Synopses & Reviews
New York Times bestselling author Neal Shusterman delivers a suspenseful and thrilling novel that's perfect for fans of
Unwind and
UnWholly.
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.
Bruiser was named to the Texas Lone Star Reading List, among many other state lists, and was selected as a Book Page Top Ten Book of the Year, a Bank Street College of Education Best Book of the Year, and a Cooperative Children's Book Center Choice.
Supports the Common Core State Standards
Review
“Shustermans novel reveals its secrets and their implications slowly, allowing readers to connect the dots before the characters do and encouraging them to weigh the price of Bruisers ‘gift against the freedom from pain that Tennyson and Bronte enjoy.” School Library Journal
Review
“Shustermans writing is wonderful and a joy to read. The subject matter makes this a great book discussion choice.” Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
Review
“This eloquent and thoughtful story will most certainly leave its mark.” Bulletin of the Center for Children & #8217;s Books
Review
“The compelling issues and engaging premise make this a rewarding read.” ALA Booklist
Review
“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.” Publishers Weekly
Review
“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. Once again, Shusterman spins a fantastic tale that sheds light on everyday life.” Kirkus Reviews
Synopsis
Tennyson:
Don't get me started on the Bruiser. He 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. So why is my sister, Brontë, dating him? One of these days she's going to take in the wrong stray dog, and it's not going to end well.
Brontë:
My brother has no right to talk about Brewster that way—no right to threaten him. 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.
Award-winning 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.
Synopsis
The New York Times bestselling author of Challenger Deep, Neal Shusterman, delivers a suspenseful, eloquent, and thrilling novel that you won't be able to stop thinking about after you've put it down.
Tennyson is not surprised, really, when his family begins to fall apart, or when his twin sister, Bronte, 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. Bronte, 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, Bronte, and Bruiser's points of view, this dark, twisting novel explores friendship, family, and the sacrifices we make for the people we love.
A Texas Lone Star Reading List selection
A Book Page Top Ten Book of the Year
A Bank Street College of Education Best Book of the Year
A Cooperative Children's Book Center Choice
About the Author
Neal Shusterman was born and raised in the heart of Brooklyn, New York, where he began writing at an early age as a creative alternative to stickball. At the age of eight, he sent his first story (something about a giant squid devouring Chicago) to E. B. White for approval. E. B. White told him that there were, in fact, no giant squid in Chicago, but he should keep writing anyway. He did.
Mr. Shusterman graduated from the University of California at Irvine with a degree in psychology. His first novel, The Shadow Club,was published in 1988 and received the International Reading Association Children's Choice Award. His other novels include Dissidentsand Speeding Bullet.In addition to novels, Mr. Shusterman enjoys writing stage plays, screenplays, and music. He lives with his wife and son in Los Angeles, where he spends too much time writing and not enough time vacationing.