Browse Items (32 total)
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"When It's Time To Say Goodbye" John Fitch IV Column
In this column Cormier writes about saying goodbye to his son after settling him in at the college dormitory. He ponders the differences between saying goodbye to a son than to a daughter, who allows for more sentimentality. He comes to realize that…
"Holding To What Is Magic" John Fitch IV Column
This John Fitch IV article is one of a few in which Cormier talks about magic and dad jokes. Here, as in other pieces, he links magic and the belief in magic to the innocence of childhood. When he teaches his daughter a trick, he is sad for the lost…
"The SOS Signals Not Always Noticed" John Fitch IV Column
Robert Cormier's adopted persona, John Fitch IV, articulates in this bi-weekly column, how closely related specific positive or neutral qualities are to those that are destructive. He claims that we misunderstand distress signals that reveal…
"The Days of Sweet Innocence" John Fitch IV Column
In this bi-weekly column written under the name "John Fitch IV", Cormier blends verse and prose to poke fun at our naïve innocence of the world as viewed through the lens of movie clichés. Amongst the roughly three dozen clichés are some on female…
"Meet The Bully" John Fitch IV Column
In this bi-weekly column written under the name "John Fitch IV", Cormier recounts his childhood encounters with an unnamed bully after hearing Jonathan Winters share his experience with bullies on a talk show. Cormier wonders whether or not bullies…
"The Last Party" John Fitch IV Column
In this John Fitch IV column, Cormier explores the growth trajectory of his daughter from childhood to adolescence, this time through the lens of her last Christmas party and her evolving views about Santa Claus. Ironically, the writer seems to be…
"And So On -- Words and Style" John Fitch IV Column
In this somewhat playful John Fitch IV column Cormier reviews the latest edition of the stylebook coauthored by the AP and UPI. In his review he revisits the question of gender, praising the guide's approach as common sense even if not…
"Writer and Feminist" John Fitch IV Column
In this John Fitch IV column Cormier profiles Norma Klein, a writer for both children and adults and a self-avowed feminist. Cormier praises her character, sums up her writing career, and shares a bit about her personal background, which he notes…
"And So On -- Ten Years Old" John Fitch IV Column
In this John Fitch IV column Cormier shares stories of his daughter as she turns 10, "a magic moment in life, poised between childhood and adolescence." Still obsessed with horses, she is now also becoming aware of fashion and her own appearance.…
"And Do On -- Letter To A Child" John Fitch IV Column
In this John Fitch IV column Cormier tells the touching story of his daughter's concern over the treatment of horses on television. He urges her to write a letter to the organization, which she reluctantly does, and is amazed when she receives a…
"A Certain Child Is Interviewed" John Fitch IV Column
In this John Fitch IV column, Cormier finds common humanity in comparing his own daughter with the daughter of newly-inaugurated president Jimmy Carter. He interviews his own daughter about the inauguration and recounts her forthright responses.
"And So On -- Heroes and Heroines" John Fitch IV Column
In this John Fitch column Cormier examines te sifting definitions of our culture's heroes, wondering why, for instance, the likes of Julia Child and Andy Warhol made a recent list. He concludes, however, that our choice of heroes ultimately reflects…
"Where Are The Heroes" John Fitch IV Column
In this John Fitch IV column, Cormier laments the commodification of our heroes. Citing the example of the legendary Joe DiMaggio selling coffee makers, he argues that this consumerism robs our heroes of their mystery and mystique and that television…
"The Santa Problem" John Fitch IV Column
As with many of his Christmas columns, Cormier addresses the idea of Santa, Christmas magic, and the innocence of childhood. He admits never telling a child that Santa is not real but cannot defend his existence, just as faith or a joke cannot be…
"Crazy About Horses" John Fitch IV Column
Here Cormier talks about his young daughter's recent interest in horses. First, he outlines some of her past interests - medicine, veterinary medicine, thoughts about becoming a jockey. Then, he shares her passion for horses and riding. He thinks…