Rating: Summary: Thrilling story Review: This book by Robert Cormier contains two different stories which first seem to have no connection to each other, but in the end we see that the two stories come together to be one great and thrilling story. The book itself tells the story of two boys , one called Ben and one called Miro. At first glance, they seem to be very different, but when you look closer, you see that there are parallels between the two characters. Both of them seem to have no father, both of them are unhappily attracted to a girl and both of them don't really want to be involved in the whole affair, although they're two main charcters of Robert Cormier's book. The book is written in a thrilling and exciting way and it's easy to follow. We really enjoyed reading this book in our English class and we think that the topic, that a bus of children is held hostage by terrorists who fight for freedom for their country, is still topical. But that doesn't mean that only people who are interested in politics can read this book. We think this book is good for everybody to read. If you've read the book and you enjoyed reading it, you might try "The rag and bone shop" by Robert Cormier.
Rating: Summary: Da review Review: "After the first death" written by Robert Cormier, recipient of the Margaret A. Edwards Award, in 1991 is about a hijacking of a schoolbus. In the novel are three very important characters. Ben, Miro and Kate. Ben is the son of a general who works in a secret agency for the country. Miro is one the terrorists who kidnapps the bus with its driver Kate. The terrorists make three demands to the agency, where Ben's father works. That's the way the three characters come together. Miro and Kate are in the same bus the whole time, because Miro should pay attention on Kate and the children, because it is his first big action. The terrorists demand a neutral negotiator and Ben has to do this job, because his father wants him to go. The terrorists torture Ben and thats the reason why Ben and his father can't look in eachothers eyes. So, this novel is not only about the hijacking, but it's also about a father-son conflict, without a Happy-End.
Rating: Summary: ...... and it stays with you. Review: I first read this book when I was 13 and it wasn't until September 11th did I start to think about that particular book. At age 13 I understood the base motivation of the three teenage narrators (they were only abit older than me) but could not understand the reasonings behind them, especially the terrorist. Kate I understood well; her fear, doubts, and desperate acts of failed bravery. Even though I sensed the terrorist's humanity, I never sympathized with him. As the for the general's son, his story was heartwrenching and the end passage a particular shock (it made the original cover picture all the more sense). 17 years later I think my reaction to the story is still the same, just with a clearer eye and maybe a bit more anger at the terrorist. It is one thing to understand them, it is an entirely different thing when it comes to forgivness.
Rating: Summary: After the First Death Book Review Review: I would recommend this book to anyone who likes suspenseful books, and doesn't mind sad endings. I thought it was interesting the way that although the entire book is written in first person, Cormier switches from character to character so that as the story unfolds you get to see it from more than one point of view. I like the way that Cormier changes his writing style and consequently the "voice" of the character that is telling that particular part of the story, so that you get to know the characters individually. Another thing that I liked about this book is that there is no main "hero" in the story; all of the characters have their insecurities and mistakes. I'm not sure I liked the way that Cormier really doesn't tie things together until the end. I was pretty lost for the first half of the book. After the First Death was a very disturbing but powerful novel and was a very quick read.
Rating: Summary: Highly Recommend Review: I just read this book as a school project. I highly recommend this book for any teen ager or adult who likes a book that keeps you guessing and is full of twists and turns. I never liked reading, but Robert Cormier has a way of grabbing you attention and keeping it. Enjoy.
Rating: Summary: After the First Death Review Review: I really enjoyed the way Robert Cormier switched POVs...it made the book more interesting and hard to follow. This book makes the reader feel sorry/empathy toward each individual character no matter how good/bad they were. This book seemed so realistic and had an amazing ending which I never would have guessed! When my teacher first told me we were reading a book on terrorism I, of course, groaned and rolled my eyes, but this book turned out to be great! "ATFD" is quite interesting and can keep a reader on the edge of their seat...you will not want to put the book down! I highly recommend "ATFD"!
Rating: Summary: After the First Death: Another Cormier Thriller! Review: "After the First Death" is a youth thriller about a group of terrorists that try to hyjack a day care center's bus. The operation is run by the head of the group,Artkin and his apprentice, Milo. They send a ransom note to the U.S. government telling them that in order for the bus to be let go they have to destroy something called Inner Delta whicch is a secret government orginazation. They also demand cash and the release of fifteen prisoners of war. Also the story concentrates on something almost like a suicide note of one of the general's of the U.S. government's son. It is a great thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole time and I encourage you to read it!!
Rating: Summary: Another Look at Evil Review: Cormier does another fine job here as he explores evil in the form of two schoolbus highjackers, one an adolescent, the other his adult mentor. The author captures the inner workings of each of the three main characters, and keeps the suspenseful storyline rolling. Kids: This is a pretty cool book. Very suspenseful, but most of the action takes place in a bus full of children that is not moving. It's standing still, while the kidnappers control the situation. Therefore, much of the suspense is psychological, or in the heads of the three main characters. Some who are expecting action-packed, shoot-em-up, Sczhwarzenegger-style stuff, might be disappointed. Adults/Parents: This is not a recommendation for the weak heart. There are deaths, as the title suggests. I would suggest this book to 8th graders and up.
Rating: Summary: reply to the 12 year old in Germany Review: I read this title in 1985 for a master's level literature course. I, too, had questions and wanted clarification on certain points. I was fortunate enough to have a chance to speak with Robert Cormier at a conference the following year. I asked him the questions I had, and in a very kind and generous manner he let me know that all the answers were in my interpretation of the novel. What I thought was the answer was the answer. I hope this helps.
Rating: Summary: Loved it Review: This book was a page-turner from the begining
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