Robert Edmund Cormier (January 17, 1925 ; Cormier, born in Leominster, Massachusetts, was a journalist by profession. He authored eight major novels and many short stories over his career, often drawing on his experiences growing up in a small town. Cormier is best known for his novels I Am the Cheese, After the First Death, We All Fall Down, and The Chocolate War. His work is characteristic for its dark themes, dealing with complex issues such as abuse, mental illness, violence, revenge, betrayal, and conspiracy. Despite their young adult categorization, his books often do not have a 'happy ending', leaving the protagonists without a clear victory.