Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Bruised But Loved

Book Report for Bruiser by Neal Shusterman


Cover Story: Acceptably Mysterious
BFF Charm: If Only I Could Change You
Swoonworthy Scale: 2.5
Talky Talk: Intelligently Yours
Bonus Factors:  Mysterious Loner Cutie, Poetry That Doesn't Suck, Vocabulary, Adorable Kid
Relationship Status: My Heart Aches But I Yearn For More

Cover Story: Acceptably Mysterious

Oh my, an up-close face. Haven't seen that one before. However, for this one I think it doesn't totally tank. The text is interesting and it wouldn't totally shameful to be seen out in public with.

The Deal: 


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. (From GoodReads)


BFF Charm: If Only I Could Change You


Brewster can come into my life and be my BFF or boyfriend any day. However, his... erm.. condition which you discover is a bit scary and is so endearing yet makes you want to run away screaming. If I could somehow fix him he would be mine in an instant.

Bronte could also be my BFF. She has a thing for helping "strays", whether they are people or animals. I can relate to that. She seems to actually care for Brewster, although she seems to be a little stupid with her feelings (declaring love after what.. a week? not my style). I could totally hang with her though.

Tennyson is such a love-hate relationship with me. Once he shapes his act up, I really enjoy his loyalty and smartass (in a good way generally) behavior. That being said, his actions with Brewster and the lacrosse game really ticked me off. But at that point I was ticked off about a lot of things.

Swoonworthy Scale: 2.5

This is barely a 2.5 because Brewster is adorable and you love him. You really do. But he never gets a legitimate swoon-y moments because his story is just so heartbreaking. I wish Bronte and Brewster had more (even innocent) alone time. It would have made more sense for their romance, because that is one thing the reader never really got to see.

Talky Talk: Intelligently Yours

Shusterman has a power with words. I cried multiple times while reading this. It is impossible not to feel something. However, what struck me even more was the narration that was intelligent yet believable by multiple characters. Each character had a particular voice and he created a distinct feel through their word choice. Bruiser written so well and does not feel too short or too long.

Bonus Factors:
Mysterious Loner Cutie 
Brewster just screams mysterious loner cutie, with some serious feelings to boot! And is intelligent, especially when he takes his turn at narration.

Poetry That Doesn't Suck
Believe me, I do not generally like most poetry. Especially the stuff put in for the "artsy" factor in YA books. But Brewster narrates using poetry and it is GOOD.

Vocabulary

This is a personal bonus factor. But I like the vocabulary theme with the chapter titles, as well as the more intelligent use of language, especially from Tennyson, Bronte and Brewster. It isn't overdone but it just shows a higher intelligence within a teen. I like that. I'm also a wordie, so I appreciate this more!

Adorable Kid
Okay, I am ready to take Cody home with me! He is so innocent and trusts Brewster so much! Any adorable adoptable kid scores bonus points in my book.

Relationship Status: My Heart Aches But I Yearn For More

This is a serious book with a smart feel to it. I definitely go for more of it, but spaced out. Certain parts of the book felt somewhat helpless (because the situation within it is so serious). It isn't the type of book I read everyday because it gets you in a funk. But it is the type of book you read to consider or change your perspective on life.


Disclaimer: I have used the Book Report Style Grading from ForeverYoungAdult. I do not claim originality in my style of reviews. That being said, this is my own personal opinion of a book I was unsolicited to review. I received nothing for my review except the pleasure of reading.


More to Come!
Impossible by Nancy Welin
This Girl is Different by JJ Johnson

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