Tennyson can't believe that his twin sister Bronte (children of college lit professors!) is dating "the Bruiser" -- the guy voted "Most Likely to Get the Death Penalty." He's a loner and a guy everyone hears crazy rumors about. What gives? Bronte can't believe Tennyson is being such a jerk and a bully to Brewster. There happens to be a reason he can't get too close to people. When he does, impossible things start to happen, and Bronte should know -- they're starting to happen to her.

This fast-paced book from an award-winning author is told from four different points of view: Bronte's, Tennyson's, Bruiser/Brewster's and Brewster's little brother Cole's. It is an age-appropriate story for teens with a fascinating premise about the ultimate form of empathy. Brewster literally takes on the physical and emotional pain of those he cares about, and he and Cole live with an abusive, alcoholic uncle who takes advantage of that fact. There are descriptions of a couple of violent encounters between teenagers, and between Uncle Hoyt and his nephews. Bronte and Tennyson's family is going through the aftermath of infidelity, and there are plenty of opportunities for Brewster to absorb their pain -- but does this ultimately help or hurt? There could be interesting discussion about how one behaves differently when there are no physical or emotional consequences.

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