A review by crtsjffrsn
The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley by Shaun David Hutchinson

3.0

Andrew Brawley's life changed forever in one night. His parents and sister dead, he found his only choice to remain in the hospital--but not as a patient. Drew sleeps in an empty supply closet, works in the cafeteria (being paid under the table), and befriends many of the long-term patients. His cover story is that he's visiting his sick grandmother who is in a coma, and while many of the staff don't necessarily believe it, they let it slide. And as long as he can steer clear of a too-inquisitive social worker, he knows he could keep this going for a while. But one night when he sees a young man brought in to the emergency room, apparently set on fire by his classmates, Drew is immediately drawn to the new patient. Drew feels for him, and in some ways he sees a kindred spirit. As he learns more about Rusty's situation, and eventually gets to know him after he wakes him, Drew begins to wonder if there could be a potential future in which they might leave the hospital together. But before that can happen, Drew needs to face the demons that have kept him in the hospital in the first place--and those just might lead to the undoing of the life he has built.

I think the one word that stands out to me most after finishing this book would be "refreshing." Drew is far from perfect. And the author does not try to hide or mask that in any way during this book. There is a realness to it that I don't think I always get from young adult titles, and I found myself really connecting to the material and the characters as a result. An interesting and insightful read.