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Liked It1 of 1 members found this review helpful “After reading Bruiser, I completely understand why it is a 2013 Nutmeg Nominee , grades 7-8. This book is a story of the impossible, told through the perspectives of Bronte, Tennyson, Brewster (Bruiser) and Cole. It is a story of unlikely friendships, abuse, divorce, coming of age--you name it,...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“This was a decent YA novel. I always get frustrated with how long it takes characters to figure out the main plot and get bored before I finish. Bruiser was amusing, potentially profound to a young teenager, but I didn't love it.”
Sunshine Dust wrote this review 12 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This book was very interesting. It is not something i would normally read but it was worth it. While reading this book i felt so bad for "Bruiser" because everyone hates him and he is like a school reject but deep down he is an amazing person because he has an amazing gift. His gift is that he can take anyone's pain and turn it into his own.
Jessica~ wrote this review 2 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
I recommend this book because it really teaches how important is to NOT to judge a "book by its cover." It really shows that there is more to a person than what others say about them and that sometimes they have their own reasons to their actions.”
“What's wrong with an older brother protecting his sister from dating what he believes to be the wrong guy? Twins Bronte and Tennyson have a good relationship, but when Tennyson threatens Brewster "Bruiser" that relationship changes. Through his sister's eyes Tennyson begins to see the truth behind the hulking teenage boy dating his sister, and realizes some things about himself that he had never considered. Was he a bully and a snob as his sister claims? As Tennyson looks deeper into Bruiser's life in more attempts to keep him away from his sister, he learns an amazing thing. Bruiser has a special gift and can take both physical and emotional pain away from those he is close to. That is why Brewster is covered in welts and bruises.
Leigh Ann wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
This is such an interesting story, and I really enjoyed the fact that the only fantastical element in this book is Brewster's special gift. Every other aspect of the story is so realistic and true to life. It is a great look into a "normal" family's life as well as one whose parents are not around. This is a perfect high school read, challenging and interesting enough to draw a diverse group of readers.
This book is written from four different points of view: Tennyson, Bronte, Brewster, and Cody. Because of this, it would be useful in a unit on point of view and character development.
Family and friendship issues would make for deep discussions about what family members do for each other and how friends really can take the pain out our lives to a certain extent. Really thinking about Brewster's gift as a gift versus a curse could make a great debate. Would you want to have this gift?”
“Brewster, aka Bruiser, is bullied and excluded at school because of his looks and his loner ways. A girl and her brother find out his secret and learn a lot about themselves in the process. ....Ok--Brewster's secret is that since birth he has been able to take away pain from the people he cares about. When this happens, he assumes the pain himself, so he ends up with bruises, while the person who was hurt is quickly healed. But it's not just physical--Brewster assumes emotional pain of those he cares about, too. When you care about someone, how far should you go to take on their pain, when you know it could destroy you? When you are the one whose pain is being taken away, how much will you allow the person taking it to be hurt on your behalf? Is it better to feel pain and work through it or to have it taken away artificially and not feel it? This book is a great one for discussion and a good, interesting read.”
Jane H wrote this review Sunday, May 19, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“This book was different. It wasn't a bad book or a really good book. But the book did have its turns. Bruiser was voted "Most Likely to Get the Death Penalty" by the entire school. He's the kid no one knows, no one talks to, and everyone hears disturbing rumors about. But after someone in the school starts to fall for him things had changed.”
jocelyn wrote this review Saturday, May 18, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Wow! Seldom does a story hook me as quickly as this one. Bruiser caught me at the very beginning and held on until the last page. For a book that does not fall into my usual "favorites," this one is topping the list!”
Mrs. O's 6th Grade Shelf wrote this review Monday, May 6, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Wow! Seldom does a story hook me as quickly as this one. Bruiser caught me at the very beginning and held on until the last page. For a book that does not fall into my usual "favorites," this one is topping the list!”
Amy wrote this review Monday, May 6, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Another great book by Neal Shusterman! This book deals with a teenager who turns out to have an amazing ability but it comes at a price. He ends up falling for a girl who wants to be near to him but with his ability he doesn't like to get close to anyone. Shusterman has a great mind and the books that come from it will eventually be literary classics.”
Chris DeOrio wrote this review Sunday, May 5, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I thoroughly enjoyed how this book alternates between four perspectives: Tennyson, Brontë, Brewster, and Brewster’s little brother Cody. The author successfully handles these multiple perspectives so we get the right information and emotions at the right time. We see the protective older brother, the concerned sister, the bit oblivious litter brother Cody just being a kid, and the damaged and emotional Brewster who is slowly coming out of his shell because of his new friends. I like how this book is much more than a book about living in an abusive home; it has a new twist I’ve never read before that takes on the supernatural to actively involve the reader in the trauma of living. This was an extremely engaging read that really had me invested in each character. Other than abuse, it also successfully handles the effect of divorce on a family, and how we can better accept our faults. A unique read that is highly recommended, and with no sequels it is a very worthwhile one and done read. ”
clockwork-serenity wrote this review Tuesday, April 30, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No1 of 1 members found this review helpful“After reading Bruiser, I completely understand why it is a 2013 Nutmeg Nominee , grades 7-8. This book is a story of the impossible, told through the perspectives of Bronte, Tennyson, Brewster (Bruiser) and Cole. It is a story of unlikely friendships, abuse, divorce, coming of age--you name it, it's in there--all tied together by Bruiser's impossible gift. Or is it a curse? Only the reader can decide. Pick up this page turner today; you won't be disappointed!
Deb Flaherty wrote this review Monday, May 6, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
There are many surface level historical and literary references in Bruiser including the Bronte sisters and Lord Tennyson (after whom 2 of the characters were named), Allan Ginsberg's poetry, Galileo, Dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Van Gogh, Homer...all of which could serve as a springboard for research projects and papers.
Psychology, sociology and health classes can use the aspects of divorce, abuse, alcoholism, and bullying displayed throughout the story. In addition, Bruiser has a photographic memory, a concept that could also be explored.
Each chapter begins with a "power word" lending itself perfectly for vocabulary building.
When reading this book I couldn't help thinking of the movie, The Green Mile, based on the book by Stephen King. This could serve as another literature or cinematic connection.”
