The entire student body voted Brewster, aka Bruiser, "Most Likely to Get the Death Penalty." He has no friends and doesn't talk to anyone. Rumors of his violent nature fall him everywhere. So when Tennyson, a lacrosse star, learns that his sister Bronte is dating Brewster, he decides to follow him home. Tennyson's attitude softens as he sees the bruises on Brewster's body and the abusive behavior of his uncle. Bronte and Tennyson befriend Brewster but soon discover that as their cuts, bruises and pains vanish, Brewster is incurring new injuries every day. They learn that Brewster suffers all the pain-physical and emotional-for the people he cares for. His gift, or curse, has always created conflicted feelings. For although Brewster desires friends, he knows they come at a great cost. For Bronte and Tennyson, they are living through their parent's divorce and relationship woes without pain but is that fair to Brewster? The story is told by the four distinct voices of Tennyson, Bronte, Brewster, and Cody (Brewster's younger brother). "Bruiser," is an absorbing novel about the sacrifices we make for family and love. Kudos to Neal Shusterman for writing another gripping novel!