Rating: 
Summary: Ups and downs of the Chocolate War for teens.
Review: The Chocolate War, by Robert Cormier, somewhat describes the high school scene today. The books theme mainly revolves around peer pressure and individuality. The story isn't exactly realistic but it does bring up many interesting points. Many of these points deal with things we teenagers have to deal with on a day to day basis. From masturbation to fighting. It seems to deal with it all, but in a very awkward manner. Robert Cormier brings too many people into the book all at once which really doesn't help you understand too much about the character introduced, the setting, or the plot at the time. The dialogue of actual teens in this book isn't very masterful but in his own way it seems he is trying to understand us as teens and our way of thinking. All in all it isn't a bad book but if you really want to spend time wandering and guessing this book is for you.
Rating: 
Summary: A Happy Medium
Review: The Chocolate War, by Robert Cormier, was supposedly written for high school students. Since times have changed and teenagers have become more mature earlier in their middle school years, this book is appropriate for students of twelve to thirteen years. Jerry Renault, a freshman at Trinity Catholic High School for boys, decides to "disturb the universe" by refusing to sell chocolates for a school fundraiser. At first Jerry's action was an assignment given by Archie Costello, a manipulative member of the Vigils. Once Jerry's assignment was discontinued, he decided that it would be easier not to sell the chocolates at all. Jerry's refusal causes uproar at Trinity, and it also causes a sad ending. This book definitely gives a sense of how hazing and initiation can be cruel in high schools today. It gives the message that in real life there is never a happy ending. It is very true that our own actions determine our fate in the end, whether the consequences are good or bad. All in all this novel is a happy medium between good and bad in terms of quality. On a level of one to ten, I would rate this novel a six. Yes it is a very true, but it was very boring as well in certain points. Introducing the characters were irrelevant at times, especially when they were mentioned once or twice.
Rating:
Summary: The Chocolate War Talks About Individuality
Review: The Chocolate War makes you think about how individuality can affect a person's life. The main charcater is faced with peer pressure and has to deal with choosing to listen to himself or his peers. I liked how the book stressed individuality, even if it meant torment and being looked down upon. I didn't like how the book introduced the characters. There were a lot of characters introduced at the beginning of each chapter which made it confusing. The chapters were short,and because of this it made it easier to pay attention to the book. It was meant for highschool students because most of the issues in the book dealt with things that people in highschool deal with every day. I think this is appropriate for highschool students. I would recommend this book because it has a good overall message about being true to yourself, and that is important for all highschool students to read about.
Rating: 
Summary: My 10th-Grade Students Love This Book!
Review: Robert Cormier's The Chocolate War is part of our 10th grade curriculum and is one of my students' favorite reads in English class all year! Most say that although the language is somewhat dated, the issues that the young adults confront in this novel are realistic and still applicable to what they are experiencing in high school today. They particularly enjoy exploring the ideas of peer pressure, individuality and hazing as they relate to the characters in the novel and their own lives. Now we are working on our own projects to 'disturb the universe' in a good way at our high school. I would highly recommend this book for all young adults despite some of the concerns raised about inappropriate language, sexual content...The realistic message that Cormier delivers about standing up for what is right far outweighs these criticisms. Thanks, Mr. Cormier!
Rating:
Summary: WOW!
Review: I am at loss for words when it comes to talking about this book. It gives me the chills to even think about the horrors that went on in Trinity. This book was filled with suspense that was by me, interpreted into a realistic horror- READ THIS BOOK!
Rating: 
Summary: The Chocolate War-Theme Centered on Conformity
Review: The Chocolate War, by Robert Cormeir, opens up a window into highschool. This book's theme centers around conformity and peer pressure. "Dare I Disturb the Universe?" is the quote that sums up the theme. The Chocolate War was not of the best quality of writing, yet it still managed to come out well. There were a few scenes that there were no reason for, in terms of moving towards the climax. Cormeir is great at detail, but if you are offended easily this book is not for you. There are a few references to masturbation, but too many, I thought.All in all, despite the disgusting aspects of the book, as well as the scenes not needed, the Chocolate War is a bit more than ok and a bit less than wonderful.
Rating:
Summary: We All Fall Down
Review: It was a great story of insight and obviouse research! The author outdid himself again in this mystery thriller that makes the reader part of the story right up to the end! Every word seemed to be thought out and reconsidered again and again. No other book will leave you with such a feeling of awe and heart-stopping presision of this book! Another well writen wonder by a great author!
Rating:
Summary: good book
Review: this book has been one of the most well-written books i have ever read. i am 13 and in 7th grade. i can excactly relate to everything he talks about. everything from "vigils" to jerry himself, seems so real and seems like playing my life, though i dont make such an impact. its so moving and real that i dont want to put it down. i tried to save the book for as many days as possible, though it was difficult. i think robert cormier really captured the true reality what high school was like. if you liked this book i defintly recommend catcher in the rye.
Rating:
Summary: Cormier Paints A Riveting And Very Real Painting
Review: I have never read such an utterly real tale like the Chocolate War. Robert Cormier's prose may not be masterful, but neither is the dialogue of actual teens. The prose highlights the fact that this story is completely realistic. It pulls no punches, and the brutal climax shows how weak all of us truly are. I am sure that I will enjoy the sequel just as much as its predecessor.
Rating:
Summary: cruelty and conformity share this bleak novel
Review: I feel I need to defend this novel, especially after the plethora of negative reviews. Often in childrens/YA novels good v. evil is played out in fantasy terms, (witches, demons, etc.) but this novel disturbs the universe and places real people in real situations. A freshman at a private high school decides to "disturb the universe", and soon realizes that he may have overstepped his bounds. The shifting narrative is very distinct and unique, yet sometimes confusing. This is a great novel for classroom discussion with some strong themes: to include, courage & cowardice, peer pressure, victimization, individualism, good v. evil and god and religion. The ending is unconventional and truely climatic, can you remember when you first realized that life is not fair, and sometimes doesn't come close to being fair? This book opened up the new genre of YA literature, and Cormier certainly "disturbed the universe" with its publication. This book is constantly under the eye of parent groups who would like to see it "banned" or placed on a restricted list(recently under pressure from a parent's group here in VA)...because that is the case, it should be required reading for all teenagers. If you are younger, you may want to read Spinelli's WRINGER: a story so foul, so horrifying with peer pressure that it should be shelved next to Cormier's The Chocolate War. As a children's librarian, I will continue to offer Cormier's books because he refuses to compromise the truth as he sees it. For an indepth look at Cormier's writing try: PRESENTING ROBERT CORMIER Twayne Publishers
|
