Genre: Middle Grade
Source: Publisher (Candlewick Press)
Series: No, Standalone
At seven minutes past midnight, thirteen-year-old Conor wakes to find a monster outside his bedroom window. But it isn’t the monster Conor’s been expecting — he’s been expecting the one from his nightmare, the nightmare he’s had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments.
The monster in his backyard is different. It’s ancient. And wild. And it wants something from Conor. Something terrible and dangerous. It wants the truth.
From the final idea of award-winning author Siobhan Dowd — whose premature death from cancer prevented her from writing it herself — Patrick Ness has spun a haunting and darkly funny novel of mischief, loss, and monsters both real and imagined.
A Monster Calls: Inspired by An Idea from Siobhan Dowd by Patrick Ness was unlike anything I ever read. I finished it so quickly and really enjoyed every minute of it. When I first saw the cover and title, the book just screams "horror" but, that's really not true. I don't typically enjoy horror, so take it from me-this isn't your typical monster story. It is really about a young boy named Conor, whose Mother is fighting a losing battle with breast cancer and how he copes with his situation.
Patrick Ness was amazing at character development! I was so attached to Conor and I felt all of his emotions. My heart was constantly aching for him throughout the story. Although I loved Conor, I don't think his age was acurately portrayed. I pictured him to be about ten years old but, in reality he was thirteen. Although it seems like a small age gap, it can make a big difference in a person's behavior. I also (obviously) felt for Conor's Mother, Father, and Grandmother. I was attached to just about every character in the book (except Harry). Patrick Ness' characters just suck you into the story.
I absolutely loved all of the awesome illustrations in the book. They were really cool but, were nice and spread out so they didn't interfere with the story or your reading experience. I also loved the story concept and the "Four Truths." I was pretty surprised by the fourth truth but, I can understand Conor's feelings. I also really enjoyed the monster's character. He was even funny at times!
I think it's so cool that Patrick finished writing Siobhan's idea. A Monster Calls was no where near what I expected it to be and I was pleasantly suprised. I absolutely adored the story and was totally engulfed in the book. Read it!
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