Bruiser by Neal Shusterman

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Truman Award Nominee

Bruiser by Neal Shusterman

328 pages

Tenny is a bully. He is always getting in fights to prove a point, is an aggressive athlete. When Brontë, his twin sister, starts dating 'Bruiser' Tenny flips out. But as he is around Bruiser, and gets to know him better, he realizes that all of the rumors surrounding the school's bad boy are completely unfounded. But something is different when Bruiser, now known by his actual name, Brewster, is around. Pain doesn't hurt as bad...sadness lessens. When Brontë gets a cut on a car door, the wound disappears very quickly. When the lacrosse team plays, Tenny can go forever without feeling the strain and hurt from being slammed into. But only when Brew is there to watch the game. He can take away the pain of those he cares about...but at what cost to him?

I was astounded by Bruiser. Such an intense emotional read, told in four parts, Tenny, Brontë, Brew, and Brew's little brother, Cody. A fantasy novel that is subtle, not overdone. I thought i knew where this boo was heading, but was blindsided at the end. Loved it.