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Getting in the Mind of the Terrorist

"Fact nor far behind fiction"

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In this published news story included in The Plain Dealer, author Janice Carter discusses how the events detailed in After the First Death are not too far from fiction. Referring to a conversation with Robert Cormier, she shares how some of the novel's features reflect recent terrorist acts. Cormier notes how there is little research available to those interested in writing about terrorism. To that end, he wanted to use the novel to "explore the mind of a terrorist" - specifically the human side. Carter notes that these types of stories - violent, fast-paced and compelling - are often at the forefront of Cormier's young adult fiction.

After the First Death on "A Word on Books" KFAC Radio

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In this short on-air review, Millicent Braverman shares a summary of After the First Death. Calling the piece a "chilling and sensitive suspense novel," she focuses on the character of Miro, a young freedom fighter/terrorist trying to find out who he is amid a fraught and terrifying hostage situation. She closes by mentioning her opinion that the book is action-packed and psychologically disturbing.

Mike Romano's letter to Robert Cormier

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Mike Romano's fan letter is a one-page typed document addressed to Robert Cormier in the care of Dell Publishing. Mike had finished We All Fall Down and talked about the characters as if they were very real to him. He asked Cormier some questions like why did Jane have to come home early that night? He was worried about Jane. His letter shows an immersion into the text.

Robert Cormier's response to Mike Romano

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Robert Cormier's response to Mike Romano dated 15 Nov. 1996 addresses Mike's questions and talks about the news story that drew his attention about the "regular" teens who trashed and "desecrated" a home in Massachusetts upon which he based part of We All Fall Down.

RELATED LINK:

Henry K. Lee's January 4, 2015 article, "Rising Oakland home invasions rob victims of sense of security", from the San Francisco Gate (SFGate), addresses the inverse relationship of a home invasion in nearby Oakland and the ability to feel safe.