I love Neal Schusterman’s creepy and creative novels
(especially Unwind and the Everlost trilogy), so as soon as I saw Bruiser, a Schusterman
audio on the library’s Teen New Releases shelf, I scooped it up. It was different from the others I’ve
read but still very compelling.
Bruiser is the nickname of a teen loner named Brewster who
was named “Most Likely to Get the Death Penalty” by his fellow classmates. Rumors abound about Brewster’s
background and life because no one really knows him. That changes when a girl named Brontë talks to him in the
library and begins dating him. Brontë’s twin brother, Tennyson (their parents
are English teachers!), is not too happy to find out his sister is dating “the
Bruiser.” But as both Brontë and
Tennyson get to know Brewster better, they discover there is far more to him
than their classmates know, and they even begin to learn some of the secrets
that he has worked so hard to keep from the outside world.
Different chapters are told from the perspective of
different characters, providing multiple points of view throughout the
story. The audio production is
excellent, read by multiple narrators in a very effective way. But it’s more than just different
voices. Schusterman has written
the different character’s perspectives in totally different styles. Brewster’s chapters, for instance, have
a darker, intense quality, with short, alliterative sentences and an almost
poetic tone (Brewster enjoys poetry).
There are some disturbing scenes in the novel, including
violence and abuse; it is definitely darker than his other novels and more
appropriate for older teens. And,
of course, there is Schusterman’s typical supernatural twist to the story,
though the rest of the elements of the story are firmly based in reality. This is a darker and more thoughtful
novel than his others, with a focus on the intricacies of family and love. I found it completely engrossing.
2 comments:
Sound like a great book to get for my reluctant male readers. I saw this recently at our book fair and will have to add it to the pile. Thanks for the review!
I think it would appeal to reluctant readers, Jan - it's an odd combination - real-life issues for teens but with a supernatural twist.
Post a Comment