Shusterman presents another intriguing tale that blends realistic fiction with just a tinge of fantasy to get readers thinking in his newest tale. Twins Tennyson and Brontë Sternberger live what would be considered an average high school existance. Their parents are both college English professors (thus, their names), and each has their place in the local school caste system. Brontë is a member of the school's swim team and has her friends while Tennyson is a member of the rugby team and has his own friends. They bicker constantly, but they wouldn't be normal if they didn't.

One thing they, and their friends, have always agreed on is a kid at school that everyone calls Bruiser. This is meant to be a twist on his given name, Brewster, but they don't realize how on target it really is. They just think that he is weird: he keeps to himself and looks like "white trash." That starts to change when Brontë befriends him.

While this starts as a chance for her to "save" someone, which she feels she must do for any any animal or person, she finds that she starts to like him ... in a romantic way. Tenny is less than thrilled with the idea and decides to have a talk with Brewster to put a stop to things. It is this attempt and a chance glimpse at Brewster's back in gym class that makes Tenny realize that there is more the Brewster than anyone even imagined. He assumed that it was an abusive uncle, who is Brewster's guardian, but he couldn't be more off target.

As Tenny and Brontë get to know Brewster, they start to realize that his bruises and other injuries are not due to abuse, per se, but really result from an ability he has. He can take on the injuries and pain of those he cares about. These range from cuts and broken bones to emotional pain, which helps to keep Tenny and Brontë's parents together despite their lack of wedded bliss.

But as with King Midas and his golden tough, the gift quickly proves to be a curse. Brewster can't control the injuries he takes on. If he is close enough, he just draws them in. Taking in too much can lead to his own death. As a result, the distance he was mocked for in school for years was something he built up to protect himself.

As he gets closer to the Sternbergers, it becomes clear that he has placed himself in danger. He wants to help protect them from their pains, but will it cost him too much? Can Tenny and Brontë do anything to protect him.

This tale is masterfully told in rotating perspectives that include Tenny, Brewster, Brontë, and Brewster's younger brother Cody. Their shared narrative helps the reader peel away the layers of the mystery and the ethical questions that are involved in a way that really gets the reader thinking. Each comes across as a realistic person who is three dimensional and has real reasons for the actions they take. This one is really deep!