The Chocolate War

"I liked this book, but found myself sad with the ending. This was an assignment for my adolescent literature course and it definitely made me think back to the days of high school and struggling with going against the flow of normal. <br/><br/>The Vigil seemed like a group to me that could be "the mean" girls of a private school. Most of their tactics relied on physiological focuses. <br/><br/>There were a few main characters within the story, but also a large number of supporting characters. The mix created a great layout to see the struggle between good and evil. How the teens were growing into theirselves is a true struggle to adolescents.<br/><br/>I would recommend this as a good read, but have a hard time deciding what age range is really appropriate."

"It's a cruel cruel world out there folks. I read this in one sitting. A disturbingly realistic look at authority and the power of social conformity, corruption, and cruelty"

"I don't think I've ever felt so creeped out by a book nor so tense, especially since it's not a horror story, not in the typical sense. I mean hearing the phrase "a raffle" shouldn't elicit fear yet when Archie says those words my spine literally tingled and throughout reading the book I kept looking out my window convinced someone was there, ready to taunt me. And I read this during the day time, with bright sunshine outside. <br/><br/>I also better understand people who have read it not being able to describe the book. It sounds so simple, so boring, so not worthy of being banned. Why such concern about something called "the chocolate war"? Why the almost shiver-like response when mentioning the title to people who've read it?<br/><br/>But now I know. <br/><br/>"That's why it works, Carter, because we're all bastards.""

"Not sure I have a favorite author. "

"Allison Freeman<br/><br/>APA Citation:<br/><br/>Cormier, R. (2000). <i>The Chocolate War</i>. New York: Dell-Laurel Leaf.<br/><br/>Genre: Controversial/Banned<br/><br/>Format: Print<br/><br/>Selection Process: ALA’s List of 25 Most Challenged Books 2000-2009<br/><br/>Review:<br/>Jerry Renault is asked to join the Vigils, a secret society or peer group (gang) at Trinity School for boys. The task he must finish to become one of the Vigils, he must say "No" to selling chocolates for 10 days. Brother Leon is infuriated by his refusal and many of the boys at the school feel the same till they find out it is part of the Vigils hazing ritual. The Vigils, Carter, the president of the Vigils, and Archie, the Assigner of tasks, did not intend was for Jerry to continue saying "No" to selling the chocolates. From that point on Brother Leon, Archie, Carter, the rest of the Vigils and a bully named Janza set out to destroy Jerry socially, physically and psychologically. Jerry's locker is defaced, sneakers destroyed, class assignments stolen, prank calls and a total smack down by Janza at the end of the book during a raffle fight for Jerry’s fifty boxes of chocolates that he refused to sell. One of the other Brothers finds out about the fight in enough time to stop the fight before Janza kills Jerry but not before Jerry is sent to the hospital for his horrible injuries. In the end, Brother Leon was not reprimanded for his part in the whole affair, Archie continues to play his games in the Vigils underworld, and Janza is still a bully. Jerry Renault was the one character that had the courage to stand up to The Vigils, the notorious peer group/gang that ruled the school. Unfortunately, there is no justice or reward for Jerry’s efforts except an extended stay in the hospital when he fought the majority and lost. Robert Cormier brought attention to the issue of bullying and gangs to the forefront of his audiences minds with a cast of bad boys and a truly sinister ruler in Brother Leon, who was determined to aid his followers in the killing of an innocent boy to claim is dominance over his small private school domain. The men and boys of this story showcased the best and the worst characteristics imaginable in a suspenseful and disturbing portrayal of the power of the mob. The book contains violence and course language, which has contributed greatly to the books banned/controversial status. This book contains content for mature audiences and is best suited for older young adults. Do Not Recommend. Grades 8+<br/>"

"I was rooting for Jerry very hard but this novel is the EPITOME of boys will be boys, and if there is anything in this world I detest it's boys will be boys. And it's not just boys will be boys, it's men will be boys as well.<br/>.<br/>.<br/>.<br/>I am a big fan of shaking up the universe. Challenging the status quo, so to speak. And I do hate when someone runs the school who should not. I have dreamt of shutting down some people in my school many a time. So naturally the ending that "Don't disturb the universe" really bothers me. Secondly, the bleak message really bothers me because that's not how high school works any more at the very least. In HS no one cared anymore. Just go about your own business. The only people who care to keep up appearances are those on top and a few followers. The rest of us just live here. <br/>.<br/>.<br/>.<br/>I also hate the blatant objectification of women everywhere. This entire book is "Boys can't be that bad...right?" which I don't think is really the right mindset at all.<br/>.<br/>.<br/>.<br/>And there is my most real review ever, I'm gonna return to a comfort read now heh."

"I had to read this book for my English class. I thought that the book was very well written. But this book has one of the worst endings ever."