The Chocolate War

By: Robert Cormier

Narrated by: Frank Muller

Jerry Renault ponders 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? First published in 1974, Robert Cormier's groundbreaking novel, an unflinching portrait of corruption and cruelty, has become a modern classic.©1974 Robert Cormier (P)2004 Random House, Inc. Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

Critic reviews

"The Chocolate War is masterfully structured and rich in theme; the action is well crafted, well timed, suspenseful; complex ideas develop and unfold with clarity." (The New York Times Book Review)
"The characterizations of all the boys are superb....This novel [is] unique in its uncompromising portrait of human cruelty and conformity." (School Library Journal)

I enjoyed this book

I enjoyed this book even though it was for my English class!
So I thank the author! Thank you!

Still love it

This was my favorite book throughout my teen years. Now in my fifties, I tried it again. I’m scared to say I still love this book.

Interesting take on high school and sociopathy

This was an interesting one. A boy attending a private school takes on the powers that be by refusing to sell chocolates for a school fundraiser. The story is told from multiple perspectives, and one of the boys is clearly a sociopath. It's actually almost scary to be in this kid's head. The performance was great and it was a good listen.

#tagsgiving #sweepstakes #provocative #americana #highschool #comingofage

Well-written, but not redeeming.

A little redemption in the end would've been nice. Nice reminder good doesn't always triumph.

An Important and Poignant Tale For Teenagers

A book that is not afraid to tel a theme in a dark and realistic way. It would be so simple and easy to make this a story about going against the grain and being an individual but it shows you the risk. The fact of how hard it is to be an insidiously when the entire world is forcing you to bend the knee. A tale that has effected my entire life. Yes it can be violent and crude but all with meaning. To ignore this book would be a grave mistake.

Superb in every way

I have friends who swoon at the late Frank Muller's voice; I've usually found him to be overeager. But I can't imagine anyone else reading this one.

"Chocolate War" is an elegantly written book. I especially like the moments when a bit of exposition suddenly makes you hit rewind while saying, "What was that?" because a significant plot point has suddenly, unexpectedly been laid in your lap.

This tale of a Roman Catholic boy's school is a sort of American "Lord of the Flies." It's about courage, cruelty, control and the chaos that occurs when the people who are supposed to be in charge just don't care. By turns amusing and appalling, I found it absolutely riveting.

A highlight is the introduction by the author. The worst part was the replacement of the usual "This is Audible" with four-year-old voices chanting "Audible Kids."

This is NOT a "kid's book." This is extraordinarily well-crafted fiction written for, and about, young people. Many parents need to hear it to understand that the occasional anachronisms in the story do not mean these issues have been left in the past.

Thanks, Robert. Thanks, Frank. Outstanding job.

Been a long time since I saw this book...

This is a very good book. I read it when I was about 13 or so (I don't believe it is a young adults book...my father had me reading adult stuff at a pretty young age), there is also a movie. I have not listened to in on audible but the book is great. It really brings you into his world and you can feel the torment he goes through. I really enjoyed it. If you liked the movie "The Power of One", with Morgan Freeman, this has the same feel; a boy, alone, struggling and some boxing. All in all I would have to say that I loved the book...I might just order it on audible some day.

true view of the world

dark and entertaining look into manipulation, true view of the world. upsetting, descriptive, enthralling. not just relatable to young adults and a current adaptation would go over well

Fell flat of my expectations

This book had so much potential. I liked the idea of a kid who went against the grain, despite all the peer pressure. Robert Cormier's writing was beautiful and poetic. But the story never left the ground. The opening scene shows you the school bullies plotting some scheme that has danger written all over it. Then you meet Jerry and think, "Oh, there he is. He's going to do something great." There's all this anticipation and then nothing happens. Nothing. They don't even announce the chocolate sales until halfway through the book. I could see right away Cormier's flaw in developing the story. In the intro, Cormier explains that the idea for Chocolate War came when his own son refused to sell chocolates. Unfortunately, that made the author too attached to his characters. So much so, that he refused to let them suffer. The bullies, instead of being violent and dangerous, had a "no violence" policy. Huh? If they don't beat anyone up, where's the threat? Jerry was represented as a great hero. But he didn't do anything except say "no" when his name was called. No one pressured him. No one threatened him. He just said no. There was a little violence toward the end, but by that time, it seemed forced and out of place. It was also too brief. I was pretty disappointed, because, as I said, Cormier had a great talent with words. He could have made this story monumental if he'd have just released the apron strings.

Great Read

I was a bit nervous about this one, as I knew the ending wouldn't be a happy one, but it sheds some light on mob mentality, how "free" choices really are, and just flat-out politicking everywhere you go. The characters are all well-rounded and there is some shock value here and there. Greatly written and greatly read!