I hated the fact that Cormier felt the need to write it, I hated the fact that the story was realistic and represented real life for some students the world over, I hated the fact that Jerry's ostracization was easy to relate to, I hated the mob-like attitude of the other students, I hated the fact that even the 'good' teachers were willing to intervene, I hated how disturbing the norm was shown to be dangerous and brave but most of all I hated being asked if I would have been strong enough to say 'NO'. I loved the way that it sucked me in, made me think and how I struggled to put it down.
I found that I had a love/hate relationship with this book. Jerry is idealistic, Archie is egocentric, Brother Leon is manipulative abusive whilst Goober who is privately supportive of Jerry's choice isn't willing to do so publicly and Carter has a false sense of control. It features some of the best and worst facets of human nature. The book is relatively short but packs a punch. This book was first published in 1974 and has spent most of it's time since on the 'top 10 banned books list' in American schools because of it's content, in part sexual (masturbation), in part religious (it is a Catholic school and some of the teachers are good and some are bad) but mainly because it features bullying. Initially he does so for ten days at the command of a secretive student group the 'Vigils' but once those ten days up he decides unilaterally to continue with his stance.
But this year is different, because new boy Jerry Renault has refused to take part. Each boy 'volunteers' to sell a quota of boxes in a fund-raising effort that is also a display of 'school spirit'.
"They don't actually want you to do your thing, not unless it's their thing too."Įvery year Trinity Boy's School runs a chocolate sale.
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