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Robert Cormier's works are read and enjoyed by countless young adults. He is widely considered the most important young adult novelist, a creator of fully realized, memorable characters whose worlds reflect the issues and thought-provoking themes important to everyone, but especially adolescents. In Teaching the Selected Works of Robert Cormier noted young adult literature advocate and teacher Virginia Monseau helps you bring the works of this masterful writer into your classroom.

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Born in Massachusetts, the bestselling author of books for teens, that show the resilience, and ability to absorb that teenage life delivers. ... Read more

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A collection of 85 short stories by award-winning author Robert Cormier originally written as newspaper columns when he was a journalist. I Have Words to Spend includes commentary about people, nature, music, and movies. Excellent oral reading topics for speech/drama/theater classes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

I Have Words to Spend
This is a book out of the ordinary for Cormier, but up to par to say theleast.He takes a break from writing wonderful young-adult fiction andcompiles his writing from his columns in newspapers around the country.These short stories range from his memories as a child to his memories ofbecoming a parent and grandparent. Herelates the feelings that all of usfeel in the words that most of us wish we could say. This book will touchyour heart and soul.

Yikes!
I really enjoyed the book 'I Have Words to Spend'. I am very interested in Robert Cormier and have read most of his books, but Words to Spend showed a side of him that I never knew. Did you know that he once went through thecar wash at 50 miles an hour, that his favorite word is cellophane(pronounced slowly: cel-lo-phane), or that he worries because hishandwriting looks like that of a schizophrenic's? Reading this book waslike looking through a window into the life of Robert Cormier, my mentor,author extraordinaire. I can just hear the words being spoken in his old,leathery voice, enthralling me with every page. One of these days I oughtto go down to the Fitchburg Library and read the rest of those columns...

A true gem of a book from a wonderful author
Opening this book is like opening a window into the life of author Robert Cormier. We find out about his childhood memories, favorite movies, family interactions, and travels. We see Cormier the journalist, who wrote every one of the columns in this book on deadline while juggling the responsibilities of also being a newspaper editor.The columns made me laugh at one turn and cry at the next. He has a way of finding something extraordinary in the everyday details of life.This is a perfect book to keep by your bed to savor over time. I find myself returning to it over and over again.The introductory comments by Cormier's wife are refreshing and give a glimpse of the wonderful relationship they seem to share. Fans of Cormier's work ought to enjoy this book as much as those who are not familiar with his other work. I'd highly recommend that everyone treat themselves to "I Have Words to Spend". ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Painful story, but tenderly told
Robert Cormier is not known to sugarcoat his stories, and "Take Me Where the Good Times Are" is no exception.As a writer, Cormier's main strength is creating realistic and flawed heroes who are not alwaysabove the fear and temptations of daily life.In short, his characters arelike you and me, and if they're lucky, they'll do the right thing. However, if Cormier's characters do make some tragic mistakes, they'lllearn from it.

Tommy Bartin, the protagonist from "Take Me Where theGood Times Are," is a 70-year-old resident at the local DorchesterCounty, MA poor house who was brought in because he could no longer live orwork on his own.For the past three years, Tommy has been bragging to theother residents about how he'll return to town, get his job and apartmentback, and in short start life anew.When another resident leaves Tommysome cash, he sees his opportunity to go back to the life he left behind. Like the typical Cormier hereo, Tommy lives in a world of self-delusion andwhen confronted with the truth, he tries to hide from it.Tommy finds thathis town has changed, his beloved factory closed down, and his friendsfearful of this embarrassing ghost from the past.Tommy drifts from bar tobar, hoping to find a way to be useful again, and to regain hisself-respect.

Although Tommy is in denial, he's not stupid orinsensitive.Most of his plans end in heartbreak and tragedy as he learnsto accept he's not the man he used to be and, more importantly, that maybethe man he used to be wasn't that wonderful to begin with. However,eventually, he will learn to balance his hopes with the harsh reality ofthe world, like we all have to. Perhaps he will succeed; after all how cananyone live in such an ugly world without at least a little denial?

Asalways, Cormier has delivered a story that features flawed but sympatheticpeople involved in a simple but engaging plot.Highly recommended. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

Maybe it's me
Robert Cormier has a way of telling a story that I have seen done by no one else. His books are generally hard to follow, but The Bumblebee Flies Anyway completely lost me. The main character is the control at a facility for terminal patients that have dedicated what remains of their lives to the furthering of medical research. An unexpected twist turns Barney's world upside down, and in the end, I don't know that either of us knew which end was up.

Trying to Remember
Barney is a teenager at a special clinic for experimental drugs and treatments, and mostly only adults are there.In one ward, though, are teenagers who are terminally ill.Barney is the only one who isn't extremely sick.All of those here have chosen to come and take experimental drugs, in the hopes that the research done on them will someday make new medications possible.The ones here will not be saved by the research, though.It is certain they will all die.

Barney isn't sure why he is here.He is not terminal and he can't remember where he came from.Some of the other patients don't like him at first because he isn't dying like them.But he is eventually able to make friends.From time to time Barney has a strange and frightening dream of driving a car, going out of control and being about to hit a girl stepping off of the curb.He can't remember any more than that, but is horrified by the dream.

Then the doctors at the clinic begin doing some experiments with Barney's memory, and things get very strange for him.There are only a couple of things he does know for sure.One is that he wants to help his peers, whether that means finding a way for Billy to use a telephone, making Allie feel a part of things, or getting Mazzo his one last ride in a car.The other thing he knows is that he is in love with Mazzo's twin sister Cassie, who comes to visit him in the clinic.Despite knowing these things, though, Barney knows very little about himself.Will he be able to find out more about his past and his identity?Does he even want to know?

I liked watching Barney in his journey to help others and to find out about himself.I thought Barney's secret was interesting and unexpected, and I also liked reading about Cassie and her problem.However, at the end of this book I was still a little foggy on what exactly had happened with Barney, and why.

Great read
I first read this in High School and have been looking for a copy for a while.

This one is a good little read to take you away from it all - I like it.

Wigged Out at 12
I was assigned to read The Bumblebee Flies Anyway for class in 7th grade. And I have loathed it ever since. As I am now in college, it is difficult for me to remember specific details, but I will try to define why Barney and I never got along.

There was something tremendously fishy about the entire premise to begin with (a voluntary patient at a hospital for the terminally ill?). I was unable to like any of the characters, save perhaps Mazzo, one of the only somewhat honest characters in the book. I deplore the symbolism and sentiment behind the premise of 'going out with a bang'. I cannot abide people who lie to themselves, no matter the circumstances.

And let us not forget the irony. The very, VERY twisted irony with which TBBFA ends with.

I'm afraid to say too much, and so I am afraid that I am being too vague.

There are some books that, although I couldn't stand them, I believe they should be read, such as Lord of the Flies. But TBBFA was merely another enforced exercise in 'make them think, make them realize there's a world, make them start to care.' Most middle school assigned reading is. However, TBBFA reached new lows with its sheer depravity of an ending.

In truth, the only reason I was kind and gave it two stars is because of the language. It was very well-written.

Better that we had stuck with the Giver. Even Ayn Rand would have made better reading.

Definitely a keeper
This is one of my favourite books ever. It makes one think and leaves one feeling more knowledgable after reading. I was pleasantly surprised upon realizing that I enjoyed this tale. Barney goes through so much and the ending leaves you breathless. If ever you want to be proud of reading a book and understanding it, try this one! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (6)

Mayflies: a review
A reasonable addition to one's library;it is now somewhat dated. Its strengths are descriptive across many of the species and fairly complete color descriptions of the varying stages; its glaring weakness is impaired and absent color photography of the stages and especially of imitative fly patterns. One can obviously cross reference with other sources and catalogues to cover the weaknesses,but for a reference of this specificity,I feel these should be included in the textual material.The authors writing style is a bit unenthusiastic,but the tables and organization is acceptable. Overall,I was a bit disappointed.

Great Info for the Fly fishermam who want to be a better angler
Excellent descriptions on evey popular of mayfly from nymph to spinner stage.Authour tells where to find the nymph in the water, when they and how they hatch,if you want to tie your imitaition he even provideds receipies for every stage of the Mayflies life cycle you want to fish.As a novice angler and fly tier i found this book very helpful.I have surely became a better angler as a result.

Extremely comprehensive book
This is an excellent book. It is extremely comprehensive and will give you all the written details. I only wish it would have had actual photographs to compare what you encounter against. They may have avoided this on purpose since there can be so many variations for any given bug, but I still like to compare photos against what I've seen. But on the whole - great, unbelievably comprehensive book.

A classic in the making
This book, as noted by another reviewer, is first cousin in spirit to LaFontaine's classic Caddisflies.The material is well researched and takes the reader through the science, ultimately tying this information in with how to productively fish mayfly patterns.Having this volume on your shelf along with Caddisflies is a great start to building a serious angler's scientific library.

Fly fishing & Entomology
This book by Malcolm Knopp and Robert Cormier is destined to be a fishing classic.The pair has provided research and usable information on maylfy identification, insect behavior during their life stages, imitativepatterns and fishing technique pointers.

I have modified my fishingtechniques to match the behaviours noted in the book.

I have also foundit very useful in making flies that work on hard fished eastern waters. ... Read more

Product Description
This volume combines a series of studies dealing with the greatest French writer of the period 1680-1721-Robert Challe. Works studied are: "The Continuation of Don Quichotte" where Challe dares to measure himself against Cervantes, "The Illustrious French women" the most beautiful novel dealing with the end of the rule of Louis XIV, the "travel journal to the East Indies," the "Memoirs" interrupted in 1716, and his "Difficulties on the subject of religion" which his contemporaries attributed to the young Voltaire. These constitute an impressive collection, both by its breadth and by the variety of its approaches. It is clear from these texts that the work of Robert Challe represents a melting pot in which the most original aspects have come together of an uncertain period which witnessed to the end of the reign of Louis the Great and the emergence of the enlightenment. French text. ... Read more

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People are searching, others are talking. What should be believe? We need to be able to see the truth for ourselves and we do. Faith need to make sense and it does. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Inspirational Daily Reading!!!
This has been so inspiring and a joy to read. The short chapters are easy to absorb. Hope to see more of Father Robert's works SOON!

An Easy to Read and Reflect Guide
Fr. Bob's book was written with everyone in mind.It is easy to read andthought-provoking.Each chapter can be read in just a few minutes and yetprovides enough material for meditation throughout an entireday.

Questions are raised that, when reflected upon, lead the reader to abetter understanding of the real meaning of life.This, in turn, bringsabout a sense of peace and joy that so many of us seek daily.

I've sharedthe book with friends, family members and co-workers who are looking forhelp with their faith.I highly recommend it as a reference book in anypersonal library.

Life's Instruction Manual
Finally a book that people of all religions, races, and ages can relateto.This book has become my instruction manual for life.Often peoplefeel that they ask God for guidance and he doesn't seem to be answeringthem.This is not true at all.Through this book you will find theanswers you are looking for.You will learn that God has given us manythings to help us get through life one day at a time, you just have to lookfor them.My copy of this book is filled with post-it notes that mark thesections I need to constantly refer back to.With all honesty I can saythat this book has changed my life and when ever I am in a rut I can turnto it to remind myself of God's plan.I recommend this book to anyone whowants a better life through faith and have given it over and over again asa gift.

Good Guideline for Getting Through "Life"
Robert J. Cormier has a keen insight into the changing world and hope tocope with it.This book guides you through different challenges that youmight face. It is written with words and phrases that you can easilyunderstand, relate to, and apply to every day life.He makes youunderstand that you are not alone in your life's struggles.

ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT
This book is very insipring.It changed by attitude tremendously.Iwould always get annoyed with people when they did thing that got me upsetand after reading the book I realized that people are just being people andyou cannot change the world so you must accept and work with it."NOONE IS PERFECT".

It was a good guideline for me and I will read itagain because there are other parts of it that I can benifit from.

Ihave passed the book along to other family members. ... Read more

Product Description
Eleven-year-old Darcy hasn't lived in any one place long enough to have a best friend--until her family settles in Frenchtown and she meets Kathleen Mary O'Hara. Darcy is spellbound by Kathleen Mary's vivid tales of Catholicism. She shows Darcy a world beyond Frenchtown: a world of daring games and secrets, of sins and miracles. With Darcy's father off fighting the war somewhere in Europe, Kathleen Mary couldn't have come into her life at a better time.
Then, just as suddenly as they appeared, Kathleen Mary and her family disappear. While Darcy waits to hear from her, she learns that her father is missing in action. Christmas is coming, and Darcy is unsure about the power of God's love. Will the miracle she hopes for really happen?
... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Capable women
Note that this book was published in Great Britain under the title .

This is Cormier's first novel for younger readers (10-12 years).He is best known for his teen fiction.

is a novel about the loss of childhood.Befriending Kathleen Mary O'Hara is the climax of eleven-year-old Darcy's life as a youngster.Kathleen is vivacious and plucky, and together the two lead a happy, carefree and fulfilled life.But this glow of innocence is not to last, and not simply because Kathleen has to leave town.Darcy must soon face a more adult world in which there is much uncertainty, in which one must care for ones family rather than be cared for, and in which death is very real.

Unlike Cormier's earlier works, however, this is not a novel in which the world seems to be totally black.Amongst the darkness there is a strong theme of hope and faith.This arises from an emphasis on the Christian religion.This is new territory for Cormier and at one point in the book he stumbles in his writing a little.When the conversation turns directly to theology the explanations are a little too pat, too dismissive, to do justice to the complexity of real life.But where Cormier concentrates on demonstrating truth through drama he excels.This book is truly moving in parts, even for those who are not of a religious bent.

The main character of the adult novel is female, however, with that exception, up until this point in his career, Cormier had chosen to write virtually exclusively about males.It is thus with some surprise that we find that this book is full of females.Most of these characters are capable women, in their own individual, very different ways.Darcy is quiet, but reflective: able to think out most of the problems that face her.Kathleen, as we have noted, knows her own mind and is not afraid to share it.Darcy's mother is a capable woman who joins the war effort when her husband disappears overseas as a soldier.Sister Angela is deeply wise and full of compassion: able to help people in an unusual way.What ties all of these females is their ability to understand the subtleties of life and to communicate with other women.Mini Tourneau stands out as the exception.She represents deeply-hurt, emotionally-crippled womanhood.Cormier has managed to create interesting and memorable characters, particularly Kathleen and Mini.Darcy, however, is the only character who develops considerably, learning from life.

This is a highly `psychological' book, centering on people's thoughts and emotions, however, plot moves along nicely, having a number of surprise high points.The book is divided into two halves: one covering the joys of friendship in childhood, and the other covering the stresses and responsibility of maturity.The book is a short length, having just seven chapters, yet Cormier has managed to pack a great deal into it.This novel makes fine reading for younger readers.

This may not be Cormier's best work, but it should certainly not be neglected.Cormier is such a good writer that even his lesser works are well worth reading.

powerful
Eleven-year-old Darcy Webster, caught between girlhood and adolescence during World War II, makes her first friend ever when she meets Kathleen Mary O'Hara, and their relationship blossoms until Kathleen Mary mysteriously disappears. At the same time, Darcy's father is reported missing in action. All this, plus Kathleen Mary's "baptizing" Darcy, brings her to a painful spiritual crisis.

Other Bells for Us to Ring is beautifully written but it raises many issues about God, miracles, growing up and alcoholism.

There are some beautiful passages where Cormier has blended words into a lovely picture.

It had wonderful characters. I felt like I was walking with Darcy through her personal tragedy. This is not a happy book, but I got a sense of strength feeling like I had gone through the same tragedies as the main character.

The most moving part in the entire story was when Darcy looked to an old nun, Sister Angela for help and wisdom, who explained the beauty of life and faith to her. I found this part amazing and extremely moving. I really got something out of it. Sister Angela's words were inspirational to me they really explained God to me. I knew who he was and everything. But I have never really understood things until I read what she said to Darcy.

I thought there would be a happy ending. I really did. It was happy at first, when I learned that Darcy's father was safe and sound, but in the next chapter when I learned what happened to Kathleen Mary, all my expectations came down with a great and glorious crash. It was powerful when John Francis showed up and gave Darcy the news. I thought that the giving of the doll gave me closure. It was a sad ending but yet it wasn't. It is quite hard to explain.

Overall this is a powerful book. It is truly exceptional.

friendship and family
As her father moves the family to an army town Darcy makes a new friend in an otherwise strange setting. She and Kathleen Mary become inseparable, best friends forever, and begin a journey of friendship that exposes Darcy to the Catholic faith. One day Kathleen Mary is gone and Darcy's father ismissing in action. Darcy seeks out the help and wisdom of an old nun whoexplains the beauty of life and faith to her. As Darcy struggles with theloss of friend and father her newly discovered knowledge helps her through.This is a beautifully written story, one that is probably best suited forages 11 and up. There are some beautiful passages where Cormier has blendedwords and imagery into a lovely picture.

Only the fourth book that ever made me cry.
I am not religious and I'd rather stay away from religion. When I read the back of 'Other Bells for Us to Ring' I thought: oh know, a sappy religious novel. But I read it anyway, because I trusted Robert Cormier not todisappoint me with a sappy religious novel. Religious it was, sappy itwas not! I've never been particularly interested in Catholicism and neverknew much about it, but I learned a lot from this book and feel all thebetter doing so. Both Darcy and Kathleen Mary O'Hara are exceedinglylikeable characters, particularly Kathleen Mary, who was in my eyes ayounger version of Amy Hertz from Robert Cormier's novel 'I am the Cheese.'I thought there would be a happy ending. I really did. It was happy atfirst, when I learned that Darcy's father was safe and sound, but in thenext chapter when I learned what happened to Kathleen Mary, all myexpectations came down with a great and glorious crash. My father, whenhe saw me weeping, muttered about an 'adolescent mood swing.' I just keptsobbing. Why do good people have to die? Why?

If you've never read Cormier, this is a great introduction
Cormier has always written wonderful characters. His books have always been invitations to walk with them through their personal torment.This is not a happy book, his books never are. You get a sense of strength havinggone through the same tragedies as the main character. Its a warm embraceinto a cold world. ... Read more

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¿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 dareto disturb the universe?You wouldn't think that hisrefusal to sell chocolatesduring his school'sfundraiser would createsuch a stir, but it does; it'sas if the whole schoolcomes apart at theseams. ... Read more