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Thursday, September 2, 2010

His Bruises are Not His Own


They call him Bruiser, because he is big and distant and it seems like he could take on anyone. But the truth is something they could never imagine. His real name is Brewster. And if he allows himself to become close with others, he can take their pain. When his brother falls off of the roof, it is Brewster whose arm is broken. And when his mother develops cancer, she sends him to live with an uncle so he does not die what should be her death.

Bronte and Tennyson are twins whose family is falling apart. Soon Bronte begins dating Brewster. She knows that he can take away her physical pain, but she does not realize how far his power reaches. How much like a drug it can be.

What would life be like if you never had to feel pain again? And can you really feel joy if you never feel sorrow or anger or the hurt that comes with life? Can the three of them find a way to love each other and save Brewster from this terrible "gift"?

Told in alternating viewpoints, this is a great story. From the moment that you first see what Brewster looks like without a shirt on, you are routing for him. At the end I cried satisfied tears at a story well done and a journey into a life that I genuinely cared about. Read it today. you won't be sorry. And then ask yourself, if you could take away someone else's pain but had to feel it for yourself - would you?

Also recommended, Unwind by Neal Shusterman


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