The Chocolate War (Readers Circle)

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Does Jerry Renault dare to disturb the universe? You wouldn't think that his refusal to sell chocolates during his school's fundraiser would create such a stir, but it does; it's as if the whole school comes apart at the seams. To some, Jerry is a hero, but to others, he becomes a scapegoat--a target for their pent-up hatred. And Jerry? He's just trying to stand up for what he believes, but perhaps there is no way for him to escape becoming a pawn in this game of control; students are pitted against other students, fighting for honor--or are they fighting for their lives? In 1974, author Robert Cormier dared to disturb our universe when this book was first published. And now, with a new introduction by the celebrated author, The Chocolate War stands ready to shock a new group of teen readers.

Book Description

IN 1974, AFTER SUFFERING rejections from seven major publishers, The Chocolate War made its debut. An uncompromising portrait of conformity and corruption, it quickly became a bestselling—and provocative—classic for young adults.

“Masterfully structured and rich in theme; the action is well crafted, well timed, suspenseful.”—The New York Times Book Review

“The characterizations of all the boys are superb.”—School Library Journal, Starred

“Compellingly immediate. . . . Readers will respect the uncompromising ending.”—Kirkus Reviews, Starred

An ALA Best Books for Young Adults

A School Library Journal Best Books of the Year

A Kirkus Reviews Choice

A New York Times Outstanding Books of the Year

Customer Reviews:

THE CHOCOLATE WAR.......2007-08-17

[Warning: spoilers included]

In the Dickens novel NICHOLAS NICKELBY, Nicholas joins a troupe of actors that put on their own version of ROMEO & JULIET which is designed to please the audience and spare them the tragic ending, making sure that EVERYONE lives in the end! Hooray!

As much fun and as funny as that is, it captures a reality that often is not a reflection of reality at all: all of the best stories do not have happy endings. That is, after all, why they are called "tragedies."

Take THE CHOCOLATE WAR for example. It is bleek, ominous, and essentially the first truly tragic modern young adult novel I can think of.

From the opening sentence ("They murdered him") to the painful conclusion, Robert Cormier's masterwork is a lesson in Tone. Almost like being caught in the far-reaches of a whirlpool that slowly brings you in, tricking you into thinking you have some control and are able to extricate yourself from its pull, so too does THE CHOCOLATE WAR bring you in. And as desperate as we readers are to find the protagonist working his way out of the whirlpool, it is, unfortunately, inevitable that he cannot.

This is a truly memorable novel because its tragic theme seems to be harsh, bitter and entirely unrealistic, but, in fact, it is sadly real -- a little reminder that not everyone gets what they deserve; some terrible people are victors in life; and not everyone finds salvation. These lessons are terribly hard to swallow, and impossible for some to accept. For those who dislike the book, I suggest you consider the idea that Cormier, by writing such a different book, has himself "dared to disturb the universe" of young adult novels. Perhaps those who chastise him for such a downer of a book ought to consider themselves similar to the characters in this book who demand that he (Jerry/Cormier) get in line and who wish to bring about the destruction of the nonconformist.

If that weren't enough to warrant a read, Cormier performs another act of bravery as a writer: THE CHOCOLATE WAR, a book clearly meant for teenage boys, reveals an almost complete range of teenage boys that exist in our world. They range from those who rely entirely on their brains to those who never do (or can); there are the arrogant, the fastidious, the cautious, the bold, the fake, the selfish, the scared, the empowered, the weak, the easily-swayed, the failures, the spineless, the metamorphic, the blood-thirsty, and then there's Jerry. Like watching a mouse within a snake's reach, the reader watches Jerry and prays that he survives what seems to be unavoidable -- dear God, intervene and make it not happen! But sometimes, God answers prayers with a "No."

This book is difficult to read, difficult to accept, difficult to embrace...but read it if you dare; accept it if you can; embrace it if you want to grow. It's important that we acknowledge that not every great story ends happily, but every great story IS magnificently told.

This Chocolate Isn't Sweet, but It's Very, Very Strong.......2007-08-13

Robert Cormier introduced this book in later editions by saying that he didn't write it as a young adult novel--he just wrote it, and that's how it got picked up. A lot of parents, teachers, and defenders of organized religion HATED this book because of its supposed corrosive influence on young people. Well, I'm a teacher and a supporter of organized religion, and though I don't necessarily think this book's audience is limited to young adults, I do think it is an absolutely incredible (if cynical) work of literature. I came to this book as an adult, and I was blown away.

Jerry Renault is a normal Catholic school kid, struggling to get over the death of his mother, make the football team, and survive the normal, terrible pangs of adolsence. He's accosted by the Vigils, a secret society of students inside Trinity School that serves only to torment and upset the balance of the school universe. They assign jobs to younger students, tasks that require them to do things that are immoral, uncomfortable, and counter-authority. In Jerry's case, this means a simple (?) refusal to participate in the annual school fundraiser: selling chocolates.

The only problem is, EVERYONE sells the chocolates, and this year, the overly ambitious Brother Leon has staked his job and the school's finances on this sale. What follows is a colossal battle of wills that is waged on three fronts: Jerry, the school, and the Vigils. The eventual outcome is brutal, heartrending, and fundamentally counter to any established expectation one may have while reading from the young adult market. Even the movie--which got an R-rating--didn't have the stomach to represent the ending in all of its unapologetic nastiness.

Some may forget that William Shakespeare built a career on this kind of total story collapse. It's called tragedy. And in THE CHOCOLATE WAR, the genre is rendered beautifully for a modern audience.

(This review has been posted by Marcus Damanda, author of the vampire book "Teeth: A Horror Fantasy.")

I'd give zero stars if I could.......2007-08-10

Hands down this was the worst book I have ever read. All the characters are detestible, the plot is cynical, the language filthy, the behavior of the characters repulsive. Do yourself a favor and do not waste a precious minute of your life on this trash.

Hard stuff; nevertheless should be read by..........2007-06-17

...middle schoolers and discussed with parents and peers BEFORE moving into high school...I've been out of high school over thirty years but still recognize people and situations that I had to deal with totally unprepared...and I suspect from what I've read and seen reported that high school probably is worse now in even more respects than what I experienced...

The Chocolate War Review.......2007-05-22

The book The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier is a chilling story about a school wide chocolate sale and how a secret school gang takes advantage of it. The school gang is like a secret society that controls the school. Throughout the book, the gang called the Vigils takes advantage and destroys the boy named Renault. This book displays how secret societies have a big hand in some things. The author created the most sinister and unfeeling character named Archie Costello who is the ring leader of the Vigils and the school. He has the quality of some of the more sinister politicians today, because he can manipulate thoughts, control people and lie blatantly in your face no matter who you are. The author gives this a surprisingly sad ending where Renault is nearly killed and Archie the Ring leader of the event got away unscathed. The author is conveying that the one who speaks up from the crowd is the one who can get hurt the most. This is a dark and powerful idea/thought that is very true and I understand his meaning if he intended it or not. I would recommend this book because it is not your average book because it is thought provoking and keeps you reading to see what the Vigils will do next.

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Beyond The Chocolate Sales
For young and old adults, this is honest and provoking
Danny B. book summary
Mmmmmm, chocolate!
Well written, though ultimately unsatisfying sequel

Beyond the Chocolate War
Robert Cormier
Manufacturer: Laurel Leaf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 044090580X
Release Date: 1986-08-01

Book Description

The school year is almost at an end, and the chocolate sale is past history.  But no one at Trinity School can forget The Chocolate War.

Devious Archie Costello, commander of the secret school organizationcalled the Virgils, stall has some torturous assignments to hand out before he graduates.  In spite of this pleasure, Archie is troubled by his right-hand man, Obie, who has started to move away from the Virgils.  Luckily Archie knows his stooges will fix that.  But won't Archie be shocked when he discovers the surprise Obie has waiting for him?

And there are surprises waiting for others.  The time for revenge has come to those boys who secretly suffered the trials of Trinity.  The fuse is set for the final explosion.  Who will survive?

Customer Reviews:

Beyond The Chocolate Sales .......2006-05-12

Wow! If you liked the book "The Chocolate War" you will love this book!Ray Bannister, new to Trinity High School is spending long boring hours building a guillotine. Obie, Archie Costello's friend is deeply in love and. Archie, of the secret school organization called the Vigils is appalled and feels that Obie is moving away from him. Finally it's the end of the school year! "The Chocolate War" is past history, but not forgotten. What will Archie come up with for a final assignment before he graduates? There's Fair Day and Skit Night that apply with. One of his ideas will involve Ray Bannister and his guillotine. Who will win Archie as the Assignor of the Vigils, or will it be Emile Janza, Bunting, Obie? Will Ray Bannister's guillotine actually work? If you would like to know read this great book and take the problems they faced and great things that came! This book I think was better then "The Chocolate War" beca'use the first book left me in a spot where I wanted to know more so much more! It made me want to read the second book "Beyond The Chocolate War". Trust me, this book will take you on a ride through the minds of these wonderful characters that Robert created! Hope you like the book!

For young and old adults, this is honest and provoking.......2006-04-24

I was a huge fan of The Chocolate war when I read it so many years ago, and a friend passed this to me when I was looking for something to read over the weekend. It was a great weekend read, because it isn't to long and it has a good paced plot.

It is the end of the year and The Vigils (almost a frat like group of preepy boys) are at it again. Archie, their leader, is quick to think of cruel and unusual punishments for his 'victims' to deal with. some of them work, and some of them don't, but it is the fighting back against him, and the headmaster of the school, which brings conflicts to anyone who tries to step out of line.

The plot will bounce between a depressed, suicidal student desperate for revenge, the Vigils and their mis-doings, and Obie (a Vigil memeber with a new heart), and of course, Jerry Renault, who was badly abused earlier in the year, is back for more beatings.

The book is dark and honestly written, which I always admire in young adult fiction, it really lets you put yourself in the shoes of those involved and wonder what you would do. Great subject matter for a guided reading group in Jr high or high school (although probably not appropriate for in class reading aloud) that is looking for important issues to discuss. Though written years ago this book has not lost it's luster and gut wrenching style.

I recommend this highly for serious readers of young adult age, and the adults who care to discuss it with them. I definitely think the first book should also be read, but it seems a bit darker and disturbing, and even if you haven't read it it you will still get right into this great sequel.

Danny B. book summary.......2006-04-05

I was reading Beyond The Chocolate war by Robert Cormier.Beyond The Chocolate war is a sequel to The Chocolate War. So it would be better to read The Chocolate War first, so you under stand the book a whole lot better. I liked this book because it was very interesting with all the stuff that happens in the book.

In this book there is about six main chracters, Archie, Obie, Goober, Jerry, Janza and also the headmaster Brother Leon.Also in the book is a mafia like group called the Vigils, which is led by Archie. The Vigils basically run the whole school, by telling them what to do and they do it in fear of what might happend if they don't do it. When some of the vigils do somthing to Obie, Obie willtry to kill whomever did that. If you read The Chocolate War, you would know that Jerry almost died during aboxing match that was put into because he didn't sell chocolate bars, well he basically wants to kill Janza for doing that and Goober feels like he let down Jerry last year because he didn't save him so now Goober will do anything to help.Now Ray, the new kid, is caught up with Obie and Ray is in a magic show with Obie.

I think a young adult would like this better because they would understand it and it has some adult stuf in it that is not suitable for a fifth or sixth grader

Mmmmmm, chocolate!.......2006-03-30

I read The Chocolate War about 25 years ago. I liked that book, so I figured why not read the sequel? I had forgotten a few of the plot points of the first book, but there was enough exposition here for me to get caught up quickly. The book takes place a few months after the Chocolate War, with most of the same characters. I don't want to spoil the plot, so I won't get into that. But I will say it's a very good book that will appeal to people who enjoyed The Chocolate War. Does Archie finally get his comeuppance? My lips are sealed.

Well written, though ultimately unsatisfying sequel.......2006-03-28

Anyone familiar with Cormier's books knows of his pitch-black view of human nature, so the outcome of this follow-up to TCW will not surprise in that regard.

However, this predictability does not go far in making this book a compelling read, especially when you figure out the themes are pretty much identical to the first installment.

I had very high hopes for this book. Cormier's writing is top notch, as is his character development, and even by the first 3/4 of the book, you are primed for greatness. Even the back of the book leads you to believe that some monumental (no pun intended) retribution lies in wait for Archie and his evil minions. But, instead, we get the same old denouements in a different wrapper.

Now, I like dark books and don't particularly enjoy happy endings if they're not believable, but this book's unhappy endings are no more plausible. At the time and place of the original book --- before the horrific "showdown" on the athletic field --- it was somewhat imaginable that things would remain status quo at Trinity. But after those events, and the subsequent seismic rumblings that follow (which the sequel expends great effort at communicating to the reader), it is unimaginable that here be no real repercussions (aside from the suicide of one character that, while masterfully drawn, doesn't address the vileness of the school and it's roots of evil --- or where that evil comes from).

I would have preferred some interaction from the many mute parents (including David Caroni's parents or Jerry Renault's dad) that could have really ignited a powderkeg under the whole affair.

Good fiction contain lots of conflict, and there just isn't enough to warrent the amount of text here. It's a lot of energy to expend only to see the same scapegoats hauled out and abused again and again. Real people --- at least not all --- are seldom so cowed by tyranny, unless it's executed by a more omnicient force, such as goverment. And the Vigils aren't on that caliber, not even close.

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Beyond the Chocolate War

Manufacturer: Random House Children's Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: 0440912784

Dying for Chocolate (Culinary Mysteries)

Average customer rating:

Goldy Bear is as sweet - and addicting - as honey!
Entertaining
Lacking something...
Not even close to a good read
Second in the Goldy series

Dying for Chocolate (Culinary Mysteries)
Diane Mott Davidson
Manufacturer: Media Books Audio Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

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ASIN: 1578151422

Book Description

The Caterer

Meet Goldy Bear: a bright, opinionated, wildly inventive caterer whose  personal life has become a recipe for disaster. She's got  an abusive ex-husband who's into making tasteless threats, a rash of mounting bills that are taking a huge bite out of her budget, and two enticing  men knocking on her door.

The Dish

Now determined to take control of her life, Goldy  moves her business and her son to ritzy Aspen  Meadow Country Club, where she accepts a job as a  live-in cook. But just as she's beginning to think  she's got it made--catering decadent dinners and  posh society picnics and enjoying the favors of  Philip Miller, a handsome local shrink, and Tom Shulz,  her more-than-friendly neighborhood cop--the  dishy doctor inexplicably drives his  BMW into an oncoming bus.

The Unsavory  Killer

Convinced that Philip's bizarre  death was no accident, Goldy decides to do a little  investigating of her own. But sifting through the  unpalatable secrets of the dead doc's life will  toss her into a case seasoned with unexpected danger  and even more unexpected revelations--the kind that could get a caterer and the son she loves. . .killed.

Customer Reviews:

Goldy Bear is as sweet - and addicting - as honey!.......2007-04-18

Thirty-one-year-old Goldy Bear always believed that life would just fall into place after marrying the handsome and successful doctor, John Richard Korman; together producing an adorable son named Archibald "Arch." However, after seven years of physical and verbal abuse, Goldy knew that it was time to make other arrangements, and established herself throughout the beautiful Aspen Meadows, Colorado as the premier - and only - caterer within a twenty-mile radius. Goldilocks' Catering instantly flourishes, and Goldy is bombarded with requests for her decadent dishes. Of course, even her booming business doesn't deter the crazed John Richard from tormenting her. Which is why, as summer creeps up on Colorado, Goldy accepts a job as the live-in cook for a wealthy couple in the ritzy Aspen Meadow Country Club. Packing up her eleven-year-old brainiac - and oft-times off-the-wall - son, Arch; the mother-son team arrive at the home of General Bo and Adele Farquhar, and instantly settle in. Goldy is ecstatic to have the opportunity to work in such a lavish kitchen - catering dozens of delicious dinners, and society picnics that would make any simpleton's jaw drop - and Arch is thrilled to have 24/7 access to an Olympic-sized, heated pool, where he can practice his "Houdini" acts with a little help from the Farquhar's live-in sullen teenager, Julian. The fact that Goldy is being pursued by two illustrious Aspen Meadows bachelors - the handsome shrink, Philip Miller, and Tom Schulz, a neighborhood cop with an agenda - only makes Goldy even more thrilled at the new prospects and opportunities floating her way. However, when the delish doctor drives his gorgeous BMW directly into an oncoming bus, Goldy's good luck promptly comes crashing down. Being treated as an accident by the police, Goldy can't accept Philip's death as being anything more than fishy. After all, she's convinced that no person in their right mind would intentionally drive their car into a bus, and, seeing as how she spoke to Philip right before his bizarre death, she knows that something sinister is behind this recent occurrence. Determined to dish up a healthy helping of truth, Goldy puts down her spatula, and begins sifting through the oft-times mysterious life of the dishy doctor. But fingering the killer isn't the only thing on Goldy's mind. Hateful, scathing reviews of some of her most divine dishes have been appearing in the pages of the Mountain Journal, and Goldy is determined to find the culprit behind these opinionated pieces, before she begins losing business, and her only source of income goes straight down the tubes. Now, with two cases on her mind, Goldy is beginning to realize that the closer she gets to pinpointing the killer, the more danger Goldy puts herself, and her son, into. And, if she doesn't execute a little more caution, she may just find herself the victim of a little more bad press - in the obituaries section.

I read CATERING TO NOBODY a few years ago, before the Food Network became a part of my daily routine. At the time, being uninterested in culinary cuisine, I was left dissatisfied. However, over the last few months, I have become obsessed with all things culinary, and, as I searched for some new culinary mysteries to sink my teeth into, I decided to delve back into the world of Goldy Bear, within the pages of DYING FOR CHOCOLATE - I was not disappointed. Unlike many other culinary mystery authors, Diane Mott Davidson sets herself apart by placing the reader smack dab in the middle of the kitchen with our golden protagonist - giving us the opportunity to learn more about food preparation, and the amount of time, effort, and love that goes into creating a great meal. Goldy's sarcastic, quick-talking personality is delightful; while her relationship with her on-the-brink-of-teenagedom son, Arch, is enjoyable to learn more about. Arch is, surprisingly, an enchanting character himself. His knowledge of various obscure topics - from magic tricks to cars - is enjoyable; while his ability to quickly absorb information on a variety of subjects - like French - is a nice surprise. His character truly adds a different dimension to the story, without overshadowing the mystery, or Goldy's relationships with various other characters. Readers will enjoy the addition of the sullen Julian to the story, as he presents a slight confusion to the tale that leaves you wondering whether he's a "bad guy" or a "good guy"; while the ritzy environment Goldy and Arch are currently inhabiting give you the chance to see how the other half lives. While the mystery isn't extremely prevalent throughout the pages of DYING FOR CHOCOLATE, Davidson manages to make it interesting enough, creating the proper amount of twists and turns that ultimately leave the reader trying to figure out whodunit. Goldy Bear is as sweet - and addicting - as honey!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

Entertaining.......2007-01-12

The book was received in excellant condition and very promptly. The story line is fun
and the receipes are very god.

Lacking something..........2006-04-15

I really enjoyed this book, but it lacked something I found in the first book. It seemed to go on and on without much happening and then it all ran together in the end. Like others have said, the murder seemed far fetched, especially when the entire plot was exposed.

I would recommed it if you're reading the series, but if you're just looking for a cozy mystery, I would suggest "Catering to Nobody", the first in the series.

Not even close to a good read.......2006-02-25

Though it lacks a plot and any sense of mystery or suspense, the author is quite good at developing a whole host of characters to dislike -- including (and especially) Goldy, the protagonist. She is a helpless complainer, but manages to be judgmental and an overbearing Mom at the same time; who, one week after being overcome by sorrow at the loss of her boyfriend of one month, is upset to have her son interupt her grope session with her ex-boyfriend. I made it 2/3 of the way through before giving up on the book -- save yourself the trouble. . .

Second in the Goldy series.......2005-02-27

Caterer Goldy Bear is back to solve another mystery. This time she and son Arch are staying with a wealthy general and his wife in order to avoid her ex-husband who is harrassing her at every turn. She serves as a live-in cook, while Arch attends summer school at an exclusive academy which is nearby. She is dating two men, Tom Schultz, a police investigator, and Philip Miller who is a psychiatrist. One night she is following Philip on a drive back to his house when his car apparently goes out of control on the mountain road and he is killed. Goldy will not rest until she finds out who is behind Philip's death. Later on there is another complication when a dead body shows up in a swimming pool. Author Davidson further develops characters which she created in her debut novel, "Catering to Nobody", and weaves delicious recipes throughout this intriguing mystery.

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Puzzle Pack: The Chocolate War
William T. Collins
Manufacturer: Teacher's Pet Publications, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: CD-ROM
ASIN: 1583379843

Product Description

138 pages. Written by William T. Collins. Here's a whole manual full of puzzles, games, and worksheets related to The Chocolate War.

The Chocolate War and Related Readings: Literature Connections

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The Chocolate War and Related Readings: Literature Connections

Manufacturer: McDougal Littell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0395874793

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The Chocolate War
Robert Cormier
Manufacturer: Laurel Leaf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000MS864C

La Guerra del Chocolate / The Chocolate War

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La Guerra del Chocolate / The Chocolate War
Robert Cormier , and Alberto De Satrustegui
Manufacturer: Obelisco
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Book Description

¿Cómo se atreve Jerry Renault a perturbar el tranquilo y ordenado universo del Trinity? Hasta entonces jamás ningún alumno se había negado a participar en uno de los acontecimientos más esperados del Trinity. La venta de chocolatinas era, sin duda, una buena fuente de ingresos tanto para el colegio como para el hermano León, el actual ayudante (lacayo) del rector…

Does Jerry Renault dare to disturb the universe? You wouldn't think that his refusal to sell chocolates during his school's fundraiser would create such a stir, but it does; it's as if the whole school comes apart at the seams.

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And Chocolate Shall Lead Us

Manufacturer: Green Mansions, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0972815619

Product Description

The Story: Scientists find a little red missile in the frozen Antarctic named Chocolate which changes the way humankind looks at itself. Chocolate wins the hearts and minds of even the most dogmatic and guides the world to a safer, richer, friendlier, healthier and better future. The struggle between religion and science are interwoven in a love story and efforts to save the planet. The Message: A little book that could make a big difference. It struggles with the big questions: Is there a God? Is there life after death? How can we eliminate, war, poverty, and disease? AND through a science fiction story proposes answers to these questions with a certain amount of factual rational. It proposes a means of leader selection by brainwave patterns to assure society of altruistic governance. It is hoped the story is sufficiently interesting to induce you to read the book and enjoy it but the goal is to send a message. To change the World.

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BEYOND THE CHOCOLATE WAR
CORMIER ROBERT
Manufacturer: LAUREL LEAF BOOKS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000PGPI74

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