I Am The Cheese
by Robert Cormier
Cormier, Robert. (1977). I am the cheese. New York,
NY: Dell Laurel-Leaf. eBook.
Adam Farmer is traveling by bicycle from Monument
Massachusetts to Rutterburg, Vermont to visit his father in the hospital. During his trip he is faced with several
interactions that provide insight into the purpose of his trip and the
condition of his life. Told through dialogue and flashbacks the reader is
traveling with Adam on this adventure to determine who he is and what brought
him on this journey.
Although the story line starts out as a normal
coming of age story with the main character, Adam Farmer, struggling to “fill
in the blanks” about what has happened, the reader quickly picks up some clues
that Adam’s identity is not easily determined.
Although the many plot twists provide for an engaging read, it can at
times make the story difficult to follow.
Readers may find themselves asking what is going on, and flipping back
in the story to determine if an important clue has been missed. However, these twists are what engages the
reader and allows them to become invested in the story line as well as the
characters. The ending was not totally
expected and might catch many readers off guard. The true value of the story is found with the
universal theme of personal identity. Although
almost everyone has wondered who they are and how they fit within their own
family dynamics, this story allows the reader to reflect on the fact that
events play a crucial role in developing who we are.
On a personal note, I really enjoyed this story. Even
though I believe myself to be a solid reader, I often struggled to keep up with
the story line. As a mature reader
struggling to keep up with the story, I began to wonder about the ability of
less mature readers in tackling such a complex story. I could see many readers becoming confused or
frustrated and walking away from the book.
Therefore, I would recommend some
supports when suggesting this book.
Providing an overview of the book might be all that is needed to ensure
a reader sticks with the story.
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