In this thought-provoking, low-key drama, Shusterman (Unwind) examines the bonds between family, friends, and community, and how the individual can affect the whole. Sixteen-year-old twins Tennyson and Brontë Sternberger aren't the closest of siblings, but Tennyson is concerned when his sister starts dating Brewster "Bruiser" Rawlins, an antisocial delinquent from a dubious family. But as the Sternbergers grow closer to Bruiser, they discover his secret: he takes on the pain and injuries of those he cares about, healing them at his own expense, whether he wants to or not. He can even soothe emotional wounds--his mere presence is enough to save the twins' parents' fragmenting marriage--but the cost to Bruiser may be unbearable. Tennyson and Brontë must face the unintended consequences of their actions when disaster strikes and a lifetime of healing others takes its toll on their new friend. Even as the narrative wrestles with philosophical and moral issues, it delves deep into the viewpoints of Tennyson, Brontë, Bruiser, and his younger brother, each segment told in a different, distinctive style, making for a memorable story. Ages 14-up. (July)

The compelling issues and engaging premise make this a rewarding read.” — ALA Booklist

“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

“This eloquent and thoughtful story will most certainly leave its mark.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“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

“Shusterman’s writing is wonderful and a joy to read. The subject matter makes this a great book discussion choice.” — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)

“Shusterman’s 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 Bruiser’s ‘gift’ against the freedom from pain that Tennyson and Bronte enjoy.” — School Library Journal

The compelling issues and engaging premise make this a rewarding read.

This eloquent and thoughtful story will most certainly leave its mark.

Shusterman’s writing is wonderful and a joy to read. The subject matter makes this a great book discussion choice.

This eloquent and thoughtful story will most certainly leave its mark.

This eloquent and thoughtful story will most certainly leave its mark.

Gr 8 Up—Tennyson, 16, is a hulking loner who seems to possess the power to heal both physical and psychic hurts. When his twin sister, Brontë, befriends their shy and withdrawn classmate Brewster "Bruiser" Rawlins, he is concerned that her relationship with this boy from the wrong side of the tracks will prove somehow dangerous. After he spies Bruiser changing in the locker room and notices that his back is covered in scars and welts, he becomes even more certain that the teen and his family are bad news. In spite of her brother's warnings, Brontë continues her relationship with Bruiser, drawing him closer to her family—and Tennyson—in the process. The twins begin to notice Bruiser's unusual talent: not only can he assume the physical pain and wounds of those he cares about, but he can also absorb their anger, hurt, and grief. Told from the three characters' alternating perspectives, with Brewster's rendered in poetic form, Shusterman's 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 Bruiser's "gift" against the freedom from pain that Tennyson and Brontë enjoy.—Amy S. Pattee, Simmons College, Boston

BRUISER is about a teen with the power to absorb pain and sorrow from people he loves. The ensemble cast is the perfect choice for a story told from four very different points of view. The narrators complement each other, and the transitions between them are seamless. Nick Podehl, as Tennyson, begins the story, and his presentation of the different characters is spot-on. When Kate Rudd begins her narration, her character fits right in. Luke Daniels, as Brewster, performs his part with an intense lyrical quality. Although Laura Hamilton presents only three chapters, their impact is enormous—she perfectly captures the innocence and country twang of Bruiser’s little brother. All the narrators bring out the humanity of their characters. G.G. 2012 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine