense, terrifying, and engrossing. Yet there is also a love story between Brew and Brontë , and "Bruiser", at it's core, is a book about love and friendship, loyalty and sacrifice.

In "Bruiser", Shusterman writes a story that is at one moment terrifying, the next touching and tender, and I love that. To say I am anxious to read more of his work is probably an understatement. Some reviews I have read had issues with the ending, but I walked away from the book feeling pretty satisfied, if not a little emotionally spent. While this book has a supernatural/ paranormal aspect to it, it's written so realistically that it was not hard at all for me to suspend my disbelief and feel these events could really take place. To me, that is the mark of a great read. And it would appear that "Bruiser" is a stand alone book. In this YA world of sequels and prequels, "Bruiser" wraps up nicely with no big cliffhanger's. "Bruiser" is a quiet book that packs a powerful punch. Time to search out my next Neal Shusterman title.

Bruiser is a loner, on the fringes of high school society. That is, until he meets Bronte. Bronte (whose parents are both professors of literature) finds him intriguing, believing that "still waters run deep." However, their relationship encounters several obstacles, one of which is her brother, Tennyson, an athlete and all-around tough guy who at first bullies Bruiser for dating his sister. However, their lives become interwoven, and we eventually meet Cody, Bruiser's little brother, and Uncle Hoyt, their alcoholic loser guardian. As Bruiser's secrets are revealed, Bronte and Tennyson reach out to save him...just as Bruiser does a bit of saving himself.

I love everything about this book. The story is fascinating. I was hooked from the first chapter. The story is told through 4 points of view: Tennyson, Bronte, Bruiser, and Cody. Each narrator has his/her own voice, so much so that even if the narrator wasn't written (which it is), you'd be able to tell who's talking. I love the use of poetry to communicate Bruiser's narration. He's dealing with such deep issues that it just seems so appropriate for him. I agree with a previous reviewer, though, who said the narrators seem older than their years. They are extremely sophisticated for their ages (even Cody at 8 seems older).

This book was literally amazing. I just finished it, and it's haunting in that I can't stop thinking about it. This book is a must-read for lovers of YA fiction. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

TENNYSON
Tennyson tells his twin sister, Bronte, to stay away from "the Bruiser." She has a knack for bad boys, and Bruiser is the ultimate outcast. In fact, Tennyson has such a problem with Bronte befriending Bruiser that he decides to follow him home one day to learn more about this mysterious character. That one act changes everything. Instead of finding a hothead who lives in a shack, Tennyson sees some of the truth behind Bruiser's reclusiveness. With an ill-tempered uncle and a younger brother, Cody, to take care of, Bruiser has a lot to deal with. Tennyson is beginning to realize that there is more to him than meets the eye.

CODY
Cody is doing his best just to escape childhood unscathed. That is a difficult task considering his mother left him when he was young, and all he has is his uncle and his older brother, Brewster. Most of the time Uncle Hoyt can be nice, but when he hits the bottle, Cody knows it's time to get out of his way. There have been a few instances where he wasn't fortunate enough to escape Uncle Hoyt's wrath, but that's why Brewster is there. Brewster always takes the pain away, in more ways than one.

BRONTE
Bronte always has had a soft spot for the rebel. Perhaps it comes from her upbringing with her twin brother, Tennyson, and his capacity to pick on others. Or maybe it comes from the fact that their parents have hit some troubled times lately, and she wants somebody she can help fix. Either way, Bronte is determined to get close to Brewster. At first she finds someone who has a rough home life, a love of poetry, and a hard time getting close to others. As she spends more time with Brewster, though, she begins to learn exactly why he is referred to as "the Bruiser," and the truth starts to haunt her.

BREWSTER
Upon his mother's death, Brewster is told to close himself off from others. Family, Uncle Hoyt reminds him, is the most important thing. Brewster doesn't need anyone else. Family, though, can be dangerous, and he starts to bear battle scars. Maybe it is finally too overwhelming, or perhaps it is meant to be, but he finally lets Bronte into his life and tells her his deepest and darkest secret. There is a reason for all the bumps, scrapes, bruises and scars that cover his body. He can't help it, and he needs her to understand. With understanding comes pain, however, and Brewster may not be ready to take it all this time around.

Neal Shusterman has always provided a provocative and compelling story that hooks readers from the first page. BRUISER is no exception. With a trademark fantastical element that makes so many of Shusterman's novels successful, his latest takes the impossible and brings it to life. As much as this is a fantasy story, it's also an interesting look into some of the problems that many teenagers experience daily. Divorce, popularity, bullying and friendship are the core ideas that are explored throughout. Fans of Shusterman will want to pick this one up, along with anyone else looking for a good, supernatural author.

--- Reviewed by Benjamin Boche

The Bruiser aka Brewster is the story of an outcast. He is friends with no one until he his taken under the wings of Bronte and Tennyson, twin brother and sister. It appeared that Brewster was being beaten by his uncle, who ends up dead from a stroke; however, we soon learn that appearances can be deceptive.

It was a supernatural story with a plot marked by the realism of the price that Brewster must pay for having his brand of supernatural ability. The depth of the emotional turmoil was very compelling when Tennyson and Bronte learned exactly what they had been doing to Brewster. They had become dependent upon Brewster for their well-being, and they learned and matured from their experience.

It was an excellent story with a very hopeful ending. I got this from the library as an audiobook, so please excuse any misspellings of the names.

Bruiser completely blindsided me. I hadn't even seen a copy on the shelf when an author recommended it mere days before Brilliance Audio offered to send it to me. It was a more intense and emotional book than I ever expected, not only because of the emotions the characters experience but the ones they don't.

What if you didn't have to feel the bad in life? And if you didn't would you ever want it back? Is a carefree existence all it's cracked up to be?

Brewster Rawlins, known to most as "Bruiser", has a reputation. People spread rumors but he's given a wide berth a school, so when Brontë starting dating him her twin brother Tennyson, who's kind of the macho jock, flips his wig. No one, including Tennyson, knows anything about Brewster or his life, but they assume and freely. Tennyson is convinced he's dangerous and determined to drive him away from Brontë.

He sets out to investigate Brew in hopes of digging up the real dirt. Instead, he learns that Brew has taken more pain in his life than he's inflicted and doesn't get close to people because of it. For Brew, caring has consequences, and being alone is safer than letting someone get too close.

It isn't until Brew lets Brontë and Tennyson into his heart that they learn exactly how dangerous it is for him to have friends. At first Brew's secret seems like a gift, but Tennyson and Brontë will have to face their own lives and take back everything that was taken from them if they want to save Brew. Even if it hurts.

Narration by Nick Poedehl (of Will Grayson, Will Grayson), Kate Rudd ( of Tithe), Luke Daniels (of This Dark Endeavor), and Laura Hamilton is superb. The four-part narration makes this story of sacrificing yourself for the ones you love feel incredibly three-dimensional.

I have to admit that four points of view was a little hard to keep up with at first even though the characters announce themselves at the beginning of each chapter. Sometimes there was no telling who was coming next and there were a lot of observations, opinions, and periphery relationships to keep up with, but after the second or third rotation I had adjusted.

Though I love all of the four, I think Tennyson was my favorite character with a POV. However, Brew's were the most interesting because they are lyrical and had the most depth of emotion. In the hardcover, his chapters are all written a bit like poetry with stanzas and very specific formatting. They feel so immensely personal that at times they feel like diary entries.

As a predominantly paranormal reader, the thing that surprises me most about Bruiser is the it is very nearly genreless. It's not literary per say but it has contemporary setting with aspects of magical realism or the paranormal. All of it works well together and no one thing holds so much of the focus that it takes away from the story.

Bruiser grabbed me the day it arrived in the mail. I opened the book in the afternoon to read one sentence and finished it before nightfall.

Bruiser is told from four points of view. First there's Tennyson, an athlete, who has a tendency to be a bully. He's angry because his twin sister Bronte is going to date the Bruiser. Tennyson and Bronte, second POV, are children of parents who are professors of literature, therefore their "literary" names. The parents are on the verge of separation.

The Bruiser is Brewster, a big quiet guy who was voted The Guy Most Likely to Get the Death Penalty. His POV is written in poetic style. Brew likes poetry, especially poems by Allen Ginsberg, a beat poet.

Tennyson invites his girlfriend on a date to a miniature golf course; his main motive is to follow Bronte and the Bruiser on their first date. Naturally, Bronte is angry about this. When Tennyson and the Bruiser eventually become friends, impossible things start happening. To say more would be a spoiler.

If you're "addicted to happy endings" then Shusterman is probably not your guy! If you love a unique story written in a way that both young adults and the parent of young adults can enjoy, check out this book. More simply written than the Unwind Dystology (which I LOVED) or the Skinjacker Trilogy (which I also really liked), Bruiser is a tragically beautiful tale. There will be no spoiler alerts here, just know it's highly recommended by an avid reader!

I like Shusterman's writing. He's got a distinctive voice, writes clean for a younger and older audience, and addresses topics that matter. That said, the first 30 pages didn't grip me. It seemed to be just fine writing, but nothing electrifying. I put the book down but my daughter said it gets good, so I was happy I kept going. The story really hits quite a few unexpected turns with vivid characters which sometimes remind me of milder versions of Stephen King's characters (without the blood and guts). What an intriguing plot, it was.

However, it never felt like an obsessive page-turner and that's the only reason why I gave it 4 stars. I wanted to see how it ended, but I happened to lose the book I probably would've left it unread. The last third, at times, felt a little worn out getting to the end that was very satisfying. Well, except for one tiny tidbit, the ringing "pool phone" was a bit corny, but otherwise I really enjoyed an ending as unique as book.

Ohhhh wow! Bruiser grabs you from page one and holds on to the very last page. Who is Bruiser? Is he a bully? The reader soon discovers his extraordinary abilities to help people in a very unusual way. Neal Shusterman uses four different voices in this book, telling Brewster's story from his girlfriend's point-of-view, her brother's point-of-view, Brewster's point-of-view, and his half-brother's point-of-view. The voices are distinct and true to their characters. The prose used for Brewster's voice is fabulous and probably my favorite. I also loved the sassy Bronte (the girlfriend). This story unfolds beautifully, one character picking up and moving the story forward in his or her own voice after another's. The mystery of Brewster & the impact of his talent on the characters in this novel pulls you in. What will happen? You will want to know! Put this one on your to read list too! :)

Much like Shusterman's Unwind, Bruiser is a well written story peopled with engagaging characters that will make you think, and will stay with you long after you finish the last page. The author's incredible gift with dialogue, his expert pacing and his ability to blend in totally impossible concepts and make them believable is truly extraordinary. I admire people who exude an air of being comfortable in their own skin, and it's this that I think of when I read this book. The author is just so comfortable in his own storytelling, that there are no dialogue blips, no blatantly obvious plot devices, and no clunky transitions. This tale moves along seamlessly and the reader is left with a story that is stunningly authentic.

The narrative is presented from the differing points of view of brother and sister Tennyson and Bronte, Brew, and his younger brother Cody. If I have one issue with the book, it's that these characters come across as older than their years. They are not even 16, but come across as much older teens. The prose is very well written, and the transitions between points of view are done expertly. It's Brew's point of view, written in free verse, that truly contains the power of this story. I am not a fan of free verse. I steer clear of it whenever possible, but here it so effectively gives Brew his own unique voice that I was riveted. His verse is full of pain, anger and joy. His ruminations on the nature of pain and his abilities to absorb the pain (both emotional and physical) of others are very poignant.

Each character goes through his own journey in this novel, and you don't always like them. They do make you feel, and that seems to be the whole point of this story. What good are the ups if you can't feel the downs? This is a very good book that could very well be the author's best yet. There are no language issues, no sexual situations, but some violence and lots of intense emotion. This is a book to savor for both teens and adults.

Many reviewers praised Neal Shusterman on many of his achievements; and I've got to admit: he is very good. His writing is wonderful and unique--never jaded or irksome. I liked this book enough to try more of his works. Although Bruiser is my first read by Shusterman, it's not hard to see what people like about his work: character development, appropriate story pace, suspenseful and gripping premise. It's all great. Bruiser is a gloomy and mysterious novel that kept me guessing throughout the book.

Brewster (or Bruiser) has a gift to take pain from those he cared about. Not only physical, but emotional pains too. He lived his whole life protecting himself, being an outsider and labeled as a traitor, so that people won't find out about his "pain healing/stealing" gift. Bronte and Tennyson, however, were invincible to win Brewster and he started caring about them--and their family.

Bronte's family is peculiarly well-read and formal; but it doesn't make it weird or boring, it's rather ironic and humorous. Every characters role was significantly important, albeit their flaws and self-centered choices. While I liked the fact that Brewster's uncle Hoyt was out of the picture, and finally, Brewster was going to have a new, fresh start ... Tennyson's (the good boy) selfishness angers me. Even though (most of the time oblivious) Bronte is a likeable character with great personality and respectable deeds, she is a tad controlling and she wants it all in her way. The family drama (which I dreaded) was vexing to read, let alone to imagine living with them.

Bruiser is dramatic and riveting with inimitable premise. Even if I cared about most of the characters, they were annoying. I like it, all right, but I didn't love it enough to rave about it. I felt conflicted for the most part, though it had a hopeful ending. It's a well-written book that grasped many attentions, but sadly, it felt short for me. However it is a good read.

The Bruiser is a strange boy--ahem, more like man, but still. He's secluded as well as excluded. He doesn't have friends. He doesn't like anybody. He's always the butt of the joke. Until Bronte. While working as a library assistant, Bronte assists the Bruiser in finding a poetry book. Not for a school assignment, but to read for fun. This is what intrigues Bronte the most. It isn't long before they're going on their first date that Tennyson, Bronte's older brother, dutifully ambushes with his girlfriend Katrina.

It seems as though Bronte is the only one who can see past the Bruiser's cold, rock-hard outer-self and to the soft-hearted boy on the inside. Tennyson, at first, believes the rumors and thinks that the Bruiser is just bad news. But once he really starts to get to know the Bruiser, he comes to realize that there's a real person beyond the rugged front that the Bruiser puts up to protect himself from the world.

At first I thought this book was really weird, but then it got real interesting real fast and it appealed to me more. Tennyson was my favorite character. Despite the fact that he is a hot-headed meathead ("meathead" being Brew's word), he's extremely loyal, and I love that about him. He started getting freaky in the end, but side effects are side effects.

Bronte, Tennyson's sister as well as Brew's sister, was alright. She'd be that one girl in my class that was nice to everybody, and I'd swear that it was fake. For Bronte, it's real. I just wouldn't really like her. I'd most likely make snide remarks about her and what she does. I would criticize her every move, thinking that there were underlying intentions in each one. I think that makes me somewhat insufferable, but I just wouldn't like her all that much judging on how she acts in Bruiser. We wouldn't be friends if she was real and I knew her in real life.

The reason I gave this book three stars and nothing higher is because it really didn't do much for me. It didn't teach me any important life lesson (although I think it should) nor did it teach me about character or anything of that sort. I liked it, but it didn't "move mountains" for me so to speak.

The first thing that really perturbed me about this book was that Brew's power. The extent of his healing wasn't all that shocking toward the end of the book, and I feel like this idea could've been explored a bit more in terms of the paranormal aspect of Bruiser. Also, it bugged me how Brew just submitted to his uncle's words and actions. He had to know that what his uncle was doing was wrong, and yet he never went anywhere. I know that he faced the foster care system, but...still.

Also, I didn't really like Brew's young brother Cody. He always expected Brew to heal all his injuries and he didn't seem to care that his older brother was in a lot of pain at his expense. I don't care if he was a kid; he was majorly insensitive toward his older brother and had no right to blame Tennyson for his attachment to Brew and his power, because that just made him [Cody] a hypocrite. Cody had no regard for his own well being because he believed that Brew would always heal him, which was partly true. I sort of wished that Brew just let Cody deal with his injuries from time to time, but that clearly wasn't an option for him at the time.

In conclusion, I enjoyed this book, but I didn't love it. It definitely had its flaws and things that could be improved. It's very different from Shusterman's other novel that I've read Unwind. It's hard to read another one of his books, because I want all of them to live up to Unwind, which was just amazing. I wouldn't recommend this book, but I wouldn't not recommend it either. It would be worth the money in my opinion if you want to buy it. Just don't get your hopes up for something amazing after reading Unwind. The two books are nothing alike in terms of being mind-blowingly awesome.

This book was a web of astonishment. A true! ...but not so true story. Throughout the book, you have the voice of four unique characters that tie things up with a great message. In my opinion, this story told a message in the most unique way I've ever read so far.

In a nutshell, the story is about a girl, Bronte, who has been dating the Bruiser and soon finds out with her brother Tennyson that there's more to him them just the name "Bruiser".He has a special ability that I dare not mention because it's far more deserving than to just blab about.
Neal Shusterman has written a well thought-out book so I recommend you read it.

If that's not enough...the humor, action, science, and sheer wonder of the story will hopefully get you to read this book.

I enjoyed reading this book. The narration changed throughout between the different characters which was creative and fun. There is romance and mystery, and it addresses issues such as abuse and unconditional love. It was the perfect length, and it is refreshing to find a book where you don't have to read two more in the series to find out what happens in the end.

Neal Shusterman is the master of taking you places you never thought existed. Bruiser is a well thought out fantasy. Brewster or "Bruiser" is a character that everyone misunderstands because of his appearance. If you have ever been a fixer or saver of strays then you will relate to Bronte the twin sister of Tennyson. Bronte begins dating Bruiser and Tennyson, her fairly popular brother, is completely against it because he believes the rumors and thinks Bruiser is a criminal. Bronte sees Bruiser as a "stray" and like any good codependent wants to rescue him. Tennyson sees unusual scars on Bruisers back and is somehow drawn into finding out more about him. This leads him into an unexpectant friendship. Tennyson's knuckles were injured during a rugby match. They mysteriously heal. Bronte sprains her ankle; it heals. But what's happening to Bruiser? You will have to buy and read this book to find out. You will not want to put it down!!!

Neal Shusterman never ceases to amaze me with his books.

Let me tell you the story of Brewster, the kid that can heal people that he cares about. The downside? He takes on their injuries for them.

This a heartbreaking beautiful story. Told from four points of view, it fits perfectly together. 5 stars.

I love Neal Shusterman and this book was no exception. Although it wasn't as dark or freaky as some of his other works (it was actually kind of a romance novel), it still pressed the boundaries of fact and fiction, pushing the reader to consider how our actions affect others in an extreme scenario. The writing was excellent as always and the style was as unique as ever. I loved it!!!

I gave it two stars because the plot moves along, so as to keep young readers reading. But the level of writing is appropriate for ten-year- olds (mostly simple dialogue and first person narrative), whereas the subject matter is more appropriate for tenth graders - and devout Christian ones, at that. You see, Bruiser is Christ - he literally takes away and suffers himself to bear the pain - physical and emotional - experienced by all whom he loves. His first person narrative is voiced in poetry, instead of teen lingo. At the end of the book, he even dies, is barely resuscitated, and is in a long-term coma, while his faithful await his second coming.

What's really incredible is the author's postscript on how he got the idea for the book, and his writing process. Is it possible that he himself doesn't recognize that this is simply a crude retelling of the Christ story, set in high school, written at the level of late elementary school?

i bought this book cause i looked alright. i started reading it and atomaticaly got addicted. i ormally read paranormal books but i love a good teen romance every now and then. but then it changed and the bruiser had a secret!!! i was sooooo addicted to this book theforeshadowing is perfect and is magnificantly written!!!!! i read this book in about a day an ahalf. i would recomened it to anyone and everyone who loves a good teen fiction book with a twist! it is amazing!!!!!!

This story was interesting the plot was truly unique, loved the switing narrators and how each narrorater narrorated,each character had their own style, to me honestly all can say is I liked it it was a good book kept me busy for a few hours,

While Unwind may have some of Shusterman's best writing, Bruiser is his best overall novel to date. Multiple voices are written masterfully, the suspense sets in quickly and does not relent, characters are interesting and worth following...in short, everything works and works very well. All told, Shusterman uses a super-human character to show the best, worst, and always flawed faces of humanity.

This book has short chapters which makes it easier and faster to read. I love the theme of the book and i really enjoyed reading it. This is a perfect book for all ages and I wouldn't mind reading it again!

Well the first book I read by Shusterman was Unwind. The book really impressed me. It was one of the weirdest, disturbing things I've ever read. So I was really excited when I found that he had written another book.

Bruiser was really good and just as strange as Unwind without being as creepy. Some reviewers have said that telling the story from the different characters points of view wasn't necissary but I thought it was interesting hearing the different voices of the characters. All in all I loved it and I will diffinitely read anything else that he writes. Highly recommended to anyone who wants something a little of of the ordinary.