Jennifer W. (GeniusJen) reviewed The Chocolate War (Chocolate War, Bk 1) on + 5322 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Reviewed by Taylor Rector for TeensReadToo.com
This is a horrifying story about a boy's school where there is literally a chocolate war.
A secret society of boys, which the administration has always turned their back on, takes over a school chocolate sale. The boys are all asked to sell fifty boxes at two dollars apiece instead of the normal twenty-five at a dollar. And the leader of the secret society is one of the students who is pushing the sale. And he tells one student to refuse to sell the chocolate for ten days, but on the eleventh he is to take them. And he doesn't.
This book is interesting, and has a lot of twists and turns. I can see why a lot of schools use this book to teach with. There are a lot of moral lessons and many things that can be learned. I enjoyed reading this, and would recommend it to anyone who has ever had bully problems.
This is a horrifying story about a boy's school where there is literally a chocolate war.
A secret society of boys, which the administration has always turned their back on, takes over a school chocolate sale. The boys are all asked to sell fifty boxes at two dollars apiece instead of the normal twenty-five at a dollar. And the leader of the secret society is one of the students who is pushing the sale. And he tells one student to refuse to sell the chocolate for ten days, but on the eleventh he is to take them. And he doesn't.
This book is interesting, and has a lot of twists and turns. I can see why a lot of schools use this book to teach with. There are a lot of moral lessons and many things that can be learned. I enjoyed reading this, and would recommend it to anyone who has ever had bully problems.
Helpful Score: 3
An important statement about bullying which was written before that was a buzz-word. One of my favorite coming-of-age books, introduced to me by my own kids years ago. A quick but thought provoking read. I think it is technically YA but it certainly moved me as an adult.
Helpful Score: 2
disturbing on the level of "Lord of the Flies."
Kristin M. (MissKristin66) - , reviewed The Chocolate War (Chocolate War, Bk 1) on + 80 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This is a compelling story about the misuse of power and the futility of our social system. It is dark and a little depressing but a thought provoking book.
Helpful Score: 2
I have wanted to read this book for years, so I made a point to put it on my summer reading list. It was not exactly what I thought it was going to be. While I didn't exactly love the story, it does provide an interesting yet mature story for YA readers with an important message about bullying and the social order that forms in many high schools. I would not recommend it for readers under age 14/8th grade because of some of the mature themes and language. I think that A Separate Peace by John Knowles is a comparative book (also about an all boys school, bullying, social dilemmas) but with a much better plot and more well established characters.
Helpful Score: 1
A secret school society picks on Jerry Renault, who refuses to be bullied. He soon becomes a hero, then an outcast and victim. A moving story.
Helpful Score: 1
I was so disappointed in this book, after hearing from so many that it was great. It has a terrible message for teens - Stand up for what you believe in, and you'll just get smashed back down. Well written as to writing style, but horrible ending ruins it.
Helpful Score: 1
I hated this book! I only made it through the first 40 pages, and then got so turned off that I had to quit reading it. The characters don't seem realistic....teachers seem to be subservient to a "secret" student organization. The supposed "bad guy" wasn't realistic. Not very good writing, in my opinion.
Plot Summary
Jerry Renault is a freshman at the all-boys Trinity Prep School. Trinity is run by a manipulative, evil, temporary headmaster named Brother Leon. Brother Leon is determined to make this years fundraiser bigger and more profitable than any other to insure that he is named the new, permanent headmaster of Trinity. The Vigils are a gang of bullies at Trinity that delight in playing mind games with their victims. The Vigils assign Jerry the task of refusing to participate in the annual chocolate sale fundraising for 10 days. When the 10 days are up Jerry still refuses to sell the chocolates. Brother Leon convinces the Vigils that Jerry is disobeying their command and the war between Jerry and the Vigils begins.
Critical Analysis
Archie Costello is the mastermind behind the Vigils, the Trinity Prep Schools gang of bullies. Archies weapon of choice is psychological terror. In The Chocolate War, Cromier has created a psychological masterpiece, expertly crafting a story so believable you cant help but be drawn in. He has created a complex cast of characters who all have a role in the devastation that befalls Jerry for daring to stray from the status quo.
What makes this book so powerful is its brutal honesty. Cromier doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of adolescence or life, no subject is taboo; a greedy, manipulative priest, sexuality, and profanity are present in the book. Because the book is so powerful some readers may be turned off by these subjects and the negativity that is a central theme in the story line. However, I believe that this honesty is what makes the book so authentic and appealing.
Jerry Renault is a freshman at the all-boys Trinity Prep School. Trinity is run by a manipulative, evil, temporary headmaster named Brother Leon. Brother Leon is determined to make this years fundraiser bigger and more profitable than any other to insure that he is named the new, permanent headmaster of Trinity. The Vigils are a gang of bullies at Trinity that delight in playing mind games with their victims. The Vigils assign Jerry the task of refusing to participate in the annual chocolate sale fundraising for 10 days. When the 10 days are up Jerry still refuses to sell the chocolates. Brother Leon convinces the Vigils that Jerry is disobeying their command and the war between Jerry and the Vigils begins.
Critical Analysis
Archie Costello is the mastermind behind the Vigils, the Trinity Prep Schools gang of bullies. Archies weapon of choice is psychological terror. In The Chocolate War, Cromier has created a psychological masterpiece, expertly crafting a story so believable you cant help but be drawn in. He has created a complex cast of characters who all have a role in the devastation that befalls Jerry for daring to stray from the status quo.
What makes this book so powerful is its brutal honesty. Cromier doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of adolescence or life, no subject is taboo; a greedy, manipulative priest, sexuality, and profanity are present in the book. Because the book is so powerful some readers may be turned off by these subjects and the negativity that is a central theme in the story line. However, I believe that this honesty is what makes the book so authentic and appealing.
Loved this book!
This is a classic teenager novel- Cormier is one of the very best.
Lindsay M. (theresacowinmypants) reviewed The Chocolate War (Chocolate War, Bk 1) on + 39 more book reviews
Loathed it with a vengeance. Have fun.
Annotation
A high school freshman discovers the devastating consequences of refusing to join in the school's annual fund raising drive and arousing the wrath of the school bullies.
A high school freshman discovers the devastating consequences of refusing to join in the school's annual fund raising drive and arousing the wrath of the school bullies.
"Jerry Renault is pondering the question on the poster in his locker: Do I dare disturb the universe?
Refusing to sell chocolates in the annual Trinity School fund-raiser may not seem like a radical thing to do. But when Jerry challenges a secret school society called the Vigils, his defiant act turns into an all-out war. Now the only question is: Who will survive?
Suspenseful and great for pre-teens!
Refusing to sell chocolates in the annual Trinity School fund-raiser may not seem like a radical thing to do. But when Jerry challenges a secret school society called the Vigils, his defiant act turns into an all-out war. Now the only question is: Who will survive?
Suspenseful and great for pre-teens!
I did not think some of the thoughts, language used in this book were appropriate for my children.
