Book Review: I Am The Cheese by Robert Cormier

I Am The Cheese
Author: Robert Cormier

Reading Level: Young Adult

Genre: Fiction

Release Date: March 25, 2014 (Re-released)

Review Source: Knopf Books for Young Readers

 

Adam’s memory is very uncertain.

The smell of lilacs. Biking to Monument. A big dog.

Also, there’s something about his dad he cannot seem to remember . . . and whenever he starts to remember he gets terrible headaches.

Brint seems to want to help Adam. Brint also wants to know what Adam remembers. . . .
But who is Brint?

This book captivated me the second I picked it up. I have to say that by the cover, I was concerned that it wouldn't be my cup of tea. I was very mistaken. The story of Adam Farmer is one that I will not soon forget. He takes us on a journey in the mid 1970's. Adam is bound to get to his father .. with a special package only his Dad can open.

Adam bundles up, grabs the package and jumps on his bike for one amazing journey. He hates the fact that he will be away from his favorite girl Amy Hertz, but his dad is worth it. His journey will take him all the way to Rutterburg, Vermont, all on his own...on a bike.

Along the way, he has to overcome obstacles and trying times, but knowing his father is waiting for him gets him through. Each chapter flip flops between sessions with his psychiatrist and his journey. By the end of the book, we discover the full story about this adventurous bike ride. Adam discovers that he is not whom he thought to be and the tragedy that occurred in his younger years.

I recommend reading this book. It's very different, very captivating. I found myself reading and getting to a part where I said "ahhhhh, okay." Very interesting read!!

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About the Author: Robert Cormier (1925-2000) was the author of many award winning and provocative novels for young adults including The Chocolate War. In 1991 he received the Margaret A. Edwards Award, honoring his lifetime contribution to writing for teens.