Reviews tagging 'Death of parent'

I Am the Cheese by Robert Cormier

6 reviews

badgersaurus's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Car accident and Death of parent

Moderate: Schizophrenia/Psychosis and Forced institutionalization

bluejeepbaby's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death of parent and Death

maryander_hamilton's review against another edition

challenging dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

It seemed like such a normal book at first, but as it went on, it started getting really fishy.

The implication that he not only imagined riding to the hospital, but that he’s losing his mind and does it every single year, was such a shock. It was hinted at, with Dr Brint’s boredom and him seeming to know what Adam was going to say, but wow did it catch me off guard. That isn’t at all where I thought it was going.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death of parent and Medical content

Minor: Addiction

lucilaroife's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Blood, Car accident, Confinement, Death of parent, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Medical content, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Violence

Minor: Emotional abuse

kaizw's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Car accident and Death of parent

jinkiesjess's review against another edition

emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This is definitely the kind of book that you end up reading in just one or two sessions. It really sucks you in. 
While I do generally dislike the trope that this book ends on, I still think it's definitely worth reading. Even if you do see the "big twist" coming, you're still left with a sense of mystery. Some readers may dislike not getting all the answers. Others, like me, will enjoy speculating. In fact, this book may be most enjoyable if you have someone you can speculate with.  "A well-written bummer from beginning to end" is what I initially told a friend of mine who has also read it. Then we had a good, long chat about all the details we're left wondering about.  

I think my favorite part of this book was the scene where Adam is told that the cabins have been closed for years. The description of his physical reaction, how he screams and doesn't even realize he's screaming at first- it's so well-written. I could feel the devastation, the disassociation, and I got a chilling visual of his face.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Car accident and Death of parent

There is some gaslighting throughout this book. I'm not sure if that's a trigger for anyone, but it felt worth mentioning.