In his novel, Cormier tackles issues that many of today's teenagers have faced in some form. Vandalism and violence are significant aspects of young people's daily lives, whether at home, in school, during leisure activities, or through visual media. While these challenges may not affect every young person to the same degree due to varying economic and social backgrounds, they remain crucial topics for societal analysis. In We All Fall Down, Cormier explores the themes of vandalism and violence in a prosperous, upper middle-class neighborhood, rather than in an urban environment.

The characters in his story are believable and reflect the awareness of many young adults, providing numerous opportunities for readers to connect or distance themselves. Cormier continually prompts readers to ponder why individuals might engage in violent acts, while also offering various reasons for such behavior. The range of explanations presented in the novel is carefully crafted and stimulates thoughtful consideration. Cormier captivates the audience with a gripping plot featuring unexpected turns and by delivering vivid and credible character portrayals.