Who Would Like This Book:
If you're a fan of dark, psychological thrillers that dig deep into the minds of complex, damaged characters, "Tenderness" is right up your alley. Robert Cormier masterfully blurs the lines between empathy and horror, making you both fear and feel for protagonists who are as broken as they are intriguing. YA readers who enjoy suspense, morally gray characters, and books that don't shy away from uncomfortable truths will find this one impossible to put down. It's a thought-provoking story that's equal parts chilling and poignant.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Sensitive readers or those looking for a light YA romance or adventure might want to steer clear. The book deals with heavy, mature topics - serial murder, sexual trauma, obsession - handled with Cormier’s trademark subtlety but still deeply unsettling. Some found the characters difficult to connect with or wished for a bit more closure or hope at the end. If you need clear-cut heroes and neat resolutions, this may not be your cup of tea.
About:
Tenderness by Robert Cormier tells the story of two main characters, Eric and Lori, both with troubled pasts and emotional issues. Eric is a complex serial killer released from juvenile detention, while Lori is a runaway seeking affection and love. Their paths cross, leading to a disturbing and suspenseful relationship that unfolds through different perspectives, creating a chilling and gripping tale of psychological terror. The narrative explores themes of obsession, love, innocence, and justice, as the characters navigate their dark desires and twisted emotions towards each other.
The writing style in Tenderness is dark, gritty, and complex, drawing readers into the minds of the protagonists as they struggle with their inner demons and traumatic pasts. Robert Cormier skillfully crafts a suspenseful plot with unexpected twists, allowing readers to delve into the psychological depths of the characters and their actions. handles mature topics delicately, making it suitable for high school psychology or ethics classes, while also offering a thought-provoking exploration of tenderness amidst darkness and tragedy.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book features high content warnings due to themes of violence, sexual abuse, and the psychological torment experienced by the characters.
From The Publisher:
EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD ERIC HAS just been released from juvenile detention for murdering his mother and stepfather. Now he's looking for some tenderness-tenderness he finds in caressing and killing beautiful girls. Fifteen-year-old Lori has run away from home again. Emotionally naive but sexually precocious, she is also looking for tenderness-tenderness she finds in Eric. Will Lori and Eric be each other's salvation or destruction?
"Cormier is in top form in this chilling portrait of a serial murderer. . . . Gripping."-School Library Journal, Starred
An ALA Top Ten Best Book for Young Adults
Ratings (2)
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What can you read after
Tenderness?
About the Author:
Robert Cormier (1925-2000) changed the face of young adult literature over the course of his illustrious career. His many books include The Chocolate War, I Am the Cheese, Fade, Tenderness, After the First Death, Heroes, Frenchtown Summer, and The Rag and Bone Shop. In 1991 he received the Margaret…
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